Laos Heritage

Visa On Arrival & E-visa Getting a Laos visa has just become even more accessible. As well as getting a permit for PDR of Laos through usual channels at embassies or consulates, travelers of most nations can obtain their Laos visa upon Arrival at the international airports of Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse, Savannakhet, as well as at various border crossing points with neighboring countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and China.

Travellers holding passports from the following countries are not eligible for a Laos E-visa or visa on Arrival: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Jordan, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Mozambique, Nauru, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Suriname, Syria, Swaziland (Eswatini), Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Passport holders from these countries must apply for a Laos visa before visiting the embassies.
Passport holders from ASEAN Countries, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Russia, Luxembourg, and Switzerland can enter Laos with a visa exemption.

There are three options to choose from to obtain a visa for Laos:

1. 1. Laos eVisa via the Internet

The processing time for the visa is three working days, and it can be used to enter five international ports (https://laoevisa.gov.la/):

• • Wattay International Airport (Vientiane Capital)
  • Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I (Vientiane Capital)
  • Luang Prabang International Airport (Luang Prabang Province)
  • Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II (Savannakhet Province)
  • Pakse International Airport (Champasak Province)
  • Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge IV (Bokeo Province)
  • Boten International Checkpoint (Luang Namtha Province)
  • Boten Railway Station (Luang Namtha Province)

The Laos visa fee is non-refundable.

2. Visa on Arrival at significant entry points.

The visa is valid for 30 days and may be extended for 15 days at the immigration office.

Required documents:

• • The visa request form, available before Arrival
  • One passport photo was taken within the last six months
  • 40 USD (all nationalities)

Time for delivery: between 10 and 40 minutes, depending on the number of people requesting it.
Please note that there is sometimes a service charge of 2-3$ so we recommend carrying so small notes

1. 3. Directly from a Laos embassy abroad before departure
      The visa is valid for 30 days – 40 USD (all nationalities)

Required documents:

• • The visa request form, available before departure
  • One passport photo was taken within the last six months

Notes:

• • • A passport must be valid for six months beyond the intended stay in Laos, with at least one empty page for the visa stamp.

Imports:
If you bring any expensive electronics or other equipment, it is best to declare these items when you enter the country just in case they are lost or stolen (very rare) during your trip. You may bring up to two bottles of liquor, a perfume bottle, 2 cartons of cigarettes, and 100 cigars.

Exports:
The export of playing cards or other gambling equipment, antiques, and anything to do with archaeology or pornography, is prohibited. Furthermore, Laos does not allow the export of any of its currency when leaving the country. You may enter and exit with as much foreign currency as you like, but you must declare it (if over 10,000 USD). Be sure to keep track of all your expenses with receipts wherever possible to avoid being accused of black market activities when you return home.

You are not allowed to export ANY of the following items: old coins, fossils, jewelry or precious stones (unless through a certified purchase), bronze or brass, antiques, wooden art over 24 inches tall or wide, frescoes or inscribed stones, any national paraphernalia. It is also forbidden to purchase elephant and rhino ivory, tiger bones, bear paws, pangolin scales, and other souvenirs or products from protected animal parts.

Pre-departure Tasks

• • Make sure your passport is valid with at least 6 months before the expiry date and that you have the correct visas. Have a look at the visa requirements for more information.
  • Consider medical, baggage and trip cancellation insurances.
  • Check with your doctor regarding re-vaccinations and medicines needed.
    Clothes
  • Clothing should be lightweight and of the drip dry variety. You will be in the sun a lot so long sleeves and a wide hat would be more suitable.
  • Underwear should be synthetic and easily washable.
  • Sleepwear.
  • Shirts should be long sleeved and light-weight with lots of closed pockets.
  • T-shirts, short sleeved and again with pockets.
  • Cool evenings during November – February, so pullovers or a light-weight jacket are recommended.
  • A light weight vest with lots of pockets will be handy for carrying your film camera and binoculars.
  • Long trousers made from a light-weight, quick drying fabric should have multi pockets for day trips. Long trousers that turn into shorts are ideal.
  • For trekking, light-weight long shorts (for modesty purposes) are acceptable.
  • Bathing suit should be modest so it does not offend the locals.
  • Hat for sun protection. Should have a wide brim and a strap.
  • A sturdy poncho or parka will help to keep you gear dry in case of rain or waterfall spray.
  • Footwear: You will need some sturdy comfortable boots for trekking or just walking around. They will need to support your ankle as well as having a non-slip sole.
  • Waterproof sandals for those short trips and boating.
  • Some smart casual clothes for the evenings and restaurants.
  • From December to January or in the hill stations, Bolaven Highlands or on a boat trip from Houai Xay to Luang Prabang, the temperature can be quite chilly so bring a sweater or other warm clothes. Visitors should not wear shorts, short skirts or other skimpy clothing when visiting pagodas and monasteries.

Pharmacy

• • Insect repellent with the percentage of DEET recommended by your travel medicine physician. It’s important that you bring an ample supply of good quality repellent.
  • Antiseptic wipes for hand washing and emergency toilet paper.
  • Personal First Aid Kit (bring in small amounts and in small containers)
  • Aspirin/ibuprofen, etc.