Traveling to Laos: Complete Guide on Visa and the Digital Arrival/Departure Card

Laos, the discreet pearl of Southeast Asia, attracts travelers in search of untouched landscapes, endless rice fields, golden temples, and a peaceful way of life. Before discovering this authentic country, it is essential to understand the entry requirements. Here is a complete Laos visa guide to prepare your trip.

1. Types of visas for Laos

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

- Availability: for citizens of over 150 countries. Valid at international airports (Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse, Savannakhet) and several land borders with Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and China.
- Duration: 30 days, extendable at the Immigration Department (up to an additional 60 days in most cases).
- Required documents:
+ Passport valid at least 6 months after entry date
+ Form (now replaced by the digital card)
+ 1 passport photo (4x6 cm)
+ Visa fee in cash (generally between USD 30 and 42 depending on nationality)
- Tip: bring US dollars in cash, as credit cards are often not accepted.

Laos E-Visa

- Process: online application via the official portal (https://laoevisa.gov.la).
- Availability: valid for a single entry, usable only at specific airports and border points (Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse, Savannakhet, Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge I at Vientiane, etc.).
- Duration: 30 days, extendable.
- Required documents:
+ Passport scan (valid at least 6 months)
+ Digital passport photo
+ Online payment (approx. USD 50)
- Advantage: saves time on arrival, simple and quick process.

Visa from an Embassy or Consulate

- Process: application before departure at a Lao embassy or consulate abroad.
- Advantage: recommended for long stays, multiple entries, or travelers from countries not eligible for VOA or eVisa.
- Duration: generally 30 days, extendable. Some embassies also issue 60-day visas.
- Required documents:
+ Passport valid at least 6 months
+ Completed application form
+ Passport photo
+ Hotel booking or invitation letter (sometimes required)
+ Consular fees (vary by country)

2. New since September 1, 2025: Digital Arrival/Departure Card

Since September 1, 2025, a small revolution has taken place: no more paper forms to hastily fill out on the plane or at the immigration counter. Laos has introduced digital arrival and departure cards.
Now, each traveler must complete online both:
-    The Arrival Card, submitted up to 3 days before arrival in Laos.
-    The Departure Card, submitted within the 3 days prior to leaving.

Here is the link for you to fill in the information:

https://immigration.gov.la/en/news-detail/submit-arrival-or-departure-digital-card

Don’t forget to keep the confirmation (QR code) on your phone.

3. Notes for French, Belgian, Swiss, Canadian, and American travelers entering Laos from Vietnam

- Citizens of these countries are eligible for both VOA and eVisa.
- Passport must be valid at least 6 months after entry.
- At least two blank pages in the passport are required.

Main entry points:

Airports

Vientiane (Wattay): VOA & eVisa accepted.
Luang Prabang: VOA & eVisa available.
Pakse: VOA & eVisa accepted.

Main land borders
Lao Bao – Dansavanh: popular crossing, VOA available.
Cau Treo – Nam Phao: VOA & eVisa accepted.
Nam Can – Nam Khan: VOA sometimes possible, check before travel.
Bo Y – Ngoc Hoi: VOA & eVisa accepted.
 

Secondary borders
Sop Hun – Tay Trang (near Dien Bien Phu): VOA not always available. Visa may need to be obtained in advance.
Other smaller crossings may have restrictions — always check beforehand.

4. What happens if your visa expires?

Overstay

It is important to respect the validity of your visa in Laos. If you overstay:
- Daily fine: approx. USD 10 per day, payable when leaving the country.
- No extension after expiry: once expired, you generally cannot extend your visa. You must pay the fine and regularize your status with immigration.
- Consequences: long overstays may lead to further checks or restrictions on future entries.

Practical tips

- Check your visa expiry date as soon as you get it, and set a reminder.
- Request an extension before your visa expires if you want to stay longer.
- Go to the immigration office (Vientiane, Luang Prabang, or provincial offices) for extensions.
- Always carry enough cash (USD or kip) to pay fines or extension fees.

Official Immigration Contacts in Laos

Vientiane
+ Immigration Department (Nongping Road, Dongnasok, Sikhottabong)
+ Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00–16:00 (lunch break ~12:00–13:30)
+ Tel: 021 219 607 / Hotline: 1502
Luang Prabang
+ Immigration Office (Visounarath Street, near Dara Market)
+ Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00–11:30 and 14:00–16:00
+ Tel: +856 (71) 212 453
Other cities
Immigration offices also available in Pakse, Savannakhet, etc.

If you need more information about a visa for Laos or a free quote for a tour in Laos, please don't hesitate to contact us at: info@authentikvietnam.com
 

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