The documentation and fee required for obtaining visas varies according to both your nationality and where you are applying from. It is the sole right of each country to determine who is allowed to enter.
All passports must be valid for six months and have two clear pages free.
Some countries may charge an arrival or departure tax which may or may not be included in the price of an airline ticket, or may need to be paid in cash on arrival or departure.
| Travelling from |
Requirements |
| Australia |
A visa is required to enter to the country, easily obtained on most borders or via a Travel Expert in a neighbouring country, or prior to arrival via the Lao Embassy in Canberra. Tourist Visas are usually valid for 15 days and are non-extendable. A Visit Visa is valid for 1 month and can be extended for 2 additional months. All visas are valid for one entry and must be used within two months of issue. Note that regulations change regularly. |
| Canada |
A visa is required to enter to the country, easily obtained on most borders or via a Travel Expert in a neighbouring country. Tourist Visas are usually valid for 15 days and are non-extendable. A Visit Visa is valid for 1 month and can be extended for 2 additional months. All visas are valid for one entry and must be used within two months of issue. Note that regulations change regularly.There is no Laos Embassy in Canada; the nearest representation is in Washington, USA at The Embassy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, 2222 S Street N.W., Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America, 20008. Tel: ++1 (202) 332 6416. |
| Denmark |
A visa is required to enter to the country, easily obtained on most borders or via a Travel Expert in a neighbouring country. Tourist Visas are usually valid for 15 days and are non-extendable. A Visit Visa is valid for 1 month and can be extended for 2 additional months. All visas are valid for one entry and must be used within two months of issue. Note that regulations change regularly. |
| Republic of Ireland |
A visa is required to enter to the country, easily obtained on most borders or via a Travel Expert in a neighbouring country. Tourist Visas are usually valid for 15 days and are non-extendable. A Visit Visa is valid for 1 month and can be extended for 2 additional months. All visas are valid for one entry and must be used within two months of issue. Note that regulations change regularly.There is no Laos Embassy in Ireland; the nearest representation is in Paris at The Embassy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, 74 Avenue Raymond-Poincaré, 75116 Paris. Tel: ++33 (0)1 45 53 02 98. Email ambalaoparis@wanadoo.fr. |
| Netherlands |
A visa is required to enter to the country, easily obtained on most borders or via a Travel Expert in a neighbouring country. Tourist Visas are usually valid for 15 days and are non-extendable. A Visit Visa is valid for 1 month and can be extended for 2 additional months. All visas are valid for one entry and must be used within two months of issue. Note that regulations change regularly. |
| New Zealand |
A visa is required to enter to the country, easily obtained on most borders or via a Travel Expert in a neighbouring country. Tourist Visas are usually valid for 15 days and are non-extendable. A Visit Visa is valid for 1 month and can be extended for 2 additional months. All visas are valid for one entry and must be used within two months of issue. Note that regulations change regularly.There is no Laos Embassy in New Zealand; the nearest representation is in Canberra, Australia at The Embassy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, 1 Dalman CrescentO'Malley, Canberra ACT 2606. Tel: ++61 (0)2 6286 4595. Email: laoemb@bigpond.net.au. |
| South Africa |
A visa is required to enter to the country, easily obtained on most borders or via a Travel Expert in a neighbouring country, or prior to arrival via the Lao Embassy in Pretoria. Tourist Visas are usually valid for 15 days and are non-extendable. A Visit Visa is valid for 1 month and can be extended for 2 additional months. All visas are valid for one entry and must be used within two months of issue. Note that regulations change regularly. |
| United States |
A visa is required to enter to the country, easily obtained on most borders or via a Travel Expert in a neighbouring country, or prior to arrival via the Lao Embassy in Washington. Tourist Visas are usually valid for 15 days and are non-extendable. A Visit Visa is valid for 1 month and can be extended for 2 additional months. All visas are valid for one entry and must be used within two months of issue. Note that regulations change regularly. |
| United Kingdom |
A visa is required to enter to the country, easily obtained on most borders or via a Travel Expert in a neighbouring country. Tourist Visas are usually valid for 15 days and are non-extendable. A Visit Visa is valid for 1 month and can be extended for 2 additional months. All visas are valid for one entry and must be used within two months of issue. Note that regulations change regularly.There is no Laos Embassy in the UK; the nearest representation is in Paris at The Embassy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, 74 Avenue Raymond-Poincaré, 75116 Paris. Tel: ++33 (0)1 45 53 02 98. Email ambalaoparis@wanadoo.fr. |
Other nationalities should either contact Travcour UK (see below) or their nearest embassy for up-to-date information prior to departure.
For assistance with obtaining passports and visas UK-based ‘Travcour’ have been offering travellers a comprehensive and reliable travel document service since 1985. www.travour.com
