The Laos visa on arrival is available at all major international airports and land border crossings for citizens of most countries. The process takes 10-40 minutes, costs $30-$50 in cash, and requires 2 passport photos and a valid passport with 6 months remaining validity.
What Is the Laos Visa on Arrival?
The visa on arrival (VOA) is the traditional method of obtaining a tourist visa for Laos at the border. Unlike the eVisa, which requires advance online application, the VOA is obtained in person at the immigration counter when you arrive in Laos.
The VOA allows a single entry stay of up to 30 days and is available to citizens of most countries. It is the most commonly used visa option for tourists entering Laos.
Key facts:
- Cost: $30-$50 USD (varies by nationality)
- Stay: Up to 30 days
- Processing: 10-40 minutes at the border
- Payment: Cash only (USD or Lao Kip)
- Photos: 2 passport photos (4×6 cm) required
How to Get a Visa on Arrival Step by Step
Obtaining a visa on arrival at the Laos border follows a straightforward process:
Step 1 – Fill out the arrival form
At the immigration counter, pick up an arrival/departure card and visa application form. Fill in your personal details, passport information, flight number (if arriving by air), and accommodation address in Laos.
Step 2 – Submit documents and payment
Present your completed form, passport, 2 passport photos, and the visa fee in cash at the visa counter. The officer will process your application.
Step 3 – Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 10-40 minutes at airports and 20-60 minutes at land border crossings. During peak hours and holidays, wait times may be longer.
Step 4 – Collect your passport
Once processed, your passport will be returned with a visa stamp. Verify that the stamp shows the correct entry date and authorized stay period.
Step 5 – Proceed to immigration
With your visa stamp, proceed to the immigration counter for entry clearance.
Visa on Arrival Fee by Nationality
VOA fees vary depending on your nationality. The fee is payable in US dollars or Lao Kip:
| Nationality | VOA Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| United States | $42 |
| United Kingdom | $35 |
| Australia | $30 |
| Canada | $42 |
| France | $30 |
| Germany | $30 |
| India | $30 |
| China | $20 |
| Other nationalities | $30-$42 |
Fees are subject to change. It is recommended to carry the exact amount in USD to avoid receiving change in Lao Kip at an unfavorable exchange rate.
What Documents You Need at the Border
Prepare these documents before arriving at the Laos border:
- Passport – Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with 2 blank pages
- 2 passport photos – 4×6 cm, recent, white background
- Visa fee in cash – USD or Lao Kip (exact amount preferred)
- Arrival form – Available at the border or sometimes on the plane
- Accommodation address – Hotel name and address in Laos
- Return/onward ticket – Recommended but not always checked
Tip: Bring extra passport photos and small USD bills. Some border crossings may not have change for large denominations.
Entry Points with Visa on Arrival
Visa on arrival is available at all major entry points into Laos:
International Airports:
- Wattay International Airport (Vientiane)
- Luang Prabang International Airport
- Pakse International Airport
- Savannakhet Airport
Land Border Crossings (with Thailand):
- Friendship Bridge (Vientiane – Nong Khai)
- Friendship Bridge II (Savannakhet – Mukdahan)
- Friendship Bridge III (Thakhek – Nakhon Phanom)
- Friendship Bridge IV (Huay Xai – Chiang Khong)
- Chong Mek – Vang Tao
Land Border Crossings (with Vietnam):
- Lao Bao – Dansavanh
- Nam Phao – Cau Treo
- Tay Trang – Sop Hun
Land Border Crossings (with China):
- Boten – Mohan
Land Border Crossings (with Cambodia):
- Voeung Kam – Dom Kralor
Processing Time and Queue Tips
Processing times vary by entry point and time of day:
| Entry Point | Typical Wait | Peak Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Wattay Airport | 10-30 min | International arrivals |
| Friendship Bridge | 20-60 min | 9-11 AM, 2-4 PM |
| Luang Prabang Airport | 10-20 min | Afternoon flights |
| Land borders (other) | 15-45 min | Mornings |
Tips to minimize wait time:
- Have your form pre-filled if possible
- Carry exact cash amount
- Have photos ready
- Arrive during off-peak hours
- Consider the eVisa for faster immigration at supported checkpoints
Extending Your Visa on Arrival
If you want to stay in Laos beyond the 30-day visa period, you can extend your visa at the Department of Immigration in Vientiane:
- Extension period: Up to 30 additional days
- Fee: $20-$50 (varies by nationality)
- Location: Department of Immigration, Nongping Road, Vientiane
- Processing time: Same day to 3 working days
- Required: Passport, 1 photo, extension fee in cash
Apply for extension before your current visa expires to avoid overstay fines of 100,000 LAK per day (~$5/day).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a visa on arrival in Laos?
Yes, visa on arrival is available at all major airports and land border crossings for citizens of most countries. Bring your passport, 2 photos, and cash for the fee.
How much does a Laos visa on arrival cost for US citizens?
US citizens pay approximately $42 USD for a visa on arrival at the Laos border. The fee is payable in cash only.
Do I need passport photos for visa on arrival?
Yes, you need 2 printed passport photos (4×6 cm, white background) for the visa on arrival. Some border crossings may take your photo for an additional fee if you forget them.
How long can I stay in Laos with a visa on arrival?
The visa on arrival allows a stay of up to 30 days. You can extend for an additional 30 days at the Department of Immigration in Vientiane.
Can I pay for visa on arrival with a credit card?
No, visa on arrival only accepts cash payment in US dollars or Lao Kip. Bring sufficient cash in small denominations.
What if I overstay my visa in Laos?
Overstaying results in a fine of 100,000 LAK per day (~$5). Prolonged overstays can lead to detention, deportation, and future entry bans.
Is visa on arrival available at all border crossings?
Visa on arrival is available at all major international airports and land border crossings. Some smaller or remote crossings may not process VOA.
Can I extend a visa on arrival?
Yes, you can extend your visa on arrival for up to 30 additional days at the Department of Immigration in Vientiane for a fee of $20-$50.
The evisalaos.info editorial team verifies entry requirements against official Lao immigration sources. Last updated June 2026. Sources: laoevisa.gov.la, travel.state.gov, immigration.gov.la, gov.uk
