Laos

Laos visa guide

  • 6 visa types
  • checked 24 October 2026

How visas for Laos work

Entry to the Lao PDR is governed by the Law on Entry-Exit and Management of Foreigners (No. 59/NA of 26 December 2014), whose Chapter 4 sets out the visa types. Visas are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its Consular Department and Lao missions abroad, while the Department of Immigration of the Ministry of Public Security controls the border and handles extensions and stay permits inside the country.

Each visa carries a code: T-B3 tourist, NI-B3 short-term visit, NI-B2 business, LA-B2 labour, E-B2 expert, ST-B2 student, SP-B3 spouse, I-B3 long-term, P-B3 permanent, TR-B3 transit, M-B2 media, plus diplomatic, official and courtesy visas. Citizens of a limited number of mainly ASEAN and East Asian countries, and a few European states, may enter without a visa; everyone else needs a visa.

Holders of ordinary passports of the nationalities listed in the official fee calculator can apply online for the Lao eVisa, which allows one entry and a stay of up to 30 days and is used at nine designated ports; the fee depends on nationality. Visas on arrival are also issued at the main international airports and several land checkpoints, and Lao embassies abroad issue visas before travel.

Since 1 September 2025 every international traveller must also complete the digital arrival form of the Department of Immigration before arriving. This is separate from the eVisa application.

Which visa do I need?

Holiday or short visit up to 30 days: eVisa (online, three business days, fee by nationality) or a visa on arrival at a checkpoint that offers it. Longer than 30 days or several entries: a visa from a Lao embassy, or extensions at an immigration office.

Business trips and investors: NI-B2 business visa through the Lao company. Employment: LA-B2 labour visa after the employer has obtained a labour quota and work permit. Experts and NGO staff: E-B2. Studies: ST-B2. Spouse of a Lao citizen: SP-B3. Long stays with your own means: I-B3 long-term visa with USD 20,000 or USD 40,000 in a Lao bank account.

Visa types for Laos

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Tourist visa (T-B3)

    The T-B3 tourist visa is issued to foreigners and stateless persons who visit Laos for tourism.

    Maximum stay: 30 days from the date of entry, extendable at a Lao immigration office

Business and self-employment

  • Business visa Business visa (NI-B2) and short-term visa (NI-B3)

    The NI-B2 business visa is issued to foreign business people and their families who come to invest or collect economic information in Laos.

    Validity: Generally 12 months; up to 60 months for concession investors with privileges under the Law on Investment Promotion

Work

  • Work visa Labour visa (LA-B2) and expert visa (E-B2)

    Foreigners employed in Laos need the LA-B2 labour visa, issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with a work permit card from the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and a stay permit card from the Ministry of Public Security.

    Validity: 3, 6 or 12 months depending on the employment contract

Residence

  • Residence permit Long-term visa (I-B3), spouse visa (SP-B3) and permanent visa (P-B3)

    For long stays that are not tied to a job or business, Laos offers the I-B3 long-term visa.

    Maximum stay: Six months or one year, matching the funds held (I-B3)

Online travel permits

  • e-Visa Lao eVisa (tourist eVisa)

    The Lao eVisa is applied for online on laoevisa.gov.la.

    Maximum stay: Up to 30 days from arrival; extendable at an immigration office
  • Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at international checkpoints

    Laos issues tourist visas on arrival at its main international airports and at several land and rail checkpoints listed by the Department of Immigration.

    Maximum stay: 30 days per entry for a tourist visa, extendable at an immigration office

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa for Laos?

Yes, unless your country is on Laos’s visa-exemption list, which covers mainly ASEAN and East Asian states and a few European countries. Most other ordinary passport holders can use the eVisa (up to 30 days) or a visa on arrival at checkpoints that offer it.

Where can I get a Lao visa before travelling?

From a Lao embassy or consulate abroad; Laos has missions in a limited number of countries, and some ambassadors are accredited to several states from another capital. Many travellers therefore use the eVisa.

Which website is the official Lao eVisa?

laoevisa.gov.la, run for the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Support is available at support@laoevisa.gov.la. Other sites selling Lao visas are not official.

What is the digital arrival form?

Since 1 September 2025 all international travellers must complete an online arrival registration on the Department of Immigration website before arrival. It is free and separate from any visa.

Can I extend my stay in Laos?

Yes, at the Department of Immigration in Vientiane or a provincial immigration office, before your stay ends: 20,000 kip per day plus a 40,000 kip service fee, at most twice per arrival.

Does Laos have an asylum procedure?

The Department of Immigration does not publish a national procedure for asylum claims, and the official visa categories do not include a protection status.

Embassies and consulates

Last checked 24 October 2026. Each visa page lists the official sources it is based on.