Laos
United States
United States visa for Lao citizens
Entry requirement
Lao citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to the United States.
- Where to apply
- 1 mission
- Visa guide
- United States visa guide
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at la.usembassy.gov
Which United States visa?
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors
- Fee
- US$185
- Processing time
- Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed
All visa types for the United States
The United States’ tourist visa costs US$185 at the standard rate published by its authorities. Processing time, as the United States states it: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed. Longest stay on the tourist visa: Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors.
US missions in Laos
- Embassy of the United States in Vientiane
ທະໝົນ ທ່າເດື່ອ km 9, Vientiane
The United States has 1 mission in Laos, with its embassy in Vientiane.
US visas issued to citizens of Laos
| Visas issued | FY 2024 | FY 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor (B) | 1,173 | 259 |
| Student (F, M) | 76 | 26 |
| Exchange (J) | 111 | 47 |
| Work and treaty (H, L, O, E…) | 35 | 17 |
| Transit and crew (C, D) | 4 | 7 |
| Diplomatic and official (A, G) | 291 | 240 |
| Fiancé(e) (K) | 430 | 775 |
| Other | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 2,121 | 1,372 |
| B visa refusal rate (adjusted) | 82.8% | 84.3% |
In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 1,372 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of Laos, the 156th highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Fiancé(e) visas (K) made up 56%, visitor visas 19% and diplomatic and official visas 17%. That is 35% fewer than in fiscal year 2024 (2,121).
From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of Laos received 143, 80% fewer than in the same months a year earlier.
For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 84.3% for citizens of Laos in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 82.8%). The adjusted rate counts a refusal that was later overcome, for example with further documents, as an issuance. A rate below 3% is one of the conditions for a country to join the Visa Waiver Program.
These figures count visas issued to citizens of Laos anywhere in the world, not only at the US missions in Laos.
Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made
US citizens travelling to Laos
United StatesLaos Visa on arrival Laos visa for citizens of the United States
Travel advice for the United States
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
Before travelling from Laos to the United States, it helps to know the official travel advice: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to the United States (updated 30 October 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United States (updated 30 October 2026). Each ministry writes for its own citizens.
Good to know
How long Lao citizens can stay in the United States
How long Lao citizens may stay in the United States is set by the visa issued, and the visa type must match the purpose of the trip.
How Lao citizens apply
In Laos, applications go to the US embassy in Vientiane, or to a visa centre acting for the United States; fees, documents and processing times are published by the United States.
The United States’ neighbours for Lao citizens
Canada and Mexico require Lao citizens to obtain a visa in advance.
US citizens travelling to Laos
US citizens receive their visa for Laos at the border; it covers up to 30 days.
Frequently asked questions
Do Lao citizens need a visa for the United States?
Lao citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to the United States.
Where is the US embassy in Laos?
The US embassy in Laos is in Vientiane.
How much does the United States tourist visa cost?
The United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185 for the tourist visa. Processing time: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed.
Do US citizens need a visa for Laos?
US citizens receive their visa for Laos at the border; it covers up to 30 days.
Can Lao citizens enter the United States visa-free?
No; Lao citizens need a visa for the United States obtained in advance.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.