South Africa
Laos
Laos visa for South African citizens
Entry requirement
Laos issues South African citizens a visa on arrival for stays of up to 30 days, so nothing has to be arranged in advance.
- Maximum stay
- 30 days
- Where to apply
- Nothing to apply for in advance
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index
Which Laos visa?
Visa on arrival at international checkpoints
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- 30 days per entry for a tourist visa, extendable at an immigration office
- Processing time
- Issued at the checkpoint on arrival
Processing time, as Laos states it: Issued at the checkpoint on arrival. Longest stay on the visa on arrival: 30 days per entry for a tourist visa, extendable at an immigration office.
Lao citizens travelling to South Africa
LaosSouth Africa Visa required South Africa visa for citizens of Laos
Travel advice for Laos
- US State Department Level 2: Exercise increased caution
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) Advises against all but essential travel to parts of the country
- 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.
For a trip from South Africa to Laos, the published travel advice reads as follows: the US State Department rates Laos at Level 2, exercise increased caution (updated 27 July 2026), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises against all but essential travel to parts of Laos (updated 13 August 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for Laos (updated 14 October 2026).
Good to know
How long South African citizens can stay in Laos
South African citizens may stay in Laos for up to 30 days. The stay granted is recorded on entry to Laos.
How South African citizens apply
South African citizens receive the visa for Laos at the port of entry, so they should have their passport, the fee and any documents the officers may ask for, such as a return ticket.
Laos’ neighbours for South African citizens
Thailand admits South African citizens visa-free. China requires South African citizens to obtain a visa in advance.
Lao citizens travelling to South Africa
South Africa requires Lao citizens to hold a visa issued in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Do South African citizens need a visa for Laos?
Laos issues South African citizens a visa on arrival for stays of up to 30 days, so nothing has to be arranged in advance.
How long can South African citizens stay in Laos?
South African citizens can stay in Laos for up to 30 days with a visa on arrival.
Do Lao citizens need a visa for South Africa?
South Africa requires Lao citizens to hold a visa issued in advance.
Can South African citizens enter Laos visa-free?
No; South African citizens need a visa on arrival in Laos.
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.