United States
Laos
Laos visa for US citizens
Entry requirement
US citizens receive their visa for Laos at the border; it covers up to 30 days.
- Maximum stay
- 30 days
- Where to apply
- Nothing to apply for in advance
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at laoembassy.com
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 the United States
LaosUnited States Visa required United States 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.
Before travelling from the United States to Laos, it helps to know the official travel advice: 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 US citizens can stay in Laos
US citizens may stay in Laos for up to 30 days. The stay granted is recorded on entry to Laos.
How US citizens apply
US 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 US citizens
Thailand admits US citizens visa-free. China requires US citizens to obtain a visa in advance.
Lao citizens travelling to the United States
Lao citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to the United States.
Frequently asked questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Laos?
US citizens receive their visa for Laos at the border; it covers up to 30 days.
How long can US citizens stay in Laos?
US citizens can stay in Laos for up to 30 days with a visa on arrival.
Do Lao citizens need a visa for the United States?
Lao citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to the United States.
Can US citizens enter Laos visa-free?
No; US 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.