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Laos Visa for Germany Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

German citizens can get a visa on arrival at Laos's international airports and major land borders — fee around USD 30–40, quick processing with 2 photos required, valid for a stay of up to 30 days.

Guide last updated September 9, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry, with at least one blank page
  • Two recent passport-style photos for the arrival visa form
  • A completed visa-on-arrival application form (available at the border or downloadable in advance)
  • Confirmed onward or return travel plans
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking)
  • Sufficient cash in USD to pay the visa fee, as card payment is not reliably available at all crossing points
  • Travel health insurance is recommended

Visa types

  • Visa on arrival (Tourist) — single entry, valid for a stay of up to 30 days, fee approximately USD 30–40 for German nationals depending on the port of entry
  • e-Visa (pre-arrival) — same validity, applied for online before travel via the Lao e-visa portal, avoiding the arrival queue
  • Business/multiple-entry visas require sponsorship and are arranged through the Lao Embassy in Berlin before travel

Visa on arrival

  • Available at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang Airport, Pakse Airport and major land border crossings (e.g. from Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia)
  • Submit the completed application form, 2 photos and passport at the visa-on-arrival counter
  • Pay the fee in USD cash (fees vary slightly by nationality, roughly USD 30–40 for Germans)
  • Processing typically takes about 15–30 minutes as the officer manually reviews and stamps each application
  • Queues can be long at busier land crossings — arriving early in the day helps avoid delays

Fees & processing time

  • Visa-on-arrival fee: approximately USD 30–40 (paid in cash, USD preferred)
  • Small additional fee (around USD 1–2) sometimes charged for photo or after-hours processing at some crossings
  • Total cost: roughly USD 30–45
  • Standard processing: 15–30 minutes at the counter
  • The e-visa alternative processes online within a few business days but must be arranged before departure

Tips for Germany travelers

  • Bring exact USD cash in small denominations, as change is not always readily available at border counters
  • Apply for the e-visa online in advance if arriving at a busy crossing to skip the on-arrival queue
  • Ensure your passport photo isn't damaged or overly worn, as border officers can be strict on document quality
  • Extensions beyond 30 days can be arranged at the Department of Immigration in Vientiane, generally for a per-day overstay fee if done informally, or a formal extension fee if requested before expiry

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.