Skip to main content

Laos Visa for United States Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

US citizens can obtain a Tourist Visa on Arrival in Laos for 30 days at selected entry points (Wattay and Luang Prabang airports) for about USD 30, or apply online via laoevisa.gov.la for an eVisa (about USD 50) or through a Lao embassy for a sticker visa.

Guide last updated September 3, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and have at least 2 blank visa pages.
  • Forms and submission: For visa on arrival you complete a visa on arrival form at the counter; no pre-approval is required.
  • Financial proof: Not required for visa on arrival; you should have funds to cover your stay and carry appropriate cash.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Not strictly required, but having a hotel reservation and onward/return flight details is helpful.
  • Photo spec: One recent passport photo (size 4x6 cm) with a white background.
  • Biometrics: No separate biometrics submission is required for VOA; immigration officers may scan your passport and stamp your visa.
  • Travel health insurance: Not required by Lao authorities; recommended to have coverage for medical emergencies.

Visa types

  • Tourist visa on arrival (TVOA) – Official name: Tourist Visa on Arrival; Validity: 30 days from entry; Max stay: 30 days; Single entry; Approx fee: USD 30.
  • Laos eVisa – Official name: Laos eVisa; Validity: 60 days from issue; Max stay: 30 days; Single entry; Approx fee: USD 50.
  • Embassy/Consulate Visa (Sticker visa) – Official name: Embassy/Consulate Visa; Validity options commonly 30/60/90 days; Max stay aligns with duration chosen; Single entry (often offered as single, some missions may issue multiple entries); Approx fee: USD 50–100 depending on duration and mission.
  • Business visa on arrival – Official name: Business Visa on Arrival; Availability varies by port; Validity: typically 30 days; Max stay: up to 30 days; Single entry; Approx fee: USD 40–60.
  • Student visa (issued via Lao MOFA/Embassy) – Official name: Student Visa; Validity: typically initial 90 days, renewable; Max stay: up to 1 year or longer with extension; Single entry; Approx fee: USD 100–150.
  • Work visa (issued via Lao MOFA/Embassy) – Official name: Work Visa; Validity: typically up to 1 year, renewable; Single entry (extension possible); Approx fee: USD 150–200.

Application process

  • How to apply online (eVisa): Use laoevisa.gov.la; steps: 1) Create an account; 2) Choose eVisa type (Tourist or other eligible category); 3) Complete the application with passport bio page details and a photo; 4) Pay the online fee with a card; 5) Receive an email approval; 6) Print the eVisa approval and present it on arrival.
  • Visa on arrival: Which ports and steps: 1) At Wattay International Airport (Vientiane) or Luang Prabang International Airport (and at select land crossings where VOA is offered), proceed to the visa on arrival counter. 2) Present your passport, one photo, and a filled visa on arrival form. 3) Pay the visa fee (USD 30) in cash (USD preferred; other currencies such as Lao kip may be accepted at the counter). 4) Receive your visa stamp and proceed to immigration control. 5) Queue management varies; arrive early to reduce wait times. Accepted currencies: USD and Lao kip; exact amount should be prepared in USD.
  • Sticker visa (through embassy/consulate): 1) Apply via a Lao embassy/consulate with required documents (passport, photos, completed application form, invitation letter if required for business/student, return/self-addressed envelope if applying by mail). 2) Pay the visa fee as directed by the mission (fees vary by duration and location). 3) Processing times typically 3–7 business days for standard service; expedited options may be available with higher fees. 4) Pick up your passport with the visa stamp or receive it by mail if applicable.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa on arrival fee: USD 30 for a 30-day Tourist Visa on Arrival; payable in cash at the counter; local currency may be accepted depending on port.
  • Laos eVisa fee: USD 50 (subject to change); processing time typically 3–5 business days; payment online by card.
  • Sticker visa (embassy/consulate): Fees vary by duration and mission; typical range USD 50–100; processing time usually 3–7 business days; expedited options may be available with additional fees.
  • VFS/BLS service fee: Not applicable for Laos visa on arrival; if you apply for embassy/consulate visas through third-party centers, service fees may apply per mission.
  • Total cost estimate: VOA around USD 30; eVisa around USD 50; Embassy/consulate visa around USD 50–100 depending on duration.
  • Standard processing times: VOA: on arrival (same day in busy periods, longer wait times possible); eVisa: 3–5 business days; sticker visa: 3–7 business days; Expedited options: available for embassy-processed visas at certain missions with extra fees.

Tips for United States travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: For VOA, you can obtain on arrival; for eVisa, apply at least 7–14 days before travel to avoid delays; for embassy/sticker visas, apply 2–3 weeks in advance or as advised by the specific mission.
  • Common rejection reasons for United States applicants: Passport validity less than 6 months, insufficient blank pages, inconsistent or missing information, failure to show onward/return travel when requested, lack of sufficient funds statements (if asked), or previous visa issues.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: Laos visa on arrival is processed at the port by Lao immigration and does not require VFS; visa types requiring prior processing (e.g., eVisa or embassy visas) are handled through the official portal laoevisa.gov.la or directly with the Lao embassy/consulate; verify current method on MOFA/official portal.
  • Travel advisories or bilateral notes: Check your country’s State Department travel advisory for Laos and any current bilateral notes; consult the Lao MOFA or Lao Embassy/Consulate for entry requirements updates before traveling.
  • Extension options inside Laos: Officially possible to extend a Tourist Visa on Arrival at Lao immigration offices in Vientiane or major provincial offices; extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis and may require passport, photos, current visa, and fee; processing times and fees vary by office and duration of extension.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

More visa guides for United States passport holders

United KingdomFranceGermanyJapanAustraliaCanadaView all →

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.