Deep coverage12 verified routes across visit, study, work, investment, family and more.
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Select the passports you hold to see short-stay access and per-route eligibility for Laos.
5 routes
Visit
Short stays: tourism, transit, business trips, medical, pilgrimage.
Tourist Visa
Laos Tourist Visa on Arrival (T-B3)
Most nationalities can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at Laos's international airports and major land and rail border crossings, granting a single-entry stay of up to 30 days. The visa is issued on the spot on completion of an arrival form and payment of the fee in cash (US dollars). The fee varies by nationality, commonly USD 40 (about USD 20-35 for Chinese and Vietnamese citizens); an extra charge of about USD 1-2 applies on weekends or if no photo is supplied. Travellers must present a passport-size photo, the name of their accommodation and a contact number. The 30-day stay can be extended once for a further 30 days at a Lao immigration office. Certain nationalities (a list of around 30 countries) are not eligible for visa on arrival and must obtain a visa in advance from a Lao embassy or consulate.
Government fee
≈ $40
Indicative — varies by nationality
Processing time
1 day
Max stay
30 days
Document checklist (5)
PassportOrdinary passport valid at least 6 months from the date of entry, with a blank visa page.
Arrival/visa-on-arrival formCompleted visa-on-arrival and immigration arrival cards at the border.
Passport photographOne recent passport-size photo (about 4x6 cm); a small fee applies if none is provided.
Accommodation detailsName and telephone number of a hotel or guesthouse in Laos.
Visa fee in cashFee paid in cash, normally US dollars, at the immigration counter.
Tourist Visa
Laos Visa-Free Entry (ASEAN and Bilateral Exemptions)
Citizens of fellow ASEAN member states and several other countries may enter Laos without a visa for short visits under mutual exemption and bilateral agreements. Nationals of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, as well as Belarus, Japan, Mongolia and Russia, may stay up to 30 days, while Myanmar nationals receive 14 days and Luxembourg and Switzerland citizens 15 days. The exemption covers tourism, family visits and short business meetings but does not authorise work or study. No fee is charged at entry. Visa-free stays may generally be extended at a Lao immigration office, and onward or return travel and an ordinary passport valid at least 6 months are expected at the border.
Processing time
0 days
Max stay
30 days
Document checklist (4)
PassportOrdinary passport of an eligible nationality, valid at least 6 months from entry.
Immigration arrival cardCompleted arrival/departure card presented at the border.
Proof of onward or return travelOptionalEvidence of departure plans may be requested at the border.
Accommodation detailsOptionalName and contact of accommodation in Laos may be requested.
Tourist Visa
Laos Tourist eVisa (T-B3)
The official Lao eVisa, operated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at laoevisa.gov.la, is a single-entry tourist visa for stays of up to 30 days. It is processed within about 3 working days after the fee is paid, and the approval letter is valid for entry within 60 days of issue. Currently only the tourist category is available through the eVisa channel, and only holders of ordinary passports may apply; the passport must be valid for more than 180 days from the date of arrival. Entry is restricted to nine designated air, land and rail ports (including Wattay, Luang Prabang and Pakse international airports, the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridges and the Boten and Vientiane railway checkpoints). The fee is USD 50 for most nationalities (about USD 35 for Chinese and Vietnamese citizens) and is non-refundable. The 30-day stay can be extended once for a further 30 days at a Lao immigration office.
Passport bio pageScan of the ordinary-passport biographical page with a complete, readable machine-readable zone; passport valid more than 180 days from arrival.
Passport photographRecent colour photo, 4x6 cm, taken within the last 6 months against a plain background.
Online application formCompleted eVisa application on laoevisa.gov.la with personal, travel and accommodation details.
Accommodation detailsName and contact of the hotel, guesthouse or host address in Laos.
Visa fee paymentOnline payment of the visa fee by VISA, MasterCard, JCB, American Express, WeChat Pay, Alipay or UnionPay.
Proof of onward or return travelOptionalEvidence of departure plans may be requested at the border.
Transit Visa
Laos Transit Visa (TR-B3)
The Lao transit visa is for travellers passing through Laos en route to a third country who need to stop for more than a few hours but no longer than 5 days. It is single entry and non-extendable. It can be applied for in advance at a Lao embassy or consulate, where processing typically takes about 5-7 working days, or obtained on arrival at the main international airports. Applicants must hold a passport valid at least 6 months and show proof of an onward ticket and, where required, a visa for the next destination. The transit visa is not available through the eVisa portal, which currently offers tourist visas only.
Processing time
5 days
Max stay
5 days
Validity
60 days
Document checklist (6)
PassportPassport valid at least 6 months from the date of entry, with a blank visa page.
Visa application formCompleted transit visa application form (at the embassy or on arrival).
Onward ticketConfirmed air or transport ticket to a third country.
Onward visaOptionalVisa or entry permit for the onward destination, where required.
Visa feePayment of the transit visa fee.
Business Visitor Visa
Laos Business Visa (NI-B3)
The Lao business / non-immigrant visa is for foreign nationals visiting for short-term business activities such as meetings, negotiations, conferences, training and family or relative visits. It is normally issued by a Lao embassy or consulate (or, for some applicants, arranged via a sponsoring company), typically as a single-entry visa with an initial stay of up to 30 days that can be extended in-country. It does not authorise employment in Laos; foreign nationals who will work must hold a labour (LA-B2) visa with a work permit and stay permit card. Applicants generally need an invitation or sponsorship letter from a Lao company or organisation. The business visa is not available through the eVisa portal.
Processing time
7 days
Max stay
30 days
Validity
60 days
Document checklist (6)
PassportPassport valid at least 6 months from entry, with a blank visa page.
Visa application formCompleted business visa application form.
Passport photographRecent passport-size photo(s).
Invitation or sponsorship letterLetter from the host company or organisation in Laos stating the business purpose.
Company documentsOptionalSupporting business documents such as the host's enterprise registration.
Visa feePayment of the business visa fee.
Not yet researched
Medical Treatment Visa
Pilgrimage Visa
1 route
Study & Training
Universities, language courses, internships and exchanges.
Student Visa
Laos Student Visa (ST-B2)
The student visa (ST-B2) is issued to foreign nationals admitted to study, intern or carry out research at a recognised educational institution in Laos. It is a 12-month visa that is renewed year by year for the duration of the course, which may run from one to five years. Applicants must present a letter of admission or acceptance to a full-time course from a recognised Lao institution and show sufficient funds for their stay. The visa is normally arranged with the support of the host institution and obtained from a Lao embassy or consulate or extended through the Department of Immigration. It is not available through the eVisa portal.
Processing time
7 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (6)
PassportPassport valid at least 6 months, with a blank visa page.
Visa application formCompleted student visa application form.
Passport photographRecent passport-size photo(s).
Letter of admissionAcceptance or enrolment letter from a recognised Lao educational institution.
Proof of fundsEvidence of sufficient financial means for the period of study.
Visa feePayment of the student visa fee (and renewal fees year by year).
Not yet researched
Language Course Visa
Internship / Trainee Visa
Exchange Program Visa
1 route
Work & Self-Employment
Digital nomad, freelance, skilled employment and company transfers.
Skilled Work Visa
Laos Labour / Work Visa (LA-B2)
The labour visa (LA-B2) is issued to foreign nationals with a fixed employment contract with a company in Laos. The employer must first obtain a foreign-worker quota and approval from the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, after which the worker receives the LA-B2 visa, a work permit and a stay permit card. Multiple-entry visa validity is offered for 3, 6 or 12 months (about LAK 300,000 / 600,000 / 1,200,000), and the stay permit card issued by the Ministry of Public Security is valid up to 1 year and renewed annually. Processing through the One-Stop Service generally takes about 8 working days once labour approval is in place. The visa authorises employment only with the sponsoring employer for the approved position.
Processing time
8 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (7)
PassportPassport valid at least 6 months, with copies for the file.
Employment contractFixed-term employment contract with the Lao employer.
Work permit / quota approvalForeign-worker quota and work-permit approval from the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.
Employer sponsorship documentsEmployer enterprise registration and request to employ a foreign worker.
Health and qualification documentsOptionalMedical certificate and proof of qualifications where required.
Visa and stay-permit feesPayment of the labour visa and stay permit card fees.
Not yet researched
Digital Nomad Visa
Freelancer Visa
Self-Employment Visa
Startup / Entrepreneur Visa
Seasonal Work Visa
Intra-Company Transfer Visa
1 route
Invest & Capital
Golden visas, real estate, citizenship by investment, passive income.
Business Investor Visa
Laos Investor Visa (NI-B2 / I-B2)
The investor visa is issued to foreign nationals who have invested in an enterprise registered in Laos, together with their stockholders, directors, deputy directors and technical officers and their family members. Applications are coordinated through the Ministry of Planning and Investment's One-Stop Service, with approval generally taking about 8 working days, and the visa is paired with a stay permit card from the Ministry of Public Security. Multiple-entry validity is offered for 3 months (about LAK 300,000), 6 months (LAK 600,000) or 12 months (LAK 1,200,000); investors holding government concession agreements of 10 years or more can obtain longer 3-5 year validity (the I-B2 category). Applicants must show an investment licence or enterprise registration certificate. The stay permit card is normally valid up to 1 year and renewable annually, or 3-5 years for qualifying concession holders.
Processing time
8 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (7)
PassportPassport valid at least 6 months, with copies (typically 3-4) for the file.
Company application formVisa/stay-permit application submitted through the One-Stop Service.
Visa and stay-permit feesPayment of the multiple-entry visa fee (by validity period) and stay permit card fee.
Not yet researched
Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)
Residence by Real Estate
Citizenship by Investment
Non-Lucrative / Passive Income Visa
No verified routes yet
Retire & Lifestyle
Retirement visas and working holiday schemes.
Not yet researched
Retirement Visa
Working Holiday Visa
1 route
Family & Origin
Reunification, spouse routes and ancestry-based repatriation.
Dependent Relative Visa
Laos Dependent / Family Visa (SP-B3)
The dependent visa is issued to the spouse and dependent children of foreign nationals holding a long-stay Lao visa, principally labour (LA-B2), investor (NI-B2) and expert (E-B2) holders. It allows the family to reside in Laos for the same period as the sponsoring principal and is paired with a stay permit card renewed alongside the sponsor's. The dependent visa does not by itself authorise employment; a dependent who wishes to work must obtain their own labour visa and work permit. Applications are made with proof of the family relationship and of the sponsor's valid visa and stay permit, typically via the same channel (embassy or One-Stop Service) as the principal.
Processing time
8 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (6)
PassportPassport valid at least 6 months, with copies for the file.
PhotographsRecent passport-size photos.
Proof of relationshipMarriage certificate for a spouse or birth certificate for a child, legalised/translated as required.
Sponsor's visa and stay permitCopies of the principal's valid Lao long-stay visa and stay permit card.
Application formCompleted dependent visa application form.
Visa and stay-permit feesPayment of the dependent visa and stay permit card fees.
Not yet researched
Family Reunification Visa
Spouse / Partner Visa
Ancestry / Repatriation
3 routes
Special Categories
Talent, religious, humanitarian, media, official and permanent residence.
Talent / Highly Skilled Visa
Laos Expert / Specialist Visa (E-B2)
The expert visa (E-B2) is issued to foreign specialists, advisers and technical experts assigned to projects, programmes or organisations in Laos, including those working under development programmes, government projects or specialised technical roles. It is typically arranged with the support of the hosting Lao entity and paired with a stay permit card. Like other long-stay categories, multiple-entry validity is offered for 3, 6 or 12 months and the stay permit card is renewable annually. The visa authorises only the specialist assignment that supports the application; experts engaged in ordinary employment generally fall under the labour (LA-B2) category with a work permit.
Processing time
8 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (6)
PassportPassport valid at least 6 months, with copies for the file.
PhotographsRecent passport-size photos.
Assignment / project letterLetter from the hosting Lao organisation describing the expert assignment.
Proof of expertiseEvidence of qualifications or specialist experience for the role.
Sponsoring entity documentsOptionalRegistration or authorisation documents of the host organisation or project.
Visa and stay-permit feesPayment of the expert visa and stay permit card fees.
Journalist / Media Visa
Laos Press / Media Visa (M-B2)
The media visa (M-B2) is issued to foreign journalists, correspondents and media crew travelling to Laos for reporting, filming or other press activities. It requires prior accreditation and authorisation, typically coordinated through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, and is obtained from a Lao embassy or consulate. Journalists generally need an assignment letter from their media organisation and approval to film or report in Laos. The visa is not available through the eVisa portal; entering on a tourist visa to carry out journalism is not permitted.
Processing time
7 days
Validity
60 days
Document checklist (6)
PassportPassport valid at least 6 months, with a blank visa page.
Visa application formCompleted media visa application form.
Passport photographRecent passport-size photo(s).
Assignment letterLetter from the media organisation describing the reporting assignment.
Press accreditation / approvalAuthorisation to report or film in Laos from the relevant Lao authorities.
Visa feePayment of the media visa fee.
Official / Diplomatic Visa
Laos Official / Government Visa (S-A2)
The official visa (S-A2) is issued to holders of official or service passports travelling to Laos on government business, and to staff of foreign governments and international organisations on official duty. A related diplomatic visa (D-A1) is issued to diplomatic-passport holders and a courtesy visa (C-B1) to certain official guests. These visas are typically fee-exempt and issued through Lao diplomatic missions on the basis of an official note verbale or mission request. Multiple-entry validity (commonly up to one year for official and diplomatic visas) is granted according to the assignment. They are not available through the eVisa portal.
Government fee
$0
Processing time
7 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (5)
Official or service passportValid official, service or diplomatic passport.
Note verbaleDiplomatic note or official request from the sending government or organisation.
Visa application formCompleted official visa application form.
Passport photographRecent passport-size photo(s).
Assignment documentsOptionalMission, posting or invitation documents supporting the official purpose.
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