Skip to main content

Laos Visa for United Kingdom Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

UK citizens can obtain a 30-day Tourist visa on arrival in Laos at designated entry points by paying 30 USD in cash; processing is typically 15–60 minutes and the visa is a single-entry, 30-day stay.

Guide last updated September 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and must have at least 1 blank page for the visa stamp.
  • Specific forms: No pre-arrival visa form is required for visa on arrival; you will need to complete the Laos Arrival/Declaration Card at the VOA counter upon entry.
  • Financial proof: Not required beyond paying the visa fee on arrival; carry 30 USD in cash (US dollars preferred). Some ports may also accept Lao kip or Thai baht, but USD is the safest option.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Not mandatory to show upfront, but you may be asked for onward travel or accommodation details; have hotel/address and a rough itinerary handy.
  • Photo spec: One recent passport photo (4x6 cm) with a plain white background.
  • Biometrics: No separate biometrics submission for VOA; border officers may take a photo if needed.
  • Travel health insurance: Strongly recommended but not mandatory.

Visa types

  • Tourist visa on arrival (official name: Tourist visa on arrival): 30 days validity, single entry, maximum stay 30 days; approximate fee 30 USD.
  • Other options via official channels: Laos offers online e-Visa through laoevisa.gov.la for tourism and business categories; processing times are typically 1–3 days and fees commonly around 30 USD; for non-tourist purposes or longer stays, visas are usually issued through Lao embassies/consulates or via the e-Visa portal where available (not typically issued at ports of entry as VOA).
  • Notes for UK travelers: For non-tourist purposes or longer stays, prepare to use e-Visa or Lao mission channels; visa on arrival is primarily the 30-day Tourist visa.

Visa on arrival

  • Ports: VOA is issued at designated entry points, notably Wattay International Airport (VTE) in Vientiane, Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ), and Pakse International Airport (PKZ). Some land border crossings may offer VOA; verify current ports at laoevisa.gov.la or with the Lao PDR MOFA before travel.
  • Steps:
  • Upon arrival, go to the Visa on Arrival desk with your passport and the Laos Arrival/Declaration Card.
  • Complete the arrival/declaration card and present your passport, one passport photo, and the visa fee.
  • Pay the visa fee of 30 USD in cash (USD preferred; kip or Thai baht may be accepted at some ports).
  • Receive your visa stamp or sticker and proceed to the immigration checkpoint.
  • Fee and currencies: 30 USD is the standard VOA fee; USD is preferred. Some ports may accept Lao kip or Thai baht, but carrying USD in smaller denominations is advised.
  • Queue tips: Arrive early, be prepared with the arrival card completed, have cash ready, and keep small denominations; lines vary by port and time of day.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: 30 USD for a 30-day Tourist visa on arrival.
  • VFS/BLS service fee: Not applicable to visa on arrival at entry points; no third-party service fee is typically charged for VOA.
  • Total cost estimate: 30 USD (subject to port and currency availability).
  • Standard processing time: Typically 15–60 minutes at the VOA desk, depending on queue length and port.
  • Express/priority option: Not available for visa on arrival.

Tips for United Kingdom travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: There is no advance VOA application; you obtain the visa on arrival at the port of entry. If you want to explore online options, you can consider the Laos e-Visa via laoevisa.gov.la before travel, which may suit some itineraries (processing around 1–3 days).
  • Common rejection reasons for UK applicants specifically: Passport validity less than 6 months, less than 1 blank page, insufficient funds or unclear travel plans, or failure to present required documents (photo, arrival card) at the VOA desk.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: VOA is handled at the entry point; for non-tourist stays or if you prefer to apply in advance, use the e-Visa portal or Lao embassy/consulate channels.
  • Travel advisories or bilateral notes: Check the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice for Laos and the Lao MOFA updates before you travel.
  • Extension options inside Laos: Tourist visas on arrival can sometimes be extended at Lao Immigration offices (e.g., in Vientiane); extensions vary in duration and fee; verify current rules with Lao Immigration or MOFA before traveling.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

More visa guides for United Kingdom passport holders

FranceGermanyItalySpainUnited StatesAustraliaView 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.