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Laos Visa for United States Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

US citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Laos's main airports and border crossings, or apply online in advance via the Laos e-visa portal (laoevisa.gov.la); the fee is about $35-42, with on-arrival processing taking 15-30 minutes.

Guide last updated October 2, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry, with at least one blank page
  • One passport-size photo (4x6 cm, white background) for the visa-on-arrival application
  • Completed arrival visa application form (available at the border or printed in advance)
  • Proof of accommodation or itinerary may be requested
  • Cash for the visa fee, in US dollars; cards are often not accepted at land borders
  • Biometrics: not generally required, though some crossings may take a photo
  • Travel health insurance: not required but recommended

Visa types

  • Tourist visa on arrival: single entry, valid 30 days, obtainable at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang Airport, and major land border crossings
  • Tourist e-visa (laoevisa.gov.la): same 30-day single-entry validity, approved before travel so you skip the arrival paperwork
  • Business visa: requires an invitation letter from a Lao company or organization, arranged through the Lao embassy, typically valid 30 days
  • Most US travelers use the tourist visa on arrival or e-visa.

Visa on arrival

  • Visa-on-arrival counters are at Vientiane and Luang Prabang international airports and select land borders (e.g., the Friendship Bridge from Thailand)
  • Steps: fill out the arrival form, submit passport, one photo, and the fee; pay in US dollars; collect the visa sticker
  • Fee: US citizens pay approximately $42 (fees vary slightly by nationality and crossing point, historically $35-$42)
  • Processing takes about 15-30 minutes depending on how busy the counter is
  • Alternatively, apply via https://laoevisa.gov.la/ at least 3 business days before travel to receive an approval letter by email and skip the counter

Fees & processing time

  • Visa-on-arrival fee: approximately $42 for US citizens, cash only (USD preferred)
  • E-visa fee: approximately $30-$42 plus a small processing fee, paid online by card
  • Processing time: on arrival is same-day (15-30 minutes); e-visa typically takes 3 business days
  • No official express service; apply a few extra days ahead during peak season to avoid delays

Tips for United States travelers

  • Bring exact small-denomination US dollar bills for the visa-on-arrival fee to avoid change issues
  • Common rejection reasons: passport with less than 6 months validity, missing photo, or incomplete arrival form
  • The e-visa is recommended in high season (Nov-Feb) to avoid long lines at Vientiane airport
  • A single extension of up to 30 days is possible at the Lao Immigration Department in Vientiane for an additional fee
  • Carry a printed copy of your e-visa approval letter, as some officers still ask for a paper copy

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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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.