Laos entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Laos in 2026 — no advance application needed. Just show up at the airport or land border with your passport and pay the fee. The visa allows stays of up to 30 days.
Apply for Laos eVisaOfficial portal: Laos eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | UAE passport holders get a visa on arrival at Laos international airports (Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse) and major land borders. Pay $30–$40 USD in cash (exact change, crisp bills) — they don't accept cards. Have a passport photo ready; they'll staple it to the form.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months beyond your stay | Laos enforces the 6-month passport validity rule strictly — your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at Wattay Airport and land borders ask for proof of onward travel. A printed flight itinerary or e-ticket works. If you're overlanding out, have a bus ticket or a letter explaining your exit plan. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Not always checked, but having a printed hotel confirmation for your first night speeds things up. If you're staying with friends, a letter from them with their address and phone number works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Officials rarely ask, but carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a recent bank statement handy. Laos is cash-heavy — ATMs exist but charge high fees. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is straightforward
UAE passport holders can get a 30-day visa on arrival at all major airports and most land borders. No need to apply in advance — just show up with your passport, cash, and a return ticket.
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. Credit cards are not accepted. Bring $30–$40 USD in exact change — it's the easiest option. Thai baht and Lao kip are also accepted but rates may be less favourable.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
At Wattay International Airport (Vientiane) or Luang Prabang International Airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' after baggage claim. At land borders like Friendship Bridge, go to the immigration building before crossing.
2
Fill out the application form
Pick up a visa application form at the counter. Fill in your details — name, passport number, flight number, hotel address. Keep it simple and legible.
3
Submit documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, two photos, and the fee in cash. The officer will process it — usually takes 5–15 minutes. They'll stamp the visa sticker into your passport.
4
Proceed to passport control
After getting the visa, go to the main passport control queue. Present your passport with the new visa sticker. They may ask for your return ticket or hotel booking — have them ready.
5
Collect luggage and exit
Once through passport control, collect your bags from baggage claim and walk through customs. Green channel for nothing to declare, red channel if you have goods over the duty-free limit.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$30 USD (approx. $30 USD)
Apply at Lao embassy/consulate abroad; extension costs $2 USD/day.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$35 USD (approx. $35 USD)
Available at some embassies; extension possible.
retirement visa
Laos Retirement Visa (B2)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD/year (processing fee)
For foreigners aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires annual renewal and a local sponsor. Allows long-term stay without work.
work visa
Laos Work Visa (B1/B2)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD/year (plus work permit fees)
For those employed by a Lao company. Requires a job offer, work permit, and multiple approvals. Allows legal employment.
investor visa
Laos Investor Visa (B3)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD/year (plus investment proof)
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 in a Lao business. Requires business registration and annual reporting.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD, THB, or LAK) at entry points. | $30 USD (approx. $30 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry)Available at some border crossings; confirm in advance. | $35 USD (approx. $35 USD) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration upon departure; no official cap but may be negotiable. | $10 USD per day (approx. $10 USD/day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Laos
No transit visa needed
UAE passport holders transiting through Laos do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land border transits, a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may have different rules.
- Transit via land borders requires a visa on arrival or pre-arranged visa.
Transit hubsWattay International Airport (Vientiane) · Luang Prabang International Airport · Pakse International Airport
Health & vaccines for Laos
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially rainy season.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in rural/forested areas; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is highest in rural, forested areas of southern Laos (Champasak, Attapeu) and along the Mekong River. Prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Vientiane
Department of Immigration
Saysettha Road, Vientiane
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
For visa extensions and re-entry permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Immigration Office
Ban Phonepheng, Luang Prabang
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Handles extensions for tourists in the area.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalVientiane
LanguageLao
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyLao Kip (LAK)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 22,376.9 LAK
Time zone
Local timeUTC+7
vs New York+12h
vs Los Angeles+15h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
A,B,C,E,FTypes A and B (US-style) and types C, E, F (European-style) are common.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The fee is typically $30–$40 USD for a 30-day single-entry visa. Exact amount depends on the border point. Pay in cash — USD is preferred, but Thai baht and Lao kip are also accepted. Credit cards are not accepted.
Yes, you can extend your visa once for an additional 30 days. Go to the Immigration Department in Vientiane (or a provincial immigration office) before your current visa expires. The fee is around $2 USD per day of extension, plus a small processing fee. Bring your passport and a passport photo.
Most international land borders (like the Friendship Bridge from Thailand, or borders from Cambodia, Vietnam, and China) offer visa on arrival for UAE passport holders. The process is the same — fill out a form, pay the fee, get the stamp. Some smaller crossings may not offer it, so check ahead if you're planning a land entry.
Yes, you need proof of onward travel — a flight or bus ticket out of Laos. Immigration may ask to see it. A screenshot or printed copy is fine.
Laos offers an e-visa for some nationalities, but UAE passport holders can simply use the visa on arrival — it's faster and doesn't require advance planning. If you prefer to have it sorted beforehand, check the official Lao e-visa website, but the on-arrival option is straightforward.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before you travel. No exceptions at immigration.
Not for visa on arrival, but it's strongly recommended. Medical facilities in Laos are basic outside major cities, and evacuation to Thailand can cost thousands. A basic travel insurance policy covers this.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.