Laos entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Australian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at most entry points in Laos. Bring your documents and cash for the fee. As of 2026, this is the standard way to enter for short tourist visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Apply at the airport | Land at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang, or Pakse and head to the visa-on-arrival counter before immigration. Pay in USD (around $30–$40) — bring exact change, they rarely have change for larger bills. Have two passport-sized photos ready; if you don't have them, they'll charge an extra $1–$2.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must have at least 6 months validity | Laos strictly enforces the 6-month passport validity rule — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. Airlines check this at check-in, so don't risk it. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel — a flight out of Laos within your visa validity. If you don't have one, they may refuse entry or force you to buy a ticket on the spot. Budget airlines like AirAsia and VietJet check this at check-in too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration rarely asks for this, but having a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host speeds things up. If you're couchsurfing or staying with friends, get a simple letter with their address and phone number. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Officials almost never check this, but carry at least $200–$300 in cash (USD or THB) just in case. ATMs are plentiful in cities but unreliable in rural areas. | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash. Credit cards are not accepted. Have USD 30–40 in small bills (or equivalent in Thai baht or Lao kip). ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need cash before that.
Keep your arrival card
You'll fill out an arrival card on the plane or at the airport. Keep the departure stub with your passport — you'll need to hand it in when you leave Laos. Losing it means filling out a form and possibly a small fine.
What happens at the border
1
Fill out the arrival card and visa application form
On the plane or at the airport, grab an arrival card and a visa-on-arrival application form. Fill them out in capital letters. You'll need your passport details, flight number, and accommodation address.
2
Hand in documents at the visa-on-arrival counter
After landing, head to the 'Visa on Arrival' counter (usually before immigration). Give them your passport, completed form, two photos, and the fee. They'll process it and call your name when ready.
3
Pay the fee and collect your passport
Once called, pay the fee in cash. Double-check the visa sticker — make sure your name, passport number, and validity dates are correct. Then proceed to immigration.
4
Show your passport and visa at immigration
Hand over your passport with the new visa sticker. The officer may ask about your stay — just say 'tourism' and show your onward ticket if asked. You'll get an entry stamp and you're in.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. $40 USD)
Apply at Lao embassy abroad; allows one entry.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$60 USD (approx. $60 USD)
Allows multiple entries; useful for regional travel.
business visa
Business Visa (B-2)
1 year, renewable annually
$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)
For those with a Lao company sponsor; requires invitation letter and work permit. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (S)
1 year, renewable annually
$40 USD (approx. $40 USD)
For enrolled students at a Lao educational institution; requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD or Thai Baht 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 fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD. | $10 USD per day (approx. $10 USD) |
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
Australian passport holders transiting through Laos do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially rainy season.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in rural areas, especially in the south; prophylaxis recommended for some regions.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in rural areas, especially in southern provinces (Champasak, Attapeu). Prophylaxis recommended for those visiting rural 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
Lao Immigration Department
Samsenthai Road, Ban Phonxay, 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 Pakham, Luang Prabang
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Handles extensions for tourists in the north.
Practical information for AU 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 = 21,811.53 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 standard tourist visa on arrival costs USD 30–40. The exact amount depends on the entry point — major airports like Vientiane (Wattay) and Luang Prabang usually charge USD 30. Overland border crossings may charge a bit more. Pay in US dollars, Thai baht, or Lao kip. Have small bills.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave Laos before your visa expires. If you overstay, you'll be fined approximately USD 10 per day. To stay longer, you'd need to exit and re-enter (visa run) or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Usually 10–20 minutes at major airports. At busy times or smaller land borders, it can take up to an hour. The counter is typically open during flight arrivals and standard border hours (usually 8am–5pm).
If you're transiting through a Lao airport and not leaving the international transit area, you don't need a visa. But if you need to clear immigration (e.g., to switch terminals or stay overnight), you'll need the visa on arrival.
Most major airports have photo booths near the visa-on-arrival counter. They charge around USD 2–5. It's cheaper and faster to bring your own, but you won't be turned away if you don't have them.
Yes, most land border crossings from Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and China issue visas on arrival. However, some smaller crossings may not. Check the specific border before you go. The Friendship Bridge from Thailand (Nong Khai to Vientiane) definitely does.
No, Laos does not currently offer an e-visa for Australian passport holders. The visa on arrival is the standard method for tourism. You cannot apply online in advance.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.