Laos entry requirements for Belgium 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
Belgian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at major entry points in Laos. Bring your documents and cash. As of 2026, this is the standard method for short tourist visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang, or Pakse. Cost is $30–$40 USD depending on your passport — bring exact cash in USD. You'll need one passport photo (4x6 cm) and a completed arrival card. The queue can take 20–40 minutes.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date | Laos strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. Your passport must have at least two blank pages for the visa sticker and entry stamp. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Laos | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket. A flight out of Laos within your visa validity (usually 30 days) is sufficient. If you're overlanding, a bus ticket or flight booking from a neighboring country works too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host's address | Carry a printed or digital hotel confirmation for your first few nights. If staying with friends, have their full address and phone number written down. Immigration rarely asks, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement showing sufficient funds | Officers may ask how you'll support yourself. Have at least $500 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing a balance of $1,000+ USD. ATMs are common in cities but unreliable in rural areas — bring enough cash for your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa-on-arrival counter does not accept credit cards or ATM cards. Bring crisp US dollars or Thai baht in small denominations. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need cash to get through.
Visa on arrival is for tourism only
If you're planning to work, study, or volunteer in Laos, you need a different visa arranged in advance. The visa on arrival is strictly for tourism. Overstaying or working on a tourist visa can lead to fines, deportation, or a ban.
What happens at the border
1
Fill out the arrival form
On the plane or at the airport, grab a Laos arrival/departure card and a visa application form. Fill them out in capital letters. Keep your passport handy for reference.
2
Queue at the Visa on Arrival counter
At Wattay International Airport (Vientiane) or Luang Prabang International Airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival'. Hand over your passport, completed forms, photo, and cash. The officer will process your visa — usually takes 5–15 minutes.
3
Pay the fee and collect your visa
Pay the fee in cash. You'll get a receipt and your passport with the visa sticker. Check the validity dates before walking away.
4
Proceed to immigration
Take your passport with the new visa to the immigration counter. They'll stamp you in. Keep the departure card — you'll need it when you leave.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Belgium 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) – pre-arranged
Max stay60 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. €38)
Apply at Lao embassy/consulate before travel. Allows longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$60 USD (approx. €57)
For frequent travellers; must leave and re-enter to activate new entry.
retirement visa
Lao Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant B3)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD per year (approx. €95) plus processing fees
For foreigners aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $1,000/month). Requires annual renewal and proof of residence.
work visa
Lao Work Visa (Non-Immigrant B2)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD per year (approx. €142) plus employer sponsorship
For those employed by a Lao company or NGO. Requires work permit and employer letter. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Lao Investor Visa (Non-Immigrant B1)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD per year (approx. €190) 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, 30 days)Payable in USD, THB, or LAK at entry points. Have exact change. | $30 USD (approx. €28) |
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 15 days)Shorter stay option, less common for tourists. | $20 USD (approx. €19) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap mentioned officially; avoid overstaying. | $10 USD per day (approx. €9.50) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Belgium passport holders transiting through Laos do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land border transit, a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa on arrival is required.
- For land border crossings, a visa is always required.
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 (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; present year-round, especially in urban areas. Use repellent and mosquito nets.
MalariaHigh risk
Present in rural and forested areas, especially in the south. Prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation. Drink bottled water, avoid raw food, and practice hand hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in rural areas, especially in the south (Champasak, Attapeu) and forested regions. Prophylaxis recommended for travellers visiting these areas. Urban areas like Vientiane have lower risk.
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, Ministry of Public Security
Thongkang Village, Sikhottabong District, Vientiane
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:30–16:30
For visa extensions and overstay clearance. Bring passport, 2 photos, and fee in cash (LAK or USD).
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Immigration Office
Sakkaline Road, Luang Prabang (near the night market)
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:30–16:30
Smaller office; may have limited services. Best for extensions if staying in Luang Prabang.
Practical information for BE 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 30-day tourist visa costs USD 30–40. The exact amount depends on your nationality and the entry point. Pay in cash — US dollars, Thai baht, or Lao kip are accepted. Avoid large bills; small denominations are easier.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you want to stay longer than 30 days, you'll need to apply for a different visa type before you travel, or leave the country and re-enter (a 'visa run'). Overstaying costs about USD 10 per day.
Most visa-on-arrival counters at airports have a photo service for a small fee (around USD 1–2). They'll take your picture on the spot. It's easier to bring your own, but not a dealbreaker.
Yes, at most major land border crossings like the Friendship Bridge from Thailand (Nong Khai–Vientiane) and the border from Cambodia (Trapeang Kriel). The process is the same — fill out forms, pay cash, show your passport. Some smaller crossings may not offer it, so check ahead.
Yes. Immigration wants proof you'll leave Laos. A bus or train ticket to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, or China works. If you're flying out, a flight booking is fine. A screenshot on your phone is usually accepted.
Not for the visa on arrival, but it's strongly recommended. Medical care in Laos is basic and can be expensive for serious issues. A good travel insurance policy covers evacuation, which can cost thousands. Get one before you go.
You'll be fined USD 10 per day of overstay, payable in cash at immigration when you leave. Overstays are common but avoidable — set a reminder on your phone. If you overstay by more than a few days, you may face additional questioning.
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.