Laos entry requirements for Bahrain 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
Bahraini passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Laos — no need to apply in advance. Just show up at the airport or land border with your passport and cash. This has been the standard entry method since 2024 and remains in place for 2026.
Apply for Laos eVisaOfficial portal: Laos eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang Airport, or major land borders. Have $30–$40 USD in cash (exact change preferred) and two passport-sized photos ready. The process takes 10–15 minutes — fill out the application form at the counter.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport with at least 6 months validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date in Laos. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. One blank page is required for the visa sticker. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at the visa-on-arrival counter ask for a printed or digital onward ticket. A flight out of Laos within 30 days works. If you are overlanding to Vietnam or Thailand, show a bus ticket or a confirmed itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host confirmation | Have a printed or digital hotel booking for at least the first few nights. Hostel dorms and guesthouses are fine — just show the confirmation email. If you are staying with friends, a letter of invitation with their address helps. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or a credit card with a recent bank statement. Immigration rarely asks, but budget airlines sometimes check at check-in. ATMs are available in major towns but charge high fees. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa-on-arrival counter does not accept credit cards or mobile payments. Bring $30–$40 USD or equivalent in Thai baht in cash. ATMs are available only after you clear immigration.
Photo tip
Bring two passport photos (4x6 cm) to avoid paying $5–$10 for on-site photo booths. They're often low quality and slow.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
At Wattay International Airport (Vientiane) or Luang Prabang Airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival'. Join the queue, fill out the arrival card (usually handed out on the plane or at the counter).
2
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card, two photos, and the visa fee in cash. The officer will process your visa — expect 5–10 minutes. Keep your onward ticket and hotel booking handy in case they ask.
3
Collect passport and proceed
Once the visa sticker is affixed, collect your passport, go through passport control, then baggage claim. Total time from queue to exit: 15–30 minutes on a normal day.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain 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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 15 BHD)
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. 22 BHD)
Requires embassy application; good for multiple visits.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 1 year
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. 18 BHD)
Requires invitation letter from Lao company.
retirement visa
Lao Retirement Visa (B2)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD per year (approx. 37 BHD)
For those aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires annual renewal and local address.
work visa
Lao Work Visa (B1)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD per year (approx. 55 BHD)
For foreign employees with a Lao employer. Requires work permit and company sponsorship.
investor visa
Lao Investor Visa (B3)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD per year (approx. 74 BHD)
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in a Lao business. Requires business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD or Thai Baht at major entry points. | $30 USD (approx. 11 BHD) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry)Available at some border crossings; confirm in advance. | $35 USD (approx. 13 BHD) |
| Overstay fineNo official cap, but fines accumulate daily. | $10 USD per day (approx. 3.7 BHD) |
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
Bahrain passport holders transiting through Laos do not need a 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 a valid visa for Laos may exit the transit area.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas; use repellent and nets.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in rural areas, especially in the south; prophylaxis recommended for high-risk zones.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is highest in rural and forested areas, especially in southern provinces. Prophylaxis recommended for those visiting these regions.
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
Quai Fa Ngum, Vientiane
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Immigration Office
Ban Xieng Mouane, Luang Prabang
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Handles extensions for tourists in the north.
Practical information for BH 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 standard fee is $30 USD for a 30-day tourist visa. Some land borders may charge slightly more (around $35–$40). Pay in USD or Thai baht — exact change is appreciated. Credit cards are not accepted.
Yes, but only once. Visit the Immigration Office in Vientiane (or provincial offices) to apply for a 30-day extension. Cost is about $2 USD per day, plus a processing fee. You'll need your passport, a recent photo, and the extension fee in cash. Processing takes 1–3 business days.
Most international land borders (e.g., Friendship Bridge from Thailand, or borders from Vietnam and Cambodia) offer visa on arrival for Bahraini passport holders. The process is similar — fill out the form, pay in cash, and wait 10–15 minutes. Some smaller crossings may not accept USD, so carry Thai baht if entering from Thailand.
Yes — immigration wants proof you'll leave Laos. A bus ticket to Vietnam, Cambodia, or Thailand works. If you're flying out, a flight itinerary is fine. A screenshot on your phone is acceptable.
Bahraini passport holders are not eligible for the Laos eVisa. Visa on arrival is the standard method. There is no separate eVisa system for your nationality.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. There are no exceptions.
Not for visa on arrival, but it's strongly recommended. Medical facilities in Laos are basic — a serious injury or illness can require evacuation to Thailand, which costs thousands. A basic policy covering medical evacuation is cheap insurance.
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.