Laos entry requirements for Chile passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed July 3, 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
Chilean passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Laos. This is the standard entry method for tourism — no need to apply in advance. As of 2026, the process is straightforward at major entry points.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou do not need to apply for a visa before traveling; you can get one when you arrive in Laos. Available at all international entry points | Chilean passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in Laos. The visa is issued at the airport or land border. Have a passport photo and the visa fee in cash (typically USD 30–40) ready. | Required |
| Passport validityLaos requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months after you arrive. 6 months beyond arrival | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Laos. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a blank page in your passport for the visa on arrival sticker. At least 1 page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the visa sticker. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketWhile not always checked, having a return or onward ticket can avoid issues at immigration. May be requested | Immigration officials may ask for proof of a return or onward flight. It is strongly recommended to have a confirmed ticket out of Laos. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsYou do not need to show bank statements or cash for entry. Not required | No specific proof of funds is required for entry. | Not required |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival declaration. Not required | No arrival declaration form is needed. | Not required |
| E-visaYou cannot apply for an e-visa; use the visa on arrival process instead. Not available for Chilean passport holders | Laos does not offer an e-visa for Chilean passport holders. You must obtain a visa on arrival. | Not required |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — no credit or debit cards accepted. Bring US dollars, Thai baht, or Lao kip. Exact change speeds things up.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process is well-established and takes about 10–15 minutes. No need to apply in advance. Just show up with your passport, a photo, and cash.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport or border crossing
At Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang Airport, or major land borders like Friendship Bridge (Nong Khai–Vientiane), head to the 'Visa on Arrival' counter before immigration.
2
Fill out the visa application form
Pick up a form at the counter. Fill in your details — name, passport number, date of entry, etc. Attach one passport photo.
3
Submit form and pay the fee
Hand over the completed form, your passport, and the visa fee in cash. Standard tourist visa (30 days) costs around $30–$40 USD depending on nationality. For Chileans, it's typically $35 USD.
4
Wait for processing
Processing takes about 5–15 minutes. You'll get your passport back with the visa sticker inside.
5
Proceed to immigration
After receiving your visa, go to the immigration counter. Show your passport with the visa, your boarding pass (if flying), and your onward ticket if asked.
6
Collect your luggage and exit
Once stamped, collect your bags and head out. Keep your passport handy — there may be a secondary check at the exit.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Chile Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated July 3, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (B2)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$40
Requires invitation letter from Lao company; can be extended for up to 1 year.
Multiple-entry tourist visa (M)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity3 months
Cost$50
Available at Lao embassies abroad; allows multiple entries.
retirement
Retirement Visa (B3)
1 year, renewable
$100
For applicants aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds; requires annual renewal.
business
Business Visa (B2) with work permit
1 year, renewable
$200
Requires employment contract and company sponsorship; allows long-term stay.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (tourist, 30 days)Payable in USD, THB, or LAK at entry; exact change recommended. | $35 |
| Visa extension (30 days per extension)Available at Immigration Department in Vientiane or provincial offices; up to 2 extensions allowed. | $30 |
| Overstay finePaid at immigration or airport departure; maximum fine capped at $500. | $10 per day |
| Exit fee (departure tax)No separate exit fee for international flights; land border exit may have small fee (~$1-2). | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or incorrect visa on arrival application form30%
Insufficient passport validity25%
Lack of sufficient funds for stay15%
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
Chilean passport holders transiting through Laos do not need a visa if staying airside and departing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the transit area, a visa on arrival is 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 yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Common in urban and rural areas, especially rainy season (May-October).
TyphoidModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination recommended.
Hepatitis AModerate risk
Spread through contaminated food/water; vaccination recommended.
Malaria risk: high
Risk present in rural areas, especially in the south and along borders; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
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
Saysettha Road, Vientiane
Mon-Fri 8:00-12:00, 13:00-16:00
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Immigration Office
Ban Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang
Mon-Fri 8:00-12:00, 13:00-16:00
Practical information for CL 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 tourist visa on arrival costs $35 USD. You can also pay in Thai baht (around 1,200 THB) or Lao kip (around 300,000 LAK). Exact change is preferred — bring small bills.
The visa on arrival grants a 30-day stay. It is not extendable — you must leave before it expires. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to exit and re-enter or apply for a different visa type in advance.
Yes, at all international airports (Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse, Savannakhet) and most major land borders (e.g., Friendship Bridge from Thailand, Boten from China, and border crossings from Cambodia and Vietnam). Some smaller land crossings may not offer it — check in advance.
Some airports have photo booths, but they may be out of order or charge extra. It's safer to bring two passport-sized photos (4x6 cm) with you.
Yes — you need proof of onward travel, whether by flight, bus, or train. A bus ticket or train booking works. Immigration may ask to see it.
No. The visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave the country before the 30 days are up. Overstaying incurs a fine of $10 USD per day.
As of 2026, Laos does not offer an e-visa for Chilean passport holders. The visa on arrival is the standard method. Check the official Lao immigration website for any updates.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on July 3, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.