Laos entry requirements for United Kingdom 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
British passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Laos in 2026. The process is straightforward at major entry points — just bring your passport, a passport photo, and cash in US dollars. The visa on arrival is valid for 30 days and can be extended once for an additional 30 days.
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 border crossings. Cost is $30–$40 USD depending on nationality — bring cash in crisp US dollars. Have two passport-sized photos ready; if you don't have them, they'll charge an extra $1–$2 at the counter.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Laos | Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from the day you leave Laos. Immigration officers at Wattay check this strictly — if you're under 6 months, they'll deny entry on the spot. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | You need a confirmed onward or return ticket out of Laos within 30 days. Airlines at check-in will ask to see it — if you don't have one, they won't let you board. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration rarely asks for a printed booking, but have your hotel confirmation on your phone or printed out. If you're staying with friends, get a letter of invitation from them. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Officials may ask to see at least $1,000 USD in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. ATMs in Laos dispense Lao kip and Thai baht, but US dollars are preferred for the visa fee. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — no cards, no mobile payments. US dollars are preferred, but Thai baht is sometimes accepted. Bring small bills ($20s or $10s) to avoid change issues.
Keep your arrival card
When you go through immigration, you'll be given an arrival card. Don't lose it — you'll need to hand it back when you leave Laos. If you lose it, you may face a small fine at departure.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the visa on arrival counter
After landing at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane or Luang Prabang International Airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' before immigration. There's usually a queue — be patient.
2
Fill out the application form
You'll be given a small form to fill out. It asks for basic info: name, passport number, flight number, and where you're staying. Keep it simple.
3
Submit your documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, the completed form, your passport photo, and the visa fee in US dollars. The officer will process it — this usually takes 5-10 minutes.
4
Collect your passport with visa
Once processed, you'll get your passport back with the visa sticker inside. Check the validity dates before walking away.
5
Proceed to immigration
With your visa in hand, head to the immigration counters. Present your passport and visa, and you'll be stamped in. Keep the arrival card they give you — you'll need it when you leave.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom 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
Cost$30 USD (approx. £24)
Apply at Lao embassy or consulate before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$35 USD (approx. £28)
Available from Lao embassies; allows multiple entries.
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 1 year
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$40 USD (approx. £32)
Requires invitation letter from Lao company.
retirement visa
Lao Retirement Visa (B2)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD / year
For those aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires annual renewal and proof of income. Allows long-term stay without work.
work visa
Lao Work Visa (B1/B2)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD / year
For foreign employees with a Lao employer. Requires work permit and company sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Lao Investor Visa (B3)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD / year
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 in a Lao business. Requires business registration 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. £24) |
| Visa on arrival (multiple entry)Available at some border crossings; confirm in advance. | $35 USD (approx. £28) |
| Stay extension (per 30 days)Apply at immigration office before visa expires. | $30 USD (approx. £24) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum fine $500 USD; pay at immigration or airport. | $10 USD (approx. £8) |
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
UK 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 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 yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis 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 high-risk zones.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is highest in rural areas of southern Laos (Champasak, Attapeu). 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
Khun Bu Lom Road, Vientiane
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for extensions; bring passport, photo, and fee.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Immigration Office
Sakkaline Road, Luang Prabang
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:00
Handles extensions for tourists in northern Laos.
Practical information for GB 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 visa on arrival fee for UK passport holders is typically $35-$40 USD. Pay in cash — US dollars are preferred. Some border crossings may charge in Thai baht or Lao kip, but USD is safest.
Yes, you can extend your visa once for an additional 30 days. Visit the Immigration Department in Vientiane or a provincial immigration office. The extension costs around $30 USD and takes a few hours to process.
Most airports and border crossings have a photo booth or a nearby shop that can take one for a small fee. But it's easier to bring your own — saves time and hassle.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at most international border crossings, including the Friendship Bridge from Thailand (Nong Khai to Vientiane), and from Cambodia at Dom Kralor. Check the specific crossing beforehand — some remote crossings may not offer it.
Technically, you need proof of onward travel. If entering by land, a bus ticket out of Laos or a flight booking from Laos works. Immigration rarely asks, but it's better to have something.
The visa on arrival grants a stay of 30 days. You can extend it once for another 30 days at an immigration office. Overstaying costs about $10 USD per day.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
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.