Laos entry requirements for Hungary passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Hungarian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Laos. You fill out a form at the airport or border crossing, pay the fee in cash (USD or THB), and receive a 30-day stamp. This has been the standard procedure for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival application Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang Airport, or major land borders. Have a passport photo and $30–$40 USD in cash ready — ATMs at the airport are unreliable. The form is handed out on the plane or at the counter.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must have at least 6 months validity beyond your stay | Your Hungarian passport needs at least 6 months remaining validity from your date of entry. Airlines check this before boarding — if you're under 6 months, they'll deny boarding. Laos immigration does not enforce the 6-month rule strictly, but the airline will. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at Wattay Airport ask to see a flight out of Laos — a return ticket or a ticket to a third country. If you don't have one, they'll direct you to a nearby travel agency counter to buy one on the spot. Budget airlines like AirAsia check this at check-in too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have a booking | Immigration rarely asks for a hotel booking, but if you're arriving without a plan, they may question your itinerary. Have a hostel or hotel confirmation on your phone — Booking.com or Agoda receipts work fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have cash or card | Laos does not have a formal funds requirement for visa on arrival, but carrying at least $200 USD in cash or a card with a visible balance helps if asked. ATMs in Laos charge high fees (around 20,000 LAK per withdrawal). | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards accepted
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or THB). There are no ATMs before immigration. Bring small bills — officers rarely have change.
Visa on arrival is single-entry only
You get one entry. If you leave Laos and want to return, you'll need to apply for a new visa on arrival again.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the visa-on-arrival counter
At Wattay International Airport (Vientiane) or Luang Prabang International Airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' after baggage claim. At land borders like Friendship Bridge (Nong Khai–Vientiane), the counter is just after passport control.
2
Fill out the application form
Grab a form from the counter. Fill in your personal details, passport number, and accommodation address. Attach your passport photo. If you don't have a photo, there's usually a booth nearby (costs about 50 THB).
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, photo, and cash (USD or THB). The officer will process your visa. Wait time is typically 5–15 minutes, but can be longer during peak hours.
4
Receive your passport with visa sticker
Once processed, you'll get your passport back with a 30-day visa sticker. Check that the dates are correct before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed to immigration
Walk to the immigration desk with your passport. The officer will stamp you in. Keep the departure card (if given) safe — you'll need it when leaving.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Hungary Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 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)
For multiple visits within validity period.
retirement visa
Lao Retirement Visa (B2)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD / year
For foreigners 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 / year
For those employed by a Lao company or NGO. Requires work permit and employer sponsorship.
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.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Standard fee for most nationalities 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 dayNo official cap, but fines accumulate quickly. | $10 USD per day (approx. $10 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Hungary passport holders transiting through Laos do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing 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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent year-round; use repellent and nets.
MalariaHigh risk
Risk in rural areas, especially southern provinces; prophylaxis recommended.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Risk is high in rural and forested areas, especially in the south. Prophylaxis (e.g., doxycycline, atovaquone-proguanil) is recommended for most travellers.
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
Khounboulom Road, Vientiane
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Immigration Office
Sakkaline Road, Luang Prabang
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for tourists in the north.
Practical information for HU 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 fee is typically USD 30–40 or THB 1,000–1,500. It varies slightly by nationality and border crossing. Bring small bills — officers rarely have change. Credit cards are not accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter (visa run) or apply for a longer visa at a Lao embassy before travel.
Most visa-on-arrival counters have a photo booth or a staff member who can take a photo for a small fee (around 50 THB or 20,000 LAK). It's cheaper to bring your own.
Most international airports (Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse) and major land borders (Friendship Bridge from Thailand, Boten from China) offer visa on arrival. Some smaller land crossings may not — check ahead if you're entering overland.
Yes, immigration may ask for a return or onward ticket. It's a standard requirement. Keep a screenshot or printed copy handy.
USD or Thai Baht are the most accepted. Lao Kip is rarely accepted for the visa fee. Bring small denominations — USD 1, 5, 10 or THB 100 notes.
Typically 5–15 minutes at quiet times, but can be 30–45 minutes if multiple flights arrive at once. Factor this into your plans.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.