Laos entry requirements for Ireland 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
Irish passport holders can get a visa on arrival at all international airports and most land border crossings in Laos. The process is straightforward — you fill out a form, pay the fee in US dollars, and receive your visa in about 15 minutes. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for short tourist visits.
Apply for Laos eVisaOfficial portal: Laos eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang Airport, or major land borders. Have $30–$40 USD in cash (exact change preferred), two passport photos, and a completed visa application form (handed out on the plane or at the counter). The process takes 10–20 minutes.Check visa requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Laos | Your passport needs at least two blank pages for the visa sticker and entry/exit stamps. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires within 6 months of your departure from Laos, they may deny boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel — a flight out of Laos within your visa validity. Budget airlines (AirAsia, VietJet) are strict about this at check-in. A bus ticket to Thailand or Vietnam also works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host's address | Have your first night's hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers rarely ask, but if you arrive without any address, they may question your plans. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds At least $1,000 USD or equivalent | Carry cash (USD, THB, or EUR) or a bank statement showing you can cover your stay. Immigration rarely checks, but if you look like you're traveling on a shoestring, they may ask. | Recommended |
Bring exact change in USD
The visa counter rarely has change for large bills. Bring $35 in small denominations ($20 + $10 + $5) to avoid hassle. ATMs are available after immigration, but you can't use them before paying.
Photo booth available at airports
If you forget a passport photo, most airports have a photo booth near the visa counter. It costs about $2–$3 and prints in a minute. Saves a trip back to the queue.
Visa on arrival is the easiest option
For Irish citizens, the visa on arrival is straightforward, cheap, and available at all major entry points. No need to apply in advance or pay for an e-visa.
What happens at the border
1
Fill out the arrival form
On the plane or at the visa counter, grab an arrival/departure card and a visa application form. Fill them out in capital letters. You'll need your passport number, flight number, and hotel address.
2
Queue at the Visa on Arrival counter
At Wattay International Airport (Vientiane) or Luang Prabang Airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival'. Hand over your passport, completed forms, photo, and cash. The officer will process it and call your name.
3
Pay and collect your visa
Pay the fee (typically $35 for Irish citizens). Wait about 10–15 minutes. They'll call your name — check the sticker is correct before walking away.
4
Proceed to immigration
Walk to the immigration counter with your passport and visa sticker. They'll stamp you in. Keep the departure card in your passport — you'll need it when you leave.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland 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. €37)
Apply at Lao embassy/consulate before travel. Allows one entry.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$60 USD (approx. €55)
For multiple visits within validity. Apply at embassy.
business visa
Business Visa (B-2)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
~$50 USD (approx. €46) per year
For those with a Lao company sponsor or work permit. Requires employer letter and approval from Ministry of Labour.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant O-A)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. €92) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires health certificate and police clearance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD or Thai baht at entry points. Two passport photos required. | $35 USD (approx. €32) |
| Overstay fineNo official cap, but fines accumulate daily. Avoid overstaying. | $10 USD per day (approx. €9) |
| Stay extension (at immigration office)Extension possible once for 30 days. Apply before visa expires. | $2 USD (approx. €1.80) per day for up to 30 days |
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
Ireland passport holders transiting through Laos airports do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
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 remote travel.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to street food and untreated water. Stick to bottled water and well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in rural areas, especially in southern provinces (Champasak, Attapeu). Prophylaxis recommended for extended rural stays.
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
Samsenthai Road, Ban Phonxay, Vientiane
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
For visa extensions and overstay clearance. Bring passport, 2 photos, and fee.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Immigration Office
Main Road near the night market, Luang Prabang
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Handles extensions for tourists in the north. Arrive early.
Practical information for IE 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 $35 USD for a 30-day tourist visa. Some land border crossings may charge slightly more (around $40). Always pay in US dollars — crisp, undamaged bills only. They won't accept euros or pounds.
Yes, you can extend your tourist visa once for an additional 30 days. Go to the Immigration Department in Vientiane (near the Lao Plaza Hotel) or a local travel agency. The cost is about $2 per day plus a small processing fee. You cannot extend a second time — you'd need to leave and re-enter.
Most major land borders (like the Friendship Bridge from Thailand, or the border from Cambodia at Dom Kralor) offer visa on arrival for Irish citizens. The process is the same: fill out forms, pay in USD, wait 10–15 minutes. Some smaller crossings may not offer it — check before you go.
Yes, you need proof of onward travel regardless of mode. A bus ticket to Thailand or Cambodia works. If you're flying out, a flight booking is fine. Immigration rarely checks, but airlines may ask before boarding.
You can apply for an e-visa through the official Lao e-visa portal, but it's not necessary for Irish citizens. The visa on arrival is faster and cheaper. The e-visa costs around $50 and takes 3 business days to process.
Overstay is fined at $10 USD per day, payable at immigration when you leave. They'll calculate the exact number of days. It's not a criminal issue, but it's expensive — a 10-day overstay costs $100. Avoid it by extending or leaving on time.
No, departure tax is included in your airfare. You don't need to pay anything extra when leaving by plane. If leaving by land, there's no additional fee either.
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.