Laos entry requirements for India 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
Indian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at all international airports and most land border crossings in Laos. Just show up with your documents and pay the fee in cash. As of 2026, this is the standard way to enter Laos for tourism.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival application Apply on arrival at Lao airports or land borders | Get your visa on arrival at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang Airport, or major land border crossings. Bring a passport photo (4x6 cm) and pay in cash — US dollars ($30–$42 depending on nationality) or Thai baht. The process takes 10–15 minutes at the counter before immigration.Check visa fees | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Laos strictly enforces the 6-month passport validity rule. Your passport must have at least two blank pages for the visa sticker and entry stamp. Airlines at departure check this before letting you board. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Laos | Immigration officers at Wattay Airport and land borders routinely ask for a flight or bus ticket out of Laos. A printed itinerary or e-ticket on your phone works. If you're overlanding to Thailand or Vietnam, show your bus booking. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your first night's hotel confirmation ready — printed or on your phone. If staying with friends, a simple invitation letter with their address and phone number is accepted. Immigration rarely asks, but budget airlines sometimes check at check-in. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement showing sufficient money | Carry at least $200 USD or equivalent in Thai baht or Lao kip per person. Immigration rarely asks for proof, but having cash visible in your wallet avoids any questions. ATMs in Laos charge high fees (around 20,000 LAK per withdrawal). | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards accepted
The visa-on-arrival counter only takes cash. No credit cards, no ATMs nearby. Bring USD 30 in good condition (no tears, no writing). If you only have large bills, ask for change before you queue.
Visa on arrival is for tourism only
This visa is for tourism, business visits, or short stays. If you plan to work, study, or stay longer than 30 days, you need a different visa arranged before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the visa-on-arrival counter
At Wattay International Airport (Vientiane) or Luang Prabang Airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' after baggage claim. At land borders, look for the immigration office before the main gate.
2
Fill out the application form
Pick up a visa application form at the counter. Fill in your details — name, passport number, arrival date, departure date. Use black or blue ink. Keep it neat.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, two photos, and the visa fee in cash (USD 30). The officer will process it — usually takes 5–15 minutes.
4
Receive your passport with visa sticker
Once approved, you'll get your passport back with a visa sticker. Check the validity dates — it's usually 30 days from entry. Keep the sticker safe.
5
Proceed to immigration
Walk to the immigration counter with your passport and visa. They'll stamp you in. That's it — you're in Laos.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · India 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 date
Cost$35 USD (approx. ₹2,900)
Apply at Lao embassy or consulate in advance.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. ₹4,150)
Requires supporting documents for multiple entries.
Long-Stay Visa (B2)
Max stay1 year, renewable annually
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. ₹8,300)
For business, investment, or retirement; requires sponsorship.
retirement visa
Lao Retirement Visa (B2)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD / year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires annual renewal and local address registration.
work visa
Lao Work Visa (B1)
1 year, renewable annually
~$150 USD / year
For foreign employees with a Lao employer sponsor. Requires work permit and health check.
investor visa
Lao Investor Visa (B3)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD / year
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 in a Lao business. Includes multiple entry privileges.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD or Thai Baht at entry points. | $30 USD (approx. ₹2,500) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD. | $10 USD per day (approx. ₹830) |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Extension is not available for Visa on Arrival; must leave and re-enter. | $30 USD (approx. ₹2,500) |
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
Indian passport holders transiting through Laos do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or changing terminals, a Visa on Arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Laos may transit without additional visa.
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
Present in rural areas, especially in the south; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
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, especially in the south (Champasak, Attapeu). 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
Samsenthai Road, Vientiane
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For visa extensions and re-entry permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Immigration Office
Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for tourists; arrive early to avoid queues.
Practical information for IN 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
Yes, at all international airports (Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse) and most major land border crossings with Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and China. A few smaller land crossings may not offer it — check ahead if you're using a remote border.
USD 30 for a 30-day tourist visa. Some border posts may charge a small 'processing fee' (USD 1–2) on top. Always carry USD in good condition — no tears, no marks.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel. Plan your trip within 30 days.
Technically yes — immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. In practice, it's not always checked, but it's safer to have a booked onward ticket (flight, bus, or train) ready on your phone.
Most visa-on-arrival counters have a photo service, but they charge extra (around USD 2–5). It's faster and cheaper to bring your own two photos.
Some border posts accept Lao Kip or Thai Baht, but the exchange rate may be poor. USD is the safest and most widely accepted. Bring small bills.
Usually 5–15 minutes if you have all documents ready. At busy times (e.g., multiple flights arriving together), it can take up to 30 minutes. Not a long wait.
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.