United States entry requirements for Laos passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
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
Laos passport holders need a visa to enter the United States. You must apply for a nonimmigrant visa (like B-1/B-2 for tourism or business) at the U.S. Embassy in Vientiane before you travel. As of 2026, there is no visa waiver or visa-on-arrival option for Lao citizens.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application B-1/B-2 visitor visa | Apply for a nonimmigrant visa at the US embassy or consulate in your home country. Complete the DS-160 form online, pay the $185 USD fee, and schedule an in-person interview. Approval is not guaranteed — apply well before your planned travel date.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the United States. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by US law, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return ticket or a ticket to your next destination ready. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or a letter from your US host with their address and contact info. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Show you can cover your stay — recent bank statements, credit card limits, or traveler's checks work. No set minimum amount, but $100–$200 USD per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
No visa waiver for Lao passport holders
Laos is not part of the US Visa Waiver Program. You cannot use ESTA. You must get a visa before traveling — no exceptions.
Visa interview wait times can be long
Appointment slots at the U.S. Embassy in Vientiane fill up quickly. Check the embassy website for current wait times and apply at least 3 months before your intended travel date.
What happens at the border
1
Complete DS-160 form online
Go to ceac.state.gov and fill out the DS-160. Upload a 2x2 inch photo (white background, no glasses). Save the barcode confirmation page — you'll need it for the interview.
2
Pay the visa application fee
Pay the non-refundable MRV fee (currently $185 USD) via bank transfer or at designated banks in Laos. Keep the receipt.
3
Schedule your interview
Book an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Vientiane through the online system. Wait times vary — book at least 2–3 months before your planned travel.
4
Attend the interview
Arrive at the embassy with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, photo, and supporting documents. The officer will ask about your trip, ties to Laos, and plans. Be honest and concise.
5
Wait for visa processing
If approved, your passport will be returned with the visa sticker within a few days to a few weeks. You can track it online.
6
Travel to the US
At the US port of entry (airport), present your passport with visa. The CBP officer may ask about your stay, accommodation, and return ticket. You'll be fingerprinted and photographed.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityTypically 10 years for qualified applicants
Cost$160 USD
Standard visa for tourism or business visits; must apply at US embassy/consulate.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityTypically 10 years for qualified applicants
Cost$160 USD
Same as single entry but allows multiple entries during validity.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days grace
ValidityDuration of academic program
Cost$160 USD (SEVIS fee additional $350)
For full-time students enrolled in US academic institutions.
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Max stayDuration of program (varies)
ValidityProgram-specific
Cost$160 USD (SEVIS fee $220)
For approved exchange programs, including work-and-travel.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 6 years (3+3 renewal)
$460 USD filing fee + legal fees
For professionals in specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree or higher. Employer must sponsor. Annual cap and lottery apply.
student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace
$160 USD + SEVIS $350
For full-time students at accredited US institutions. Allows part-time on-campus work. Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation.
investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000 minimum investment (or $800,000 in TEA)
For investors who create at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers. Leads to permanent residency and eventual citizenship.
exchange visitor visa
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Program-specific (usually 1–2 years)
$160 USD + SEVIS $220
For approved exchange programs including research, teaching, and cultural exchange. Some programs require return to home country for 2 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for most nonimmigrant visas. | $160 USD (equivalent to ~$160 USD) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for many applicants. | $160 USD (equivalent to ~$160 USD) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)For extending B1/B2 stay beyond initial I-94 period; processing takes months. | $370 USD (equivalent to ~$370 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstay can result in 3- or 10-year bars; avoid at all costs. | Varies; typically no fixed per-day fine, but may lead to bars and penalties |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Weak home ties20%
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 United States
Transit visa required
Laos passport holders generally need a C-1 transit visa to transit through the US, even if not leaving the airport. Exceptions apply for certain visa holders.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a separate transit visa.
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa may transit without a visa under the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program at select airports.
- Holders of a valid Green Card or certain other visas may be exempt.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, flu)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease)Moderate risk
Risk in wooded areas of Northeast, Midwest, and Pacific Coast; use repellent and check for ticks.
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus)Low risk
Present nationwide, especially summer; use insect repellent.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
General risk from undercooked food; practice food safety.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
USCIS Washington District Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and change of status; appointments required.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For extension applications; long wait times.
Practical information for LA travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing time varies. After the interview, it usually takes 3–10 business days for the visa to be issued and your passport returned. However, interview appointment wait times can be several weeks or months, so apply well in advance.
No. All nonimmigrant visa applicants from Laos must attend an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy in Vientiane, unless you are under 14 or over 79 (and even then, exceptions apply). The DS-160 form is online, but the interview is mandatory.
If denied, the officer will give you a reason (usually under Section 214(b) — insufficient ties to Laos). You can reapply, but you'll need to address the reason for denial with stronger evidence. There is no appeal process.
Yes. Even if you're just transiting through a US airport to another country, you generally need a C-1 transit visa or a B-1/B-2 visa. There is no transit without a visa for Lao passport holders.
The non-refundable application fee (MRV fee) is $185 USD as of 2026. This covers processing and the interview. There are no additional visa issuance fees for most categories.
Yes, but you must apply to USCIS before your authorized stay expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and require a valid reason. Overstaying can lead to bans.
Bring your passport (valid 6+ months), DS-160 confirmation page, visa fee receipt, one 2x2 inch photo, and supporting documents: bank statements, employment letter, property deeds, travel itinerary, and any previous US visas.
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.