Laos entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders can get a visa on arrival at all international entry points in Laos. Bring your documents and cash in USD or Thai Baht. This has been the standard procedure for Kiwis visiting Laos for tourism since 2025.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Apply at the airport or land border | New Zealand passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang Airport, and major land border crossings. Bring one passport photo and pay the fee in cash (USD or THB accepted — $30–$40 USD depending on nationality). The queue at Wattay can take 30–60 minutes; have the exact amount ready.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date | Laos enforces the 6-month validity rule strictly at the border. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Carry a photocopy of the bio page as backup. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa-on-arrival entry | Immigration officers at Wattay and land borders routinely ask for proof of onward travel within 30 days. A printed or digital flight booking showing departure from Laos works. Budget airlines like AirAsia and Thai Lion check this before issuing a boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration rarely asks for this at the airport, but the visa-on-arrival application form asks for an address in Laos. Have a hotel confirmation or a friend's address ready to write on the form. If you're backpacking, book a cheap guesthouse for the first night. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Laos does not have a fixed minimum, but carrying at least $300 USD equivalent in cash (or a card with ATM access) covers the visa fee and a few days of expenses. ATMs in Vientiane and Luang Prabang dispense LAK, but the exchange rate at border ATMs is poor. | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards accepted
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash. USD is preferred, but Thai Baht and Lao Kip are also accepted. Have small bills ready, as officials may not have change for large notes. ATMs are available after immigration, but you won't have access before paying.
Photo booth available at major airports
If you forget your passport photos, Wattay and Luang Prabang airports have photo booths near the visa-on-arrival counter. They cost about USD 5 and take a few minutes. Save time by bringing your own.
What happens at the border
1
Fill out forms on the plane
You'll receive an arrival card and a visa application form during your flight. Fill them out before landing to save time at the airport.
2
Go to the Visa on Arrival counter
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival', usually before immigration. At Wattay International Airport in Vientiane and Luang Prabang International Airport, the counter is clearly marked. Hand over your passport, completed forms, two photos, and the fee.
3
Wait for processing
Processing takes 5–15 minutes depending on queue length. You'll get a receipt and your passport with the visa sticker inside.
4
Proceed to immigration
Take your passport with the visa sticker to the immigration counter. They'll stamp you in. Keep the departure card they give you, as you'll need it when leaving.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand 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$30 USD (approx. $30 USD)
Apply at Lao embassy or consulate before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$35 USD (approx. $35 USD)
Allows multiple entries; useful for regional travel.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 1 year
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. $40 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Lao company.
retirement visa
Lao Retirement Visa (B2)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD / year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires annual renewal and local bank deposit.
work visa
Lao Work Visa (B1)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD / year
For foreign employees with a Lao employer. Requires work permit and company sponsorship.
investor visa
Lao Investor Visa (B3)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD / year
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in a Lao business. Includes multiple entry privileges.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Standard fee for New Zealand passport holders at entry points. | $30 USD (approx. $30 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (multiple entry)Available at major entry points; allows multiple entries during validity. | $35 USD (approx. $35 USD) |
| Stay extension (per 30 days)Apply at immigration office before current visa expires. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum fine cap may apply; avoid overstaying to prevent penalties. | $10 USD (approx. $10 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Laos do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsWattay International Airport (Vientiane) · Luang Prabang 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 disease common in urban and rural areas; use insect repellent.
MalariaModerate risk
Present in rural areas, especially in the south; consider prophylaxis.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is highest in rural forested areas, especially in southern provinces. 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
Main office for extensions and visa issues; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Immigration Office
Ban Pakham, Luang Prabang
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for tourists in northern Laos.
Practical information for NZ 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 standard tourist visa on arrival costs USD 30–40, depending on the entry point. At Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, it's usually USD 35. At land borders, it may be USD 30. Pay in USD, Thai Baht, or Lao Kip, cash only.
Yes, tourist visas can be extended once for up to 60 additional days at the Immigration Department in Vientiane or at provincial immigration offices. The cost is about USD 2 per day. You'll need your passport, a completed application form, and a passport photo.
Visa on arrival is available at most international land border crossings, including the Friendship Bridge from Thailand at Nong Khai–Vientiane and from Cambodia at Trapeang Kriel–Nong Nok Khiene. The process is the same with forms, photos, and cash, but queues can be longer. Have small bills ready.
Yes, you still need proof of onward travel. A bus ticket, train ticket, or flight booking out of Laos is acceptable. A screenshot on your phone is fine.
Overstay fines are USD 10 per day, payable at immigration when you leave. It's not a criminal offense, but it's best to avoid it, as you'll be flagged and may face delays at the border. Extend your visa instead.
Yes, all international airports in Laos offer visa on arrival: Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, Luang Prabang International Airport, and Pakse International Airport. The process is the same at each.
No, travel insurance is not a formal requirement for the visa on arrival. However, it's strongly recommended, as medical evacuation from Laos can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and local hospitals often require upfront payment.
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.