Laos entry requirements for Peru 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
Peruvian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at all international airports and most land border crossings in Laos. This is the standard way to enter for tourism or short business visits in 2026 — no need to apply in advance.
Apply for Laos eVisaOfficial portal: Laos eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang Airport, or Pakse Airport. Cost is $30–$40 USD depending on nationality — bring exact cash in USD. You'll need two passport-sized photos and a completed application form available at the counter.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Laos | Laos strictly enforces the 6-month passport validity rule. Airlines at check-in will also verify this — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. Carry a photocopy of your passport bio page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Lao airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel within 30 days. A printed flight itinerary or booking confirmation works. If you're overlanding out, show a bus ticket or a written travel plan. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from a host. Immigration rarely asks for it at the visa-on-arrival counter, but the airline might request it at check-in. A simple booking.com confirmation is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds At least $1,000 USD equivalent | Carry at least $1,000 USD in cash or show a bank statement. Immigration officers rarely check this for visa-on-arrival entries, but the law requires it. ATMs in Laos dispense Lao kip, not USD, so bring enough cash for your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa-on-arrival counter does not accept credit cards or mobile payments. Bring USD 30–40 in cash (crisp bills preferred). ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need cash before that.
Visa-free entry for ASEAN neighbours
If you're also visiting Thailand, Vietnam, or Cambodia, check their visa rules separately. Laos is the only one in this region that requires a visa on arrival for Peruvians.
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' before immigration. At land borders like the Friendship Bridge (Nong Khai–Vientiane), the counter is just before passport control.
2
Submit your documents and pay
Hand over your passport, two photos, completed form, and the visa fee in cash (USD 30–40). The officer will process it — usually takes 5–15 minutes. Keep your boarding pass handy if asked.
3
Receive your visa and proceed to immigration
Once processed, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport. Then join the immigration queue for entry stamping. Total time from counter to exit: 20–40 minutes on a normal day.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Peru 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. $40 USD)
Apply at Lao embassy in Lima or online via eVisa.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$60 USD (approx. $60 USD)
For frequent travellers; must leave and re-enter.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 1 year
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Lao company.
retirement visa
Lao Retirement Visa (B2)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD / year
For foreigners aged 50+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires annual renewal and health check.
work visa
Lao Work Visa (B1)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD / year
For those employed by a Lao company. 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, including Peru. | $30 USD (approx. $30 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry)For those needing multiple entries; confirm at border. | $35 USD (approx. $35 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine cap may apply; avoid overstaying. | $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
Peru passport holders transiting through Laos do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
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 risk (e.g., parts of South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
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 higher in rural and forested areas, especially in southern provinces. Prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
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, Ban Phonxay, Vientiane
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Main office for extensions and visa issues; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Immigration Office
Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Handles extensions for tourists in northern Laos.
Practical information for PE 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 USD 30 for a 30-day tourist visa. Some nationalities pay USD 40 — Peruvians are in the USD 30 group. Pay in crisp US dollars or Lao kip. Have exact change if possible.
No. The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter (visa run) or apply for a different visa type before travel. Overstaying costs about USD 10 per day.
Most visa-on-arrival counters have a photo booth or a staff member who can take a photo for a small fee (around USD 2–5). But it adds time — better to bring your own.
Most major land crossings issue visas on arrival for Peruvians, including the Friendship Bridge from Thailand (Nong Khai), Boten from China, and Savannakhet from Thailand. A few remote crossings may not — check the specific border before you go.
Yes. Immigration wants proof you'll leave Laos. A bus ticket to Thailand or Vietnam works. If you're flying out, a flight booking is fine. Screenshots are accepted.
Not for the visa itself, but it's strongly recommended. Medical facilities are basic outside major towns, and evacuation to Thailand can cost thousands. A basic policy covering medical and evacuation is cheap insurance.
You'll be fined USD 10 per day at immigration when you leave. Overstays under 30 days are usually handled on the spot — no jail time. But avoid it if you can; it's a hassle and costs money.
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.