Laos entry requirements for Portugal 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
Portuguese passport holders can get a visa on arrival at all international entry points in Laos. This is the standard method for tourism and short business visits — no need to apply in advance. As of 2025, the process is straightforward but requires a few specific documents ready at the counter.
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 border crossings. Have $30–$40 USD in cash (exact change preferred) and two passport-sized photos ready. The process takes 10–15 minutes at the counter.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date | Your passport needs at least two blank pages for the visa sticker and entry stamp. Laos strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule — airlines check this at check-in. If your passport expires sooner, renew before booking. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a flight out of Laos — have your printed or digital boarding pass ready. A bus ticket to Thailand or Cambodia also works. If you don't have one, buy a cheap refundable ticket before arrival. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed copy of your first night's hotel confirmation or a letter from your host. Immigration rarely asks, but budget airlines sometimes check at departure. A simple Booking.com confirmation works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds At least $1,000 USD equivalent | Officials may ask to see cash or a bank statement showing you can support yourself. $1,000 USD in cash, traveler's checks, or a credit card with a decent limit covers this. ATMs in Laos dispense kip and some USD. | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards accepted
The visa-on-arrival counter does not accept credit or debit cards. Bring crisp US dollars (no tears, no marks) or Lao Kip. ATMs are available after immigration, but you need cash to get through.
Photo booth available but slow
If you forget passport photos, there's usually a booth or staff photographer at the visa counter. Expect to wait an extra 5–10 minutes and pay a small fee ($1–$2).
What happens at the border
1
Fill out the arrival form
On the plane or at the airport, grab a Lao arrival/departure card and a visa-on-arrival application form. Fill them out in capital letters — use your passport details exactly.
2
Go to the Visa on Arrival counter
At Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang Airport, or any land border crossing, head to the 'Visa on Arrival' counter before passport control. Hand over your passport, completed form, two photos, and the fee.
3
Wait for processing
Processing takes 5–15 minutes depending on the queue. You'll get a receipt and your passport back with the visa sticker inside.
4
Proceed to passport control
Walk to the immigration officer, show your passport with the new visa, and get your entry stamp. Keep the departure card stub — you'll need it when leaving.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Portugal 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$40 USD (approx. €37)
Apply at Lao embassy or consulate before travel. Extension costs $30 USD.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$60 USD (approx. €56)
Allows multiple entries. Extension costs $30 USD per entry.
retirement visa
Lao Retirement Visa (B2)
1 year, renewable annually
$100 USD (approx. €93) per year
For foreigners aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires health insurance and local address. Allows multiple entries.
work visa
Lao Work Visa (B1)
1 year, renewable
$150 USD (approx. €140) per year
For those employed by a Lao company. Requires work permit and employer sponsorship. Allows stay for employment.
investor visa
Lao Investor Visa (B3)
1 year, renewable
$200 USD (approx. €186) per year
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in a Lao business. Requires business registration and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD or Thai Baht at entry points. Valid for 30 days. | $30 USD (approx. €28) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within 30 days. Same payment method. | $35 USD (approx. €33) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration or airport upon departure. Avoid overstaying to prevent future issues. | $10 USD per day (approx. €9), max $500 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
Portugal passport holders transiting through Laos do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land border transit, a visa may be required.
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-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubellaRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially rainy season.
MalariaHigh risk
Present in rural areas, especially in the south and along borders.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, cholera, and hepatitis from contaminated food/water.
Malaria risk: high
Risk is highest in rural areas, especially in the south and along the Mekong River. 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
Khounboulom Road, Vientiane
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Immigration Office
Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Handles extensions for tourists in the north. Same requirements as Vientiane.
Practical information for PT 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 gives you 30 days. You can extend it once for an additional 30 days at the Immigration Department in Vientiane or at provincial immigration offices — cost is about $30 USD.
Yes, most land border crossings issue visas on arrival, including the popular Friendship Bridge from Thailand (Nong Khai to Vientiane) and the border from Cambodia at Dom Kralor. Check the specific crossing beforehand — a few remote crossings may not offer it.
Most visa-on-arrival counters have a photo booth or a staff member who can take your picture for a small fee (around $1–$2). But the queue can be long — better to bring your own.
No. The visa-on-arrival counter only accepts cash — US dollars or Lao Kip. Some counters also accept Thai Baht. Have the exact amount ready to avoid change issues.
Technically yes — you need proof of onward travel. If you're leaving by bus or train, a printed booking confirmation or e-ticket works. Airlines are stricter about this than land border officials.
Yes, at all international airports: Wattay (Vientiane), Luang Prabang, and Pakse. Also at the new airport in Savannakhet. Domestic-only airports do not have visa-on-arrival facilities.
Overstay is fined at $10 USD per day, payable at immigration when you leave. It's not a criminal issue for short overstays, but avoid going over 30 days without an extension — it can cause problems at the border.
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.