Laos entry requirements for Taiwan 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
Taiwan passport holders can get a visa on arrival at all international airports and most land borders in Laos. Just have your documents ready and pay the fee in cash. This applies for 2026.
Apply for Laos eVisaOfficial portal: Laos eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival application Apply at the airport or border checkpoint | Get your visa on arrival at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang Airport, or major land borders. Pay in cash (USD or THB accepted) — $30–$42 USD depending on nationality. Bring two passport-sized photos or pay an extra $1–$2 for on-site photo service.Check visa requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Laos strictly enforces the 6-month passport validity rule. Airlines at Taoyuan and Kaohsiung check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. No exceptions at the border. | 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. Have a printed or digital copy of your onward booking ready. Overland exits (to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia) are accepted. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration rarely asks for this at the visa-on-arrival counter, but the visa application form asks for an address in Laos. Have your first night's hotel confirmation handy — a screenshot on your phone works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement showing sufficient money | Laos does not have a fixed minimum amount, but officers may ask how you plan to fund your trip. Carry at least $200–$300 USD equivalent in cash (USD or THB) — ATMs are unreliable outside major towns. | Recommended |
Cash only at the visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — no credit or debit cards accepted. Have US dollars, Thai baht, or Lao kip in small bills. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need cash before that.
Passport photo backup
Even if you bring your own photo, keep a couple of extras in your bag. Some border officials ask for two, and if yours gets lost, you'll pay a small fee for a new one.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the border or airport
At Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang Airport, or any land border like Friendship Bridge (Nong Khai), head to the 'Visa on Arrival' counter before immigration. There's usually a separate queue.
2
Fill out the application form
Pick up a visa application form at the counter. Fill it out with your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation. Keep it simple — no need for fancy handwriting.
3
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, completed form, passport photo (if you have one), and the visa fee in cash. The officer will process it — usually takes 5-15 minutes.
4
Collect your passport with visa
Once processed, you'll get your passport back with a visa sticker. Check the validity dates and your name spelling before walking away.
5
Proceed to immigration
Walk to the immigration counter with your passport and visa. They'll stamp you in. Keep the arrival card (if given) — you'll need it when leaving.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Taiwan 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$35 USD (approx. $35 USD)
Apply at Lao embassy in Taipei or online via eVisa.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)
Available at Lao embassy; requires supporting documents.
eVisa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity60 days from issue
Cost$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)
Apply online at laoevisa.gov.la; faster processing.
retirement visa
Lao Retirement Visa (B2)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD / year
For those aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires annual renewal and local address.
work visa
Lao Work Visa (B1)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD / year
For foreign employees with a job offer and work permit. Requires employer sponsorship.
investor visa
Lao Investor Visa (B3)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD / year
For those investing at least $50,000 USD in a Lao business. Requires proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD or Thai Baht at entry points. | $30 USD (approx. $30 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD. | $10 USD per day (approx. $10 USD) |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Extension is not standard for VoA; check with immigration. | $30 USD (approx. $30 USD) |
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
Taiwan passport holders transiting through Laos (e.g., at Wattay International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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 Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially rainy season.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in rural areas, especially southern provinces; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk 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
Main office for extensions and visa issues; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Immigration Office
Ban Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for tourists; limited services.
Practical information for TW 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 fee is typically $30-40 USD, but it varies by border point. At Wattay Airport in Vientiane, it's usually $35. Pay in US dollars, Thai baht, or Lao kip — exact change is appreciated. Credit cards are not accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before you travel. Overstaying is fined at about $10 per day.
Yes, immigration at land borders also checks for onward travel. A bus ticket out of Laos or a flight from a neighboring country works. A screenshot on your phone is fine.
No problem — the visa officer will take your photo for a small fee (around $1-2). Just have the cash ready. But if you bring your own, it speeds things up.
Usually 5-15 minutes at the counter, plus waiting time if there's a queue. At busy times (like holidays), it can take 30-45 minutes. Arrive with patience.
No, the visa on arrival is single-entry. If you leave Laos and want to come back, you'll need to apply for a new visa on arrival again.
Not officially required, but strongly recommended. Medical costs in Laos can be high — a hospital stay for something like dengue fever can run hundreds of dollars per day. Get a policy that covers evacuation.
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.