Laos entry requirements for Tanzania 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
Tanzanian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Laos. You'll handle it at the airport or land border — no need to apply in advance. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but you must have the right documents ready.
Apply for Laos eVisaOfficial portal: Laos eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Laos offers an eVisa at laoevisa.gov.la for citizens of Tanzania. The eVisa costs $50 USD and is valid for 30 days, single entry. Apply at least 3 business days before your flight — approval comes via email as a PDF. Print two copies: one for airline check-in and one for immigration at Wattay International Airport or the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months beyond entry | Your Tanzanian passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from the date you enter Laos. Airlines at Dar es Salaam and connecting hubs check this before boarding. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before booking flights. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Laos | Immigration at Wattay Airport and land borders routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket out of Laos within your eVisa's 30-day validity. A bus ticket to Thailand or a flight to Vietnam works. Without one, you may be denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed or digital hotel reservation for at least the first few nights. Immigration officers rarely ask, but airline check-in agents in Tanzania or transit hubs may request it. A booking on Booking.com or Agoda with a cancellation policy works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Carry at least $1,000 USD in cash or have a credit card with a visible limit. Immigration in Laos rarely checks this for eVisa holders, but the law allows them to ask. ATMs in Vientiane and Luang Prabang dispense Lao kip, not dollars. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — USD or Thai baht. ATMs are available at major airports but not at all land borders. Bring exact change to avoid delays.
Photo booth available
If you forget your passport photo, most airports have a photo booth near immigration. It costs a few dollars extra, but saves a headache.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
At Wattay International Airport (Vientiane) or Luang Prabang Airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival'. At land borders like Friendship Bridge, go to the immigration counter.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll get a small form on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your details, attach your photo, and hand it over with your passport.
3
Pay the fee
Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or THB). Keep the receipt — you may need it for exit.
4
Wait for processing
Processing takes 5–15 minutes. You'll get your passport back with the visa sticker inside.
5
Proceed to passport control
Join the queue for passport control. Show your passport with the visa, and your boarding pass or onward ticket if asked.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania 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$30 USD (approx. $30 USD)
Apply at Lao embassy or consulate before travel.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$35 USD (approx. $35 USD)
Available at some embassies; allows multiple entries.
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 proof of income.
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 in a Lao business. Requires business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD or Thai Baht at entry points. | $30 USD (approx. $30 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry)Available at some border crossings; confirm in advance. | $35 USD (approx. $35 USD) |
| Overstay fineMaximum fine is $500 USD. | $10 USD per day (approx. $10 USD/day) |
| Stay extension (tourist visa)Extension of 30 days at immigration office. | $30 USD (approx. $30 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel 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
Tanzania passport holders transiting through Laos do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing 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 risk (e.g., Tanzania).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanusRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas.
MalariaHigh risk
Present in rural areas, especially forested regions.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesHigh risk
Risk of diarrhea, cholera, and hepatitis from contaminated food/water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in rural areas, especially in the south and along borders. 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 visa extensions and re-entry permits.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Immigration Office
Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for tourists in the north.
Practical information for TZ 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 $30–$40 USD, depending on the type of visa (tourist or business). Pay in USD or Thai baht — cash only. Some border crossings may charge a small extra 'processing fee'.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave Laos before it expires. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to exit and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before traveling.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area, you'll need the visa on arrival.
Most major land borders (like the Friendship Bridge from Thailand) offer visa on arrival for Tanzanians. The process is the same as at airports — fill the form, pay, get your visa. Smaller crossings may not offer it, so check ahead.
Laos does offer an e-visa for some nationalities, but Tanzanian passport holders are not currently eligible. You must use the visa-on-arrival system.
Immigration may deny entry. It's a standard requirement. Book a refundable onward ticket or a cheap bus ticket out of Laos to be safe.
No vaccines are required for entry. But hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccines are recommended. Check with your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel.
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.