Formalities for entering the country used to be long, difficult, expensive and restrictive. They’ve become much more flexible these last few years. The administration has made a great effort, but they are still influenced by a French past which wasn’t particularly efficient. With a smile, everything becomes much easier in this country For those that are interested ...
Previously (up until the 1st of June 2012)
- A valid passport, (with a period of at least 6 months before needing renewal)
- 2 recent identity photographs, in colour or black & white, size 1,18”x1,57”
- A valid visa (i.e. with all dates valid…)
The visa
- From the Embassy in Laos : For tourists, possibility to get visas for one or two months. They give the right to enter one time only (not multi-entry visa) in Laos for the number of days requested. Expect to pay 30 to 50 euros for a one month visa.
- From Thailand : You can obtain a month’s visa in one day. Count at least 3 days if you’re in Chiang Mai
- On the Lao border : It is delivered without any problems at the International borders (not the local ones), 30 to 45 dollars (according to your nationality) to be paid in American money. Make sure you have with you the exact amount, otherwise there will probably be problems with the exchange rates. Don’t forget to bring 2 identity photos.
- Extending your visa in Laos, this is possible and done regularly. The price is between 1 and 4 dollars according to whether you request a 5 day extension or a month. Eventually foresee, a few days spare without a passport, if you are not in the capital or at Luang Prabang.
Tariffs*
- French, German, New Zealand, Australian, South Korean, North Korean, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Bhutan – USD$30
- Swedish – USD$31
- Italian, Austrian, England, Norway, Netherlands, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, Spanish, Irish, Swiss, Danish, USA – USD$35
- Indian, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Afghanistan – USD$40
- Canadian – USD$42
- Chinese, Vietnamese – USD$20
* 1USD extra fee could be added by Tourism Ministry starting 2019
