Laos
Laos travel guide for New Zealanders
New Zealanders need a visa for Laos; apply online or on arrival, valid for up to 30 days – if you stay longer, get an extension before the visa expires.
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GuideLaos
Key facts
- Visa typecheck
- Tourist visa, 30 days, extendable
- Currency
- Lao kip (LAK)
- Plug types
- A, B, C, E, F – 230 V 50 Hz
- Emergency numberscheck
- 191 police, 190 fire, 195 ambulance
Quick answer
New Zealand passport holders must obtain a tourist visa before travel (e‑visa) or can get a visa on arrival at Vientiane, Luang Prabang or border crossings. The visa allows a stay of up to 30 days and can be extended for another 30 days at immigration in Vientiane.
Entry requirements
Passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay.
Visa fee: US$30 (≈ NZ$50) for e‑visa; same fee for visa on arrival.
Proof of onward travel or sufficient funds (≈ US$50 per day) may be requested.
No mandatory vaccination, but check for yellow‑fever if arriving from a risk country.
- Apply online at the Lao e‑visa portal (recommended).
- If arriving by air, collect the visa at the immigration desk; have a passport‑size photo ready.
- Border entry points (e.g., Huay Xai) also issue visas on arrival.
Embassy contacts
New Zealand does not have a resident embassy in Laos. The nearest mission is the New Zealand Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand.
- Embassy of New Zealand, Bangkok – 9th Floor, United Nations Building, 60‑62 Si Lom Road, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
- Phone: +66 2 254 5000
- Email: [email protected]
Cost of a trip (NZD)
Budget estimates are based on 2026 data and assume mid‑range accommodation, meals, transport and activities.
| Category | Daily cost (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (guesthouse) | 30–45 |
| Meals (local restaurants) | 15–25 |
| Transport (bus, tuk‑tuk, occasional flight) | 10–20 |
| Activities (tours, entry fees) | 10–15 |
Average daily total 65–95 NZD; a 10‑day trip ≈ 700–950 NZD (excluding international flights).
Flight from New Zealand
There are no direct flights from New Zealand to Laos. Typical routes connect via Bangkok, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur.
Typical travel time: 14–18 hours total, including layover.
Major NZ departure airports: Auckland (AKL) and Christchurch (CHC).
Electrical plugs
Laos uses plug types A, B, C, E and F with 230 V, 50 Hz. Bring a universal travel adapter and, if your devices are not dual‑voltage, a voltage converter.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected in Laos. Rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip (5–10 % of the amount) for guides, drivers or hotel staff is appreciated.
Emergency numbers
Police: 191
Fire: 190
Ambulance: 195
For consular assistance, contact the New Zealand Embassy in Bangkok.
Questions people ask
Do New Zealanders need a visa for Laos?
Yes – you need a tourist visa, which you can apply online (e‑visa) or obtain on arrival for a 30‑day stay, extendable for another 30 days.
How much does a trip to Laos cost in NZD?
A mid‑range traveller spends about 65–95 NZD per day; a 10‑day itinerary costs roughly 700–950 NZD, not counting the international flight.
Where is the nearest New Zealand embassy in Laos?
The nearest embassy is in Bangkok, Thailand. Contact details are listed in the Embassy section above.
What plug adapters do I need for Laos?
Bring a universal adapter covering types A, B, C, E and F; voltage is 230 V, 50 Hz.
Is it safe to travel in Laos?
Laos is generally safe for tourists; see the dedicated safety guide for up‑to‑date advice.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
- officialNew Zealand Safe Travel – Laos
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialNew Zealand Safe Travel – Laos
Ask about Laos
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