Laos
Laos visa and entry requirements for US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens
US, UK, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and Irish citizens need a visa for Laos; obtain an e-visa before travel or a visa on arrival, unless a visa-free agreement changes, which you should verify before departure.
More
GuideLaos
Key facts
- Visa requiredcheck
- Yes for US, UK, CA, AU, NZ, IE citizens
- Maximum stay without visacheck
- 30 days (e-visa) or 30 days (visa on arrival)
- Electronic Travel Authorizationcheck
- e-visa optional, applied online before travel; visa on arrival also available
Entry requirements
Passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. You may be asked for proof of onward travel or sufficient funds.
Extensions and possible visa-free changes
Extensions can be requested at the immigration office in Vientiane or at provincial offices; fees are around US$20 for an additional 30 days.
Some countries negotiate short-term visa-free agreements; verify any recent changes before travel.
Questions people ask
Do US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens need a visa for Laos?
Yes, all listed nationals need a visa. The e-visa is the most convenient, but a visa on arrival is also available.
How long can I stay in Laos without a visa?
Without a visa you cannot enter; a visa-on-arrival permits up to 30 days, while an e-visa allows up to 30 days.
Do I need an electronic travel authorisation before flying to Laos?
An e-visa is required, which serves as the electronic travel authorisation. Apply online before you travel.
Can I extend my visa once I am in Laos?
Yes, extensions are possible at immigration offices in Vientiane or provincial offices. Confirm current rules and costs with the Lao immigration service before relying on them.
What documents do I need for a visa on arrival?
You need a valid passport, a recent passport photo, a completed application form, and cash in US dollars to pay the fee. Check the official Lao immigration website for the latest requirements.
Are there any visa-free agreements for these nationalities?
Some countries negotiate short-term visa-free agreements, but as of now, US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens require a visa. Always verify with the Lao embassy or official immigration sources before travel, as rules can change.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
- officialU.S. Department of State – Laos Travel
- officialUK Foreign Travel Advice – Laos
- officialTravel Canada – Laos
- officialSmart Traveller – Laos
- officialSafe Travel New Zealand – Laos
- officialIrish Department of Foreign Affairs – Laos
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialU.S. Department of State – Laos Travel
- officialUK Foreign Travel Advice – Laos
- officialTravel Canada – Laos
- officialSmart Traveller – Laos
- officialSafe Travel New Zealand – Laos
- officialIrish Department of Foreign Affairs – Laos
Ask about Laos
Loading…
Was this useful?