laos tourist visa for us citizens

Laos Entry Requirements for American Citizens

Travelers from the United States need to obtain a visa before being allowed entrance into Laos. A visa to Laos from America can be obtained in a number of different ways. These options include:

Of the three, the online eVisa offers one of the easiest and fastest ways to get ready to visit Laos for American citizens. This page explains how to smoothly register for an eVisa in just a few simple steps.

Do US Citizens Need a Visa to Travel to Laos?

It is obligatory for US citizens to hold a valid visa before entering Laos. Only 15 nationalities may travel to the country visa free. Most Americans visiting the country travel with a Laos tourist visa.

One form of the, tourist visa is the eVisa Approval Letter allows US citizens entry into the southeast Asian nation for a total of 30 days . This time can be extended whilst in the country if the applicant contacts the relevant authorities before the visa’s expiry.

The online visa for tourists Laos can be acquired in about 3 business days. Travelers just need to make sure they have the necessary documents to enter Lqao PDR upon arrival and that all the correct requirements are met.

Laos eVisa Application Requirements for Americans

The Laos eVisa allows Americans to apply online for a permit of entry into the country from anywhere in the world . To do so, applicants must send the following documents in order to complete and submit the Laos eVisa online application form .

During this process they will need to complete the following steps:

• Fill out the Laos visa application form : this can be downloaded online
• Provide data from a United States passport with a minimum of 6 months’ validity from the chosen arrival date
• Submit 1 passport photograph sized 1.6x2.4 inches (4x6cm) that meets the following requirements , taken within the last 6 months

Applying online for an eVisa saves applicants the stress of travelling to an embassy or queuing to get the visa on arrival in Laos . The passport used during the process should come with two blank pages, allowing enough room for the arrival stamp in the country.

If all requirements are met, it could take as little as 3 working days but travelers should apply at least 7 days before their intended date of departure in case of any delays in processing.

Information for Americans Arriving in Laos with a Valid eVisa

Once processed, the eVisa will be sent to the email address given during the order process. From there American tourists can print off the Approval Letter eVisa document in preparation for their arrival in Laos.

Be aware that at the present time the eVisa can only be used at the following Laotian border crossing points which include:

• Wattay International Airport
• Pakse International Airport
• Luang Prabang International Airport
• Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I
• Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II

When crossing the border into the country Americans will need to present their valid passport used during the registration . They will also need to provide the printed copy of their Lao eVisa. This will then be checked by the attending border guard who will grant the visa-holder entry into the country.

Laos Online Visa Benefits for Americans

Applying for the Laos visa online is more advantageous than applying for a visa upon arrival or applying at an embassy beforehand. With the online visa for Laos, travelers can receive an approved visa in advance and apply using a mobile device or desktop computer.

The online application form for the Laos visa also takes less time to complete and less time to process. making the online application system a smoother process for Laos visa applicants.

How To Visit Laos as a US Business Traveler

American business travelers will instead need a Laos business visa . This process usually takes longer to complete. Individuals are advised to apply for this category of visa at least 3 months before their intended date of travel. Like the eVisa these can also be extended once in Laos.

Register with the US Embassy in Laos

Citizens of the United States can now register with the US Embassy during their stay in Laos .

Enrolling with the US Embassy in Laos has several safety and security benefits.

By registering, travelers can:

• Receive safety and security updates for Laos
• Get important information before and during a natural disaster or other emergency
• Be contacted easily if there is an emergency back home in the United States

US citizens can complete embassy registration when applying for a Laos eVisa through this website. To opt-in for the service, eVisa applicants should select the US Embassy Registration option on the payment page .

FAQ’s about Laos Visa for US Citizens

Can us citizens travel to laos.

Yes, citizens of the United States can travel to Laos . They must follow Laos’s entry policies, which include having the correct travel documents.

Americans must have an approved Laotian visa to cross the border into the country . This is part of the nation’s visa policy, which states that a travel permit is mandatory for certain nationalities.

Conveniently, US travelers can apply for an Laos online visa . This is the fastest way to gain entry into Laos with a US passport.

What documents do I need to obtain a Laos visa for Americans?

United States nationals can apply for the Laos eVisa with just a few items :

• US passport : must be valid for at least 6 months (180 days) from the expected date of arrival in Laos
• Email address: should be an email address which is checked regularly
• Debit or credit card: the Laos eVisa fee must be paid using a card which is authorized for online payments

Applicants can start the eVisa process providing they have everything listed above.

What types of Laos visa can US citizens apply for?

US citizens are eligible to apply for the Laos eVisa . This electronic visa gives the holder single entry access into Laos, and permission to stay of up to 30 days.

For those who wish to stay for longer than 30 days, or who do not meet the eVisa requirements, there are 2 other options available: visa on arrival and an embassy visa .

US travelers can obtain a visa on arrival at the Laos border, however this can be a lengthy process and does not guarantee an approved visa . Embassy visas involve going in person to a Laotian embassy or consulate.

2024 U.S. Election September 23, 2024

Returning your absentee ballot from overseas, notice october 25, 2024, crisis support for u.s. citizens in lebanon.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Before You Go

Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

Share this page:

Travel Advisory July 24, 2023

Laos - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution to Laos due to  civil unrest . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Reconsider travel to:

• Xaisomboun Province due to  civil unrest.

Exercise increased caution in:

• Remote areas along the border with Burma due to  crime.
• Areas of Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Saravane, Khammouane, Sekong, Champassak, Houaphan, Attapeu, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane provinces, as well as along Route 7 (from Route 13 to the Vietnam border), Route 9 (Savannakhet to the Vietnam border), and Route 20 (Pakse to Saravane) due to  unexploded bombs.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Laos.

If you decide to travel to Laos:    

• Do not touch unknown metal objects and avoid traveling off well-used roads, tracks, and paths due to risk of unexploded ordnance.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter.
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Laos.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Xaisomboun Province – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

There is a continued threat of violence in Xaisomboun Province.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Xiasomboun Province as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel there.

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Areas on the Border with Burma – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Bandits, drug traffickers, and other people pursuing illegal activities operate in these areas, as do armed groups opposed to the Burmese government.

Areas of Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Saravane, Khammouane, Sekong, Champassak, Houaphan, Attapeu, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane provinces, as well as along Route 7 – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

There are large numbers of unexploded bombs in these areas left over from the Indochina War.

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Six months.

2 (endorsement pages are not considered blank).

The import of local currency is not permitted. 2,500 USD or equivalent in foreign currency must be declared.

The export of local currency is not permitted. 2,500 USD or equivalent in foreign currency must be declared.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy vientiane.

Thadeua Road, Km 9 Ban Somvang Thai Hatsayphong District Vientiane, Lao PDR Telephone: +(856) (21) 48-7000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(856) (21) 48-7600 Fax: +(856) (21) 48-7040 Email:   [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Your passport must have at least six months validity remaining from the date of entry and at least two blank visa pages.

Tourist visas are required.  Tourist visas on arrival are available at certain ports of entry, and generally permit a stay of 30 days. You can extend the visa up to an additional 60 days through the Department of Immigration in Vientiane. At certain ports of entry, you can use an eVisa. See  laoevisa.gov.la  for more information.

To obtain a visa in advance, and for other information about Lao entry requirements, please contact the  Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic , 2222 S St. NW, Washington DC 20008, tel: 202-332-6416, fax: 202-332-4923.

For a business visa:  Business visas can only be arranged in advance. After you arrive, you can generally extend your business visa for one month. Please contact the  Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic  for specific information.

You must have a valid entry stamp and be within your authorized period of stay, or have an exit visa, to depart Laos. Otherwise, you will be fined and may be arrested.

If your U.S. passport is lost or stolen in Laos, you must obtain both a replacement passport and an exit visa.  The U.S. Embassy can issue a limited validity replacement passport expeditiously; however, the Lao government requires 3 to 5 working days to issue an exit visa. Contact the Foreigner Control Office at the Department of Immigration in Nong Buek for an exit visa. The office is located on NongBuek-Dongnaxok Rd. Phone: +856 21 212 520. If your lost passport causes you to exceed your authorized period of stay in Laos, you may be subject to overstay fines unless you make prior arrangements with Immigration.

Laos does not allow its citizens to have dual nationality.  Under Lao law, Lao citizens who have been outside of Laos for extended periods or who have taken a second nationality are no longer considered to be Lao citizens. Lao immigration officials may deny entry to or exit from Laos for individuals using multiple passports.

Traveling with children:  Travelers with children are advised to have documentary evidence of your relationship to the child, such as the child’s birth certificate or permission for the child’s travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian, if they are not present.  U.S. citizen children born out of wedlock to a Lao national and a U.S. citizen may experience difficulty departing Laos.

Travelers with HIV/AIDS:  The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Laos.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction , and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

The Embassy recommends U.S. citizens reconsider travel to all of Xaisomboun   Province . U.S. Embassy personnel are restricted from traveling to Xaisomboun Province due to past incidents of violence.

There are large amounts of unexploded ordnance (UXO)   in Laos  left over from the Indochina War.  UXO is found in some parts of Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Salavan, Khammouane, Sekong, Champassak, Houaphan, Attapeu, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane provinces. In particular, UXO is found along Route 7 (from Route 13 to the Vietnam border), Route 9 (Savannakhet to the Vietnam border), and Route 20 (Pakse to Salavan). Never pick up unknown metal objects and avoid traveling off well-used roads, tracks, and paths.

Exercise caution in remote areas along the border with Burma.  Bandits, drug traffickers, and other people pursuing illegal activities operate in these border areas.

Find information on  Travel Advisories  on our website.

• Petty thieves target foreigners  for pickpocketing (especially in tourist hubs) and theft of unattended property, including in vehicles. Thieves on passing motorcycles snatch purses. Petty theft increases during major Lao holidays. Residential break-ins also occur.
• Scams:  In tourist areas, shop owners may rent motorbikes to tourists, have someone “steal” the motorbike, and charge the tourist for the cost of the “stolen” motorbike. Be cautious of rental arrangements and never provide your passport as collateral.
• See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to police in the place where the incident took place. You may also contact the Tourist Police at 021-251-128. Tourist Police generally speak English. Contact the U.S. Embassy at 856-21-48-7000; after hours call 856-21-48-7600. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care;
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police;
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent;
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms;
• Provide a list of local attorneys;
• Provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S. ;
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution;
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home;
• Replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  Laos’ tourism industry infrastructure is very limited, especially outside major cities. Tourists participate in activities at their own risk. Emergency response and subsequent appropriate medical treatment is not available in-country. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  Laos does not routinely inform the U.S. Embassy of the arrest of U.S. citizens in a timely fashion and does not always allow consular access to arrested individuals. If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information

Police and legal system bribes and informal procedures:  It is common for police to target foreigners to pay bribes for alleged traffic offenses. The Embassy is not usually able to provide assistance in these cases. Foreigners arrested for unruly conduct or damaging private property will often be held in police custody without formal charges being brought against them until they pay an indemnity to the injured party. This process usually takes a minimum of two to three weeks.

Relationships with Lao citizens:  Lao law prohibits cohabitation or sexual contact between foreign citizens and Lao nationals except when the two parties have been married in accordance with Lao Family Law. Any foreigner who cohabitates with or enters into a sexual relationship with a Lao national risks being interrogated, detained, arrested, or fined. Foreigners are not permitted to invite Lao nationals of the opposite sex to their hotel rooms, and police may raid hotel rooms without notice or consent. Foreigners, including U.S. citizens of Lao descent, are not allowed to stay in the homes of Lao nationals, even family, without the prior consent of the village chief and local police.

Foreigners who married a Lao national outside of Laos should have their marriage certificate authenticated at a Lao Embassy in the country where the marriage took place before traveling to Laos.

Possession of, trafficking in, and manufacture of drugs are serious offenses in Laos  and result in lengthy prison sentences or the death penalty. Some restaurants offer “happy” or “special” menu items -- particularly “pizzas” or “shakes” -- that may contain opiates or unknown substances. Consuming these items is illegal.

Adventure Tourism:  Laos has a developing adventure tourism industry that includes, but is not limited to, zip-lining, bungee jumping, rock climbing, and off-road bikes and buggies. Safety standards and training requirements for personnel operating these activities and safety inspections of the equipment may not be equivalent to those required for similar activities in the United States. We recommend that travelers check the safety records of adventure tourism operators. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  adventure travel .

Water Safety:  Travel by speedboat on rivers in Laos is dangerous, especially when water levels are low. White water rafting, kayaking, tubing, and other water-based activities, including swimming in the Mekong, are dangerous. Foreigners have drowned or been seriously injured. Do not participate in any water-based activities while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Please be aware that safety advice will be minimal, and there may not be warning signs at tourist sites.

Hotel Safety:  Some hotels in Laos do not meet U.S. safety standards for security and fire safety.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Laos.

See   our  LGBTQI Travel Information   page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance:   There are no special provisions for persons with mobility issues.  Sidewalks and street crossings are not accessible for people in wheelchairs. Buildings, medical facilities, public transportation, etc. are generally not accessible .

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

For emergency services in Laos, dial 0192 (tourist police) or 0195 (ambulance).

Medical facilities and services in Laos are extremely limited and may not meet basic international standards.

Contact information for hospitals/clinics is found here .

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers accept only cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. Every year the Embassy sees cases of U.S. citizens who fall ill in Laos and are unable to get necessary health care because they don’t have adequate insurance. Serious medical cases frequently require medical evacuation to private hospitals in Thailand by ground ambulance or air ambulance. Hospitals in Thailand and Laos require large deposits prior to treating patients. The State Department does not pay medical bills.

Border Crossing Hours: All of the land border crossings between Laos and neighboring countries close during the night hours. The Friendship Bridge that connects Vientiane to Nong Khai, Thailand, closes from 10 p.m. – 6 a.m. daily. While it is generally possible for ambulances to cross the Vientiane friendship bridge after hours, it sometimes takes several hours to arrange for the crossing to be opened, even in cases of severe medical emergencies. Travelers should inquire locally about the hours of other border crossings . 

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure the medication is legal in Laos.

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:

• Road accidents are a major cause of death.  Defensive driving is imperative; many drivers pay little attention to traffic laws.
• Poor driving conditions:  Traffic is chaotic, and road conditions can be rough. Few roads have lane markings, road signs, and stoplights. Drivers widely ignore those that exist. Speeding, reckless passing, and failure to obey traffic laws are common. Many drivers are underage, unlicensed, inexperienced, or uninsured. Driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs is common. Motorcycles carry as many as five people, greatly impeding the drivers' ability to react to traffic. Road conditions worsen during the rainy season and landslides are common, including on major routes connecting provincial capitals.
• Avoid driving at night . Road construction sites are poorly marked, appear with no warning, and can be difficult to see at night. Roads are poorly illuminated, many vehicles have no operating lights, few bicycles have reflectors, and trucks without reflectors commonly park on unlighted roads.
• Motorcycles and motorbikes:  The U.S. Embassy prohibits  Embassy personnel in Laos from using motorcycles, motorbikes, and scooters due to a high incidence of accidents and lack of available medical care. You should also consider not using these vehicles.
• Emergency vehicles:  There are no government ambulance services, and a scarcity of private ambulances makes it difficult for accident victims to receive timely medical attention.
• Intoxicated drivers:  Drunk driving is rampant, especially in the evening.

Traffic Laws:

• Traffic accidents:  A driver involved in a traffic accident should remain at the scene and attempt to contact the police or wait for the police to arrive to prepare an accident report. If renting a car or motorcycle, contact the rental company and its insurance agent.
• Traffic moves on the right, but vehicles use all parts of the road.

Public Transportation:

• Public transportation  is scarce and the transportation available is very limited after sunset. There are a limited number of buses and shared van/covered pick-up truck services.
• Inter-city transport  is provided by buses, vans, pickups, and trucks, any of which may be in poor repair.
• For-hire vehicles:  Taxis or cars-for-hire are available only at major transit hubs such as border crossings and airports. “Tuk-tuks” -- three-wheeled, open-sided vehicles -- are available in tourist areas, but are frequently in poor repair, and drivers generally speak little to no English. Car taxis are also available by phone.

Visit the website of Laos’  national tourist office  and our  road safety page  for more information

Aviation Safety Oversight:  As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Laos, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Lao civil aviation authority [DLP1]  for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Laos’ air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the   FAA safety assessment page .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on X (formerly known as "Twitter") and Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA)  report.

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, learn about your destination, enroll in step.

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Children’s passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years.

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba

Bosnia and Herzegovina

British Virgin Islands

Burkina Faso

Burma (Myanmar)

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Cote d Ivoire

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Falkland Islands

France (includes Monaco)

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French West Indies

Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)

Guinea-Bissau

Isle of Man

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Republic of North Macedonia

Republic of the Congo

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

The Bahamas

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Vatican City (Holy See)

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

Laos Visa Requirements For US citizens

Types of laos e-visa for us citizens, how to apply for a lao e-visa from us, check laos e-visa requirements for us citizens, the cost of laos e-visa for us citizens, laos e-visa for u.s citizens - requirements and cost.

Not only a famous tourist country like other countries in the region, but Laos also has its own extremely interesting and attractive places to visit in Southeast Asia. As ancient cities, towns have ancient heritage sites, shimmering Buddhist temples, amazing nature, delicious food and warm people.

Laos has great tourism potential, with countless scenic spots. This Southeast Asian country is waiting for a new breeze for international visitors to consider it an interesting and favorite destination. Wherever you go in Laos, you will encounter breathtaking views, tasty food and friendly people. From bustling cities to remote villages, each has its own beauty and appeal.

However, if you want to experience the culture as well as the cuisine here, you must have a valid visa first. The Laos government has some restrictions and visa requirements for US citizens. American travelers can learn more about those requirements at Global Visa Services website .

US citizens are not in the exempt nationalities list for visa-free of Laos, therefore, a Laos e-visa is REQUIRED .

Travelers from the US can request a visa by applying at the Embassy of Laos or applying online. Despite going to the Embassy, US citizens can apply online at Global Visa Services website to avoid long lines waiting and time saving.

Since July 9, 2019, the Laos Government has approved the e-visa online system for about 96 eligible countries. Thanks to the convenient program, the system makes it easy for US citizens to apply for an e-visa. Tourist e-visa is the only type of visa that the government allows to apply for tourism or visit purposes only.

This tourist visa is authorized for a 60-day validity period from the issued date with a single entry. By using this type of e-visa, US citizens can stay in Laos for a maximum of 30 days for sightseeing, traveling or paying a visit to their acquaintances.

US nationals who want to travel to Lao for other reasons such as living, working or studying must apply for a paper (traditional) visa at the Laos Embassy in United States

A US citizen who wants to apply for a Laos e-visa for entering this country can follow below steps to get one easily:

• Step 1: Applicant’s personal information as well as travel plans must be provided in this step including name, gender, nationality, passport numbers and travel date details. Remember to check it twice before going to the next step, any wrong information cannot be changed once submitted to the government.
• Step 2: After checking, applicants are required to pay for the e-visa fee through our website. While waiting for the e-visa to be processed, we will ask you for additional documents to complete the procedure.
• Step 3: Get approval for Laos e-visa through your email box after it is considered. The result will be sent in a PDF file, so travelers must print it out before going to the airport.

The Laos e-visa result will be processed in no more than 3 business days. In order not to be late for your travel date, travelers must send an application in advance at least 7 days to avoid any unexpected delays.

Here are a few documents that US nationals must prepare on hand for having a quickly progress:

• US passport holders must make sure their passports are effective for more than 6 months from the date of entry. Two blank passports papers are commended for having visa stamps.
• A picture/scanned copy of your passport biographical page
• A photo of applicants which has the filename is your full name when it is sent to us.

US travelers can also apply for a Laos visa at the Embassy for reasons other than tourism. However, you should note that you need to prepare many documents more than you expected. The perfect solution is to apply online by using our friendly-used system for granted an electronic visa.

Applying for a Laos e-visa requires a fee which is separated into different categories: Service fees and Government fees. Travelers can see the more detailed information by clicking the link here .

The Government fee is the amount of money paid to the Government in order for the authority to issue a visa for foreigners. This fee is charged based on the applicants’ nationality and is nonrefundable. Therefore, travelers must be sure about the information declared in the application form.

The Service fee includes the consultation fee (from receiving information to process e-visa) and depends on which processing services that you choose from Global Visa Services:

• Standard service: The Laos e-visa will be processed within 3 business days.
• Urgent service: Travelers can get a Laos e-visa in 48 business hours.
• Super Urgent service: This is the fastest service which is processed in 24 business hours.

For paying the e-visa fee, travelers from the US can use any electronic transfer and wire transfer as they want. They can pay fees by credit card or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express or PayPal) or by the Bank of Cyprus.

In addition, Global Visa Services suggest travelers to purchase Travel Insurance before starting your journey to guarantee the safest for yourself in any unfortunate circumstances. Travel Insurance will cover your loss of luggages as well as medical fee including Covid-19.

Laos is known for its natural beauty, ancient Buddhist temples, and cultural diversity. The country's tourism industry has been growing steadily in recent years, with more and more visitors coming to explore its many attractions. 

Laos introduced its e-visa system in July 2019. The e-visa system allows eligible foreign nationals, including US citizens, to apply for a visa online and receive an electronic visa for entry into Laos. The e-visa is valid for up to 30 days and is a single-entry visa, which means that travelers who leave Laos will need to obtain a new visa to re-enter the country. 

The e-visa application process is relatively straightforward and can be completed online through the official website authorized third-party service providers - Global Visa Services . However, it is recommended to check the latest information and guidelines regarding travel to Laos, including any visa requirements or restrictions, before planning any trip.

US citizens can travel to Laos by airway. The main international airport in Laos is Wattay International Airport, located in the capital city of Vientiane. There are also other international airports in Laos, including Luang Prabang International Airport, Pakse International Airport, and Savannakhet International Airport. Besides, US citizens can also enter Laos overland from neighboring countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Cambodia.

To obtain a Laos visa as a US citizen, you will generally need the following documents:

1. A valid US passport with at least six months validity remaining beyond the date of entry into Laos.

2. At least two passport blank pages are required to stamp visa verification. 

3. A completed visa application form which can apply at Global Visa Services with detailed consultation and instruction. 

4. At least two digital photographs of applicants which require travelers dressed formally and have no glasses or hats, etc. 

5. Passport biographical page scan

If you do not have all the required documents for the e-visa application, your application may be rejected, or you may be asked to provide additional documentation. It is important to check the specific requirements and guidelines for the e-visa application carefully and ensure that you have all the necessary documents before applying.

If you have any questions or are stuck when applying e-visa, please contact us for further instructions at Global Visa Services . 

Laos tourism offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. From ancient temples and ruins to stunning natural landscapes, Laos has plenty to offer for those seeking an authentic and off-the-beaten-path travel experience. 

To explore and experience all of the beauty of Laos, US citizens must apply for an e-visa to travel to Laos legally. The Laos eVisa is an electronic visa that allows eligible citizens to apply for a tourist visa to Laos online, without having to visit an embassy or consulate in person. As of February 2023, citizens of around 150 countries can apply for a Laos eVisa, including US citizens. However, Laos' government only allows US nationals to apply with tourism purposes. Other intentions include working, immigration, etc., must apply for a traditional visa at the Embassy . 

Currently, This electronic visa is a single-entry visa that is valid for a stay of up to 30 days in Laos. The eVisa is obtained online by completing an application and paying the visa fee using a credit or debit card. It is also important to have all necessary visas and documentation before departing the US and to follow all health and safety protocols related to COVID-19 to ensure a safe and smooth travel experience.

For US citizens, applying for a Laos visa online can offer several benefits compared to traditional visa application methods. These benefits include:

• Convenience: The online application process allows travelers to apply for a Laos visa from the comfort of their own home or office, without having to visit an embassy or consulate in person.
• Time savings: The online application process is typically faster than traditional visa application methods, and can help travelers avoid long wait times and queues at visa processing centers or border crossings.
• Flexibility: The online visa application system is available 24/7, making it easy for travelers to apply for a visa at any time that is convenient for them. More specifically, the eVisa should be obtained 07 days in advance of the intended travel date, providing more flexibility in travel planning.
• Cost savings: The eVisa fee is generally lower than the fee for a traditional visa application, and travelers may also save on travel costs by avoiding the need to travel to an embassy or consulate in person.

To apply for a Laos e-visa, US citizens can complete the application form at Global Visa Services, provide extra documents, and pay the e-visa fees. In three business days, your e-visa application will be processed and sent to your email box. 

Check Eligible for Laos Visa

Choose another nationality.

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Burkina Faso

We value your privacy

We use cookies to enhance your experience and to help us understand how to improve usability. By continuing to use this site, you agree to receive cookies. For more information please read our Cookie Policy .