Laos travel advisory today

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Laos’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Laos set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, send a message to the Lao Embassy London Facebook page.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Laos, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least 2 blank pages.

Airlines will only let you board your flight if your passport has enough blank pages.

Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Digital Arrival/Departure Cards - Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF)

All foreign nationals entering Laos are required to complete the LDIF digitally within 3 days before arrival and 3 days before departure.

The LDIF applies at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang International Airport, Pakse International Airport and Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I. At these checkpoints, the LDIF replaces paper arrival and departure cards.

The LDIF does not replace visa requirements.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to visit Laos.

To work, study and travel for business or other reasons, you must meet the Lao immigration department’s entry requirements.

Applying for a visa

From 1 January 2025, tourist visas reverted to the previous 30 days from the date you arrive in Laos.

You can apply online for a Laos e-visa – apply at least 5 days in advance. The e-visa is single entry only and is accepted at major entry points.

You can also get a visa on arrival (single entry) at many entry points, including:

• Vientiane Wattay airport
• Luang Prabang airport
• Pakske airport

See a full list of the entry points that accept e-visas and visas on arrival.

Visa extensions

From 1 January 2025, you’re allowed to extend your tourist visa twice while in Laos, for a total of 60 additional days.

If you do not extend your visa within 90 days, you will face a fine in Lao kip worth 2,000 US dollars, deportation to your home country and a ban on returning to Laos.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Laos guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Laos. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Laos.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

Tourist visa: required
Business visa: required
Student visa: required

A Lao electronic visa (eVisa) can be used to enter the country at 9 different ports of entry. You can apply for one within 60 days of your date of entry.

You can also obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at Wattay International Airport, Luang Prabang International Airport, Pakse International Airport and some “international” (that is, open to all foreign nationals) border crossings. Contact the nearest Lao embassy or consulate to confirm where you can get a tourist visa. You must provide a passport photo and pay a fee to obtain a visa upon arrival.

Lao eVisa – Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Immigration arrival and departure forms

You can complete a paper immigration form upon arrival or departure, or submit an online form in advance. If you choose to complete the online form, you must submit it within 3 days before entering or exiting Laos.

Useful links

• Immigration Arrival Register – The Department of Immigration of Lao PDR
• Immigration Departure Register – The Department of Immigration of Lao PDR

Entry stamp

Immigration offices at some border crossings are difficult to identify. Ensure that you obtain an entry stamp when you enter Laos. Failure to do so can result in serious fines, detention and deportation.

Travel to Xaisomboun province

You must obtain permission from local authorities before travelling to certain parts of Xaisomboun province. You may be refused entry to some areas of the province, particularly around Long Tieng.

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).