Lao checkpoints - Border Crossing and Airports

Apart from its main airports, Laos is accessible by land or water at many border crossing points where it shares border with its neighbouring countries (Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and China).

This section provides information about Lao ports of entry (by air, land or river).

Lao International Airports

• Wattay International Airport, Vientiane Capital
• Luang Prabang International Airport, Luang Prabang province
• Pakse International Airport, Champasak province
• Savannakhet International Airport, Savannakhet province

Land border crossing or Checkpoints

The list of Lao border crossing points below is grouped by country in alphabetical order.

Most land border crossing points issue Lao visa on arrival.

The checkpoints that marked "No VA" do not issue visa on arrival. Travelers who wish to cross the border to Laos at these checkpoints need to obtain Lao visa prior to arriving.

Red dots on the map represent border checkpoints. Move the mouse cursor over them for details.

Cambodia - Laos

There are two (2) checkpoints at the Cambodia - Laos border, one for road crossing and the other for boats coming from Stung Treng.

Stung Treng - Veun Kham (Northern Cambodia to Champasack province, southern Laos). Crossing by boats.

Note: The immigration office at this crossing point has been closed (2010). This means crossing Cambodia-Laos border at this check point is no longer possible for foreigners.

Dong Kralor - Veun Kham - this road crossing checkpoint is just a few hundred meters from the first crossing point.

IMPORTANT: Lao Visa-on-arrival is now available for travelers crossing border from Cambodia to Laos at Dong Kralor border check point.

China - Laos

Mohan - Boten (Yunnan to Luang Namtha province)

Xiengkok riverport on Mekong River to Luang Namtha province. No VA

Sobhun checkpoint (Yunnan to Phongsaly province). No VA

Thailand - Laos

There are seven (7) Lao border crossings from Thailand open to foreigners. Borders here are listed from north to south.

Chiang Khong - Houy Xai (Chiang Rai Province to Bokeo province)

Nakaxeng - Kaenthao (Loei province to Sayabouly Province)

Nong Khai - Vientiane (Thai-Lao Freindship Bridge No. 1)

Bungkan - Pakxan (Nong Khai prov to Bolikhamxai prov.), No VA

Nakon Phanom - Thakhaek (Nakon Phanom prov to Khammouane prov.)

Mukdaharn - Savannakhet (Mukdaharn prov to Savannakhet prov via Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge No.2)

Chong Mek - Vangtao (Ubon Rathchathani Prov. to Champassak Prov.)

Note: Most Thailand - Laos border crossing points involve Mekong river crossing.

Vietnam - Laos

From Vietnam, travellers can cross border at these seven (7) Vietnam - Laos border crossing points.

Tay Trang- Sobboun (Laichau, Vietnam to Pongsaly Province)

Nameo - Banteui (Thanh Hua to Huaphanh province)

Namkan - NamCan (Nge An to Xiengkhuang province)

Keoneua - Namphao (Hatinh to Bolikhamxai province)

Chalo - Napao (Guangbinh to Khammoun province), No VA

Lao Bao - Dansavanh (Quang Tri prov to Savannakhet prov)

Bo Y - Phukeua (Kon Tum prov to Attapu prov)

Laos Visa Extension

Most Laos visa types (except for Transit Visa) are extendable. Once in Laos you can get your Laos visa extended.

If you find your visa is about to expire and you wish to stay longer in Laos, don’t worry, it is possible to get all types of Laos visa (except for a Transit Visa), extended at the immigration office in Vientiane. It costs US$2 per day if you apply before the expiry date. However, if you leave it until your visa expires you will be fined for US$10 per day for the days you over stayed.

How many times or how long you can get your visa extended for depends on the type of visa you have.

Here are options you can get your Laos visa extended.

Do it yourself at Laos Immigration Office:

If you are in Vientiane, your Laos Visa extension can be done at the Immigration Office behind the Joint Development Bank (JDB) on Lane Xang Avenue, opposite the Morning Market (see map below). The office is open Monday to Friday, from 8:00-16:00 (closed 12:00 to 13:00 at lunchtime). The office is close for applications on Friday afternoon.

Requirements for getting Laos visa extension by yourself at Laos Immigration Office

Your passport

One passport type photo

Service fee of US$3

Application fee of 2,000 kip (US$0.25) per person

Visa extension fee: $2 per day (normal) or US$10 per day (for overstayed days)

Lao expatriates age 65 years and over are exempted from Laos visa extension fee.

The process is straight forward, just fill out the application form then submit together with your passport and pay fees. In normal circumstances your visa is usually ready the same day.

If you only plan to stay for a few more days this option could work out best.

Note: If for some reasons you can't make an effort getting to the immigration office to get your visa extended but want to stay a few more days, then you might as well just stay as long as you prepare to pay the fine (US$10 per day). This fine will be collected on your departure.

However, be advised that this might not be a good idea if you plan to exit Laos at border check points other than Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge in Vientiane, and main airports as you might risk being taken advantage of by some not-so honest officials when it comes to paying the fine.

Exit the country and enter again (Visa Run). This is most suitable option for holders of a tourist visa who wish to stay for more than a few more days.

If you are in Vientiane or Savannakhet or other provinces close to international border crossing points, you can cross the border to one of the neighbor countries then return and get a Lao visa on arrival at the checkpoint.

 If you are in Vientiane it is very easy, you can take a public bus (around 5,000 kip) to the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge. Complete the immigration procedures on the Lao side; then take the shuttle bus (4,000 kip or 15 baht) to the Thai immigration point and enter Thailand. If you want to come straight back into Laos you simply have to cross the road to the Thai immigration to exit the country. Once again, get the shuttle bus and then arrive at the Lao side, where you can apply for a Laos Visa on Arrival.

• Your passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity and a blank page for a visa stamp and don’t forget to take enough cash (US dollars) for the visa fee (see visa fee list) and two passport sized photos.

• This option can work out cheaper than $2 per day if you plan to stay for more than 20 more days.

Laos visa extension through a Travel Agent or a Specialist Provider:

Get a travel agent or specialist provider to do your Laos Visa Extension for you.

Most travel agents can arrange a Laos Visa Extension for you with small overhead fee. This varies between providers, so shop around for the best deal.

This option is better for those holding visas other than tourist visas, because it involves more paper work and it's more complicated and would take you more time and money if you did it yourself.

I would also recommend this option to holders of tourist visas who plan to travel in provinces other than Vientiane Capital where there are no immigration offices and the visa run (exit the country and enter again) option is not possible.

Laos visa types

Types of Laos visas (Requirements, Procedures and Costs)

All foreign visitors to Laos need a Laos Visa to enter the country, except for citizens of Japan, The Republic of Korea, Russia, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and ASEAN member countries. Passport holders of these countries are eligible to enter Laos and stay for 15-30 days without a visa.

ASEAN Member Countries

1. Brunei Darussalam
2. Cambodia
3. Indonesia
4. Laos
5. Malaysia
6. Myanmar
7. Philippines
8. Singapore
9. Thailand
10. Vietnam

Note: All efforts are made to keep information on this page up-to-date, however, it is recommended that you contact the Lao embassy or consulate near you for the most current visa information.

This section provides information about all available types of Visa for Laos, depending on nationality (according to your passport), the purpose of your visit and how long you plan to stay in Laos.

Types of available Visas for Laos

• Tourist Visa, Visa on arrival (30-day, extendable)
• Visit Visa (30-day, extendable)
• Business Visa (30-day, extendable)
• Transit Visa (7-day, not extendable)
• Diplomatic visa (6-12 months, extendable)
• Official Visa (6-12 months, extendable)
• Courtesy Visa (6-12 months, extendable)

1. Tourist Visa (T)

A 30-day Tourist Visa for Laos can be obtained at embassies or general consulates of the Lao PDR in foreign countries. Check out if there is Lao Embassy in your area.

It is also available at International airports in Laos and International border crossing points. Check out Laos visa on arrival page for more info.

2. Visit Visa (or B3 Visa)

Visit Visa for Laos is for citizens of countries that don't have a visa exemption agreement with Laos, who hold ordinary passports and intend to visit relatives working or living in Laos. It is available from Lao embassies or Consulates in foreign countries.

Visitors holding this type of Laos visa can remain in Laos for up to 30 days and can extend by up to a further two months, but are not entitled to work or apply for multiple entry visas.

Applicants for a Laos visit visa need to have a proof of a guarantor in Laos (a guarantee letter certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Laos), and need to allow at least 3-5 working days for consulate to issue the visa.

Requirements are same as those for tourist visa plus a proof of guarantor in Laos.

3. Business Visa (or B2 visa)

A Business Visa is for businesspersons, or those will be working in Laos for a company, a project, or an organization, who hold ordinary passports and have someone to "sponsor" them (a company or individual in Laos).

A multiple entry visa can be obtained for a period of 3 months, 6 months or 1 year from Lao embassies or Consulates in foreign countries (provided that it is arranged in advance).

Procedures for getting Business Visa (or B2 visa)

Your "sponsor" in Laos (a company, an individual or an organization that you will be working with) must go to the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in Vientiane to request a visa for you by offering a "guarantee".

Once this request is approved by the MFA, the approval will be communicated to the Lao Embassy specified by your sponsor at the time s/he requested the visa in Vientiane.

Your sponsor then needs to give you a proof of MFA's approval as you will be asked for it (can be a copy of the approved letter or just its reference number). Once you have this, you then can apply for the business visa for Laos at the specified Lao Embassy or Laos checkpoints (on your arrival).

The process is quite lengthy, it normally takes 1-3 months and you need to have someone in Laos to do it for you. Most people use the service of specialist providers or travel agents.

4. Transit Visa (Tr)

A Transit Visa for Laos is available for travelers transiting through Laos to a third country. Holders of this type of Laos visa can stay in Laos for up to 7 days. Work is prohibited and it is not extendable.

Travelers applying for a transit visa are required to show a proof of an onward journey (such as an air ticket and entry visa for the third country) within seven days.

5. Diplomatic Visa (A1)

A Diplomatic Visa is issued to diplomatic passport holders, including consular officers, heads of the United Nations Agencies and International Organisations, and their spouses and children.

The diplomatic visa is exempted from a visa fee. Multiple entry visas for a period of one year can be obtained and can be renewed each year till the completion of assignments.

6. Official Visa (A2)

The Official Visa is similar to the diplomatic one (exempted from a Laos visa fee), however, it is for staff members of Diplomatic Missions, Consulates, United Nations Agencies and other International Organizations and their spouses and children holding official passports.

Multiple entry visas for a period of one year can be obtained and can be renewed every year till the completion of their assignments.

7. Courtesy Visa (B1)

The Courtesy Visa is for foreign experts and their spouses and children holding diplomatic, official and ordinary passports taking assignments under bilateral cooperation or grant assistance projects for the Government of Laos.

The courtesy visa is exempted from a Laos visa fee. Multiple entry visas for a period of 6 months can be obtained and can be renewed every 6 months till the completion of their assignments.

Visa Requirements for getting Courtesy Visa (B1)

Two application forms filled out in duplicate.

Original passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity and a blank page for a visa stamp.

2-3 recent passport-type photographs.

All Laos visas are issued for single entry and must be used within two months from the date of issue.

Lao tourist Visa Fee

All tourist visa fees are for single entry visas

US$50 and $57 - a single entry visa for US and Canada citizens respectively (for other countries please check with Lao embassy near you)

If applying by mail, enclose prepaid envelope for return of passport

Other service fee (if you apply through travel agent or specialist provider)

Note: All efforts are made to keep information on this page up-to-date, however, it is recommended that you contact the Lao embassy or consulate near you for the most current visa information.

Laos Tourist Visa Requirements

Your original passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity and a blank page for a visa stamp

Two(2) Visa application forms, filled and signed by the applicant (available at Lao consulates or travel agents).

Three (3) passport-type photographs

Tourist Visa for Laos

Note: Citizens of Japan, The Republic of Korea, Russia, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and ASEAN member countries (with valid passports) are exempted from Lao visa. The citizens of these countries can enter Laos and stay for 15-30 days without a visa. For longer stay, a visa is required.

Tourist Visas for Laos are available at Lao embassies or consulates abroad and at most Laos ports of entry (known as Visa on arrival).

Regardless of where you obtain them, tourist visas are for a single entry and must be used within 2 months from the date of issue. It allows you to stay in Laos for up to 30 days, and can be extended for up to 60 days (two 30-day). Follow the link for more info on Laos visa extension.

If you plan to travel to Laos, and would like to get everything in order before you start your journey, then you might as well want to have the Lao visa stamped on your passport before heading out. You can apply to Lao embassy or consulate near you. Allow 3-5 working days to have the visa issued.

If you want to apply for the visa yourself check out Lao embassies page to see if there is a Lao embassy in your country and for contact information.

If you are in the USA and chose to travel to the embassy and submit your application yourself, below is the map of location of Lao embassy in Washington DC. You may as well want to download the visa application form below (for USA, Canada and Australia only, for other countries please contact the embassy near you for details).

You can also fill out the form and mail it to Lao embassy or consulate near you (see requirements below).

Another way to get your Lao visa before arriving in Laos is to get it at the Lao embassies in its neighbor countries; Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, and Myanmar depending where you travel through.

Whichever your choice is, I'd recommend you further check with the embassy before you proceed to avoid frustration and time wasting.

But if you can't be bothered going through all that, you can order online with just a few clicks. Although it costs you more money this way, it saves you time and frustrations. There are several companies that offer passport and visa services (for USA, Canada, and Mexico).

If you have a time constrain or it's too much hassle arranging all this, there is a more convenient (and probably cheaper) way to get your Lao visa. Just arrive at one of International airports in Laos or one of International border crossing points and get a Visa on Arrival there.

Note: If you'd prefer to get Lao visa on arrival, you should check to see if you're eligible. Check out "Who can get Laos Visa on arrival?" section for details.

Laos visa on arrival procedures

In most ports of entry including the Lao international border crossing points and Lao International Airports (Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse and Savannakhet) the Visa on Arrival window is located at the arrival channel (before the immigration window).

Line up at the visa window (don't waste your time lining up at the immigration window if you don't have the visa yet), get the visa application form at the window and fill it out (if you arrive by plane, the form should be given to you before landing). Then hand it in together with your passport, 2 photographs and the Visa fee to the officer, and wait to be called.

The visa processing time varies between ports of entry. At major airports or at Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge in Vientiane it takes around 10-15 minutes. Delays are possible in late afternoons, weekends and public holidays at both Visa window and immigration windows at the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridges.

Step to get Visa on arrival at Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge#1

It's pretty easy to get the Lao visa on arrival at the Friendship bridge.

If you arrive by bus, the visa booth is just a few foot steps from where the bus drops you off. It is the first booth before the immigration windows.

If you arrive by private car, the visa on arrival booth is on your left as all private cars are directed to the right arriving channels.

Windows are numbered so just go in sequential order 1-2-3.

Step 1: Get Visa application form at window #1, and fill it out.

Step 2: Return the completed form with 1 or 2 passport type photos and visa fee, plus over time if you arrive outside working hours, on weekend or Lao public holidays, to the official at window #1 or window #2 if it is active, and wait to be called.

Remember, the visa fee is best paid in US dollars. Paying in Thai Baht is more expensive.

No photos? No problems. If you don't have photos you will be asked to pay a small fee (few dollars) for scanning your photograph from your passport, and placing it onto your visa application form.

Step 3: When you're called, collect your passport with the visa, at window #3 around the corner.

Usually you will get immigration stamp on your passport already when you get the visa, so.... no need to stand in line again at the immigration windows. However, it is a good practice to always check to make sure everything is in order before leaving.

Note: Tourist Visa holders are prohibited from obtaining employment in Laos.