Laos visas
Whether you need a visa for Laos, and which one, depends on your nationality and the purpose of your trip. Short visits may be visa-free, on arrival, or through the government eVisa, while working, studying, investing or settling requires a specific visa plus a work and/or stay permit. Immigration and stay permits are handled by the Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Public Security, while visas themselves are issued through the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (including the official Lao eVisa portal).
Laotian visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Laos — tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.4 visas
- Work visasComing to Laos to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.1 visa
- Study visasStudying in Laos — student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in Laos.1 visa
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Laos as a highly skilled individual.1 visa
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Laos long term — residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.2 visas
Laotian visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Who needs a visa to visit Laos?
Unless you are from any of the following Countries, you will be required to obtain a visa before entering Laos.
- Brunei (for 14 days)
- Cambodia (for 30 days)
- Indonesia (for 30 days)
- Japan (for 15 days)
- Luxembourg (for 15 days
- Malaysia (for 30 days)
- Mongolia (for 30 days)
- Myanmar (for 14 days)
- Philippines (for 30 days)
- Russia (for 30 days)
- Singapore (for 30 days)
- South Korea (for 30 days)
- Switzerland (for 15 days)
- Thailand (for 30 days)
- Vietnam (for 30 days)
Entry into Laos
COVID-19 requirements: Passengers who are fully vaccinated and travelling to Lao PDR are exempt from pre-departure and on-arrival tests. Non-immunized passengers will be required to undergo a COVID-19 antigen test up to 48 hours prior to departure. Visa information (e-visa and visa on arrival) is accessible via the tab Additional Information. All Irish citizens in Lao PDR are urged to register with the Embassy. You must follow the entry requirements when entering the Country.
Eligibility to apply for a Laos visa
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months longer.
- The visa application for Laos.
- Two recent passport-sized photographs with a white background and dimensions of 4 cm by 6 cm.
- Accommodation proof in Laos, such as a hotel reservation, is required.
Appointment waiting times
Appointment waiting times for a visa can differ depending on where you live. Some applications may take longer than others to process so it is important to remember this before applying. You must also remember to allow yourself enough time to get your visa sorted before you travel.
Laos — key facts
- Visa authority
- Department of Immigration, Ministry of Public Security of Lao PDR (visas issued by the Consular Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- Lao kip (LAK)
- Time zone
- Indochina Time (ICT, UTC+7)
Laotian visas — people also ask
Generally, applicants are recommended to apply in their country of citizenship or residence. Anyone who is legally present in Laos is eligible to apply for a visa there. However, applicants should not determine where to apply based solely on convenience or the length of time it will take to receive an appointment in their home district. Consider, for instance, the consular district in which the applicant may demonstrate the strongest ties. There is no assurance that a visa will be granted, nor is there any assurance regarding the processing duration. There is no reimbursement if an application is denied.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.