do i need a visa to laos

The Republic of Laos resides comfortably in Southeast Asia and is a landlocked country with a sparse population. The country is renowned for its beautiful scenery, containing lofty mountains, lush jungles, glistening rice fields, and tea leaves that cover the surface of the mountains.To visit Laos you will need a visa. And with that comes the question, 'Do I need a visa to Laos.'  This land of lotus-eaters adds to the beauty of the remote tribal villages, ancient Buddhist caves, rich cultural heritage, cosmopolitan cafe culture, elegant colonial architecture, and peaceful stupas. 

With such beautiful destinations, Laos becomes a must-visit place. Let's learn about Laos visa in this article. 

Chances are you would need a visa if you are planning a trip to Laos. Only people from a select few countries are permitted to enter Laos without a visa in compliance with the Laos visa program. However, either after arrival in Laos or online, the rest are easily able to get a visa.

DO I NEED A VISA TO LAOS:

Yes, in order to enter Laos, most individuals would require a visa. Exempted from visa requirements are only nationals of the following countries: 

• 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)

Citizens of the above countries who want to stay longer than 14-15 days will have to apply online or on arrival for a Laos visa. 

READ ALSO: Laos visa processing time

WHO CAN GET A LAOS VISA ON ARRIVAL

Upon arrival, almost anyone who is not visa-exempt will apply for a Laos visa. Only residents of the following countries are unable to receive the VOA and instead have to apply to the Embassy for a visa: 

• Afghanistan
• Algeria
• Bangladesh
• Burundi
• Cameroon
• Congo
• Congo
• Eswatini
• Ghana
• Guinea-Bissau
• Ivory Coast
• Iran
• Iraq
• Jordan
• Lebanon
• Lesotho
• Liberia
• Libya
• Mozambique
• Nauru
• Niger
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Senegal
• Sierra Leone
• South Sudan
• Sudan
• Suriname
• Syria
• Tonga
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

LAOS VISA REQUIREMENTS

• A Passport which must be valid for a further six months at least.
• The application form for a Laos visa. You can download it online if you apply for it at an embassy. You will get the application form on the plane or at the checkpoint/airport if you apply for the visa upon arrival.
• Two recent passport-size photographs, with a white background and neutral facial expressions.
•  Evidence of residence in Laos, like hotel bookings.  
• Proof that you have ample financial means to finance your stay.
• A flight ticket for return trips or an onward ticket.
• The payment of a visa fee to Laos.
• Any additional documentation related to the Lao Consular Service, depending on the reason for the journey. 

TYPES OF LAOS

Depending upon the intention of entry, the Lao government issues visas. The following are the major forms of Lao visas: 

• Tourist Visa- This visa is given to foreigners who, as visitors, want to visit Laos. On arrival or online, most individuals may get a Lao tourist visa.
• Business Visa- Foreigners who, for investment, data collection, or other business purposes, wish to come to Laos, are provided with this type of visa. This is not the same as a work visa for Laos, because you cannot work for a company in Laos.
• Transit Visa- This visa is given to foreigners traveling via Laos on their way to a third destination. cIt is valid for seven days only, and you cannot extend it. You need evidence of onward travel to get this visa. 
• Work Visa- This visa is given to foreigners who would like to work in Laos and to members of their families.
• Media Visa- This visa is given to foreign journalists who are traveling for work.
• Student Visa-Issued to foreign nationals who have been admitted into an institution of education in Laos.
• Spouse Visa- This type of visa is issued to the spouses of Lao citizens. 

READ ALSO: Apply 30 days Laos visa online 

EXTENDING VISAS

Visa extensions are fairly simple to obtain, but if you want to avoid overstaying your visa, you'll need to plan accordingly. Visiting the Laos immigration office on Hatsady Road in Vientiane before your visa expires is the cheapest alternative. Visa extensions are issued here at a cost of $2 per day and the maximum extension period is fifteen days. Alternatively, in order to arrange the visa extension for you, you may leave the country and enter again or pay a local travel agent to do so. This is usually more costly, with most vendors costing about $4 per additional day required.    

LAOS ENTRY RESTRICTIONS

The Lao PDR government has revoked the Arrival Service Visa at all international entry points. People traveling from a country with COVID-19 cases, like the UK, are not given visas. However, the Lao authorities may recommend granting special entry permits to foreigners who wish to come to Laos (experts, technicians, and foreign nationals necessary for important projects).

Entry procedures for visa holders from Laos:

• A Certificate of Entry (issued by the MFA); a completed Health Declaration form; and a 'Fit to Fly' certificate issued no more than 72 hours prior to travel shall be provided by all foreigners. In order to facilitate your travel to another country, you can not use the NHS testing service to get a test. You should arrange for a private test to be taken.
• A free COVID-19 test will be conducted for all arrivals. Positive cases will be accepted for treatment at the hospital.
• All negative cases must be quarantined for 14 days at designated sites (all costs covered by individuals or their organizations/companies)

SCREENING ON ARRIVAL

On arrival in Laos, there is compulsory free testing for COVID-19. Those testing positive will be admitted for treatment to the hospital.

Enhanced health screening is in operation and the Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam border crossings are closed. You should provide additional time to include this option and, if traveling by air, check with your airline.

Anyone traveling to Laos with a fever, cough, or trouble breathing, and a history of travel from countries affected by a coronavirus, will be isolated and tested in a hospital. Mittaphab, Mahosot, Setthathirath, and the National Military Hospital are the hospitals being used for this purpose.

READ ALSO: Laos transit visa

CONCLUSION

This article answers the question, ‘Do I need A Visa to Laos’ and other doubts related to it.

Apply Laos Visa