Laos is one of the most accessible Southeast Asian destinations for French-speaking travelers. Whether you are French, Belgian, Swiss, or Canadian, here’s everything you need to know about entry requirements for Laos.

Visa on Arrival: The Simplest Solution

The good news: French, Belgian, Swiss, and Canadian nationals can obtain a visa on arrival in Laos without prior application from their home country. This visa is available at major entry points: Vientiane International Airport (Wattay), Luang Prabang Airport, and major land border crossings.

Documents Required for Visa on Arrival

At the dedicated counter, you will need to present:

  • Your passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry
  • A recent passport-sized photo (light background)
  • The visa application form available on site
  • 35 USD in cash (some airports accept Euros)

The visa is issued within 30 to 60 minutes and authorizes a 30-day stay in Laos.

The Laos e-Visa: Convenient and Recommended

For several years, Laos has offered an e-Visa that can be applied for online before your departure. This electronic visa costs 30 USD, is obtained on the official Laotian government website within 3 to 5 working days, and is simply printed before travel. Main advantage: you avoid the queue at the counter upon arrival, which can be valuable during high season (November–February) or during the Lao New Year in April.

Extending Your Stay Beyond 30 Days

If you wish to stay longer than 30 days, a visa extension is possible for an additional 30 days. It can be requested at the Immigration Department in Vientiane or at certain authorized agencies, for a cost of 30 to 50 USD depending on the office. It is also possible to briefly leave the territory (to Thailand, Vietnam, or Cambodia) and then return with a new visa.

Land Border Entries

The visa on arrival is available at major land border crossings: the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridges (notably Nong Khai / Vientiane), Savannakhet, Pakse-Chong Mek, and others. Always check in advance that the chosen crossing point issues visas on arrival — some secondary posts do not.

What to Have with You Upon Entry

  • Valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity
  • Return ticket or proof of exit from the territory (sometimes requested)
  • Accommodation details in Laos
  • Sufficient funds: approximately 20 USD per day of planned stay

Asia Safari’s Advice

After more than twenty-five years of experience in Laos, our local team in Vientiane knows all the subtleties of entry formalities. If you are planning a tailor-made tour or a group trip, we will assist you from A to Z — including practical matters like visas. Contact us to prepare your trip to Laos with complete peace of mind.

Ready to organize your trip to Laos? Asia Safari, a local French-speaking agency, handles all your arrangements. Contact our local agency or discover our tailor-made tours in Laos.