Foreign travel advice

Laos

Warning FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of Laos.

Entry requirements

This information is for people travelling on a full 鈥楤ritish citizen鈥� passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government鈥檚 understanding of Laos鈥檚 current rules for the most common types of travel.聽

The authorities in Laos set and enforce entry rules. If you鈥檙e not sure how these requirements apply to you, send a message to the聽.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Laos, your passport must have an 鈥榚xpiry date鈥� 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.聽Renew your passport聽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.

Visa requirements聽

You must have a visa to visit Laos.聽聽

To work, study and travel for business or other reasons, you must meet the聽.

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聽 鈥� 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
  • Paske airport

See a full .

Visa extensions

From 1 January 2025, you鈥檙e allowed to twice while in Laos, for a total of 60 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 .

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.