Visit Laos
Visit Laos and enjoy this surprisingly beautiful country
Laos Entry Requirements
Update 19th January 25: Every country has its entry requirements, which inevitably are subject to change. It is sensible therefore, before confirming any travel arrangements, to make sure that you will be able to comply with the latest rules and regulations. This applies to all countries you intend to visit and/or transit.
The following information is specifically for UK citizen passport holders. However, most of this will apply to the majority of nationalities but if you’re unsure, contact your nearest Laos Embassy for advice, well in advance of travel.
Nonetheless, there are a number of countries that Laos admits without a visa, details at this link: https://immigration.gov.la/visa-exemption/
Otherwise, check the following link to see if your country is on the evisa list, and if so, complete the application: https://laoevisa.gov.la/info An evisa may save you time at the border. Actually, if your country is on the evisa list, as an alternative, I think you’ll be able to apply for a visa on arrival (VOA). This might help those who do not have a smartphone and/or bank card.
For those in Cambodia, you can make inquiries at the Laos Embassy at 15-17 Mao Tse Tung Blvd. Phnom Penh. Phone +855-23-982-632
Please note that, upon arrival at Laos passport control you may be asked to provide your evisa or a valid visa stuck in your passport plus the arrival card. They may also want some evidence that you have enough funds to support your stay. Additionally, passport control may ask to see an onward ticket to another country and evidence of a visa for that country, if indeed one is required.
Tip: Always check well in advance for visa requirements. It is unwise to leave matters to the last minute and be aware of public holidays, when official/government offices may be closed.
Note: For work and any other long stay, for any purpose, contact your nearest Laos Embassy before travel. Should you already be in Laos, make inquiries at your nearest Immigration Office.
Yellow Fever
Important: Be aware that should you have recently visited a country on the Yellow Fever list, some countries in Africa and South America for example, but maybe others too, you may need a vaccination certificate for presentation to Laos immigration upon arrival. Check this out well in advance of travel.
Extending your visa
You can extend a Laos tourist visa at an Immigration Department or Police Station for an additional 30 days. You can extend your visa twice, for a maximum stay of 90 days. The extension fee is 20,000 Lao kip (LAK) per day (About $1) making a 30 day extension about $30 (Subject to current exchange rates)
There is also a document fee of 30,000 LAK (About $1.5) (Subject to current exchange rates)
Public holidays:
Your hosts most likely will be aware of holidays but for additional information, please check this link. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_holidays_in_Laos
Next Holidays in Laos appear to be:
10 March International Women’s Day.
1 May is Labour Day
2 June is Children’s Day
Weather
Check the weather, worldwide, by using the panel in the sidebar
Newspapers online in English
Laotian Times https://laotiantimes.com/
Vientiane Times https://www.vientianetimes.org.la/
Useful contact numbers
Ambulance : 195
Fire : 190 or 21-2707
Police : 191 or 21-2703
Phone/Wifi Sim cards
Although far from being the only internet provider, I would suggest you contact Lao Telecommunication Co Ltd who have retail outlets throughout the country, who will suggest what is best for you, whether you’re on a short holiday, or staying long term. You may need your passport to register
Exchange Rates
Use the panel in the sidebar to check the latest exchange rates, for worldwide currencies
20 January 25: Lao Kip update
Tip: Many shops & restaurants, etc. accept US Dollars & other major currencies & in Vientiane, I have used Thai Baht without any problems, even coins to purchase a newspaper. However, because exchanging Lao Kip (LAK) outside the country can prove difficult, exchange your Kips into an “international” currency before leaving. Use your surplus Kip in shops just before you leave the country.
Remember too, that ATMs will pay in Kip, so you might end up with many banknotes. The exchange rate at 21813 to the dollar(20 Jan.25) produces 2181300 Kip for your $100. The largest denomination Laos banknote is 100000 Kip. Planning, therefore, might avoid you having wads of Kip banknotes, as souvenirs from your visit to Lao.
Where to stay
You should not have difficulty finding somewhere to stay in Vientiane. I suggest, however, that you log into Booking.com for an overview of availability, particularly for remote areas. There will be budget hotels and guest houses in Laos which may not appear on any of the search engines. You may, therefore, find it convenient to book in advance for your first night and look around the following day for something better suited to your price range. I’m sure that you will already be aware that a good time to search is mid-morning, as many travelers move on around lunchtime.
Getting around
Tuk-tuks
These motorized rickshaws are a cheap and convenient way to get around cities and towns. They can carry up to four passengers and can take you to nearby attractions.
LOCA is a Laos Laos-based ride-hailing Service Application. Gives you the most convenient way to get a taxi or private car. Download their app for the latest information. There are other companies, but as far as I’m aware, Uber and Grab do not operate in Laos.
Buses
A very common form of transport in Laos. The most common way to travel through Laos to most towns. In Vientiane, there are 3 different bus stations but the Central Bus Station, close to the Old Morning Market, would be a good place to check routes, including those from the out-of-town Northern and Southern bus stations.
Trains
The Lao-China Railway (LCR) connects Vientiane to Kunming in China, with various intermediate stops on the way. The main train station is about 15km from Talat Sao, Central Vientiane. There is a different station, Khamsavath about 9km from Talat Sao, for those going to Thailand although currently, services only go to Nong Khai where you would connect with Thai State Railways for onward services to Bangkok.
I think that you can book online for most Laos rail services using the official LCR Ticket app. You may, however, for clearer understanding, prefer to visit the appropriate station to check routes, fares and purchase tickets etc. BTW, It would appear that there is a once-a-day service from Vientiane to Kunming, about 9 hours for about $125 depending on seat class, etc.
By road
You can hire a bicycle, motorbike, or car but make sure that you have the correct driver’s license and check insurance coverage. Do not leave your passport with any hire company.
Planes
There are three international airports in Laos: Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Pakse. Different airlines operate various domestic routes, check with them for schedules and fares etc.
Scams etc.
Be aware that there is no shortage of scams in Laos. Be vigilant in busy places like markets and of course, at night time. Always keep your phone completely out of sight, and if you see something that’s not yours, like a “discarded” wallet or bag for example, don’t touch.
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Visit the FCO at the following link for travel advice
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/laos/safety-and-security
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Visit Laos for holidays & business