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A tourist visa is required for US citizens traveling to Laos. You can apply for an eVisa online before your trip, or obtain a visa on arrival at specific entry points. The visa on arrival generally permits a 30-day stay, which can be extended.

Key facts

For United States passport holders, tourism or short business trips.

You may need a visa if…

• Tourist visas on arrival are only available at certain ports of entry; verify your entry point accepts them.
• The eVisa option is available at certain ports of entry, check the official eVisa website for details.
• A visa on arrival generally permits a 30-day stay; extensions are possible through the Department of Immigration in Vientiane.
• Your passport must have at least six months validity remaining from the date of entry.
• You need at least two blank visa pages in your passport.
• Check for updated travel advisories for regions within Laos due to civil unrest and unexploded ordnance.

Before you travel

• ✓Obtain a tourist visa either through the eVisa system or plan for a visa on arrival.
• ✓Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your entry date into Laos.
• ✓Confirm your passport has at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
• ✓Review the laos official eVisa website (laoevisa.gov.la) to confirm eligibility for your port of entry.
• ✓Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the U.S. Embassy in Vientiane.
• ✓Check current travel advisories from the U.S. State Department for any updates.

Common questions