Prepare for your arrival visa
Check the accepted arrival points, documents and payment arrangements before departure.
Choose online or arrival issuance
This passport appears on the official eVisa eligibility list, so an approved tourist eVisa is an alternative to the stored visa-on-arrival route. The eVisa must be obtained before departure and used at a designated checkpoint.
Use an eligible entry point
Use Lao tourist visa on arrival or optional eVisa. Check the current instructions and total government charges before paying.
Check the permission you receive
Check the passport details, dates and entry conditions on the permission you receive.
Check your trip dates
Count your travel days.
What to prepare for your trip
Check each item as you prepare it. Labels show which documents are required, conditional, or recommended.
Your circumstances may require additional documents. Ticks track preparation, not eligibility or admission.
Complete the required travel authorisation in advance
Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF)
Available from 3 days before arrival. All foreign nationals entering Laos must submit the LDIF digitally within 3 days before arrival and again within 3 days before departure. It applies at Wattay, Luang Prabang and Pakse international airports and Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I, where it replaces paper arrival and departure cards. It does not replace a visa.
Open Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF)Details that can change your plans
Use a designated Lao eVisa entry point
A Lao eVisa is accepted only at the government’s nine listed airports, bridges and rail/border checkpoints. Check the live list before booking; an eVisa cannot be used at every visa-on-arrival crossing.
Official guidanceUse the passport linked to the eVisa
If you apply online, enter Laos with the same ordinary passport used for the eVisa application and carry the printed approval letter.
Each child needs an eVisa
If using the online route, apply separately for each child or infant who needs a visa.
A tourist visa can be extended in Laos
From 1 January 2025, tourist visas may be extended twice while in Laos, for up to 60 additional days total. Use the current Department of Immigration procedure and wait for confirmation before relying on an extension.
Official guidancePractical tips for Laos
Small preparation steps to keep your travel information within reach.
If choosing the eVisa, prepare its approval letter
The optional tourist eVisa grants up to 30 days, is single-entry and is valid to enter for 60 days after approval. It needs a six-month-valid ordinary passport, one blank page, uploaded bio page/photo and printed approval; these are eVisa conditions, not universal arrival-visa rules.
Laos at a glance
- Capital
- Vientiane
- Currency
- LAK
- Calling code
- +856
Questions for this route
Do travelers with an ordinary passport from Serbia need a visa for Laos?
For tourism in Laos, travelers using an ordinary passport from Serbia should prepare for a visa on arrival. This passport appears on the official eVisa eligibility list, so an approved tourist eVisa is an alternative to the stored visa-on-arrival route. The eVisa must be obtained before departure and used at a designated checkpoint. The published short-visit limit is 30 days per visit; follow any shorter period on your granted permission.
How long can I stay in Laos?
The short-visit limit is 30 days per visit. Your actual permission can be shorter; check the dates and conditions you receive.
Do I need to complete Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF)?
Required for this route. Available from 3 days before arrival. All foreign nationals entering Laos must submit the LDIF digitally within 3 days before arrival and again within 3 days before departure. It applies at Wattay, Luang Prabang and Pakse international airports and Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I, where it replaces paper arrival and departure cards. It does not replace a visa. It does not replace a required visa or travel authorisation.
Can I extend my stay in Laos?
From 1 January 2025, tourist visas may be extended twice while in Laos, for up to 60 additional days total. Use the current Department of Immigration procedure and wait for confirmation before relying on an extension.
What if I’m going to work, study or stay longer?
This guide is for a short tourist visit on an ordinary passport. It does not establish eligibility for employment, study or residence. Use the destination’s official guidance for your actual purpose.
Does my country of residence change the answer?
Passport nationality and legal residence are different. This page starts with your passport. Residence can change where you apply and which application channel is available; an existing visa or residence permit may also create an exception. Check the official eligibility guidance for your circumstances.
Official websites
Use these government websites to confirm requirements and complete any application.
Open Lao tourist visa on arrival or optional eVisa
This passport appears on the official eVisa eligibility list, so an approved tourist eVisa is an alternative to the stored visa-on-arrival route. The eVisa must be obtained before departure and used at a designated checkpoint.
Open Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF)
Check the Lao eVisa fee
Select your passport nationality in the MFA calculator; bank charges are shown separately.
Track the Lao eVisa application
Use the application ID and passport number to see its current status.
About this guide
This guide covers short tourist visits on an ordinary passport. Your nationality, residence, travel document and purpose can affect the entry conditions. Check the linked official guidance before travel; the border authority decides admission and your permitted stay.
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