Prepare for a visa on arrival
Check eligible arrival points, required documents, and how to pay before departure.
Choose online or arrival issuance
An approved tourist eVisa is an alternative to the visa-on-arrival route for this passport. Obtain it before departure and use 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 stay and passport validity
Enter your arrival and departure dates to count your stay and check how long your passport must stay valid.
Travel preparation checklist
Check each item’s requirement level and the conditions that apply.
Your circumstances may require additional documents. Ticks track preparation, not eligibility or admission.
Laos arrival steps
Check the timing and conditions for each arrival step.
Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF)
At Wattay, Luang Prabang or Pakse international airport, or Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I, submit the LDIF online within 3 days before arrival and again before departure. It does not replace a visa.
Arrival guidanceEntry conditions and exceptions
Check whether these rules affect your eligibility, application, or arrival.
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 guidanceBefore and during your visit to Laos
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.
Carry a passport copy
Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs advises taking several photocopies and carrying one during your stay. Keep a copy separate from your original passport.
Check your entry stamp
At a land crossing, check that immigration stamped your passport before you leave the checkpoint. Canada warns that a missing entry stamp can lead to serious penalties.
Laos travel essentials
- Capital
- Vientiane
- Currency
- LAK
- Calling code
- +856
Laos entry questions
Do Sri Lankan citizens need a visa for Laos?
For tourism in Laos, ordinary passport holders from Sri Lanka can get a visa on arrival at an eligible entry point. The stay limit is 30 days per visit.
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.
How much passport validity do I need?
At least 6 months after arrival. At least 2 blank pages.
Do I need to complete Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF)?
Required for this route. At Wattay, Luang Prabang or Pakse international airport, or Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I, submit the LDIF online within 3 days before arrival and again before departure. It does not replace a visa.
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 visa and entry guidance
Confirm Laos’s requirements directly with government authorities.
Open Lao tourist visa on arrival or optional eVisa
An approved tourist eVisa is an alternative to the visa-on-arrival route for this passport. Obtain it before departure and use 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.
Who this guide covers
Short tourist visits to Laos with an ordinary Sri Lanka passport. Residence, travel documents, and purpose can affect the rules. Confirm the official guidance before travel; border authorities decide admission and your permitted stay.
Suggest a correctionhttps://visadir.com/requirements/laos/sri-lanka