Prepare for a visa on arrival
Check eligible arrival points, required documents, and how to pay before departure.
Confirm the visa-on-arrival route
Check with the destination’s immigration authority that a visa on arrival is available for your passport and trip.
Prepare for visa issuance on arrival
Keep your passport and supporting documents ready. Confirm the fee, accepted payment method and eligible point of entry before departure.
Check the visa you receive
Check the passport details, permitted stay and entry conditions on the visa issued to you.
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.
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
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 Vatican City passport holders need a visa for Laos?
For tourism in Laos, ordinary passport holders from Vatican City 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.
Who this guide covers
Short tourist visits to Laos with an ordinary Vatican City passport. Residence, travel documents, and purpose can affect the rules. Confirm the official guidance before travel; border authorities decide admission and your permitted stay.
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