Last updated: 24 Jan 2012
Visas
Tourist visas may be extended by 30 days at the Bureau of Immigration (Bureau of Aliens and Foreigners Protection) in Lane Xang Avenue, Vientiane (opposite the morning market). A US$5 per day penalty will be incurred for overstaying and payment must be made either directly to the Bureau of Immigration or at the Friendship Bridge on departure.
Business and resident visas are difficult to obtain with applicants requiring official sponsorship. This may take months to process.
It is important to check your passport for the correct entry/exit stamp when entering and leaving. Travellers without the entry stamp may be detained by immigration officers and fined US$50-500 for illegal entry, and may find it difficult to re-enter Laos.
With the exception of Vientiane and Luang Prabang, all other international border checkpoints require a valid Lao visa already in the passport granted by a Lao Embassy abroad. Crossing points are:
- Vientiane Prefecture: Wattay International Airport, Friendship Bridge: Laos-Thailand, Nong Khai Province
- Luang Prabang Province: Luang Prabang International Airport
- Savannakhet Province: Savanakhet-Mukdahan Province (Laos-Thailand), Densavanh-Laobao, Quang Tri Province (Laos-Vietnam)
- Luang Namtha Province: Boten-Mohan, Sisuangpana, Yunnan Province (Laos-China)
- Bokeo Province: Houai Sai-Chiang Rai Province (Laos-Thailand), Tonpheung-Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai Province (Loas-Thiland)
- Borikhamsay Province: Na Phao (Laksao)-Cau Treo, Ha Tinh Province (Laos-Vietnam)
- Khammouane Province: Thakhek-Nakhon Phanom Province (Laos-Thailand)
- Champassak Province: Vangtau-Chongmek, Ubon Ratchatani Province (Laos-Thailand)
For further information please contact your nearest Laos Embassy or Consulate prior to arrival.
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