For French nationals, a visa is mandatory to enter Laotian territory. To enter Laos, you will also need a passport with a validity period of at least 6 months beyond your stay in Laos.

Tourist visas for Laos are valid for a 30-day stay. The visa can be issued by a consular institution or at most border crossings.

Laos Visa Application Procedure

To obtain your entry permit to Laos, you will need to provide:

• A valid passport for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates;
• A visa application form, available on-site or downloadable here;
• A recent passport-sized photograph;
• A payment of $30

Applying for a visa on arrival is undoubtedly the most convenient, quickest, and most cost-effective option.

Once the visa is affixed to your passport, be sure to verify that the stamp with your arrival and departure dates is clearly noted.

Border Crossings Issuing Laotian Visas

• International Airports:
  • Wattay International Airport in Vientiane
  • Luang Prabang International Airport
  • Pakse International Airport (Champasack)
  • Savannakhet International Airport
• Cambodia/Laos Border:
  • Dong Calor – Veun Kham
• China/Laos Border:
  • Mohan – Botene
• Thailand/Laos Border:
  • Chiangkhong – Houixay
  • Nakaxeng – Kaenthao
  • Houi Koln – Nam Ngeun
  • Chongmek – Vangtao
  • Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I
  • Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II
  • Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge III
  • Tha Naleng Railway Station, Vientiane
• Vietnam/Laos Border:
  • Nomo – Banleui
  • Namkan – Namkan
  • Keoneua – Nampao (Lak Sao)
  • Laobao – Dansavanh

Good to Know

The tourist visa can be extended at the Immigration Bureau in Vientiane for $2 USD per day. A penalty of $10 USD per day will be applied if you exceed your visa validity period.