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Country guideLast checked October 17, 2026

Visas and immigration in Laos

2 routes from official government sources, grouped by type. Each guide covers who it's for, the requirements and where to apply.

Visit & tourism 1
Work permits 1

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Visiting Laos

Short-stay rules by passport, from official sources. Last checked October 17, 2026.

10 passports visa-free
152 passports need an eTA or eVisa
87 passports need a visa

Passports that can visit without a visa

Brunei
Cambodia
Indonesia
Malaysia
Myanmar (Burma)
Philippines
Russia
Singapore
Thailand
Vietnam

Visit & tourism1 pathway

Tourist e-Visa
Laos's official e-visa portal (laoevisa.gov.la) issues single-entry tourist visas to citizens of listed countries. Approval is usually within 3 working days, and the approval letter is emailed. You must enter within 60 days of approval through one of 9 designated ports, and you can stay 30 days from arrival. Travellers entering at other ports must get a visa on arrival instead.
Temporary only
Last checked October 17, 2026
View requirements

Work permits1 pathway

Foreign labour quota, work permit and stay permit
Employers in Laos must have an approved foreign-labour quota and a permit to import each foreign worker before that person can work. The worker comes in on a business visa for work (LA-B2). The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MLSW) then issues a work permit, and the Ministry of Public Security's Immigration / Foreign Control Department issues a stay permit. Each document is usually valid for up to 12 months and is renewed every year.
Temporary only
Last checked October 17, 2026
View requirements

Official sources

Government pages behind these routes.

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