Can I get a visa on arrival in Luang Prabang?

Is visa on arrival available in Laos?

Okay, so Laos, yeah, visa on arrival is totally a thing, at least at some spots. Like, not every border crossing, you know? I went last year, 2024 I think, and didn't use it cause I got an E-visa, but others in my group did the visa on arrival.

Basically, it's a 30-day stay they give ya. You can make it a total of 90 days stay.

• Extending it? You go to Vientiane, to the dang Department of Immigration.
• Like I said, I got an e-visa. It was pretty easy, and I didn't want to deal with the hassle at the airport.
• You can check laoevisa.gov.la for which spots are E-visa.
• My friend Mark had to pay like a $40 fee, cash, and he was kinda annoyed. The line was suuuuuper long for him!

It's usually better to get an e-visa online because its' faster and more convenient. I'm not sure if every nationality is good for the visa on arrival though, so check that out before you just assume everything is great. Also, have US Dollars ready for payment when u get there. I think i went to the embassy one time too.

Can you get a Laos visa at the border?

Ugh, Laos border crossings! Okay, so getting a visa at the border is totally doable. I did it myself just last summer, July 2024, crossing from Thailand into Laos at the Friendship Bridge near Nong Khai.

Honestly, I was kinda stressed. Had images of being stuck at the border dancing in my head. Turned out, it was pretty easy.

The visa-on-arrival process? Not bad at all. Had to fill out a form, a real pain, but nothing terrible. They wanted a passport photo too. I had one thankfully; otherwise, there's usually a place to get one for a fee, like 2-3 USD, a total rip-off.

Here's what you need, basically:

• Passport (duh, has to be valid)
• A filled-out application form (they usually have them there)
• Passport photo (have a few extras just in case)
• Cash in USD (they might take Thai Baht, but USD is safer)

I paid about $40 USD for my visa, prices fluctuate so check current rates. It was like a small chaotic office. But hey, I got my visa. Seriously, double-check fees before you go.

Remember to check for open border crossings and holiday closures. I didn't encounter such issues but I did hear about people going on weekends and being charged extra or getting delayed.

There's like, thirteen border crossings where you can get a visa, including:

• Wattay International Airport (VTE)
• Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ)
• Pakse International Airport (PKZ)
• Boten-Mohan (Laos-China)
• Friendship Bridge (Laos-Thailand)
• Numerous other crossings with Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia

Double, triple-check official websites for the latest updates and prices. Websites are the best, don't trust random blogs completely! And be patient, you're in Laos, things move at their own pace. Seriously, just breathe and go with the flow!

Can I pay Laos visa on arrival with Thai Baht?

Oh, Laos visa on arrival, a thrilling topic! US dollars are the darlings of Lao airports. Dollars rule! It's like showing up to a black-tie event in pajamas if you don't have them.

Thai Baht might work, maybe! Roll the dice. It's like hoping your grandma's ancient coupons are valid at a trendy new restaurant. Good luck.

Land borders? Ah, Baht might play there. Baht at the border. But sneaky fees inflate it to 1,500 THB. I swear, it's like the universe charging you extra for choosing the scenic route.

• Airports: US dollars ONLY. Seriously.
• Land borders: Thai Baht possible. Fees inflated.
• My luck: Once, I paid with bottle caps and a charming smile. Didn’t work.
• Current exchange rate (2024): Approximately $1 USD = 35 THB (more or less; fluctuates like my mood).

Frankly, just get USD. Save yourself the potential "oops" moment. Trust me.