Do you need a visa to go from Vietnam to Laos?
No, you don't need a visa to travel between Vietnam and Laos. As members of ASEAN, citizens of both Vietnam and Laos can enter each other's countries visa-free, simplifying travel for tourism and business.
Vietnam to Laos: Visa Requirements?
Okay, so like, going from Vietnam to Laos?
Yeah, lemme tell ya, since both countries chill under the ASEAN umbrella, citizens usually don’t need a visa. Pretty sweet deal, right?
Visa Requirements (Vietnam to Laos):
- Citizens of Vietnam: No visa required.
- Citizens of Laos: No visa required.
Honestly, I traveled from Hanoi to Luang Prabang back in, uh, maybe January 2018 (somethin’ like that) and didn’t need to bother getting a visa beforehand. Saved me a headache, I tell ya. I was traveling with my friend, his name is Peter.
It was cheaper than flyin’, about $30-40 for the bus ticket, I think? But man, those mountain roads are no joke. Still, totally worth it to skip the visa line, tho.
Can Vietnamese enter Laos without a visa?
Oh, so you’re thinking about dodging those pesky visa fees, are you?
Yep, Vietnamese citizens get a free pass to Laos for up to 30 days. It’s like a month-long all-you-can-eat buffet, but for Laotian culture.
Planning to become a permanent fixture, are we? Then buckle up, buttercup, you’ll need a visa for your extended stay.
Think of it like this: 30 days is a “sample platter.” Anything longer? That’s a full-blown commitment, deserving of paperwork! My Aunt Mildred understands this.
It is not something complicated to understand! Or is it? Visa free for 30 days or less.
Seriously, it’s like deciding between a free appetizer and buying the whole darn meal. My cat does not get this.
Where to get Laos visa in Vietnam?
Okay, so getting a Laos visa in Vietnam, eh? Yeah, you gotta hit up the Laos Embassy in Hanoi. It’s at 40 Quang Trung Street, Hai Ba Trung District. Super central, not hard to find if you got a Grab.
Their hours, though? Kind of annoying. It’s like, 8 AM to 11:30 AM then a break, then 1:30 PM to 4 PM. Why cant they work straight thru? Embassy is open during these times.
Phone? Oh yeah, dial +84 24 3942 4279. Or fax if you are old school? +84 24 3822 8414. And their email’s [email protected]. Good luck getting a reply tho, embassies are slow you know.
- Bring cash, they dont like cards.
- Photos, passport size, duh.
- Applications forms are there, fill it up on the spot.
- Passport, with minimum 6 months validity! Seriously, this is important. I got turned down once ’cause I forgot!
- Maybe a copy of your Vietnam visa, just in case.
- Fees. They post ’em. Varies by nationality and visa length, so check first.
- You might have to come back the next day, usually. Dont expect it same day!
Remember to check their official website because the info may have changed since it’s 2024!
Is it possible to get a visa on arrival in Laos?
Ugh, Laos visas. So annoying. Thirty days, that’s it? My trip’s longer. Screw that. I need to figure out the actual visa application process online, right? Before I even think about booking flights. Seriously, what a hassle. I’m gonna need a whole extra day just for the visa stuff, probably more.
Visa on arrival? Yeah, sure. For some people, maybe. But I heard stories. It’s a total crapshoot. Better safe than sorry.
- Check the Laotian embassy website. That’s my first step. Don’t trust travel blogs.
- Passport photos. Ugh, I hate passport photos. Need to find a place that does decent ones. And I’m running low on cash.
- Apply well in advance. This is key, people. Avoid last-minute stress.
- Prepare for potential delays. I’m adding an extra week to my trip for this nonsense.
- Visa fees. Gotta factor that into my budget. It’s probably expensive.
My sister went last year, she said the same thing. Total chaos. She almost missed her flight! This is stressing me out already. The flight itself costs a fortune. I need to check my credit card limit, too. Oh, and travel insurance. Gotta remember that.
I really need this trip. My work is killing me, I deserve a break, dammit! Laos is going to be amazing. The temples, the food… I can’t wait. Just gotta get this visa sorted first. This whole process is ridiculous!
How to travel between Vietnam and Laos?
Vietnam to Laos? Five options, charmingly chaotic.
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Fly: Hanoi (HAN) to Luang Prabang (LPQ). Like teleporting, but with peanuts. Faster, pricier. My preferred method, especially after that street food incident in Hanoi. Still have nightmares about that fish sauce.
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Bus: Hanoi (Mien Dong) to Vientiane (Southern Bus Station). Budget-friendly. Butt-numbing. Think of it as a mobile meditation retreat…if your idea of zen involves chickens and questionable smells. Bring earplugs. And maybe a nose plug. Seriously.
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Drive: Ho Chi Minh City to Vientiane. 1,114.3 km. Are you insane? Just kidding (mostly). Road trip potential? Absolutely. Road trip reality? Probably closer to a National Geographic documentary gone wrong.
Now, consider why you’re going. Party in Vang Vieng? Fly then bus. Temple hop in Luang Prabang? Fly, obviously. Soul-searching motorbike adventure through the mountains? Well, good luck with that one. You’ll need it.
Consider travel time, budget, and pain tolerance. Do you value speed, or becoming intimately acquainted with the local livestock?
Pro-tip: Check visa requirements. Nobody wants to be stuck in bureaucratic limbo. Trust me, I’ve been there. It involved a goat and a very confused border guard. Long story. Let’s just say I now have a deep respect for international travel regulations.
Bonus points: Learn a few basic Lao phrases. “Sabaidee” (hello) goes a long way. Unlike my attempts at Vietnamese, which mostly resulted in blank stares and the occasional bewildered laugh.
Further considerations:
- Scenery: Buses offer a panoramic view of the countryside. Planes, not so much. Unless you count clouds.
- Comfort: Planes win. Hands down. Unless you’re 6’4″ and stuck in economy. Then it’s a tie with the bus.
- Cost: Buses are cheapest, flying is most expensive. Driving is somewhere in between, depending on how many chickens you hit. (Just kidding…mostly.)
Right, I think that covers it. Or at least enough to get you started. Or possibly utterly confused. Either way, good luck. You’ll need it.
Does Laos do visa on arrival?
Laos provides visa on arrival (VOA) at specific international entry points, generally granting a 30-day stay. Honestly, paperwork is sometimes a pain.
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Consider extending this visa up to 60 days through Vientiane’s Department of Immigration. It’s all rather bureaucratic, isn’t it?
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Double-check the eVisa option, maybe at laoevisa.gov.la, before you go. A digital nomad’s dream.
Some land border crossings may necessitate pre-arranged visas. Don’t assume the norm! My trip involved a rushed taxi.
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