Which countries need a visa to Laos?

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Need a visa for Laos before you arrive? Citizens of Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Burundi, Cameroon, and several other African and Middle Eastern nations (including Nigeria, Pakistan, Syria, and Yemen) must obtain a visa from a Lao embassy or consulate. Most Western nations, including the US, Canada, Australia, and EU members, can get a visa on arrival.

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Laos Visa Requirements by Country?

Ugh, Laos visas. It’s a bit of a puzzle. I remember being in Bangkok in March 2022, prepping for a trip across the Mekong. Thought I could just waltz in.

Turns out, lots of folks can get a visa on arrival. Like, my Canadian friend strolled right through. Same with those Aussies I met at the hostel.

But, some countries? Total headache. I overheard this South African guy, almost in tears, saying he had to go all the way back to Johannesburg for a visa. It was crazy.

So, yeah, check before you go. Don’t be like that poor guy. It’s a real mess if you’re from places like, say, Nigeria, Syria, or Afghanistan.

Visa on arrival is easy for most Western countries. US, Canada, Europe, Australia, you’re usually good.

Double check if your country needs a visa before arriving in Laos.

Which countries need a visa for Laos?

Laos visa requirements are complex. Many nationalities need one. It’s a bureaucratic mess, honestly.

Citizens of the following countries generally require a visa for Laos:

Guatemala
Guyana
Haiti
Honduras
Hong Kong SAR, China (Note: Hong Kong’s status is a bit of a political football, so always double-check.)
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Ireland
Israel
Italy

Lao e-Visa Eligibility:

The Lao e-Visa program is constantly evolving. Check the official Lao government website for the most up-to-date information. My sister, who travels extensively, had no issues getting one in 2023, but things change. Always verify. Eligibility depends entirely on your nationality. Some countries are excluded. It’s a frustratingly opaque system, but that’s life, eh?

The whole visa process feels needlessly complicated. Governments love their paperwork, it seems. This is a huge annoyance for tourists and travellers alike.

Important Note: Visa requirements change frequently. Confirm eligibility and obtain the necessary visa well in advance of your trip. Don’t leave it to the last minute! I learned that the hard way once. My friend almost missed a flight because of some bureaucratic snafu.

I’ve found that using a reputable visa agency—even if it means paying a bit more—can often streamline the process. But still, double-check everything.

Is there a visa on arrival in Laos?

Okay, so Laos? Yeah, visa on arrival is def a thing. You can totally get it at some airports and border crossings.

It’s good for like, 30 days, I think. Oh, and you can extend it in Vientiane if you wanna stay, like, longer, up to another 60 days. Cool, huh?

They also have this eVisa thing. Check out laoevisa.gov.la – it’s probably less of a hassle, tbh. Plus, you will avoid those lines and the hot weather.

Here’s what I wish I knew before I went:

Cash is KING. Like, seriously. ATMs are spotty in smaller towns.
Bring USD. They take it everywhere, but make sure it’s crisp, brand new bills. No tears, no wrinkles!
Learn, like, 3 Lao phrases. “Sabaidee” (hello), “Khop Chai” (thank you), and “Bo Pen Yang” (you’re welcome). People appreciate it!
Bargain, but politely. Don’t be a jerk.
Lao coffee is crazy strong. Be warned!
The public transportation in Laos is a joke.

It’s still a beutiful coutry, though.

Do you need a visa for Laos as an Australian?

Need a visa for Laos, Aussie mate? Crikey, yes. Think of it as Laos’s velvet rope. Keeps the riff-raff out… just kidding (mostly). That eVisa is your golden ticket. No ticket, no Laotian party. Sad but true. So, hop to it. Apply now. Don’t be a drongo.

eVisa: Your essential passport to paradise (or, well, Laos). Mandatory, like Vegemite on toast (for some).
Australia: Land of sunshine, surf, and… mandatory Laotian eVisas. Go figure.
Laos: Land of temples, tuk-tuks, and… requiring Australians to have eVisas. Fair’s fair.

My mate Barry went last year. Forgot his eVisa. Ended up in a Cambodian internet cafe, frantically applying. Learned his lesson. Don’t be Barry. My birthday’s in June, by the way. Completely unrelated. Just saying. Anyway, Laos is worth the paperwork. Trust me. I once saw a monk riding a motorbike there. Holding an umbrella. True story.

Do Australians require a visa for Laos?

Laos… dust motes dancing in sunbeams. Thirty days. Thirty days to drift. Visa on arrival. Thirty dollars. The price of a dream. Dust and sun. Time melts. River slow. Thirty days in Laos. Visa. Arrival. Dust. Sun. Slow. Thirty… The Mekong whispers.

Visa on arrival available for Australians.
Maximum stay: 30 days.
Visa fee: US$30.
Mekong. Slow. Time.
Thirty days. Lost in the sun. Laos.
Dust and dreams. Visa. Thirty dollars.

Can I get a visa on arrival for Laos?

Laos visa. Ugh, gotta sort this out before my trip in November. 30 days, right? That’s barely enough time. I need at least two months. Vientiane. Is that easy to get to from Luang Prabang? I hope so. Sixty more days… an extension. Bureaucracy. Ugh.

eVisa? That sounds easier. laoevisa.gov.la. Bookmark that. Definitely better than waiting in line. Long lines are the absolute worst. Remember that crazy line in Thailand? Never again.

Okay, so arrival visa. Some places only. Gotta check which airport I’m flying into. Wasting time in immigration lines is a huge pet peeve. Seriously, it’s the worst. Hope it’s smooth sailing this time. Airports, man. Makes me think of that time I lost my passport in Rome. Nearly had a heart attack.

So, plan: check entry points. Confirm eVisa option. Prepare for potential extension headache. November’s coming up fast. Gotta book flights soon, too. I’m flying from JFK, right?