Disclaimer: This
information has been derived by the most recent available information
with as much accuracy possible. Although, LCW does acknowledge
that changes regarding acquiring visas can change without notice.
Therefore the reader should know this as well. Readers should
contact the nearest Lao embassy, travel/tourist agency, or official tourism websites for the most
recent information regarding travel issues to Laos. Be sure to also visit your government's foreign affairs department for travel warnings.
A visit visa is valid
for a 30 days period of stay and can be extended in the Lao P.D.R.
for another 30 days.
A visa is valid for
one entry within three months of the date of issuance. For
business, a
multiple entry - visa
can possibly be issued once the business or joint-venture has been
established.
Keep in mind that
in obtaining a visa, there is a (duplicate) form you will have to
fill out and include 2 passport photos in some cases.
The following persons
are exempt from having to obtain a visa into Laos:
Nationals from the
following countries are exempt from having to obtain a visa for
a stay of up to 15 days; Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines,
Singapore and Vietnam
passengers continuing
their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft, provided
holding onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.
TYPES
OF VISAS
There are several types
of visas which all have different requirements:
business - A
letter of invitation from a counterpart in Laos and/or a business
visa approval in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vientiane.
tourist - Visa processing
should be made through an eligible tour company or writing to the
nearest embassy to you. A tourist visa will last you 14 or
15 days can be renewed at the Ministry of the Interior for $1US.
family visits - Visa
request can be processed either through a guarantor in Laos or the
Lao Embassy
journalist - A personal
biography, background information on the news agency for which the
journalist is working, desired program and schedule of work in Laos,
personal writing on Laos or the region. For journalists, the period
of stay depend on their scheduled working program.
transit - Proof of
an entry visa and air ticket to the third country. Transit
visa is permitted to a stay of 5 days maximum, in Vientiane only,
to allow the traveler to take the next connecting flight.
METHODS
OF ACQUIRING A VISA
A visa can be obtained
by several methods: If you're planning to go into Laos through
international checkpoints, you will have to use methods shown below:
With help through
a travel agency
By
applying through a Lao Embassy within your city or the closest one
to your city/country. Lao
Embassies can be found in the following countries: Australia, Cambodia,
China, Cuba, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia,
Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Singapore, Sweden,
Thailand, USA, Vietnam
In Bankok, Thailand
On
arrival in Laos at entry points such as
Wattay International
Airport, Vientiane
Friendship Bridge
Luang Prabang Airport
Upon arrival at these points
you wil require: a passport, passport sized photograph, Visa
fee of $30 (or $50) USD
GETTING
TO LAOS
By Air:
The most common method
of getting to Laos are through connecting flights that lead to Bangkok.
There are some international
flights in/out of Vientiane from:
Cambodia: Phnom Penh
China: Kunming
Myanamar: Yangon
Thailand: Bangkok
and Chiang Mai
Vietnam: Hanoi and
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Due to the Asian financial
crisis, flights by Silk Air, from Singapore and Malaysian Airlines
from Kuala Lumpur have been temporarily suspended.
By Land:
From Thailand
Nong Khai -
Udon Thani
Xiang Khong, Chiang
Rai Province to Huay Xai, Bokeo Province Nakorn Phanom to Tha Kek,
Khammouane Province
Mukdaharn to Savannakhet
Chong Mek, Ubon Rathchathani
Province to Pakse
Houay Kone, Nan to
Xaingnabouri
From Vietnam
Lao Bao, Khung Tri
to Dan Savan, Savannakhet
Lak Sao, Vinh to Kaew
Neua, Bolikhamsai
From China
Mengla, Yunnan to
Boten, Luang Nam Tha
MEDICAL
SHOTS
Prior to entering Laos
there are specific medical shots you need to have or consider having.It is a good idea to contact your physician and inform them of your
travel plans so that they may give you the required shots. Another
choice are traveler's clinics who are of course specialize in this
area and have most vaccines already on hand. Typical shots may include Hepetitus A and B, tetenus/diptheria, malaria, Japanese Encephalitis, among others.
* Sources: Lao Tourism Authority, Laoembassy.com, Visit-laos.com
** As there is continued
increased tourism into Laos, it is expected that most travel agencies
can now accomodate inquiries by individuals interested in visiting
Laos so be sure to ask around for competitive rates and most recent
travel information.
