Laos Visa for Indians: Visa on Arrival, Fees & Requirements

The Laos visa for Indians is something that should be understood by travellers who want to know how everything will work, and on the other hand, have a clear understanding of the visa to the country that they intend to visit. Laos has a comparatively simple entry scheme for Indian passport holders, yet the procedure still demands consideration of documentation, the conditions and the rules of entry. Although a visa on arrival makes it easier to access, the preparation and adherence to immigration rules are not eliminated.

The travellers who take the Laos visa for Indians with the proper information regarding the type of visa, payment amount, report about the visa and the conditions of allowed stay in the country are in a better position to handle the confusion at the entry points. Read on to learn how visa on arrival functions, the documents that are needed, the structure of fees and expectations of what the traveller should anticipate during the process of entry verification in order to make the process smooth and organised.

What Visa Type is Available for Indian Travellers?

Indian passport holders are allowed entry under visa on arrival when they are visiting Laos  on short-term trips. This is applicable to the travel that is mainly connected with tourism and personal visits, which are provided under the non-work categories that are permitted.

Indian travellers will use the Laos tourist visa, which is a short-stay visa, and it is issued in specified international airports and approved land border checkpoints. Although it is not a very complex process, travellers have to apply to the criteria and provide the necessary documentation upon arrival.

Who Is Eligible to Apply for the Visa?

Eligibility for the Laos visa for Indians is assessed based on basic travel readiness and compliance with entry rules rather than complex pre-approval procedures. Indian passport holders travelling for tourism or short personal visits generally qualify, provided they meet documentation and financial requirements.

Eligibility is commonly evaluated through:

• Valid passport status.

• Clear travel purpose aligned with tourism or leisure.

• Ability to support expenses during the stay.

• Confirmation of onward or return travel.

Applicants who meet these conditions are typically granted visa on arrival approval, subject to immigration discretion.

What Documents Are Required at Arrival?

Even though Indian travellers are eligible for visa on arrival, documentation remains an essential part of the Laos visa for Indians process. Immigration officers review documents at the point of entry to confirm eligibility, travel purpose and compliance with entry conditions, which makes advance preparation important.

Travellers are generally required to carry the following documents:

• A valid Indian passport with sufficient remaining validity: The passport should have adequate validity beyond the intended travel dates and sufficient blank pages for visa stamping and entry endorsement.

• Recent passport-sized photographs as per local requirements: Photographs must meet size and format specifications, and carrying extra copies is advisable in case additional documentation is requested.

• Proof of onward or return travel: Confirmed return or onward tickets help demonstrate that the stay is time-bound and aligned with the permitted duration.

• Accommodation or stay confirmation: Hotel bookings, guesthouse reservations or invitation-based stay details may be reviewed to verify where the traveller intends to stay during the visit.

• Evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of stay: Financial proof, such as bank statements or accessible funds, may be requested to ensure the traveller can cover expenses throughout the visit.

Keeping all documents organised, printed where necessary and easily accessible helps reduce delays during verification and supports a smooth and efficient arrival process.

What is the Visa on Arrival Process?

The visa on arrival process for the Laos tourist visa for Indian travellers is completed at designated international airports and approved land border checkpoints in Laos. Travellers are required to complete this process before proceeding to immigration clearance, and being prepared in advance helps ensure a smooth experience.

The process generally involves the following steps:

• Arrival at the visa counter: Upon landing or reaching the border, travellers must proceed to the visa on arrival counter before immigration. Clear signage is usually available at major entry points.

• Form completion: Travellers are required to fill out a visa application or arrival form with personal details, passport information, travel purpose and intended length of stay. The information provided must match supporting documents.

• Document submission: The completed form is submitted along with required documents such as a valid passport, passport-sized photographs, proof of onward or return travel and accommodation confirmation for verification by immigration officials.

• Fee payment: After document review, travellers pay the applicable visa fee at the counter. Payment is typically accepted in cash, most commonly in US dollars, and travellers are advised to carry the exact amount as card or digital payment options may not be available at all entry points.

• Visa issuance: Once payment is confirmed, immigration officers issue the visa on arrival and stamp the passport with the approved stay duration, which is usually valid for short-term tourism purposes.

• Immigration clearance: Travellers then proceed to the immigration counter for entry clearance, where final verification may take place before being allowed to enter the country.

Processing time is generally short but can vary depending on passenger volume, peak travel periods and the specific airport or border crossing. Having documents organised, forms completed accurately and payment readily available helps minimise delays and ensures a smoother arrival experience.

What are the Laos Visa Fees in 2026 for Indian Passport Holders?

Indian travellers can obtain a visa on arrival or apply for an eVisa online before travel. The visa on arrival fee is paid at the point of entry (airport or land border), whereas the eVisa fee is paid online during the application process.

Explanation of Fees

Knowing the visa on arrival fee beforehand allows travellers to plan their expenses and avoid payment-related issues at immigration counters.

• Visa on Arrival: The fee at the border is typically between USD 30 and USD 45, depending on the entry point and immigration policies at that time. Applicants should carry cash in USD, as card payments may not be accepted at the counter.

• eVisa (Tourist): Applying online usually costs around USD 50, and this type of visa is valid for entry through designated airports and land border crossings. After approval, the eVisa document is emailed to the traveller.

Key Notes on Fees

Beyond the standard visa fee, there are certain important points related to processing and eligibility that travellers should review before departure.

• Fees can change over time, so travellers are advised to confirm the latest fee structure through official resources before departure. 

• Visa on arrival processing is generally quick, taking roughly 30 minutes to 1 hour at major entry points.

• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of entry. 

Permitted Stay Duration

For Indian travellers using the Laos visa for Indians, the visa on arrival and eVisa normally allow a stay in Laos for up to 30 days from the date of entry, as confirmed by official visa information and travel guidance. This 30-day stay period applies to most entry types granted at airports and approved land borders, and it is the standard duration offered to visitors entering for tourism or short personal visits.

Many travellers are also eligible to request an extension while in Laos, typically by applying to the immigration office before the original authorised stay expires, although extensions are granted at the discretion of local authorities and may involve administrative fees.

It is important that travellers exit the country on or before the permitted period ends, because overstaying without prior extension can result in fines, penalties or issues with future travel. Careful monitoring of entry and exit dates and planning one’s itinerary accordingly keeps the stay compliant with immigration regulations in Laos. 

Entry Checks and Immigration Verification

Visa issuance and entry clearance are related but separate stages. Even after receiving the visa on arrival, immigration officers may ask brief questions to confirm travel purpose and review documents.

Officers may verify:

• Purpose of visit and travel explanation.

• Accommodation and return travel details.

• Financial readiness for the stay.

• Consistency between declared plans and documentation.

Providing clear answers and maintaining consistency across documents helps reduce entry-related delays or complications.

Activities Allowed on the Tourist Visa

The Laos tourist visa for Indian travellers permits tourism, leisure travel and short personal visits. It does not allow employment, paid assignments, business operations or long-term study.

Travellers are expected to:

• Follow local laws and public conduct rules.

• Respect the permitted duration of stay.

• Avoid activities outside the approved travel purpose.

Misuse of the tourist visa may result in penalties or future entry restrictions.

Preparation Tips for First-Time Travellers

First-time travellers to Laos benefit from preparing documents in advance even when using visa on arrival. Organised preparation helps reduce stress and ensures smoother interaction with immigration officials.

Helpful preparation steps include:

• Checking passport validity well before travel.

• Printing accommodation and return travel confirmations.

• Keeping sufficient funds accessible.

• Carrying extra passport photographs if required.

These steps support a more predictable arrival experience.

Also Read : 60 Visa Free Countries for Indian Passport Holders in 2026

Conclusion

The Laos visa for Indians offers a relatively simple and accessible entry option through a visa on arrival, provided travellers meet documentation and eligibility requirements. While the process reduces advanced administrative steps, responsible preparation, awareness of stay limits and compliance with immigration rules remain essential. By understanding how the Laos tourist visa for indian travellers works and planning accordingly, visitors can ensure a smooth entry and comfortable stay, while also considering reliable travel protection options such as Niva Bupa Travel insurance to stay financially prepared for unexpected medical or travel-related situations during their journey.

FAQs

1. Is a visa required before travelling to Laos from India?

Indian passport holders generally do not need to apply in advance, as visa on arrival is available for tourism purposes.

2. Can the visa on arrival be extended?

Extensions may be possible through local immigration offices, subject to approval and applicable fees.

3. Is the visa on arrival available at all entry points?

Visa on arrival is available at major international airports and approved land borders, but travellers should confirm entry-point eligibility before travel.

4. Is proof of funds mandatory for entry?

Yes, immigration officers may review financial readiness to ensure travellers can support themselves during their stay.

5. Can the tourist visa be used for business activities?

No, the tourist visa is strictly for tourism and personal visits and does not permit business or employment activities.