Passport and visa regulations
Nationalities
| Passport required | visa required | Return ticket required | |
| Turkey | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Austria | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Germany | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Switzerland | Yes | No/1 | Yes |
| Other EU countries | Yes | Yes, 1 | Yes |
Passport information
Generally required, must still be valid for at least 6 months upon entry.
Visa information
Attention: There is currently an entry ban for Laos. A visa is required for citizens of the countries listed in the table above, among others, except for: [1] Exceptions: Switzerland and Luxembourg visa-free for tourist stays of up to 15 days. e-Visa (Currently Suspended): Tourists who are citizens of the following countries listed in the table above, among others, can apply for an e-Visa for stays of up to 30 days when traveling via Wattay International Airport, Luang Prabang International Airport or via the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge in Vientiane: (a) Germany, Austria and all other EU countries; (b) Switzerland; and (c) Turkey. Visa on arrival (currently suspended): Visas for a tourist or business stay of up to 30 days (extendable locally for a fee) can be obtained upon arrival at Vientiane International Airport, Luang Prabang International Airport and Paksé International Airport, as well as at the border crossing points where border crossing is authorized for foreigners, upon presentation of the valid Passport, 2 photographs, a fee of US$30 (matching as possible) in cash, sufficient funds (min. US$400) and proof of return/onward travel and accommodation (from tour operator or host). However, the issuance of visas is at the discretion of the Lao authorities. Attention: When entering the country, it is essential to ensure that an entry stamp is placed in the passport.
- Ehuzhou: Offers ultimate guide to duty-free shopping in Laos. Also includes import and export regulations, as well as embassy and telecommunication information about this country.
Costs
Germany tourist visa: 10 days Processing time: 40 € (single entry, stay max. 30 days, valid for 90 days). Visitor and business visa: €40 (30 days stay), renewable on site. Applicants who do not live in Germany must add an additional €8 for postage. e-Visa: US$30 plus service fee of US$15. Switzerland visitor visa: 50 CHF, (30 days stay), extendable on site. e-Visa: US$30 plus service fee of US$15.
Visa types and costs
Tourist, Visit, Business and Transit Visa.
Validity
Visas are valid for 3 months from the date of issue for a stay of 30 days. Visa on arrival: 30 days stay. Transit visa: stay up to 5 days.
Transit
Transit passengers who continue their flight on the same aircraft, have reserved seats and do not leave the transit area do not need a transit visa. Personally or by post at the consular department of the embassy (see contact addresses), online as an e-visa or upon arrival.
Application required
(a) 2 application forms. (b) 2 passport photos. (c) Passport that is valid for at least six months at the time of entry. (d) If applicable, residence permit for Germany, Austria or Switzerland, which is still valid for at least six months. (e) Fee (Cash, Cash or Wire Transfer). (f) Certain nationals require a permit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vientiane (usually obtained from the travel agency, otherwise from the embassy). Business visa additionally: (g) letter of secondment from the company as well as a certified invitation from a Laotian company and official reference number requested by the latter. If no business partner is available, you can contact the embassy directly (see contact addresses). Transit visa additionally: (h) For transit visas, the necessary travel documents or a flight ticket for the third country must be presented. A stamped, registered return envelope should be enclosed with the application.
Processing time
Visas must be applied for no later than 2 weeks before departure if you live in Germany, and no later than 3 weeks before departure if you live outside of Germany. After receiving the confirmation from Laos, the tourist visa is usually issued within 5 days plus mail for all those applicants for whom the embassy is accredited.
Entry with children
German: Own passport. Austrians: Own passport. Swiss: Own passport. Turks: Own passport. Note: The same visa regulations apply to children as to their parents. Since June 27, 2012, children need their own travel document (passport / children’s passport) to travel abroad (also within the EU). Entries of children in the parental passport are no longer possible.
