United Kingdom to Laos visa requirements

UK ordinary passport holders need a visa for Laos. The recommended route is the official Lao eVisa: apply online before travel for a single-entry tourist visa allowing a 30-day stay. Visa on arrival is also available at major entry points, but the eVisa is faster and avoids border queues. British citizens cannot enter Laos visa-free. There are two valid channels for a short tourist visit: the official Lao eVisa (laoevisa.gov.la), applied for online at least 5 days before travel, and a visa on arrival at major airports and key land borders. Both are single-entry tourist visas that permit a stay of up to 30 days. The eVisa is valid for 60 days from issue (the window in which you must enter) and is recommended because it is processed in advance and speeds up the border crossing. UK nationals pay a government visa fee (around US$50, varying by nationality) plus a small online service fee; payment is by card. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and have at least 2 blank pages. Since 1 September 2025, all travellers must also complete the free Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) online within 3 days before both arrival and departure at the main international airports and the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I. From 1 January 2025, tourist stays can be extended twice in-country for up to 60 additional days. Overstaying is fined in Lao kip and can lead to deportation and an entry ban. Verified against GOV.UK foreign travel advice and the official Lao government eVisa portal as of 31 May 2026.