Complete guide on how to get the Laos visa for US citizens

Prepare to explore Laos! This underrated Asian destination is waiting for you. The places to visit in Laos are hidden gems, and a lot less crowded than other countries in the region.

Here you will learn everything about how to get the Laos visa for US citizens: the characteristics of the visa, its cost, locations of the embassies and more.

Do US citizens need a visa for Laos?

Yes, it’s mandatory to apply for the Laos visa for US citizens. The Laos visa is a single-entry online tourist visa. It has a 60-day validity after approval. 

You can send in your application in a matter of minutes if you apply through Visagov. Our platform is user-friendly, streamlined for the traveler’s convenience. 

It’s possible to extend the Laos visa for US citizens for up to 90 extra days (in two instances of 30-day extensions). You will have to pay 2 USD for each day of extension. However, if you apply after your visa has already expired, that price rises to $10 per day. You won’t be able to apply for an extension of the visa for Laos from US: you have to do it in person in Vientiane or Luang Prabang.

Laos visa requirements for US citizens

The Laos visa requirements for US citizens are:

• A valid passport. Its remaining validity has to be of a minimum of 6 months from the date of entry.
• A recent passport-sized photograph of the applicant
• A current email address
• A bank card (credit or debit) to pay for the Laos eVisa fees

Read our guide on how to get a visa for Laos for information about the application process, other available visa types and more.

What is the cost of the Laos visa for US citizens?

The final cost of the visa for Laos depends on the nationality of the applicant. The Laos visa for US citizens has a cost of $50.

How long does it take to get a visa for Laos from US?

It’s best to apply for the visa for Laos from US 15 days before traveling. It’s worth noting that you won’t be able to apply with less than 5 working days of anticipation, as that’s the processing time for the Laos visa for US citizens.

Where is the Laos Embassy in USA?

Address: 2222 S St NW, Washington, DC 20008 

Telephone: +1(202) 328-9148 / +1(202) 332-6416

Fax: (202) 332-4923

Website: https://laoembassy.com/ 

Where is the Embassy of the US in Laos?

Address: Thadeua Road KM 9, Vientiane, Laos

Telephone: +(856) (21) 48-7000 

Fax: +(856) (21) 48-7040

Website: https://la.usembassy.gov/ 

What are the vaccine requirements for Laos for US citizens?

These are the recommended vaccines for those traveling to Laos from the US:

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
• Polio
• Shingles
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Japanese encephalitis
• Rabies
• Typhoid

You will also need to ask your doctor for medicine against malaria. The only exception is if your visit is limited exclusively to Vientiane. If you visit any place outside of that city, you will need medication for malaria.

What is the time difference between Laos and the US?

The time difference between Laos and the US is considerable. Laos’ time zone is Indochina Time (UTC+7), and the US has 6 time zones. The total difference is:

• Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HAST): UTC-10 (17-hour difference)
• Alaska Standard Time (AST): UTC-9 (16-hour difference)
• Pacific Standard Time (PST): UTC-8 (15-hour difference)
• Mountain Standard Time (MST): UTC-7 (14-hour difference)
• Central Standard Time (CST): UTC-6 (13-hour difference)
• Eastern Standard Time (EST): UTC-5 (12-hour difference)

What is the currency of Laos and the exchange rate to US Dollars?

The official currency of Laos since 1955 is the Lao Kip (LAK). There are no coins currently in use, but you can find bills of 500, 1.000, 2.000, 5.000, 10.000, 20.000, 50.000 and 100.000 LAK.

The current exchange rate for US Dollars is: 1 USD = 20,882.5 LAK.