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🇺🇸 Does an American need a visa for Laos 🇱🇦?
Visa on arrival. American passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Laos, usually at the airport or land border.
Checked against Wikipedia's list of visa requirements for American citizens on 2026-10-04. Entry rules change: confirm with the embassy of Laos or its official government website before you travel.
What this means for your trip
A visa on arrival is issued at the port of entry. Expect a fee, a passport photo and sometimes proof of onward travel and accommodation.
Not every airport or land border issues it, and some nationalities are sent to secondary checks; confirm the entry point before you travel.
Your passport should normally be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date and have blank pages for stamps; many countries apply this rule.
Laos at a glance
Capital: Vientiane · Currency: Lao kip (LAK, ₭) · Official languages: Lao · Calling code: +856
U.S. State Department travel advisory for Laos: Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution (updated 28 July 2026). It is written for U.S. citizens; read the advisory before you book.
Plugs and voltage
Your plugs fit: every plug type used in the United States (A, B) works with sockets in Laos. Mains voltage differs (Laos: 230 V; the United States: 120 V): most phone and laptop chargers accept 100–240 V, but single-voltage devices such as some hair dryers need a converter.
Your embassy in Laos
If your passport is lost or stolen, or you need help in an emergency in Laos, contact the embassy of the United States:
- Embassy of the United States in Laos · Thadeua Road, Km 9 · la.usembassy.gov
Missions from Wikidata (CC0), checked 2026-09-26. Addresses and opening hours change: check the mission's website before you go.
Easier destinations near Laos for American passport holders
- 🇧🇳 Brunei — Visa-free 90 days
- 🇲🇾 Malaysia — Visa-free
- 🇵🇭 Philippines — Visa-free 30 days
- 🇸🇬 Singapore — Visa-free
- 🇹🇭 Thailand — Visa-free 60 days
The other way round
🇱🇦 Laotian passport holders visiting the United States: Laotian passport holders need a visa for the United States, applied for at an embassy or consulate of the United States before travelling.
The American passport at a glance
All destinations for United States passport holders → · Who needs a visa for Laos →
Questions
Do American citizens need a visa for Laos?
American passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Laos, usually at the airport or land border.
Does a Laotian need a visa for the United States?
Laotian passport holders need a visa for the United States, applied for at an embassy or consulate of the United States before travelling.