Laos Beach Holidays

You must obtain a visa to visit Laos, with a tourist visa valid for 30 days from arrival from 1 January 2025.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date and have at least 2 blank pages to enter Laos.

You can apply online for a single-entry e-visa at least 5 days in advance, or get a single-entry visa on arrival at major airports.

Complete the Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) digitally within 3 days before arrival and within 3 days before departure when using specific international airports and the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I.

Airlines may prevent you from boarding if your passport does not have enough blank pages, so check your passport meets their requirements.

Declare any goods that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty when entering or leaving Laos.

Tourist visas can be extended twice while in Laos for a total of 60 additional days, but failing to extend within 90 days results in a large fine, deportation, and a re-entry ban.

Hold your bags on the side away from the road as bag snatches by people on motorcycles are common.

Never leave your passport as a deposit for hiring a motorcycle as companies may arrange for it to be stolen and demand high fees.

Never leave your food or drink unattended as tourists have reported being spiked with drugs and assaulted.

Be aware that alcoholic drinks in bars, shops and hotels can contain methanol, which can be fatal even in small amounts.

Dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees when visiting temples and do not walk around in public in swimming costumes.

Be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers at bars, clubs and parties to avoid drink spiking.

Road accidents can require you to pay compensation even if you are not at fault, and local insurance typically only covers a small amount.