Laos visa on arrival

Applying for a visa on arrival at any Lao port of entry has has got to be one of the easiest and smoothest process I’ve gone through.

I landed at Luang Prabang on my month-long tour of Indo-China. Immediately after you enter the airport terminal from the tarmac, there’s a special booth straight in front of the entrance that you must head to. You’ll figure out which one it as there’s a queue of people standing in line, waiting their turn.

As easy as it gets

Fill in the application form along with the immigration card and keep your passport sized photograph at hand, along with the fees. While fees vary for different nationalities, for Indian passport holders, it’s US $ 40 plus a US $ 1 processing fee. Quite steep, I admit. But it’s totally worth it. Some nationalities pay far less. While a very few lucky ones pay nothing.

When you are at the first counter, deposit your passport along with a photograph and filled in immigration form. They’ll quickly check it, and ask you to proceed to the next window, which is literally around the corner.

Once you have collected your passport with your freshly pasted visa sticker, proceed to any of the immigration counters, get stamped, and you’re officially in Laos. How’s that for all under 20 minutes.

Note:

While this article considers visa on arrival for Indian passport holders, please check whether your nationality is eligible for a visa on arrival. In most cases, you should be eligible for a visa on arrival. However, some nationalities may need to apply in their respective countries. I suggest you confirm the same before you make any plans.

Looking for things to do in Luang Prabang? You can get all the details on this beautiful small town here. There is plenty to marvel at and savour.