Plan your Laos border crossing as an Icelander with our guide! Learn about visa exemptions, e-visa applications, border checkpoints, eco-friendly Laos Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Laos Travel. Start your journey today!
Xieng Khouang, Laos - Plain of Jars Green Fields (Source: Internet)Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys, and official sources like laos-evisa.gov.la, laoimmigration.gov.la, travel.state.gov, lonelyplanet.com, and laotourism.org. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Laos’s updated travel regulations.
Icelandic travelers, please note: Laos offers Visa on Arrival (VOA) for Iceland citizens. As an EU/Schengen member, Icelanders can obtain a 30-day VOA at major borders or apply for an e-visa online. This guide details visa requirements, border crossing procedures, and travel tips for a seamless journey into Laos by land, air, or sea.
Laos, a landlocked gem in Southeast Asia, is renowned for its serene landscapes, ancient temples, and vibrant markets, like Luang Prabang’s UNESCO-listed old town, Vientiane’s Patuxai Monument, and Vang Vieng’s karst mountains lonelyplanet.com. Understanding visa requirements for border crossings ensures smooth entry for Icelandic travelers, whether joining guided Laos Tours or traveling independently. Icelanders benefit from Visa on Arrival (VOA) at major entry points, while e-visas or exemptions are available for specific cases, facilitating entry through Laos’s 22 land borders, 7 international airports, and 1 river port laoimmigration.gov.la. This guide provides practical visa insights, border crossing tips, cultural etiquette, and eco-friendly Laos Travel options for Icelandic travelers.
Following Laos’s updated travel regulations, the country is accessible via multiple border checkpoints, including popular land borders like Nong Khai (Thailand), Huay Xai (Thailand), and Boten (China). This guide blends visa requirements, border crossing procedures, and sustainable Laos Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.
Icelandic travelers can enter Laos with a 30-day VOA at major borders ($30–$40 or 300,000–400,000 LAK). Passports must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. Cultural site entries like Patuxai cost $0.50–$1 (5,000–10,000 LAK); guided tours range from $15–$80 (150,000–800,000 LAK). Temporary residence registration with local police is required within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or hosts. Verify visa requirements and border procedures via laos-evisa.gov.la or travel.state.gov.
Standard Visa on Arrival (VOA):
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for short stays.
Eligibility: Icelandic citizens (EU/Schengen members) and citizens of over 150 countries laoimmigration.gov.la.
Duration: Up to 30 days (single entry) laoimmigration.gov.la.
Cost: $30 (300,000 LAK) for most, $40 (400,000 LAK) for some nationalities; non-refundable laoimmigration.gov.la.
Requirements: Passport valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages; one passport photo (4x6 cm); proof of onward travel (e.g., return bus or flight ticket) recommended but not mandatory; USD or LAK accepted lonelyplanet.com.
Extension: Extendable for additional 30 days at Laos Immigration Department in Vientiane; fees apply ($2/day or 20,000 LAK/day) laoimmigration.gov.la.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 7 airports (e.g., Wattay, Luang Prabang), 22 land borders (e.g., Nong Khai, Huay Xai, Boten), and 1 river port (e.g., Vientiane) laoimmigration.gov.la.
E-Visa (For Longer Stays or Pre-Approval):
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for stays exceeding VOA or for pre-approval.
Eligibility: Available to citizens of over 80 countries, including Iceland laos-evisa.gov.la.
Duration: Up to 30 days (single entry) laos-evisa.gov.la.
Cost: $50 (500,000 LAK); non-refundable laos-evisa.gov.la.
Application Process:
Visit laos-evisa.gov.la, select English, and click “Apply now” laos-evisa.gov.la.
Review terms and conditions, then confirm to proceed laos-evisa.gov.la.
Enter personal details (full name, date of birth, nationality), passport details (number, issue/expiry date), travel details (intended entry/exit dates, entry/exit checkpoints like Nong Khai or Boten), and temporary address in Laos (e.g., hotel address) lonelyplanet.com.
Upload a digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses, straight view) and a scan of the passport data page in .jpg format, max 2MB laos-evisa.gov.la.
Pay the fee ($50) via credit/debit card; note the verification code laos-evisa.gov.la.
Check status at laos-evisa.gov.la/evisa/search using registration code, email, and date of birth; download and print the e-visa PDF laos-evisa.gov.la.
Present printed e-visa and passport at the border checkpoint; ensure details match exactly to avoid entry issues travel.state.gov.
Processing Time: 3–5 working days; expedited processing not available laos-evisa.gov.la.
Extension: Extendable for additional 30 days at Laos Immigration Department; fees apply ($2/day or 20,000 LAK/day) laoimmigration.gov.la.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 3 airports (Wattay, Luang Prabang, Pakse), 5 land borders (e.g., Nong Khai, Huay Xai), and 1 river port laos-evisa.gov.la.
Visa Exemption:
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for short stays.
Eligibility: Citizens of 10 countries, including ASEAN nations (e.g., Cambodia, Thailand), Russia, South Korea, and Japan laoimmigration.gov.la.
Duration: Up to 30 days (ASEAN, Russia, South Korea); 14 days (Japan) laoimmigration.gov.la.
Cost: No cost laoimmigration.gov.la.
Requirements: Passport valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages; proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight ticket) recommended but not mandatory lonelyplanet.com.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit and re-entry with a new exemption or VOA laoimmigration.gov.la.
Embassy/Consulate Visa:
Purpose: Tourism, business, work, or study for those preferring traditional applications or needing longer stays.
Eligibility: Available to all nationalities travel.state.gov.
Duration: Typically 30–90 days (single or multiple entry); longer for work/study visas travel.state.gov.
Cost: $20–$80 (200,000–800,000 LAK), depending on visa type and processing time travel.state.gov.
Requirements: Passport, application form, two passport photos (4x6 cm), and fees; apply in person or by mail at a Lao embassy (e.g., in Bangkok, Beijing, or Reykjavik) travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable for 30–60 days with a sponsor; fees vary ($20–$50 or 200,000–500,000 LAK) laoimmigration.gov.la.
Key Restrictions:
Travelers must not fall under suspension categories (e.g., security risks) as per Laos’s immigration laws laoimmigration.gov.la.
Temporary residence registration with local police is required within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or hosts travel.state.gov.
Overstay penalties: 100,000 LAK/day ($10/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Land Borders (22): Popular checkpoints include Nong Khai (Thailand, near Vientiane), Huay Xai (Thailand, near Chiang Khong), Boten (China, near Mohan), and Savannakhet (Thailand, near Mukdahan). Open 7:00 AM–7:00 PM (some 24/7); expect immigration queues during peak seasons laoimmigration.gov.la.
Airports (7): Major entry points include Wattay (Vientiane), Luang Prabang, and Pakse; immigration open 24/7 laoimmigration.gov.la.
River Port (1): Vientiane river port; used for Mekong River crossings laoimmigration.gov.la.
Requirements at Borders: Present a valid passport and VOA fee (if applicable) or printed e-visa; visa-exempt travelers need proof of onward travel (recommended); ensure details match passport to avoid delays lonelyplanet.com.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth border crossing and travel experience during Laos Tours. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “sabaidee” (hello) with a slight bow or nop (palms pressed together); use both hands for transactions at border checkpoints or markets culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees, especially for temple visits after crossing (e.g., Wat Si Saket in Vientiane); carry a lightweight scarf ($1 or 10,000 LAK) lonelyplanet.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor at border checkpoints; avoid loud behavior or disputes; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry passport or e-visa securely to verify status. Avoid public criticism of the Lao government (penalties apply). A guest shared: “Respecting Lao customs eased our border crossing and trip.” culturetrip.com
Customs: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.10–$0.50 or 1,000–5,000 LAK); avoid littering at cultural sites like Luang Prabang’s old town or Vientiane’s Patuxai; complete residence registration within 24 hours (handled by hotels) travel.state.gov.
Tip: Say “khop chai” (thank you) to officers or guides; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($2 or 20,000 LAK) to support sustainable Laos Travel; keep passport handy for checks. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen respectful travelers thrive at Laos’s borders and cultural sites.”
General Tips:
Language: Carry a phrase card ($1 or 10,000 LAK) for Lao basics like “khop chai”; English is widely spoken at major borders and tourist areas culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow border rules (no photography in immigration areas); respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for border areas or cities like Vientiane; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Opt for bicycles ($1–$2 or 10,000–20,000 LAK/day) or tuk-tuks ($0.50–$1 or 5,000–10,000 LAK) after crossing to reduce emissions laotourism.org.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your visa-prepared journey after crossing into Laos, based on the latest data from laos-evisa.gov.la, laoimmigration.gov.la, travel.state.gov, lonelyplanet.com, and laotourism.org. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore Luang Prabang’s old town, Vientiane’s Patuxai, or Vang Vieng’s karsts independently after crossing at Huay Xai, Nong Khai, or Wattay; suitable for travelers with valid VOA or e-visas; low to moderate difficulty laotourism.org.
Visa Tips: Use VOA ($30–$40) or e-visas ($50); carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; register temporary residence at hotels laos-evisa.gov.la.
Schedule: Daily; Luang Prabang old town accessible anytime; Patuxai open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($0.50 or 5,000 LAK); Vang Vieng karsts best in morning.
Cost: Entry: free (markets); Patuxai: $0.50 (5,000 LAK); transport (bicycle: $1–$2 or 10,000–20,000 LAK/day; tuk-tuk: $0.50–$1 or 5,000–10,000 LAK); local purchases: $0.10–$5 (1,000–50,000 LAK).
Location: Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Laos.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Confirm VOA availability or apply for e-visas early; check laos-evisa.gov.la; a guest from Iceland noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless after Huay Xai.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Luang Prabang’s old town and temples after crossing at Huay Xai; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Luang Prabang hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Ensure valid VOA or e-visa; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; guides assist with residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs 8:00 AM from Luang Prabang hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $25–$40/person (250,000–400,000 LAK, includes transport and entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Luang Prabang.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vehicles minimizes impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest from Iceland noted: “Legend’s tour was visa-ready and cultural after crossing.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Vientiane’s Patuxai and a Mekong River cruise after crossing at Nong Khai; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Vientiane, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry e-visa or VOA for multi-city travel; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm eligibility laos-evisa.gov.la.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:30 AM from Vientiane hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $30–$50/person (300,000–500,000 LAK, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Vientiane.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups and river cruises reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com (Laos partner sites); a guest from Iceland noted: “The combo tour was visa-prepared and enriching after Nong Khai.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Vang Vieng after crossing at Huay Xai or Nong Khai; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry e-visa for multi-city travel; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm temporary residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs from Luang Prabang or Vientiane hotels; returns after 2–3 days.
Cost: $80–$200/person (800,000–2,000,000 LAK, includes entries).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels or custom locations in Luang Prabang or Vientiane.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses eco-lodges and fuel-efficient transport; supports local communities.
Tip: Book Laos Tours via legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+84 825862222); a guest from Iceland noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and authentic, ideal for travelers with VOA or e-visas.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for visa-compliant cultural insights.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend cultural visits with eco-friendly activities for a comprehensive journey.
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with visa-smart itineraries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Laos’s green tourism goals.\
Key visa-prepared travel opportunities include:
Lao New Year (Pi Mai): Typically mid-April, festive with temple ceremonies and water fights; warm and dry (25–35°C); check dates at laotourism.org.
Boun That Luang: Typically November, spiritual with temple offerings; cool and dry (20–30°C); check dates at laotourism.org.
Year-Round Opportunities: Dry season (November–April, 20–35°C) is best for border crossings; wet season (May–October) suits budget travelers but with rain at land borders like Nong Khai.
Dry season (November–April, 20–35°C) is ideal for border crossings and cultural visits. Hot period (March–April, 25–35°C) suits early morning outings. Wet season (May–October, 24–32°C) is best for indoor experiences; expect rain at borders like Huay Xai. Morning crossings (7:00 AM–11:00 AM) avoid crowds and heat. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Check eligibility for VOA ($30–$40) or apply for e-visas at laos-evisa.gov.la; use embassy visas for non-exempt nationalities or specific needs; exemptions for ASEAN citizens laoimmigration.gov.la.
Border Crossing Tips: Choose major borders like Nong Khai or Huay Xai for smoother immigration; cross early (7:00 AM) to avoid queues; carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy; have proof of onward travel for exemptions laotourism.org.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry a digital or printed e-visa copy or passport photocopy; have proof of onward travel for VOA or exemptions travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm hotels or hosts register your stay with local police within 24 hours; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital e-visa copies to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or tuk-tuks after crossing for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for e-visas 3–5 days early; double-check details to match passport; carry small LAK notes for local purchases; check visa status at laos-evisa.gov.la. For embassy visas, contact the nearest Lao embassy (e.g., in Bangkok, Beijing, or Reykjavik).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($50 or 500,000 LAK if required), passport photocopy, proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight or bus ticket for VOA or exemptions), wallet ($2 or 20,000 LAK), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits; lightweight scarf ($1 or 10,000 LAK); quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($2 or 20,000 LAK) for wet season; lightweight clothing like cotton or linen and light jacket ($3 or 30,000 LAK) for dry season; waterproof shoes ($3 or 30,000 LAK); hat ($2 or 20,000 LAK).
Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($2 or 20,000 LAK); snacks ($0.10–$0.50 or 1,000–5,000 LAK, e.g., sticky rice); small backpack ($2 or 20,000 LAK); sunscreen ($1 or 10,000 LAK); insect repellent ($1 or 10,000 LAK).
Tech: Phone with translation apps (e.g., Google Translate); charger ($3–$5 or 30,000–50,000 LAK); local SIM ($2–$3 or 20,000–30,000 LAK); waterproof camera ($6 or 60,000 LAK) for photos.
Eco Items: Reusable tote ($1 or 10,000 LAK) for purchases; phrase card ($1 or 10,000 LAK) with Lao basics.
Extras: Small LAK notes for donations or purchases; small first aid kit ($2 or 20,000 LAK); umbrella ($2 or 20,000 LAK) for wet season; money belt ($2 or 20,000 LAK) for valuables. Tip: Pack light (1 small bag, max 5 kg); reusable items support sustainability.
Visa and Travel Costs
VOA Costs: $30–$40 (300,000–400,000 LAK); extension: $2/day (20,000 LAK/day) laoimmigration.gov.la.
E-Visa Costs: $50 (500,000 LAK) laos-evisa.gov.la.
Exemption Costs: No cost for visa exemptions (14–30 days) laoimmigration.gov.la.
Embassy Visa Costs: $20–$80 (200,000–800,000 LAK), depending on visa type and processing time travel.state.gov.
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: free (markets); Patuxai: $0.50 (5,000 LAK); transport (bicycle: $1–$2 or 10,000–20,000 LAK/day; tuk-tuk: $0.50–$1 or 5,000–10,000 LAK); local purchases: $0.10–$5 (1,000–50,000 LAK).
Group Cultural Tours: $25–$40 (250,000–400,000 LAK, includes transport and entry).
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: $30–$50 (300,000–500,000 LAK, includes entry).
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: $80–$200 (800,000–2,000,000 LAK, includes entries). Safety-Related Costs
Money Belt: $2 (20,000 LAK).
Local SIM for Emergency Calls: $2–$3 (20,000–30,000 LAK).
Travel Insurance (Recommended): $10–$30 (100,000–300,000 LAK). Other Costs
Local Snacks (e.g., sticky rice, lao-lao): $0.10–$0.50 (1,000–5,000 LAK).
Souvenirs (e.g., textiles, carvings): $0.10–$5 (1,000–50,000 LAK).
Donations: $0.10–$0.50 (1,000–5,000 LAK). Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $15–$40 (self-guided, snacks, transport, entry).
Mid-range: $40–$70 (group tour, purchases).
Luxury: $70–$120 (private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $15–$120 for tours, visa costs (if applicable), and transport; $0.10–$5 for purchases or add-ons; use VOA to save on costs.
Visa Tips: Check eligibility for VOA ($30–$40) or apply for e-visas at laos-evisa.gov.la; use embassy visas for non-exempt nationalities or specific needs; exemptions for ASEAN citizens laoimmigration.gov.la.
Border Crossing Tips: Choose major borders like Nong Khai or Huay Xai for smoother immigration; cross early (7:00 AM) to avoid queues; carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy; have proof of onward travel for VOA laotourism.org.
Etiquette: Use “sabaidee”; dress modestly for temples; respect border and local customs; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for visa-compliant insights, or multi-day tours for immersion.
Schedules: Borders open 7:00 AM–7:00 PM (some 24/7); cultural sites open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; peak crowds in dry season (November–April); book early for festivals.
Sustainability: Use bicycles or tuk-tuks; carry reusable items; support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for border areas or cities like Vientiane.
Weather: Dry season (Nov–Apr, 20–35°C) ideal; hot period (Mar–Apr, 25–35°C) suits early mornings; wet season (May–Oct, 24–32°C) requires rain gear; check forecasts via weather.com.
Safety Note: Secure valuables with a money belt ($2 or 20,000 LAK); beware of pickpocketing in markets or nightlife areas; carry emergency numbers (Police: 119, Medical: 195, nearest embassy).
Do Icelanders need a visa to cross into Laos? Yes, Icelanders can obtain a 30-day VOA at major borders ($30–$40) or apply for an e-visa laos-evisa.gov.la.
Which borders accept VOA or e-visas? VOA at 7 airports, 22 land borders (e.g., Nong Khai, Huay Xai), and 1 river port; e-visas at 3 airports, 5 land borders, and 1 river port laoimmigration.gov.la.
How much does a Laos visa cost for Icelanders? VOA: $30–$40 (300,000–400,000 LAK); e-visa: $50 (500,000 LAK); exemptions: no cost for ASEAN laoimmigration.gov.la.
Can visas be extended in Laos? VOA and e-visas extendable for 30 days at Laos Immigration Department; fees apply ($2/day) laoimmigration.gov.la.
What are the penalties for overstaying? Fines of 100,000 LAK/day ($10/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Is Visa on Arrival available for Icelanders? Yes, for 30 days at major borders; e-visa recommended for pre-approval laos-evisa.gov.la.
Enhance your visa-prepared Laos journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Laos Cultural Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, 1 day): Guided temple and market tour with sustainable practices.
Laos Cultural and Adventure Trail ($80–$150/person, 2 days): Explore cultural sites and eco-friendly activities.
Laos Explorer ($150–$250/person, 3 days): Multi-site adventure with eco-lodges and community-focused activities. Prices include guides, transport, and entry fees; group discounts available. Explore options at legendtravelgroup.com or contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84825862222) for your Laos Travel plans.
Mastering Laos Visa for Icelanders with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “sabaidee,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a serene, eco-friendly journey through this Southeast Asian gem. With tour costs from $15–$200, sustainable Laos Tours, and attractions like Luang Prabang and Vientiane, this trip offers adventure and sustainability for Icelandic travelers. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Laos Travel, leverage VOA or apply for e-visas early via laos-evisa.gov.la, and respect local customs for the best experience. Safe travels!
Sources:
laos-evisa.gov.la
laoimmigration.gov.la
travel.state.gov
lonelyplanet.com
laotourism.org
Favorite experiences booked by travelers
