Laos Border Crossing Points and Checkpoints

While some tourists choose to enter Laos from one of its international airports, you may prefer to do so by land or by water

Whichever route you choose, you can avoid waiting in line for a visa on arrival at border checkpoints by applying for a Laos eVisa Laos eVisas are accepted at international airports and some land borders.

Even if you obtain a visa in advance, you should have a clear plan for your arrival destination in the country. To help make this easier, the following article details the main air, land, and river entry points into Laos.

Entering Laos by Air

International travelers may fly in Laos through one of its four international airports. Travelers must have the appropriate visa, depending on the purpose of your trip.

There are different types of Laos business visas depending on whether a traveler is doing volunteer work, research, diplomatic work, etc. If you’re entering Laos for business, work, or investment, you’ll need to present a valid business visa for Laos at their arrival

Currently, you can use the eVisa to enter the country though the following 3 airports:

Laos International Airports:

The first 3 airports on the list below allow passport holders from 180 eligible countries to enter Laos by presenting an eVisa for Laos.

We advise you to apply for an online visa for Laos if you are flying into one of these two airports to save time on arrival.

All the airports below allow visitors to apply for a Laos visa on arrival. However, this usually involves waiting at immigration.

Crossing the Border to Enter Laos by Land or Water

Laos shares multiple entry points by land, or by river, with Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, China and Vietnam.

Entry points and checkpoints in Laos vary their requirements or conditions from time to time. Therefore, we advise you to check this website periodically for updates.

Laos Border Crossing Points Opening Hours

Laos has two types of border crossings: international and local. The local ones are reserved for local residents of either side of the border.

The international ones are open to foreign nationals carrying a valid passport and visa for Laos. Make sure to check the requirements for the online visa to Laos while planning your trip.

Border checkpoints in Laos are usually open every day of the week. Main checkpoints such as Lao-Thai Friendship bridge 1 are open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Other checkpoints with less entry traffic may have reduced opening hours. So it’s better to arrive at these earlier in the day.

Laos - China Checkpoints

The China to Laos border crossing points include:

You can now use an approved Laos eVisa to enter via the Boten checkpoint or gain entry at Boten Railway station.

Laos - Vietnam Checkpoints

There are currently 8 checkpoints that allow foreign visitors to cross from Vietnam to Laos. Immigration officials at the Lalai border checkpoint do not issue visas on arrival. Foreign nationals entering Laos at Lalai are required to carry a valid Laos visa.

The main border crossings from Vietnam to Laos are as follows:

Laos - Cambodia Checkpoints

The Visa on Arrival is available at the Laos-Cambodia border checkpoint. Nevertheless, you can apply for an online visa in advance to avoid queuing.

There is currently only one checkpoint open to international travelers entering Laos from Cambodia. There used to be a second checkpoint at a river crossing a few hundred meters away from the one below. However, it no longer allows foreign visitors into Laos.

The main Cambodian checkpoint is:

Laos - Thailand Checkpoints

Most border crossing points between Laos and Thailand offer Laos visa on arrival. Immigration authorities at Pakxan and Phoudou do not issue visas on arrival for Laos.

We advise you to request a Laos eVisa beforehand if you are planning to enter Laos using the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I or II.

Laos - Myanmar Checkpoints

There are 2 international border crossing points that allow foreign visitors to enter Laos from Myanmar.

Laos visa on arrival is not available at the Meuang Mom checkpoint. International tourists from eligible countries can apply for a Laos visa should they wish to cross at the Meuang Mom checkpoint.

Which Ports of Entry Accept the Laos eVisa?

If you are a citizen of around 180 countries, including all EU nations, Canada, USA and Australia, you can apply for a Laos eVisa from the comfort of your home. This electronic authorization allows you a 30-day stay in the country.

The Laos eVisa is currently valid at 7 designated entry ports:

The number of entry points accepting the Laos online visa may increase. Systems for processing this type of electronic visa are currently being implemented in other international entry points into Laos.