The Laos- China border stretches over 505 kilometers along the frontiers of both countries, from Vietnam in the east to Myanmar in the west. However, despite its length, there are only a couple of places where it is possible to cross this boundary.
If you are considering entering Laos from China, this guide will help you:
- identify where it is possible to do so
- the documentation you require
- whether you can make this border crossing using a Laos online visa.
Where to Cross into Laos from China
There are currently only 2 China to Laos border crossing points.
The first is the Lantouy border crossing from the Yunnan Province in China to Phonsangly Province in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (LPDR). However, only Laotian or Chinese Citizens can use this checkpoint to cross from one country to another.
The other is the Boten/Mengla crossing checkpoint. This is located further southwest in China’s Mengla county in the town of Mohan. This crossing connects with the Lao border town of Boten and can be used by citizens of any nationality.
How to Travel Overland from China to Laos
The most common option for crossing from China to Laos is to take a bus from Kunming to Jinghong, the main town in Xishuangbanna province. This journey takes around 8-10 hours.
From here, you can board a bus bound for Luang Nam Tha in Laos**. This will take you through the Mohan checkpoint. This trip also takes about 8 hours to complete.
At the checkpoint, you need to disembark the bus and walk luggage through the crossing for inspection. You also need to fill out an exit card and receive an exit stamp in your passport in order to leave China.
You can then either walk or take an electric car service the 500m to the Lao checkpoint. Here, you will need to show a completed entry card alongside an approved visa. You will have it stamped. You may then pass through customs to enter the country.
Please note that you can cross the Lao China border either by car or by bus. However, if you plan to enter Laos independently, you must do so with a vehicle registered in China. However, it does not specifically need to be registered to the name of the traveler.
Can you use the train to cross from China to Laos?
It is not currently possible to cross either checkpoint by train. However, a railway line that connects Kunming in China with Vientiane in Vietnam opened in December 2021.
Therefore, it is now possible to take a train between Vientiane and Boten and then another between Yuxi and Mohan. The Laos eVisa is accepted for entry at Boten Railway Station.
Can You Get a Laos Visa on the Chinese Border?
Yes, it is possible to get a Laos visa on arrival when crossing the border from China if you do not have a pre-approved visa for Laos.
When arriving at the checkpoint on the Laos side, you must follow these steps to obtain a visa on arrival:
- Wait in the visa on arrival queue until you are called forward
- Present a valid passport to the border official
- Complete the application form supplied by the officer
- Attach a recent photograph of the applicant, passport-style, to the form. If the traveler does not have a photo on their person, the official might still accept the application.
- Pay the Laos visa on arrival fee of roughly 35 USD
- Wait for the visa to be processed and approved, which may take up to 20 minutes.
Please note that the visa on arrival fee may be requested in cash in Laotian kip (LAK). However, there are a number of currency exchange offices immediately before the crossing, so it is easy to obtain at the border.
Can I Use an eVisa to Cross the China-Laos Border?
If crossing from China to Laos, you can use your eVisa for entry at the Boten checkpoint or at the Boten railway station.
An approved eVisa for Laos is also accepted at 5 other border checkpoints in the country and gives the holder more flexibility. You can also use it for entry at the Lao-Thailand border crossing (Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge), and at Wattay, and Luang Prabang International Airports.
