From 1 September 2025, the Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) is a mandatory requirement. The document is vital for all visitors, and it works independently of a Laos visa.
On this page, you’ll find:
- What the Lao LDIF form is
- Who needs the form
- Required documents
- Step-by-step guide
What Is the Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF)?
The LDIF is an online immigration card. All foreign travelers must complete it before entering or leaving Laos.
The new online arrival/departure card replaces the old paper forms at key airports and border crossings. It records the same core information as the old paper version.
Note: The LDIF itself does not replace a visa. It’s an additional immigration step designed to make border procedures faster and more secure.
How LDIF improves arrival and departure processing
The introduction of the LDIF is part of Laos’s effort to modernize its borders and align with regional digital immigration systems.
Key improvements include:
- Faster queues at immigration: Data is pre-registered, so officers only need to scan the QR code and verify your passport
- Less paperwork: No more handwriting arrival/departure cards on the plane or at the counter. Everything is submitted online before you travel
- Fewer errors and rejections: Digital forms reduce illegible handwriting and incomplete fields, which previously caused delays
- Better security and data management: Authorities can cross-check passport, travel, and visa data ahead of time to improve border control and statistics
Overall, the LDIF is meant to make both arrival and departure smoother and more predictable.
Who Needs to Complete the LDIF?
The LDIF is a requirement at participating airports and land borders.
Foreign nationals entering or leaving Laos at the selected entry points need to fill in the immigration form. This includes tourists, business travelers, and transit passengers.
Children and infants also fall under the LDIF rule. A parent or legal guardian can complete the form on their behalf.
Laos Digital Immigration Form entry points
The LDIF is in a pilot phase and applies at 4 main entry points:
- Wattay International Airport (Vientiane)
- Luang Prabang International Airport
- Pakse International Airport (Champasak province)
- First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge (Vientiane – Nong Khai)
The Lao Government plans a nationwide rollout by 2026. This is likely to extend the LDIF to additional airports and land borders.
Exemptions for the Laos Digital Immigration Form
Some travelers are currently exempt from completing the LDIF:
- Lao citizens
- Lao permanent residents
- Thai border-pass holders using local border passes at certain checkpoints
These groups must still follow other immigration procedures, but they’re not required to submit the LDIF.
Documents and Requirements for LDIF Submission
To complete the LDIF Laos you’ll need:
- Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity beyond your entry date)
- Passport details (number, issuing country, issue date and expiry date)
- Passport image (passport bio page)
- Travel details (arrival or departure date, time, airport or border checkpoint, and flight number or transport details)
- Accommodation information in Laos (such as the name and address of your hotel or the address where you will stay)
- Contact details (email address and, if available, a phone number)
- Visa information (if applicable)
Remember that the LDIF is separate from your visa. If you need a visa to enter Laos, you must obtain it in addition to submitting the LDIF.
How to complete the Laos LDIF online
From 2025, Laos LDIF registration becomes a standard step when preparing your trip. Find out the step-by-step process below.
The LDIF is submitted on the government Laos immigration website. Access the online form and follow these steps:
1. Access the official LDIF portal
Choose Departure Register or Arrival Register, depending on your travel stage.
2. Enter your checkpoint and travel dates
Select your entry or exit point and the date you’ll cross the border (within the next 3 days).
3. Enter your checkpoint and travel dates
Add the following:
- Name, date of birth, nationality, occupation
- Passport number, issuing country, issue/expiry dates
4. Provide your travel and stay details
Complete the following:
- Flight number or transport reference
- Purpose of visit
- Hotel or address for your first/last night in Laos
5. Upload required images (if requested)
You may need to add your passport bio page and a selfie with your passport (in some cases).
6. Review and submit the LDIF
Double-check all your information then submit the form.
7. Save your LDIF QR code
Present the QR code together with your passport and visa/eVisa at immigration.
Tip: Many travelers prefer to complete the LDIF the day before their flight so that all flight and accommodation details are final.
What happens if I forget to submit the LDIF?
If you forget to complete the LDIF, you may encounter delays when you try to board your flight or when you arrive in Laos.
Not having a completed LDIF can even lead to denied boarding until the form is submitted.
