Laos

Entry and visas

Most nationalities can obtain a 30-day tourist visa on arrival at international airports and major land borders, or an e-visa in advance through the official portal. Some ASEAN and a few other passports are visa-exempt. Overstays are fined per day.

Remote work and long stays

No dedicated nomad visa (up to 30 days): No remote-work category; tourist visa with extensions in practice. official source ↗
Last verified Oct 19, 2026

Entry rules are research summaries with their official source and the date we last checked them; they are not eligibility decisions. Check the official page before you travel. Open the Visa & Work Finder →

Safety

Generally very safe. Unexploded ordnance from the Vietnam War remains in rural eastern provinces: stay on marked paths. Methanol poisoning from home-made spirits has caused tourist deaths in Vang Vieng; drink only sealed, branded alcohol.

Official advisory: Laos - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution (U.S. Department of State, ). UK FCDO advice ↗

Health

Medical facilities are basic outside Vientiane; serious cases cross to Thailand (Udon Thani or Bangkok). Dengue and malaria (in rural south) are present.

Money

The kip has lost significant value in recent years and prices move; many businesses quote in Thai baht or dollars. ATMs are limited outside main towns and dispense small amounts.

Tipping: Not expected; small tips welcome · Tap water: Not drinkable

Getting around

The Laos-China Railway now connects Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang in hours instead of days. Minivans and the slow boat from the Thai border remain the classic routes.

SIMs and connectivity

Unitel and Lao Telecom offer cheap tourist SIMs; coverage fades fast in the mountains.