Laos Tourist Visa Extension Calendar: November–December 2026 Festival Period Checklist
Laos Tourist Visa Extension Calendar: November–December 2026 Festival Period Checklist
This VisaGov.la procedure note covers tourist-visa extension timing in Vientiane for the November–December 2026 festival period. It follows the Boun Ork Phansa and Traditional Boat Racing Festival, which ran 25–27 October in Vientiane according to KPL (26 October 2026). The next dates are the That Luang Festival and Trade Fair (21–24 November, per Tourism Laos) and Lao National Day (2 December). Follow the steps in order.
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Section 1 — Reference rules
Source: GOV.UK, Laos entry requirements (written for British passport holders; other nationalities should confirm with a Lao embassy).
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Tourist stay on entry | 30 days from the date of arrival (since 1 January 2025) |
| Extensions | Up to 2 extensions inside Laos, 60 additional days in total |
| Failure to extend within 90 days | GOV.UK warns of a fine in Lao kip worth US$2,000, deportation and a ban on return |
| Passport | At least 6 months’ validity from arrival; at least 2 blank pages |
| LDIF | Within 3 days before arrival and within 3 days before departure at Wattay, Luang Prabang and Pakse airports and Friendship Bridge I; does not replace a visa |
| eVisa | Single entry; apply at least 5 days ahead |
Additional source: laoevisa.gov.la/info. eVisa processing usually takes 3 working days after submission and payment. The fee is non-refundable. The eVisa is accepted at 9 designated ports.
Section 2 — Period calendar (Vientiane)
| Date | Event | Procedural note |
|---|---|---|
| 25–27 Oct 2026 | Boun Ork Phansa & Boat Racing Festival | Completed. Arrivals from this period reach day 30 in late November. |
| 21–24 Nov 2026 | That Luang Festival & Trade Fair | High visitor volume. Avoid scheduling an extension submission on these dates. |
| Tue 24 Nov 2026 | That Luang full-moon day | Some calendars list a holiday. The MOFA eVisa holiday table does not list it. Verify office hours. |
| Wed 2 Dec 2026 | Lao National Day | MOFA Consular Department closed. eVisa processing may take longer. |
Section 3 — Determine your deadline
- Locate the most recent stamp in your passport: the entry stamp or your latest extension.
- Record the end date of that permission.
- Count back 7 days. This is your target submission date.
- If the target date falls on 21–24 November or 2 December, move it earlier, not later.
- Record the number of extensions already used: 0, 1 or 2.
Check: if you have already used 2 extensions, a further tourist extension is not available under the GOV.UK description. Plan your exit or a change of status instead.
Section 4 — Worked examples
| Entry date | Approx. end of 30 days | Recommended submission window |
|---|---|---|
| 25 Oct 2026 (boat races) | About 23 Nov | 9–16 Nov, before That Luang |
| 1 Nov 2026 | About 30 Nov | 16–20 Nov |
| 21 Nov 2026 (That Luang) | About 20 Dec | 7–13 Dec, after National Day |
Dates are approximate. The date on your stamp is the controlling date.
Section 5 — Documents to prepare
- Original passport with at least 6 months’ validity and blank pages.
- Current visa page and entry stamp (or latest extension stamp).
- Copy of passport bio page.
- Your accommodation details in Vientiane.
- If you entered by eVisa: a copy of the approval letter.
- If you entered at an LDIF checkpoint: your LDIF QR code, if available.
Section 6 — Service rates (VisaGov.la desk)
| Service | Rate | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist extension — standard | $90 | Standard processing |
| Tourist extension — express | $140 | Within 2 days |
| Tourist extension — 1-day express | $190 | 1 day |
| Overstay handling (long overstays) | $2.50 / day | Subject to case review |
Overstay reference: Standard overstay rates are $10 per day at the border and $5 per day at the Ministry of Immigration. For long overstays, the handling rate is $2.50 per day, subject to case review and immigration’s final decision. Contact the desk before paying.
Section 7 — If you are changing status
A tourist extension is not a long-stay status. For work or residence, use the long-stay route:
- Long-stay / LA-B2 packages: about 4–5 weeks standard processing after passport lodge; Express +$150, about 2 weeks.
- Invitation letter: about 1 week. No express option.
- Investor visa: $640 for 1 year or $1,500 for 3 years. Requires company registration (from $1,200).
- India and Nepal passport holders: standard package price plus $300.
Timing note: a 4–5 week long-stay process started in mid-November runs through That Luang and National Day. Lodge your passport early, and keep your tourist permission valid while the file is in process.
Section 8 — Departure procedure
- Confirm that your permission is valid on your departure date.
- Complete the departure LDIF within 3 days before departure, if leaving via an LDIF checkpoint.
- Keep extension receipts with your passport until you have exited.
- Travelling on to Thailand? The desk offers Royal Thai Embassy fee payment on your behalf for a flat 2,000 THB agency fee. Provide your Thai e-Visa Payment PDF and a passport copy.
Section 9 — Final checklist
- ☐ End date of current permission recorded
- ☐ Submission date set 7+ days before the end date
- ☐ Submission date avoids 21–24 November and 2 December
- ☐ Number of extensions used confirmed
- ☐ Passport validity and blank pages checked
- ☐ Documents in Section 5 prepared
- ☐ Departure LDIF reminder set
To submit or ask a procedural question, send a photo of your latest stamp to WhatsApp +856 20 9999 7573 or email contact@66visa.com. Follow Laos Visa Service updates on Instagram @laosvisaservice, Facebook, TikTok @koihakpatedlao and YouTube @LaosVisaService.
FAQ
How many times can a Laos tourist visa be extended?
Twice inside Laos, for a total of 60 additional days, according to GOV.UK.
When should I submit my extension?
At least 7 days before your current permission ends. In this period, avoid 21–24 November (That Luang) and 2 December (Lao National Day).
Is 24 November a holiday?
It is the full-moon main day of That Luang. The MOFA eVisa holiday table for 2026 does not list it, but some calendars do. Verify office hours before you go.
What does a tourist extension cost?
$90 standard, $140 express within 2 days, $190 1-day express.
Does the LDIF extend my stay?
No. The LDIF is an arrival and departure form. It does not replace a visa or an extension.
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