Laos Visa Extension Procedure: Vientiane Checklist

July 10, 2026

Purpose: document the standard Laos visa extension process for tourist-status visitors in Vientiane as of mid-2026. Operator: VisaGov.la · Harmony Hotel · WhatsApp +856 20 9999 7573 · contact@66visa.com · visagov.la. Related: /laos-visas/.

A. Eligibility matrix

• Tourist eVisa: Yes — Count remaining days; apply before expiry
• Visa on arrival (tourist): Yes — Same as above
• Embassy tourist visa: Yes — Confirm stamp type
• Visa exemption: Generally no — Exit when period ends
• LA-B2 / work categories: Different process — Use renewal / labour track

Policy frame (advisory consensus since 1 Jan 2025): initial 30 days; two extensions permitted; up to 60 additional days.

B. Timing rules

1. Calculate day 30 from arrival stamp, not from eVisa approval-letter date.
2. Submit extension while status is still valid.
3. Allow 1–2 working days processing in Vientiane (provincial offices may take longer).
4. Immigration closed weekends and public holidays; plan lunch-break gaps.
5. Do not wait until the final morning.

Non-compliance risk: substantial fine (advisory figures cite ~USD 2,000 kip equivalent in serious failure-to-extend scenarios), removal, and ban. Treat deadlines as hard.

C. Document list

• Passport (original)
• Current visa / entry stamp
• Photograph (commonly 3×4 cm)
• Application form as provided by immigration
• Government fee in Lao kip

D. Fee schedule (indicative)

• Per day extension: ~20,000 LAK — × number of days requested
• Service / form fee: ~30,000–40,000 LAK — Confirm at counter
• VisaGov.la assistance: USD 90 all-in — Optional full assist

Example: 30-day extension government portion often totals roughly 600,000–640,000 LAK before agent help.

E. Vientiane filing sequence

1. Prepare documents (Section C).
2. Travel to Immigration / Foreigner Control in Vientiane on a weekday morning.
3. Obtain and complete the extension form.
4. Submit passport + photo; pay kip fees; retain receipt.
5. Note collection date/time.
6. Return to collect passport; verify new expiry before leaving the counter.

F. Assisted sequence via VisaGov.la

1. Send WhatsApp packet: bio page, stamp photo, desired days, pickup preference.
2. Receive confirmation of eligibility.
3. Hand off passport at Harmony Hotel or agreed point.
4. Await collection notice.
5. Confirm new validity dates in writing.

G. After two extensions

When both extensions are consumed (~90 days total), exit Laos through a proper checkpoint. Re-entry requires a new visa or valid exemption. Repeat entry is not an unlimited right; decisions remain with immigration officers.

H. Distinguishing extension from LA-B2 renewal

• Purpose: Longer holiday/stay — Continued employment
• Sponsor: Not required — Employer + quota
• Typical assist fee context: USD 90 all-in — 12-month package extensions USD 520–550
• Invitation lead time: N/A — ~5 workdays for related letters

J. Provincial vs Vientiane comparison

• Predictability: High — Medium
• Processing: Often 1–2 days — 1–3 days reported
• Language support: More English exposure — Variable
• Assisted pickup: Easiest for VisaGov.la — Case-by-case

If your itinerary keeps you in Luang Prabang, confirm local hours before assuming same-day service.

K. Receipt discipline

Photograph every kip receipt. Store it with your passport scan folder. If collection is delayed, the receipt is your proof of lodging.

I. Contact block

WhatsApp +856 20 9999 7573 Email contact@66visa.com Office Harmony Hotel, Vientiane Web visagov.la · /laos-visas/

Submit Section F packet to begin.

L. Worked numerical example

Assume arrival stamp 1 August 2026. Initial expiry ~30 August. File extension #1 on 25 August for 30 days → new target ~29 September. File extension #2 on 22 September for 30 days → new target ~29 October. Total stay ≈ 90 days. Fee: USD 90 per 1-month extension, all-in.

If 25 August is a Sunday, shift filing to 22–23 August. Never let the model collide with weekends.

M. Escalation path

1. Traveler notices <7 days remaining → WhatsApp +856 20 9999 7573 immediately
2. VisaGov.la confirms eligibility
3. Same-day or next-weekday filing plan issued
4. If already expired → do not travel internally hoping for leniency; seek instructions at once

N. Dual-track warning (tourism vs labour)

If during an extension consult the traveler discloses employment, VisaGov.la switches the file to LA-B2 evaluation. Continuing tourist extensions while working is outside procedure. Package fees (USD 290 to USD 640; extensions USD 520–550) are confirmed after employer document triage.

O. Final control question

“What is the last calendar day I may lawfully remain without a new filing?” Write the answer on paper. If the traveler cannot answer, do not leave the counter / handoff meeting.

Additional compliance reminder

Re-check government Lao eVisa and immigration pages within 72 hours of travel or filing. Rules on ports, LDIF coverage, and fees can change. This article is process guidance from our Vientiane practice at Harmony Hotel—contact +856 20 9999 7573 or contact@66visa.com for case-specific instructions before you act on deadlines.