Laos Visa Procedures: Requirements, Steps & Checklists
This page outlines how to obtain a visa to Laos for tourism, employment, or extended stay. VisaGov.la provides structured guidance and assisted filing from Harmony Hotel, Vientiane — with clear checklists for tourist visas, LA-B2, extensions, and invitations.
LA-B2 Expat Visa — $640 new.
The main 1-year route for foreigners who want to live, work, rent, open a bank account and enter Laos on multiple entries. Renewal is about $540 per year.
Invitation
- Passport ID page
- Port of entry
- Standard letter: about 5 workdays
- Start at least 2 weeks before your flight
- Urgent: +$100, about 3–5 workdays
Enter Laos
- Go to Visa on Arrival counter
- Present passport + printed invitation
- Pay applicable $40 entry fee
Finish in Vientiane
- Bring passport to Harmony Hotel office
- Standard processing after arrival
- Express: 5–8 workdays, +$150
- Pay remaining processing amount
Build invitation lead time into your plan.
A standard invitation for entry or a visa run takes about 5 working days. We tell customers to start around 2 weeks before the flight so there is slack if the inviting company is slow.
- Check your name and passport number before travel.
- Carry the paper copy in your hand luggage.
- Use the port of entry stated during processing.
- Keep a digital backup as well.
What a 1-year LA-B2 costs.
Europe, the Americas and East Asia.
India and other developing-country passports, confirmed before payment.
New 1-year visas are not currently possible for Pakistan, Bangladesh and large parts of the Middle East and Africa.
Renewals, extensions and family cases.
Renewals and extensions are priced by case. Family and dependent visas follow the same track, with multi-person packages when several people apply together.
Visa renewals & extensions
Priced after we see your current stamp and nationality. Typical 1-year LA-B2 renewal is about $540.
Bangladesh 3-month extend
$190 — only if the applicant already holds an LA-B2. New 1-year visas are not issued for Bangladeshi passports. Renewal is possible if you can provide the previous company’s license and stamps.
Tourist visa extension
$90 for 30 days. One-day express is $190. Overstay days add $10 per day.
VIP airport arrival
$190. Arrive at the airport and visa-on-arrival staff take care of the visa paperwork.
Invitation letters
Entry or bounce letters in about 5 days. Start ~2 weeks before you fly. Express +$100 (3–5 workdays).
Family / dependent visas
Same processing track as the main applicant, with multi-person packages for couples and children.
Stay & work permits
Permit paperwork that sits with the long-term visa so you can live and work legally.
Student
For recognized schools, universities, training, research and qualifying internships.
Expert & Employment
Qualified professionals, technical personnel and employees with Lao companies or approved projects.
Investor & Business Owner
Up to 3 years at $500 per year, plus company registration in Laos from $1,200.
Frequently Asked Questions
What services do you offer?
We help with Laos long-term visas (LA-B2), visa extensions and renewals, invitation letters, stay and work permits, company registration, Thai visas from Laos, driver’s licenses, bank-account assistance, and legal overstay arrangements when an extension is not possible.
Where are you based?
Our office is in Vientiane, Laos, in the Harmony Hotel area. Find us on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bvJT3SefSRfq6jzs8
How much is a Laos LA-B2 (1-year) visa?
Pricing depends on nationality and your situation. New applications from developed countries — Europe, the Americas and East Asia — are USD 640. India and other developing countries are USD 840. New 1-year visas are not currently possible for low-developed-country passports, including Pakistan, Bangladesh and large parts of the Middle East and Africa.
Can I extend or renew my Laos visa?
Yes, if your visa type allows it. Bring your passport and usually the current visa page. Extension prices vary by nationality — for example, Bangladeshi holders of an existing LA-B2 can often do a 3-month extension for USD 190.
I have a LA-B2 — can I get a new 1-year visa?
We cannot currently issue new invitation letters or new 1-year visas for low-developed-country nationals. If you already hold an LA-B2, there are two options: a 3-month extension (USD 190) when your documents qualify, or a renewal if you can provide the business license and stamps of the company that previously issued your LA-B2.
When do you provide invitation letters?
Tell us your travel plans early — ideally about two weeks before you fly. Without the invitation, immigration may only grant a short tourist stay.
How long does processing take?
Standard LA-B2 processing is often around two weeks. Expedited options may be available for an extra fee — ask us for current timing.
Do I need to leave my passport with you?
For most visa and extension cases, yes — the passport must come to the office for processing.
Can you help with Thai visas from Laos?
Yes. We assist with Thai tourist visas (from about THB 6,000) and Non-O / Non-B visas (from about THB 8,000). You normally need to stay in Laos for the full processing period. Final approval is with the Royal Thai Embassy.
What if my visa can’t be extended?
In many cases we can arrange a legal overstay process at immigration (commonly USD 2.50 per day, subject to review). Do not wait until authorities stop you with an expired stamp — contact us first.
Do you help with company registration, work permits, or driver’s licenses?
Yes. We support Laos company and business registration, stay and work permits, and driver’s license applications. Requirements depend on your stay permit and whether you already hold a license from your home country.
Do you offer family or dependent visas?
Yes. We can handle packages for spouses and children alongside the main applicant.
I’m an agent / hotel / travel company. Do you have partner rates?
Yes. We offer special rates and commissions for hotels, travel agencies, visa agents and relocation partners. Message us to get set up.
Need the exact sequence for your nationality?
Send VisaGov the basics and we will reply with numbered steps for your visa class — no guesswork.
- Passport ID page
- Reason for staying in Laos
- How long you want to stay
- If already in Laos: current visa + latest entry stamp
