Laos Visa RequirementsFor Canada passport holders
Canadian passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in Laos for 30 days at a cost of approximately $35 USD at major international airports and some land border crossings.
Canada passport holders can obtain a Visa on Arrival at Laos ports of entry.
A visa on arrival is available for Canadians at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, Luang Prabang International Airport, and several major land border crossings (including those with Thailand and Vietnam). The fee is $35 USD, payable in US dollars (or Thai baht at some crossings). Bring two passport photos. The 30-day visa can be extended once at the Laos immigration department in Vientiane or Luang Prabang for a fee. An e-visa is also available online through the official Laos e-visa portal.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Canada to Laos: What You Need to Know
Laos is one of Southeast Asia most laid-back and spiritually rich countries. The ancient royal city of Luang Prabang (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is famous for its Buddhist temples, alms-giving ceremony at dawn, and French colonial architecture along the Mekong River. Vientiane, the quiet capital, offers the gilded Pha That Luang stupa and the COPE center documenting the legacy of unexploded ordnance. The 4,000 Islands (Si Phan Don) in the south, the Bolaven Plateau coffee region, and the Kuang Si Falls near Luang Prabang are also popular destinations.
Practical Tips
The Lao kip (LAK) is the local currency, but Thai baht and US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas. Laos is a very affordable destination. Luang Prabang is the most visited city; book accommodation well in advance during the high season (November to February) as quality options fill quickly. Unexploded ordnance (UXO) from the Vietnam War era remains a danger in rural eastern and southern areas; stay on marked paths. The best travel season is the dry season from November to April.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Canadians need a visa for Laos?
Canadians can obtain a visa on arrival in Laos for 30 days at a cost of approximately $35 USD. It is available at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, Luang Prabang Airport, and major land border crossings. An e-visa is also available online.
What is the alms-giving ceremony in Luang Prabang?
The Tak Bat alms-giving ceremony takes place every morning at dawn in Luang Prabang, when hundreds of Buddhist monks in saffron robes walk silently through the streets to receive food offerings from local residents. Tourists are welcome to observe, but must do so respectfully at a distance and avoid using flash photography or approaching the monks.
What is the UXO situation in Laos?
Laos is one of the most heavily bombed countries in history, per capita, due to the US bombing campaign during the Vietnam War era (1964 to 1973). An estimated 30% of bombs dropped did not detonate, and UXO (unexploded ordnance) continues to cause casualties in rural eastern and southern provinces. Always stay on marked paths and never touch unknown metal objects in rural areas.
What is the best way to travel between cities in Laos?
The Laos-China high-speed railway (opened 2021) now connects Vientiane to Luang Prabang in about 2 hours and continues to the Chinese border. This has transformed travel between the two cities. For other destinations, minibus and shared van services (slow boat on the Mekong for the scenic Luang Prabang to Huay Xai route) are the main options.