United States Visa RequirementsFor Laos passport holders
Lao citizens must obtain a B1/B2 nonimmigrant visa before traveling to the United States. Laos is not part of the Visa Waiver Program. The $185 application fee is non-refundable and an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy in Vientiane is required.
Laos passport holders require a visa to enter United States.
Complete the DS-160 online at ceac.state.gov. Pay the $185 MRV fee, then schedule your interview at the U.S. Embassy Vientiane, Thadeua Road Km 9, Ban Somvang Tai, Hatsayfong District, Vientiane. Attend with your DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, and supporting documents. After approval, passport return with visa takes 5-10 business days. B1/B2 visas may be issued for up to 10 years depending on the officer decision.
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
Required Documents
DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application
Complete online at ceac.state.gov. Print the confirmation page with barcode for your interview at the U.S. Embassy in Vientiane.
Valid Passport
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. At least one blank page required for the visa.
Interview Appointment Confirmation
Printed confirmation of your interview at the U.S. Embassy Vientiane, Thadeua Road Km 9, Hatsayfong District.
MRV Fee Payment Receipt
Proof of payment of the $185 non-refundable machine-readable visa application fee.
Passport-Sized Photograph
One recent 2x2 inch color photo with white background, taken within the last 6 months.
Financial Documents
Bank statements (last 3-6 months), salary slips, or proof of income demonstrating ability to fund your U.S. visit.
Proof of Ties to Laos
Employment letter, property documents, family registration, or business records showing strong intent to return to Laos.
Employment or Enrollment Letter
Letter from employer with position, salary, and leave approval, or enrollment letter from school or university.
Travel Itinerary Recommended
Proposed travel dates, hotel reservations, and flight details for the U.S. trip.
Invitation Letter (if applicable) Recommended
If visiting family or friends in the U.S., a signed invitation letter along with their U.S. status documents.
Current Travel Situation
Laos to United States: What You Need to Know
Lao passport holders are not eligible for ESTA or the Visa Waiver Program. A B1/B2 visa is required for tourism, business, and family visits to the United States. The U.S. Embassy is located at Thadeua Road, Kilometer 9, Ban Somvang Tai, Hatsayfong District, Vientiane. Interview wait times at the Vientiane embassy typically range from several weeks to a few months. Approval depends strongly on demonstrating intent to return to Laos.
How to Get There
There are no direct flights from Vientiane (VTE) to the United States. Common connecting routes go through Bangkok with Thai Airways or other carriers, Singapore with Singapore Airlines, Seoul with Korean Air or Asiana Airlines, and Tokyo with ANA or Japan Airlines. From these Asian hubs, multiple U.S. airlines offer routes to major American cities.
Money & Banking
The United States uses USD. Cards are accepted nearly everywhere. Tipping is a strong cultural expectation: 15-20% at restaurants and bars, $1-2 per bag for hotel porters, and $2-5 for taxi drivers. Sales tax of 5-10% is added at the register and varies by state. Prices in stores do not include tax. ATMs are widely available at airports and cities nationwide.
Practical Tips
Demonstrate strong ties to Laos in your application: job contract, business registration, bank statements, property ownership, or family responsibilities. Having a detailed travel itinerary with confirmed hotel bookings and a clear return date helps. If visiting family in the U.S., include their invitation letter and supporting documents. Apply early since interview slots in Vientiane can fill up weeks in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Lao citizens need a visa to visit the United States?
Yes, Lao passport holders must apply for a B1/B2 nonimmigrant visa before traveling to the United States. Laos is not part of the Visa Waiver Program and ESTA is not available.
How much does the U.S. visa cost for Lao citizens?
The non-refundable MRV fee for a B1/B2 visa is $185 USD. This is paid before your interview appointment and is not returned if the application is denied.
Where is the U.S. Embassy in Laos?
The U.S. Embassy in Laos is at Thadeua Road, Kilometer 9, Ban Somvang Tai, Hatsayfong District, Vientiane. All B1/B2 visa interviews are conducted here.
How long does U.S. visa processing take from Vientiane?
Interview wait times at the Vientiane embassy typically range from several weeks to a few months. After a successful interview, visa issuance takes 5-10 business days. Apply well in advance of your intended travel.
How long can Lao citizens stay in the U.S. on a B1/B2 visa?
The B1/B2 visa may be valid for up to 10 years, but the authorized stay per visit is typically up to 180 days, determined by the immigration officer at entry. Always check your I-94 record after entry.
Can family members in the U.S. help with a Lao visa application?
A U.S.-based family member can provide an invitation letter with copies of their immigration documents. This can support your purpose of visit. However, having family in the U.S. can also prompt questions about immigrant intent, so you should clearly demonstrate strong ties to Laos.
What airlines fly from Vientiane to the United States?
There are no direct flights. Common routes go through Bangkok (Thai Airways), Singapore (Singapore Airlines), Seoul (Korean Air, Asiana), and Tokyo (ANA, JAL) before continuing to major U.S. cities.
What is the I-94 record and why should Lao travelers check it?
The I-94 is your U.S. arrival/departure record, which determines your authorized stay period. After arriving in the U.S., check your I-94 at i94.cbp.dhs.gov to confirm the dates. Overstaying the I-94 date results in serious immigration consequences, even if your B1/B2 visa is still valid.