Laos entry requirements for Canadian passport holders (2026): visa and passport validity
Visa (Government of Canada): Read the official visa text below
Passport validity (Government of Canada): Valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Laos. Official text
Official source: Government of Canada – Laos travel advice and advisories (travel.gc.ca), section “Entry and exit requirements” · page last updated 15 October 2026 · checked on 17 October 2026 · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada.
Whether Canadians need a visa for Laos and how long a Canadian passport must be valid, as published by the Government of Canada, quoted word for word with the date of the official page.
Other passports: British passport · Australian passport
Do Canadians need a visa for Laos?
We quote the official text word for word and do not summarise it. The official text also mentions an electronic travel authorization, e-visa, arrival card, online form or registration, tourist card or fee: read it in full.
Official text, “Visas”:
Tourist visa: required
Business visa: required
Student visa: required
A Lao electronic visa (eVisa) can be used to enter the country at 9 different ports of entry. You can apply for one within 60 days of your date of entry.
You can also obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at Wattay International Airport, Luang Prabang International Airport, Pakse International Airport and some “international” (that is, open to all foreign nationals) border crossings. Contact the nearest Lao embassy or consulate to confirm where you can get a tourist visa. You must provide a passport photo and pay a fee to obtain a visa upon arrival.
Lao eVisa – Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Also in the official “Entry and exit requirements” section:
Immigration arrival and departure forms
You can complete a paper immigration form upon arrival or departure, or submit an online form in advance. If you choose to complete the online form, you must submit it within 3 days before entering or exiting Laos.
Useful links
- Immigration Arrival Register – The Department of Immigration of Lao PDR
- Immigration Departure Register – The Department of Immigration of Lao PDR
Entry stamp
Immigration offices at some border crossings are difficult to identify. Ensure that you obtain an entry stamp when you enter Laos. Failure to do so can result in serious fines, detention and deportation.
More from the official “Entry and exit requirements” section (other requirements)
Travel to Xaisomboun province
You must obtain permission from local authorities before travelling to certain parts of Xaisomboun province. You may be refused entry to some areas of the province, particularly around Long Tieng.
Official source: Government of Canada – Laos travel advice and advisories (travel.gc.ca), section “Visas” · page last updated 15 October 2026 · checked on 17 October 2026 · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada.
How long must my Canadian passport be valid for Laos?
In short: Valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Laos.
Our one-line summary of the official sentence below, which matches a wording we recognise. Your airline may apply stricter rules.
Official text, “Regular Canadian passport”:
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Laos.
Official source: Government of Canada – Laos travel advice and advisories (travel.gc.ca), section “Regular Canadian passport” · page last updated 15 October 2026 · checked on 17 October 2026 · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada.
For Canadian passport holders. These rules are published by the Government of Canada (Global Affairs Canada) for Canadian citizens travelling on a regular Canadian passport. Before You Fly is an independent site: it is not a Government of Canada site and is not endorsed by the Government of Canada. The airline and the border officials of the destination decide whether you can travel or enter: this site is information, not legal advice. British passport? See the UK (FCDO) rules.
Read the full official travel advice for Laos (safety, health, local laws) before you travel.
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