Costa Rica passport → Laos

Laos visa for citizens of Costa Rica

eVisaVisa on Arrival · Tourist (30 days)

Citizens of Costa Rica need a visa for Laos and can apply online for an eVisa.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	eVisa · Visa on Arrival · Tourist (30 days)
How to apply	Fully online — no office visit
Maximum stay	Up to 30 days
Visa validity	60 days
Entries	Single entry
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Appointment	Not required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Sufficient funds for stay (recommended 1,000 USD equivalent)

How to apply

1
Arrive at designated checkpoint
Enter Laos through an international airport or land border that issues visa on arrival
2
Obtain and complete application form
Fill in the visa on arrival form at the immigration counter
3
Submit documents and pay fee
Hand over passport, photo, and cash fee to the immigration officer
4
Collect visa and enter
Receive stamped visa and proceed through immigration

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport
Must have at least 6 months validity beyond arrival date
Visa application form
Completed on arrival at Lao immigration checkpoint
Passport-sized photograph
1 recent photo (45 mm x 35 mm)

Travel

Onward or return ticket
Proof of confirmed onward or return travel
Proof of accommodation
Optional
Hotel booking or invitation letter if available

Financial

Proof of sufficient funds
Optional
Bank statements, cash, or credit card not always requested
Visa fee in cash
Approximately 40 USD, payable in US dollars or Lao kip

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: 1,000 USD equivalent

Bank statements
Cash
Credit card

Proof of funds may be requested, but not always enforced

Good to know

Not all border crossings issue visa on arrival; only international airports and select land crossings
E-Visa is available for certain airports and Friendship Bridges but not required for Costa Rica passport holders

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient passport validity (less than 6 months)

Ensure passport is valid for at least 6 months from arrival

Missing onward ticket

Have a confirmed return or onward ticket ready

Incorrect or insufficient visa fee

Bring exact USD or local currency; check current fee

FAQ

Do citizens of Costa Rica need a visa for Laos?

Citizens of Costa Rica need a visa for Laos and can apply online for an eVisa. Visa type: Visa on Arrival · Tourist (30 days).

How long can citizens of Costa Rica stay in Laos?

Up to 30 days.

What documents do citizens of Costa Rica need for Laos?

Valid passport; Visa application form; Passport-sized photograph; Onward or return ticket; Visa fee in cash; Proof of accommodation; and 1 more depending on your situation.

How long must my passport be valid for Laos?

At least 6 months.

Plan your trip to Laos

Nowah is an AI travel agent that books flights, hotels and eSIMs in one conversation and keeps track of your visa paperwork along the way. Need data on arrival? See the Nowah eSIM guide for Laos.

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