A passport and visa are required. The Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that visas are issued upon arrival in Laos to foreign tourists and business persons with two passport size photographs and $30 at all international entry points: Wattay Airport, Vientiane; Friendship Bridge, Vientiane, and Luang Prabang Airport, Boten-Bohan, Huaixay, Khammouane-Nakhonphanom, Sayannahket-Mukdahan, Vangtao-Chong Mek, Pakse Airport, Daensayanh-Laobao, Namphao-Kaopae, and Namkan. Foreign tourists are generally admitted to Laos for 15 days with a visa issued upon arrival or for 30 days with a visa issued at a Lao Embassy. The Department of Immigration in Vientiane will extend 15-day tourist visas for up to 15 days and one-month visas for up to one month for a fee of $2 per day of extension. An additional 15-day extension can sometimes be obtained through a tour agency. Foreigners who overstay their visas in Laos risk arrest and upon departure will be fined $10 for each day of overstay.

Foreign tourists who wish to obtain a visa in advance may contact a Lao embassy or consulate. Visas and further information about Lao entry requirements can be obtained directly from the Embassy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic or http://www.laoembassy.com

Immigration offices at some of the less-used border crossing points are not well marked. Travelers should make sure that they complete immigration and customs formalities when they enter Laos. Travelers who enter Laos without completing these formalities may be subject to fine, detention, imprisonment, and/or deportation.

At Wattay Airport (Vientiane), there is an international airport departure tax of 10 USD and at the Friendship Bridge (Vientiane, Laos-Nong Khai, Thailand border crossing); there is a 5,000 Kip (or 20 Thai Baht) exit tax.

For information on entry requirements the Laos Embassy Internet home page at http://www.laoembassy and the CIA Fact Book for further information