Arrival Card in Laos: Filling Rules and Important Nuances

Arrival Card in Laos— is a mandatory document that is filled out by every tourist entering Laos. It includes personal data, passport information, purpose of the visit, place of stay, and contact details. The card is handed over to the immigration officer along with the passport. For foreign nationals arriving by air, the card is usually issued during the flight or at the registration desk upon arrival.

In Laos, in addition to the paper arrival map, there is also a digital version, which helps to avoid mistakes when filling it out and saves time at the border. To avoid risks and inaccuracies in the data, it is better to entrust this process to specialists. By contacting us, you will receive a correctly issued electronic arrival map to Laos — quickly, conveniently, and without any hassle.

• Number of cards
  Upon arrival by air, each tourist receives two parts of the card: one remains with the immigration service, the second — with the traveler. The second part is kept until departure from the country, so it is important not to lose it.
  
  
• Language of completion
  The card is filled out in Latin letters, most often in English. Do not use abbreviations or non-Latin characters.
  
  
• Purpose of visit and place of residence
  It is important to indicate the exact address of the place of residence (hotel, guest house, rented apartment) on the card. Incorrect or incomplete data may raise questions at the border.
  
  
• Children and minors
  A separate arrival card must be filled out for each child, including infants.
  
  
• Keeping the card until departure
  When leaving Laos, the card must be returned at passport control. Losing the card can result in a fine or delay at the border.

Laos is accessible both by air and by land. Your choice depends on your route and preferences.

Arrival by air in Laos

• Main international airports:
  • Vientiane-Wattay International Airport, VTE: Located in the capital Vientiane. It is the main air gateway of the country.
  • Luang Prabang International Airport, LPQ: Located in the historical city of Luang Prabang. Ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in the country's cultural heritage immediately.
  • Pakse International Airport, PKZ: Located in the south of Laos. Convenient for exploring the Bolaven Plateau and the Four Thousand Islands region.
• Types of flights:
  • Direct flights: From Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and other major cities in Southeast Asia.
  • Transfers: From Europe, Russia, and other countries around the world, you will most likely fly with a transfer at one of the major Asian hubs.

Arrival by land in Laos

Laos has several land border crossings with neighboring countries. This is a great option for those traveling around Southeast Asia.

Main border crossings:

• From Thailand:
  • Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge: Connects Nong Khai (Thailand) and Vientiane (Laos). The most popular crossing.
  • Friendship Bridge No. 2: Connects Mukdahan (Thailand) and Savannakhet (Laos).
• From Vietnam:
  • Lao Bao: The most famous crossing between central Vietnam and southern Laos.
  • Tay Trang: Connects Dien Bien Phu Province (Vietnam) and Luang Prabang (Laos).
• From Cambodia:
  • Dong Kralor: The only border crossing between Cambodia and Laos. Leads to the Four Thousand Islands region.
• From China:
  • Mohan/Boten: Connects Yunnan Province (China) and northern Laos.
• From Myanmar:
  • Tachilek: Crossing for tourists between Myanmar and Laos. Requires obtaining a special permit.