Is Laos Visa Free for Filipinos? [Visa Free Guide to Laos for Philippines Passport]

Laos or the Lao People’s Democratic Republic holds an extraordinary place in my heart. It’s actually where I met Jonathan! In the historic town of Luang Prabang, I met the love of my life, out of all places in the world! Though not as touristy as its neighbors, you should add this on your backpacking list to South East Asia.

Filipinos can enter Laos visa free, we are lucky to be fellow South East Asian Countries as there are only 15 on the list. The rest, however, can mostly enter by Visa on Arrival or Evisa. Unlike SEA Countries, we won’t be tackling much on getting a work visa as there are only a few opportunities here, mostly Teaching English. But this guide is what to do in Laos as well as getting a Visa Extension!

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Other Articles You can Read:

• List of Visa Free Countries in Asia for Filipinos

• How to get a Philippine Passport

• Countries with High-Demand for English Teachers

• Tips on How You Can Travel the World Cheaply

• Important Documents You Have To Take With You For the Immigration When Going To Visa-Free Countries

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Visa Free Countries

There are only 15 countries that can stay in Laos visa free, they are:

30 days

15 days

14 days

Visa on Arrival

Other nationalities may enter Laos for 30 days for a fee. However, the following may need to have an official letter of guarantee from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Laos, or in an official visit to get a Visa on Arrival:

Point of Entries

Airports:

Luangphabang International Airport - Luangphabang

Pakse International Airport - Champasak

Savan International Airport – Savannakhet

Wattay International Airport – Vientiane

Land Borders:

Boten - Luang namtha (China Border) – may be temporarily closed due to Corona Virus

Daensavan – Savannakhet (Vietnam Border)  

Friendship Bridge I – Vientiane (Thailand Border)

Friendship Bridge II – Savannakhet (Thailand)  

Friendship Bridge III – Khammouane (Thailand)

Friendship Bridge IV - Bokeo (Thailand)

Na Pao – Khammouane (Vietnam)

Nam Ngeun – Xayabouly (Thailand)

Nam Phao – Bolikhamxay (Vietnam)

Nam Soy – Houaphanh (Vietnam)

Namheuang – Xayabouly (Thailand)

Nonghaed – Xieng Khouang (Vietnam)

Panghok – Phongsaly (Vietnam)

Phoukeua – Eutapeu (Vietnam)

Samliemkham – Bokeo (Thailand and Myanmar)

Tanalaeng – Vientiane (Thailand)

Vang Tao – Champasak (Thailand)

Veunkham – Champasak (Cambodia)

Laos eVisa Guide

In case you don’t want to be hassled during your arrival. You can get a visa in advance. Here are the countries who are eligible for a Laos eVisa:

Point of Entries

You can enter through the following borders or airports (has been already 5 due to Corona Virus Outbreak)

Wattay International Airport (Vientiane)

Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I (Vientiane)

Luang Prabang International Airport (Luang Prabang)

Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II (Savannakhet)

Pakse International Airport (Champasack)

Documents Required for a Laos Evisa

1. Passport – scan the cover page and bio-page

2. Photograph – 4x6 cm and taken within the last 6 months

3. Visa Fee – USD 45 (most), USD 50 (some European Countries, UK and US), USD 57 (Canada), depending on your Nationality. Check here to know your fees.

Step by Step Guide in getting a Laos Evisa

STEP 1: Prepare the documents required and scan it on your computer.

STEP 2: Go to this website

1. Provide your e-mail address.

2. Check your e-mail and enter the verification pin on the website.

3. Provide your details as well as upload the documents.

4. Agree to the terms and click “Continue.”

5. Review your application.

STEP 3: Pay the visa fee.

STEP 4: Wait for 3 working days. After that, download the eVisa Approval letter and print it. You need to present this along with your passport to enter Laos.

Laos Tourist Visa Extension

Filipino citizens are visa free. However, if you want to extend, you can also exit the country and return.

If you also obtain an eVisa, you can stay in the Lao PDR for up to 30 days, and your stay permit can be extended at the Immigration office without having to leave the Lao PDR.

Where to Apply: Immigration Department in Vientiane or an Immigration office Division
Address: Khun Bu Lom Road, Hutsadee Village, Chanthabouly District, Vientiane Capital
Phone: (021) 219 607

Processing Time: 1 day

Extension Fee: 20,000 Kip per day and a service fee of 25,000 Kip

Documents Needed: Passport and 3x4 picture

Overview of Laos

Capital: Vientiane

Language: Lao / French

Currency: Kip (1 USD = 8,880 LAK)

The Lao People’s Democratic Republic is the only landlocked South East Asian country. It’s bordered by China, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia. This was the Kingdom of a Mullion Elephants from the 1300s – 1700s and one of the largest in SEA. However, in 1893 it became a French Colonial Empire. It was then under Japanese rule then back to France until it gained its Independence.

Laos has rivers, mountain ranges, plateaus, and many more. Like most SEA countries, the season is either sunny or rainy. Tourism is one sector that helps Laos’ economy. From the architecture, food culture, and natural resources, there are many things to do and see. It’s a place you should include in your South East Asia Trip.

Going to Laos

There are 4 international airports in Laos; Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, and Pakse. There are flights mainly from Asian countries like China, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Singapore. There aren’t many flights to other continents, but Philippine Passport Holders and most nationalities can pass here through Thailand or Vietnam.

What to do in Laos

1. Explore Luang Prabang

Walk Jewel in Laos’ crown, once the royal capital of Laos. Luang Prabang has many ancient buildings and essential Buddhist Temples or Monasteries. Wat Xieng Thong and the Royal Palace should be on your list.

2. Discover Kuang Si Falls

See one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world, the Kuan Si Waterfall. It’s a three-tier waterfall you should swim in. The waters are turquoise and feel magical. Prepare 20,000 Kip and ready yourself for a hike to this spot!

3. Climb Mount Phousi

Photo by Gusjer

In the center of Luang Prabang is a 100 m hill that gives you a panoramic view of the town as well as the Mekong and Nam Khan River. It’s gorgeous to catch a sunset here, but you need to climb early to have a great spot and avoid the crowds.

4. See Tham Jang Cave

Photo by Graham Duggan

Near Vang Vieng is the Tham Jang cave that was used as a Chinese bunker in the 19th century. You can swim in the river to have a unique experience, bring a headlight, waterproof bag, and a swimming outfit. It’s worth every kip you are paying.

5. Go River Tubing in Nam Song River

Photo by Gusjer

Enjoy a fun day in Vang Vieng as you go river tubing or kayaking in the Nam Song River. You can also enjoy other activities here like the zip line or haymaking. The nightlife here is also fun, so you better make this part of your Laos itinerary.

6. Witness a Monk’s Alms Walk

Photo by shankar s.

Buddhist monks will form a single line from their monastery into town with alms bowls. People will then give the monks money or food to the monks. The monks walk on a single file, the eldest being first, barefoot on unpaved roads early morning. Don’t miss this culture and practice in Laos!

Frequently Asked Questions for your travel in Laos

1. Is Laos Visa free?

For Philippine Passport Holders, it is visa-free, and you are permitted to stay for 30 days. For other nationalities, see the list above!

2. Is it safe to travel to Laos?

Laos is a safe place for travel. However, there may be ordinary crimes and off-limits areas, so research first before going to an off-beat location. I always recommend buying travel insurance since we don’t know what will happen to us. Check out Safetywing, my insurance provider.

3. Is it expensive in Laos for tourists?

Laos is a bit expensive compared to Thailand or Vietnam like transportation and food. It’s because Laos is poor compared to its neighbors. Think of it as a help for their economy.

4. When is the best time to visit Laos?

Like the Philippines, it’s nice to visit Laos during dry or summer season – October to April are the summer times while other months are wet seasons.

5. Where should I stay in Laos?

You can stay at either of the following: Vientiane, Luang Prabang or Vang Vieng as they have airports in their town and gorgeous tourists spots. Here’s a guide for the Best Hostels in Laos.  

Laos is a place you should not miss on your South East Asia trip. Though it’s not as progressive as its neighbors, Laos has a charming and magical vibe. It’s also visa free if you are a Filipino Citizen. Who knows? You might find your true love here, too!

Click this for the Directory of Visa Applications Guides & Tips For Filipinos

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