Table of Contents
Everything you need to know about traveling from Laos to Vietnam in 2026, including the 30-day visa exemption, 90-day eVisa application, and land border crossings.
1. 30-Day Visa Exemption for Laotian Citizens
As members of ASEAN, Laotian citizens benefit from a bilateral visa exemption agreement with Vietnam. Laotian citizens holding a valid passport are eligible to enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 30 days.
To qualify for this exemption, the passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival and contain at least two blank pages. This exemption applies to short-term visits, including tourism and business meetings. Travelers must present their passport at the immigration counter upon arrival.
2. Vietnam eVisa: For Stays Up to 90 Days
For stays exceeding 30 days, Laotian citizens must apply for a visa. Since August 2023, the electronic visa (eVisa) system is available to all nationalities, allowing Laotian citizens to apply for an eVisa for stays of up to 90 days. Refer to the full eVisa requirements for complete details.
eVisa Details & Costs:
- Single-entry eVisa: $25 USD (approximately 549,000 LAK)
- Multiple-entry eVisa: $50 USD (approximately 1,098,000 LAK)
- Processing Time: Standard processing is 3-5 working days.
The online application process removes the requirement to visit an embassy or consulate. The eVisa is accepted at 83 entry ports, including airports and land border crossings. Applications must be submitted via the National Web Portal on Immigration or an authorized agency.
3. Direct Flights from Laos to Vietnam
Air travel between Laos and Vietnam includes multiple daily direct flights connecting major cities.
Available Flight Routes:
- Vientiane (VTE) to Hanoi (HAN): Direct flights operated by Lao Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, and VietJet Air.
- Vientiane (VTE) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN): Direct service linking the two cities.
- Vientiane (VTE) to Da Nang (DAD): Direct routes to Central Vietnam.
- Luang Prabang (LPQ) to Hanoi (HAN): Non-stop flights connecting these destinations.
Flight durations typically range between 1 to 2 hours depending on the route.
4. Crossing by Land Border
Laos and Vietnam share a land border with multiple international checkpoints that accept the Vietnam eVisa.
Primary land border crossings include:
- Lao Bao (Quang Tri) / Dansavanh: Connecting central Vietnam with southern Laos.
- Cau Treo (Ha Tinh) / Nam Phao: Connecting Vientiane to Vinh and Hanoi.
- Bo Y (Kon Tum) / Phoukeua: Connecting southern Laos to Vietnam's Central Highlands.
Travelers must print their approved eVisa prior to crossing the border; digital copies on mobile devices are generally not accepted by border immigration authorities.
5. Vietnam Embassy and Consulates in Laos
For specialized visa categories, such as long-term work or student visas not covered by the eVisa, applicants must contact the Vietnamese diplomatic missions in Laos. Vietnam maintains an Embassy in Vientiane and several Consulates General across the country.
Embassy of Vietnam in Vientiane
- Address: No. 85, 23 Singha Road, Ban Phonxay, Saysettha District, Vientiane Capital
- Phone: +856 21 451 990 / +856 21 413 403
- Email: [email protected]
- Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Consulates General: Vietnam operates Consulates General in Luang Prabang (Phothisalath Road), Pakse (Phabat, Champasak), and Savannakhet (Sisavangvong). Applicants are advised to verify official operating hours prior to visiting.