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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. If you hold a valid passport from Laos, you can enter Vietnam **visa-free for up to 30 days**.
To qualify for this exemption, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival and have at least two blank pages. This applies to all purposes of short-term visits, including tourism, visiting friends, or business meetings. You simply present your passport at the immigration counter upon arrival.
2. Vietnam eVisa: For Stays Up to 90 Days
If you plan to stay in Vietnam for longer than 30 days, you must apply for a visa. Thanks to the updated policy open to all nationalities since August 2023, Laotian citizens can easily apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) which allows stays of up to **90 days**.
**eVisa Details & Costs:** - **Single-entry eVisa:** $25 USD (approximately 549,000 LAK) - **Multiple-entry eVisa:** $50 USD (approximately 1,098,000 LAK) - **Processing Time:** Usually 3-5 working days.
Applying online is simple and completely eliminates the need to visit an embassy or consulate. The eVisa is accepted at 33 entry ports, making it ideal whether you're flying or crossing the land border.
3. Direct Flights from Laos to Vietnam
Traveling between Laos and Vietnam by air is extremely convenient, with multiple direct flights connecting major cities on a daily basis.
**Popular 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):** Regular direct service linking the two economic hubs. - **Vientiane (VTE) to Da Nang (DAD):** Direct routes are available, ideal for heading straight to Central Vietnam. - **Luang Prabang (LPQ) to Hanoi (HAN):** Non-stop flights perfect for travelers connecting these two heritage-rich destinations.
Flight times are generally between 1 to 2 hours depending on the route.
4. Crossing by Land Border
Sharing a long border, traveling by land is a very popular option for Laotian citizens heading to Vietnam. There are multiple international border checkpoints between the two countries that accept the Vietnam eVisa.
Some of the most popular land border crossings include: - **Lao Bao (Quang Tri) / Dansavanh:** A major crossing point connecting central Vietnam with southern Laos. - **Cau Treo (Ha Tinh) / Nam Phao:** Popular for routes from Vientiane to Vinh and Hanoi. - **Bo Y (Kon Tum) / Phoukeua:** Connecting southern Laos to Vietnam's Central Highlands.
Remember to print your eVisa before crossing the border, as digital copies on your phone might not be accepted by land border immigration officers.
5. Vietnam Embassy and Consulates in Laos
If you need a specialized visa type (like a long-term work or student visa) that isn't covered by the eVisa, you can 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 - **Office Hours:** Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
**Consulates General:** Vietnam also operates Consulates General in **Luang Prabang** (Phothisalath Road), **Pakse** (Phabat, Champasak), and **Savannakhet** (Sisavangvong). Check official operating hours before visiting, as morning and afternoon sessions may vary.