Laos visa

Posted in: Forums > Travel Yunnan • 14 posts • Newest

• • taea07
    September 24, 2009
    2 posts
  • Has anybody obtained a Laos tourist visa recently?

    What's the procedure?
    Cost?
    How long does it take?

    Is there any special information or documents that they require?

    Thank you in advance for any help or advice.

• • S_zhongguo
    September 24, 2009
    18 posts
  • You need ~US$30 (depending on where you are from) and a passport photo. Takes the standard processing time on arrival (i.e. 5-10 mins). No fuss really.

• • hedgepig
    September 24, 2009
    275 posts
  • @S_zhongguo

    do you mean that's the processing time at the border or at the consulate here?

    if consulate here, you mean they issue it on the spot, or do you have to go back and collect it?

• • S_zhongguo
    September 24, 2009
    18 posts
  • Oh right sorry, I haven't received one from the consulate here. I've got them on-the-spot from Luang Prabang airport and at the Mohan and Huay Xai border crossings.

• • piers
    September 25, 2009
    147 posts
  • The consulate recommend that foreigners get their visas at the border crossing. I went in about a month ago with a friend and they sent her away.

• • taea07
    September 25, 2009
    2 posts
  • Thank you for those replies. I was asking about obtaining the visa at the consulate, but I hadn't realised it was possible to get one at the border crossing or on arrival at the airport.

    Does anyone know if they accept Chinese cash, or UK Sterling at the border and airport, or is it only US dollars and local currency?

• • S_zhongguo
    September 25, 2009
    18 posts
  • The Visa processors accept US and Kip (also Baht in Luang Prabang i think), but you can change money easily at any place. You're hassled to change money at the China border, and the airport has money exchange.

• • onlyone
    October 17, 2009
    136 posts
  • It's so easu to obtain the laos visa from Kunmig .There are 17 countries canot obtain from Kunming including some african countries you have to check it.Nothing else except two photos .The fees range according to the service at once the most expensive till after 7 days .

• • lolaladouce
    October 29, 2009
    1 post
  • Am hoping to go to Strung Treng,Cambodia just across the Laos border. I wonder if it is easy to make the trip overland or fly to Guanzhou then bus to Laos border or if there are some other reasonable alternatives. Would I need to get Cambodia and Laos visa here before leaving?? Thanks for any info,

• • Nanzhao
    February 16, 2010
    16 posts
  • Just an update on those who want to get a visa for Laos from the consulate here in Kunming. The new consulate has moved out to has moved to Foreign Consular Area:

    Consulate- General of the Lao P.D.R

    6800 Caiyun Bei Road,

    Guangdu district.

    Tel:(871)7335489

    I never got anyone to answer the phone, but they will process your visa (need two photos, your passport and filled out form). In fact it is cheaper and easier to do it at the point of entry upon arrival. And they only give you an hour window to pick it up so without your own transportation it is a pain to get out there.

• • Elisa
    February 20, 2010
    32 posts
  • I'd stick with US$ in this case. I crossed over from Thailand in 07 and they most likely accepted baht there, but from what I remember, kip are impossible to get outside of Laos itself.

    another note: if you are arriving late at night (after 9 or 10pm) have some small bills with you also. I remember there was an extra dollar fee for late night, but they conveniently don't have change.

• • HFCAMPO
    March 2, 2010
    44 posts
  • Tha Laos Consulate is located on 6800 North Caiyun Road (across from EMPARK Hotel) in Guandu District in Kunming. BUS 149, 154, 162, 169, 170, and C13 can take you there directly. The Laos Consulate phone number is (0871) 733-4522. Mengla is located 223 km (2.5 hours) southeast of Jinghong. The Mohan-Boten (China-Laos) border is located 57 km (1.5 hours) southeast of Mengla. Chinese citizens crossing this border need a Health Card to enter Laos. A health card can be obtained at the Mengla Entry & Exit Inspection & Quarantine office on Wan Hua Road in Mengla. Their phone number is (0691) 816-0226. This is the only international border between China and Laos. There are borders in Luangnamtha, Udomxai, and Phongsali which are for locals only.

• • Geezer
    July 16, 2010
    142 posts
  • Made it to the Laos Consulate, about a 40 kuai taxi ride from Bei Chen Da Dao, Walked from the security gate to the consulate and got quick service. But left without a visa.
    If you are an American, you get your visa at your entry point. Sorry about that.
    Getting a taxi back home is nearly impossible. It took more than one hour to get a taxi. Was unfamiliar with the bus numbers and the bus signs were so dirty even the Chinese couldn't read them.
    See you in Vientiane!

• • no way
    July 16, 2010
    104 posts
  • voa is available at mohan/boten border crossing.

    only takes 15 minutes or so, depending on the
    crowd. long lines early morning, few people in
    the afternoon, unless you're with a bus tour.
    cost for usa passport holders is US$35. they may
    take kip, but the exchange rate would not be good.
    there's also a new fee of 15,000 kip added for
    non-diplomatic passport holders. i suspect they
    would accept $2 to pay the fee.

    i think the open hours are 9-6, but best to check.

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