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Laos

A visa is required and may be requested online, from an embassy or at selected borders.

Reviewed by TripminuteFrench passport · tourism · short stayInformation reviewed on August 9, 2026
The 30-second summary
DocumentPassport valid for at least 6 months after the planned departure from Laos.
EntryVisa required

A visa is required and may be requested online, from an embassy or at selected borders.

DurationStay length is shown on the tourist visa; renewal may be possible through immigration before expiry.
Key warningNot every land border accepts the eVisa or visa on arrival, so check the exact route.

Before you book

This block covers the standard case stated above. If your situation differs, open the consular source directly.

Document

Passport valid for at least 6 months after the planned departure from Laos.

Entry

A visa is required and may be requested online, from an embassy or at selected borders.

Duration

Stay length is shown on the tourist visa; renewal may be possible through immigration before expiry.

Vaccines and health

Recommendations depend on age, health, stopovers, regions and season.

In addition to routine vaccines, hepatitis A and itinerary-specific protection often need discussion with a travel medicine professional.
  • Assess hepatitis A/B, typhoid and rabies according to trip length, food exposure and areas visited.
  • Review Japanese encephalitis or malaria protection for relevant rural stays.
  • Use strong mosquito protection and seek medical advice for fever after returning.

Driving locally

An international driving permit is a translation: it never replaces your valid French licence.

Carry the French licence together with an international driving permit and check which convention the country recognises.

Service-Public · international permit

Documents to prepare

  • Required identity document and a separate copy
  • Authorisation, visa or QR code available offline
  • Return ticket and first accommodation address
  • Medical insurance and assistance number
  • Prescriptions and medicines in original packaging
  • French licence and any required supporting permit

What can change the answer

Dual nationality or residence permitTransit through border controlMinor travelling alone or with one parentWork, internship, volunteering or a longer stayEmergency, damaged or nearly expired passportControlled medication or specialist equipment

Frequently asked questions

Is a visa or authorisation required?

A visa is required and may be requested online, from an embassy or at selected borders.

Which vaccines should I consider?

In addition to routine vaccines, hepatitis A and itinerary-specific protection often need discussion with a travel medicine professional.

Is a French driving licence sufficient?

Carry the French licence together with an international driving permit and check which convention the country recognises.

When should this information be checked again?

Check once before any non-refundable purchase, then again 48 to 72 hours before departure. The destination authorities and carrier retain the final say.