Embassy
Embassy of Laos in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
2222 S Street
United States visa requirements for Laotian citizens
Entry to the United States is restricted for laotian citizens: a visa plus special approval.
Passport
LAO
Laos
Going to
USA
United States
Entry is restricted
For short holidays or visits to friends and family.
- Visa
- Restricted
- Fee
- US$185
- Last updated
- 11 November 2026
What to do
Read the extra conditions for your passport below: the United States limits where and how you can enter.
Apply for the visa at the embassy well ahead, and expect extra checks.
Enter only through the allowed border points and register with the police if required.
Get your United States visa sorted
A visa expert checks the rules and helps you apply. No payment now.
Ways into United States
Get a visitor visa or check if you qualify without one.
Visa requiredB-2 visitor visaFor short holidays or visits to friends and family.
- Fee
- US$185
How to apply
- Check nationality limits before paying or booking.
- Fill in DS-160 online and save the confirmation.
- Pay the fee and book your appointment.
- Attend your interview unless you are excused.
- Follow instructions for extra checks and passport return.
Documents required
- Passport
- DS-160 confirmation
- Fee receipt, if needed
- Printed photo if upload fails
- Trip and funds proof, if asked
- Proof you will leave, if asked
- Fingerprints
- Interview
- Border staff set your stay; follow the leaving date on your entry record.
- This visa does not allow regular work or study for course credit.
Sources (27)Last updated 11 November 2026
- Department of State — Visitor Visa
- Department of State — Visa Waiver Program
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection — Official ESTA application portal
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection — ESTA validity
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection — ESTA for land entry
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection — ESTA passport requirements
- USAGov — Visa Waiver Program and ESTA application
- Department of State — Citizens of Canada and Bermuda
- Department of State — Transit Visa
- Department of State — Nonimmigrant travel without a visa or passport
- Department of State — Transit visas
- Department of State — Tourists and business visitors
- Department of State — Student Visa
- Department of State — Temporary Worker Visas
- Department of State — Family Immigration
- Department of State — Immigrant Visa for a Spouse
- Department of State — Fiancé Visa
- Department of State — Exchange Visitor Visa
- Department of State — Exchange eligibility, fees and insurance
- Department of State — Crewmember Visa
- Department of State — Fees for Visa Services
- Department of State — DS-160 application
- Department of State — Visa Frequently Asked Questions
- Department of State — Nationality-based visa and entry restrictions
- Department of State — Countries Subject to Visa Bonds, October 2, 2026
- Department of State — Application location guidance, July 15, 2026
- Department of State — Immigrant issuance pause update, August 28, 2026
Embassies for this trip
For lost passports and emergencies.
Trips to United States
Day-by-day itineraries by snuck, shaped around you.
Coming from Laos
- Plugs A BAdapter for some
- MoneyUSD $
- Time−19h
- DrivingOn the rightSame as home
- LanguageEnglish
- Emergency911 police
Planning your United States trip
Best time to go: The best time depends on the region. July to September is usually dry on the northwest coast and good for outdoor activities; northern winters can be very cold, while southwestern summers can be extremely hot.
- Manhattan and ChicagoSee famous skyscrapers and major city architecture.
- Yellowstone National ParkVisit one of the country's major natural attractions.
- AlaskaExplore natural scenery, mountains and coastal islands.
- Southwestern canyonlandsSee dramatic canyon landscapes, including the Grand Canyon.
Scams to watch for in United States
- Aggressive requests for moneySomeone asks for money and becomes persistent or intimidating. This is not always a scam, but the pressure can make you feel you must pay.
- Misleading police statements during an arrestPolice may give untrue information about your rights, the reason for your arrest, or evidence against you. This is a warning about official conduct rather than a typical tourist money scam.
About United States
The United States is a federal republic of fifty states spanning the middle of North America.
- Capital
- Washington D.C.
- Money
- United States dollar ($)
- Languages
- English
- Time zone
- 11 time zones
- Cars drive on the
- right side
- Calling code
- +1
Other Asia passports
Going to United States
Easier trips nearby
Places close to United States with simpler entry for you.
Questions
Do laotian citizens need a visa for the United States?
Entry to the United States is restricted for laotian citizens: a visa plus special approval.
Does a US, UK or Schengen visa help laotian citizens enter the United States?
We have no record of the United States relaxing its rules for laotian citizens who hold another country's visa. Check with the embassy before you rely on one.
Do american citizens need a visa for Laos?
American citizens get a visa on arrival in Laos, for up to 30 days.
Do other Asia passports get easier entry to the United States?
Brunei, Israel, Japan, Qatar Singapore, and 2 more can enter without applying before they travel.
Which countries near United States are easier for laotian citizens?
Dominica, Ecuador, Haiti, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Suriname, and 3 more let laotian citizens in without applying before travel.
What should I carry to the United States?
Read the extra conditions for your passport below: the United States limits where and how you can enter. Apply for the visa at the embassy well ahead, and expect extra checks.
What money is used in the United States?
United States dollar ($). Carry some cash for arrival, especially if a visa fee is paid at the border.
What language do people speak in the United States?
English.
How strong is the Laos passport?
It ranks #88 and reaches 42 destinations without applying ahead.
Reviewed by @snuck