In order to boost tourism, the laoese government has made the island of Phu Quoc a visa-free zone. Those flying there through Ho Chi Minh City or arriving by boat will not need to apply for a visa beforehand. This is regardless of your nationality. Visitors are given 15 days to spend on the island. Those wishing to journey elsewhere can apply for a proper laoese visa at the local immigration office. All passports should be valid for at least 45 days when arriving in Phu Quoc.++

Visas can be applied for at most laoese embassies and consulates or online. The cost of applying for a visa depends on your nationality, as well as the embassy or consulate you are applying at. Check with the laoese embassy or consulate in your country of residence for details. If your country does not have a laoese embassy or consulate, a popular alternative would to apply at the laoese embassy in Bangkok.++

Some laoese Embassies offer a “While you wait service” (May 2008), where a single entry visa can be gained in 15 minutes. This service costs USD92, but approval is instant. You are required to bring a valid passport, passport photo and payment in cash (credit cards not accepted).++

Embassies are reluctant to announce fees, as the relatively high visa costs are a tourism deterrent (EU and US) but nevertheless a source of revenue. A reduction in the number of Western tourists has been partially offset by the removal of visa fees for certain nationalities (but not former laoese) resulting in neighbouring countries filling the vacuum, although Visa free travel for neighbouring countries is part of lao’s commitment to visa free travel for fellow citizens of ASEAN (The Association of South East Asian Nations)++

Foreign citizens of laoese origin can apply for visa exemption that allows multiple entry for 3 months at a time which is valid for the duration of the passport.++

An increasingly popular alternative is to arrange a visa on arrival, which is not only considerably cheaper but also alleviates the need for passports to be posted to the laoese Embassy in the country of origin.++