Foreign Office warns UK tourists over rules being 'reverted' from January 2025

The Foreign Office has warned UK tourists over rules in Asia being "reverted" from January 1. The Foreign Office warned Brits taking to Laos after Christmas that "from 1 January 2025, tourist visas reverted to the previous 30 days from the date you arrive in Laos."

"You can apply online for a Laos e-visa – apply at least 5 days in advance. The e-visa is single entry only and is accepted at major entry points," the Foreign Office said. "You can also get a visa on arrival (single entry) at many entry points," it added.

This includes Vientiane Wattay airport, Luang Prabang airport and Paske airport. From 1 January 2025, you’re allowed to extend your tourist visa twice while in Laos, for a total of 60 days. If you do not extend your visa within 90 days, you will face a fine in Lao kip worth 2,000 US dollars, deportation to your home country and a ban on returning to Laos.

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For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Laos guide. There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Laos. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Laos officials state: "Foreigner or stateless person can extension visa with Immigration Department in Vientiane or Immigration office Division at the province in official hour. Extension fee of stay for Foreigner and Stateless person, taxing cost 20.000 kip/day, service fee 25.000 kip/time.

"Extension fee of stay for Laotian holding foreign nationality and Laotian with non-nationality, taxing cost 10.000 kip/day, service fee 25.000 kip/time. Get form at Immigration Department and take the passport with photo of 3 by 4 zise the process take 1 day in official hour."

To work, study and travel for business or other reasons, you must meet the Lao immigration department’s entry requirements.