New Online Formalities in Laos: Your Guide to the Digital Immigration Card
A New Era of Travel to Laos
Effective September 1st, 2025, the Lao PDR has replaced traditional paper immigration forms with a new Digital Immigration Card. This system is designed to streamline arrival and departure formalities, reduce time at border checkpoints, and improve the overall traveler experience.
As travel professionals, it is important to be familiar with this process in order to guide your clients effectively. This resource provides a clear overview of the new requirements, including the registration timeline, passport information and photo uploads, and the issuance of a personal QR code to be presented on arrival.
With this guide, you will have the essential information needed to prepare travelers for a smooth entry and exit from Laos under the new online system.
Quick Summary: Laos Digital Immigration Card at a Glance
To help travellers get the essential information quickly, here is a summary of the key details:
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Start Date | September 1, 2025 |
| Who Must Register | All foreign passport holders entering Laos |
| Exemptions | Lao citizens, permanent foreign residents, and Thai citizens using a Border Pass |
| Where to Register | immigration.gov.la |
| When to Register | Within 3 days before both arrival and departure |
| Required Info | Passport details, visa info, travel plan, accommodation address |
| Final Step | Save a unique QR code (to phone or print out) |
| Pilot Entry Points | Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse Airports & Friendship Bridge |
| Paper Form Still Needed? | No, the digital card replaces the paper form |
What is the Laos Digital Immigration Card?
The Digital Immigration Card is an innovative online registration system developed by the Lao Immigration Department. Its primary purpose is to centralize and simplify the collection of traveler information. Instead of filling out an arrival/departure card by hand upon landing or crossing the border, foreign passport holders will now complete this process digitally before their trip.
Who Needs to Register for the Digital Immigration Card?
The new online system applies to all foreign nationals entering Laos with a valid passport, whether arriving by air or by land. This includes both leisure travelers and business visitors, regardless of visa type.
Pilot Phase Exemptions
- Thai citizens entering with a Border Pass rather than a passport
- Lao citizens and permanent foreign residents, who will continue to follow existing national procedures
For all other foreign passport holders, completing the Digital Immigration Card is a mandatory requirement before travel.
When and How to Complete the Registration
The process is designed to be simple and accessible. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to help travellers navigate the system with confidence.
When to Register:
- Arrival: Travellers must complete the online registration within 3 days prior to their scheduled arrival in Laos.
- Departure: A separate registration is also required within 3 days prior to departure from Laos.
This ensures smooth entry and exit procedures for all passengers.
The Registration Process (Step-by-Step):
1. Access the Official Platform:Â
Travelers must register via the official government website (free of charge): www.immigration.gov.la/en. The site is available in Lao, English, and Chinese.
Direct link to the arrival registration page:: https://immigration.gov.la/en/registration/arrival/arrival-infoÂ
2. Provide Traveler Information:Â
It will be required to input the following details accurately as they appear on each travellers’ documents:
– Passport Information: The following details must be entered exactly as shown on the passport: full name, passport number, nationality, date of birth, and passport expiration date. Travelers are also required to upload two passport photos in JPEG or PNG format.
– Visa Details:
- For travelers holding a pre-approved visa (e.g., e-Visa), the visa number and related details must be provided.
- For travelers intending to obtain a Visa on Arrival, the system will provide the appropriate option to skip to next page.
  
– Travel Plan: Travelers must indicate their flight number (for air arrivals) or mode of transport (for land arrivals), as well as the designated port of entry.
–Â Accommodation Address: The name and address of the first hotel or guesthouse in Laos must be included. Travelers should prepare this information in advance to complete registration smoothly.
  
3. Generate and Save The QR Code:Â
After submitting all required information, the system will issue a unique QR code. This QR code serves as the traveler’s Digital Immigration Card and must be presented to immigration authorities. It is essential that travelers save the QR code immediately by downloading it or taking a screenshot. The page should not be closed until the QR code has been securely saved, as it cannot be retrieved later without repeating the process.
Important Points & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is the Digital Immigration Card the same as a visa? No. The Digital Immigration Card replaces the traditional paper arrival/departure card but does not change existing visa requirements. Travelers must still obtain the correct visa (e-Visa, Visa on Arrival, or pre-approved visa) depending on their nationality.
- Do travelers need to print the QR code? Not required. A digital copy on a smartphone or tablet is sufficient. Immigration officers will scan the QR code directly from the device.
- Can one person complete the form for a family or group? Yes. One traveler can complete the registrations on behalf of others, but each traveler will receive a unique QR code which must be saved and presented individually.
- What if travel plans change after registration? The QR code is linked to the specific travel details entered. If the entry point, travel date, or other key information changes, travelers should complete a new registration to ensure accuracy at border control.
- Will paper forms still be available? During the pilot phase, paper forms may still be accepted as backup. Travelers are advised to keep a pen and a copy of their flight details handy in case of system issues or exceptions at the border.
Pilot Program Entry Points
The Digital Immigration Card is currently being introduced under a pilot phase running until the end of 2025. During this period, the system is in use at four key entry points only, allowing for a gradual and smooth rollout:
- Wattay International Airport (Vientiane): The primary air gateway to Laos’ capital city.
- Luang Prabang International Airport: The main airport for visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage city.
- Pakse International Airport: The key entry point for travelers heading to southern Laos.
- The Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge (Vientiane – Nong Khai, Thailand): The busiest land border crossing between Laos and Thailand.
A Gateway to an Unforgettable Journey
The new Laos Digital Immigration Card marks a major step forward, ensuring a faster, smoother, and more efficient arrival process for international visitors. By completing the registration in advance, travelers can begin their journey seamlessly — whether discovering the ancient temples of Luang Prabang, experiencing the vibrancy of Vientiane, or exploring the serene beauty of Si Phan Don.
As a trusted Destination Management Company (DMC) with over 30 years of expertise in Laos, ASEV is here to support you and your clients beyond the entry formalities. While the new system simplifies border crossings, the heart of every journey lies in the experiences that follow. Our local teams are ready to design tailor-made itineraries, from hidden gems to exclusive excursions, ensuring every trip is both unique and memorable.
We look forward to welcoming your travelers to the Land of a Million Elephants.