How many times do I need to fill out the Lao PDR Immigration Card when traveling to Laos?

You need to fill out the Lao PDR Immigration Card twice in total: once upon arrival and once upon departure. Many people think they only need to fill it out upon entry, but it is also required when you leave.

When can I submit the Lao PDR Immigration Card online in advance?

Online pre-submission of the Lao PDR Immigration Card is possible within 3 days of your arrival and departure. If you fill it out too early, it might not be submitted successfully, so it's best to complete it 2-3 days before your departure.

What information should I prepare before filling out the Lao PDR Immigration Card online?

When filling out the online immigration card, you will need your passport information, flight number, and accommodation details in Laos. Since you specifically need to enter accommodation information, it's recommended to book your lodging in Laos beforehand.

How do I use the QR code after submitting the Lao PDR Immigration Card online?

Once the online submission is complete, a QR code will appear on the screen. Save this QR code as a screenshot and present it during immigration clearance upon arrival in Laos.

Laos Immigration Card 2026: Fill Out for Both Arrival &…

📋 Quick Overview

Item	Details
📋 Form Type	Lao PDR Immigration Card
🌐 Submission Method	Online pre-submission or paper form at the airport
⏰ Submission Timing	Can be pre-submitted within 3 days of arrival/departure
✈️ When to Complete	Required for both arrival and departure separately
⚠️ If Errors Occur	Recommended to retry on a different device (phone or computer)
🇺🇸 Visa-Exempt Travelers	Many nationalities (e.g., US citizens) are visa-exempt → Select 'Exemption Visa'

Your Laos Immigration Card: Fill It Out Before You Fly!

Planning a trip to Laos involves a fair bit of preparation, from booking flights to sorting out your itinerary. But there's one crucial item that travelers often overlook: the immigration card.

While you can fill out a paper form at the airport, completing it online beforehand makes the process so much smoother and saves you precious time upon arrival. I've put together a step-by-step guide with screenshots from my own experience, so you can easily follow along!

🌐 What is the Online Immigration Card?

Its official name is the Lao PDR Immigration Card. This form can be pre-submitted online through the official website operated by the Lao government.

You can submit it within 3 days (72 hours) of your arrival or departure. Here's a critical tip: you need to fill it out twice – once for your arrival and again for your departure. Many travelers mistakenly think they only need to complete it once for entry, so keep this in mind!

📝 Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Out the Form

① Select Arrival/Departure

When you first access the site, you'll be prompted to choose between Arrival Register or Departure Register.

For entering Laos, select Arrival Register.

② Enter Arrival & Personal Information

On the next screen, you'll input the following details:

It's simpler than you might think; just have your passport handy and transfer the information directly.

③ Passport Information & Photo Upload

Next up is entering your passport details.

You'll need to take a clear photo of your passport's information page and upload it. Avoid blurry or glare-filled photos, as they can cause errors. Make sure your picture is sharp and well-lit!

④ Purpose of Entry & Transportation Details

Double-check your flight number on your ticket confirmation email or airline app before you start!

⑤ Select Visa Information

Many nationalities, including US citizens, are eligible for visa-free entry to Laos. For the visa section, simply select Exemption Visa and then click Confirm.

It's easy to get confused and pick the wrong option, but for visa-exempt travelers, Exemption Visa is always the correct choice!

⑥ Enter Accommodation Details in Laos

Finally, you'll need to input the details of your accommodation in Laos.

Just refer to your hotel booking confirmation and fill in the information accurately.

⑦ Confirm Submission Period - Within 3 Days!

The submission window is within 3 days (72 hours) of your arrival or departure.

Submitting too early might lead to issues, so I recommend completing it 2-3 days before your scheduled flight.

⚠️ Troubleshooting: What to Do If You Encounter Errors

Sometimes, you might run into errors while filling out the form, depending on your device or browser. This could be anything from the screen not advancing to the submit button not working.

If this happens, don't panic! Try again using a different phone or computer. Clearing your browser's cache and cookies before reconnecting can also help.

I experienced an error myself initially, but switching to another device solved it immediately. Keep this tip in mind!

Once you see a QR code like the image below, take a screenshot. You'll use this when you arrive in Laos.

✈️ Prefer Paper? You Can Still Fill It Out at the Airport

If filling out the online form feels too daunting, you can always complete a paper form directly at the airport.

However, be aware that filling it out for the first time at the airport can take a while, and it might be inconvenient if the immigration lines are long.

Personally, I highly recommend completing it online in advance to ensure a relaxed and stress-free start to your trip.

💰 Book Your Laos Accommodation in Advance!

Since you need to enter your accommodation details on the immigration form, it makes sense to book your Laos hotel first.

During peak season, popular hotels in Vientiane and Luang Prabang can get booked up quickly. Check out Agoda for discounted Laos accommodations!

👉 Check Laos Accommodation Deals

Pre-booking local tours and activities in Laos can also make your trip much more enjoyable.

👉 Browse Laos Tours & Activities

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Do I have to submit the Laos immigration card online?

Both online pre-submission and paper forms at the airport are accepted. However, submitting online in advance can save you time at the airport. This information is current as of August 2026, but we recommend reconfirming the latest policies with official channels.

Q2. What should visa-exempt travelers select for the visa section?

Many nationalities, including US citizens, are eligible for visa-free entry to Laos. In the visa information section, you should select Exemption Visa. This information is current as of August 2026, but we recommend reconfirming visa-exemption conditions with the Lao embassy or official channels before your departure.

Q3. What should I do if I encounter an error during online submission?

Errors can sometimes occur due to device or browser settings. We recommend trying again on a different phone or computer, or clearing your browser's cache and reconnecting. If the issue persists, you can always fill out a paper form at the airport. We recommend reconfirming with official channels if you have persistent issues.

Final Thoughts

The Laos immigration card might seem a bit complicated at first glance, but it's actually quite straightforward once you start. Just have your passport ready and transfer the information, and you'll be done in about 10 minutes. Remember the key takeaway: you need to complete it twice – once for arrival and once for departure! If you hit an error, don't fret; just try a different device.

While airport submission is an option, completing it online beforehand will make your airport experience much more relaxed. If this is your first trip to Laos, taking care of this one detail in advance will significantly ease your journey. I truly recommend it!