Laos is moving to fully digital immigration forms in 2025. Find out who is required to fill out the LDIF, what information is required, how to get a QR code to cross the border, and what travelers should consider before traveling

In 2025, Laos is taking a major step towards digitalizing border procedures. Starting September 1, the country will completely abandon the paper arrival and departure cards that have been issued to travelers on planes or at borders for years. Now, all foreign tourists and stateless persons must fill out the Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) online.

How will the new digital immigration form work in Laos?

Filling out the LDIF has become a mandatory part of preparing for a trip. This must be done at least three days before the date of entry or departure from Laos. After filling out the questionnaire, the traveler receives a QR code that is valid for three days. This code will now become the “ticket” for passing passport control.

The form is available exclusively on the official website immigration.gov.la. Be careful: using third-party resources can lead to fraud.

Who should fill out the LDIF?

The rules apply to all foreigners entering or leaving Laos, as well as stateless persons using a passport. Lao citizens, however, do not need digital arrival and departure cards.

Where exactly is the innovation being implemented?

The system is currently in pilot mode. Travelers will be able to use the digital form at four main points:

- Wattay International Airport in Vientiane,

- Luang Prabang Airport,

- Pakse Airport in Champasak Province,

- The First Friendship Bridge connecting Vientiane with Nong Khai in Thailand.

The Lao government plans to gradually expand the system, and by 2026, digital registration will be available at all land borders and all airports in the country.

What data do you need to prepare to obtain a digital arrival card in Laos?

The new form essentially duplicates the information previously requested on paper cards. Travelers will need to provide:

- Personal details (name, date of birth, citizenship, profession, phone number),

- Passport details, including a copy of the document and a selfie with it,

- Travel details: crossing point, date, mode of transport,

- Purpose of visit – tourism, business, transit, official business, etc.,

- Visa information (if required),

- Address of residence in Laos (hotel or other accommodation, date of arrival and departure).

The procedure is exactly the same for both arrival and departure from the country.

Step by step: how to fill out the new digital immigration form in Laos?

1. Follow the link via QR code or official website.

2. Fill in all the required fields and attach a photo of the documents.

3. After confirmation, you will receive a QR code.

4. Save it on your phone or print it out.

5. When passing through passport control, show the code to the immigration officers.

Similar actions must be performed before leaving Laos - only with data related to the departure.

What should you consider before traveling to Laos?

1. Register in advance. Do not leave the submission of the form to the last minute - the system requires three days of reserve.

2. The validity period of the QR code. It is limited to three days, so choose the date of submission taking into account the actual date of crossing the border.

3. Data security. Use only the official website to avoid falling into fraudulent resources.

4. Documents at hand. Make sure that your passport is valid for the entire trip.

Why did Laos introduce a digital arrival card?

Laos’ decision to implement a digital immigration form follows a trend already supported by neighboring countries such as Thailand, Cambodia and Malaysia. The move to digital documents makes travel easier and faster, and for Laos it is also an important step in developing tourism, a significant component of its economy.

Traveling to Laos in 2025 will require a little more preparation than before. There will be no more paper cards - only the digital LDIF format. However, the changes are aimed at simplifying the process, as you can fill out the form online in advance and avoid queues on the plane or at the border.

If you are planning a trip, do not forget to register at least three days in advance and have the QR code on hand. This will help avoid unnecessary problems and make your trip comfortable.

Need help with travel documents?

New rules always raise questions. If you are in doubt about how to correctly fill out the digital immigration form for Laos, or have other plans related to moving, working or studying abroad, it is better to entrust this process to professionals.

Our migration lawyers will help:

- check your documents before submission,

- avoid common mistakes in the forms,

- provide advice on visas, work and residence permits,

- accompany you at all stages of registration.

By contacting specialists, you will save time and nerves, and most importantly, you will be sure that your trip will be without unpleasant surprises.

Reminder! In 2025, Indonesia launched a new digital portal All Indonesia, which combines visa applications, customs declarations and medical forms into a single system. This solution greatly simplifies travel, allowing travelers to complete all formalities online in just a few minutes. We have already told you what information is required and where to apply.

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