Travelling to Laos? What You Need to Know About the Lao Digital Immigration Form

If Laos is on your travel plans, there’s an important piece of pre-travel admin to know about before you go.

Laos now uses the Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) at selected international entry and exit points, replacing the traditional paper immigration card with an online registration process.

The system was introduced on 1 September 2025 and allows travellers to submit their arrival and departure information digitally before passing through immigration.

So, whether you're heading to Luang Prabang for its beautiful temples, beginning an adventure through Vientiane, or travelling onwards through Southeast Asia, this is one form worth remembering.

What is the Lao Digital Immigration Form?

The Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) is an online immigration registration system for travellers entering and leaving Laos.

Foreign nationals and stateless travellers using passports are required to register their arrival and departure details through the system when travelling through participating checkpoints.

The form can be completed within three days before your arrival or departure and is free of charge.

Where is the digital system currently used?

The LDIF was initially introduced at four major international checkpoints:

• Wattay International Airport – Vientiane

• Luang Prabang International Airport

• Pakse International Airport

• First Lao–Thai Friendship Bridge – connecting the Vientiane area with Nong Khai in Thailand

If your journey takes you through another land border, airport or checkpoint, check the latest requirements before travelling rather than assuming the digital system applies there.

What do I need to do before arriving in Laos?

You can complete your arrival registration online within three days before entering Laos.

The arrival form requests information including your passport details, nationality, occupation, intended arrival checkpoint and date, purpose of travel, mode of transport and where you are travelling from. You'll also need to upload an image of your passport.

Once you've completed the process, keep your confirmation or QR code easily accessible for immigration.

A screenshot saved to your phone can be particularly useful so you're not dependent on Wi-Fi or mobile data when you reach the border.

Complete the official Laos Arrival Registration

Don’t forget about your departure

This is the part that's particularly easy to overlook.

The digital requirement isn't only for entering Laos. Travellers also need to complete a departure registration when leaving through the participating checkpoints.

This can be submitted within three days before departure. The departure form asks for details including your passport information, departure checkpoint and date, last residence while in Laos and onward travel information.

Complete the official Laos Departure Registration

An Íjénjèm travel tip

Set yourself a reminder for three days before both your arrival and departure dates.

It's easy to remember the paperwork before your holiday begins and completely forget that another registration may be required when you're busy enjoying Laos.

And remember, the Lao Digital Immigration Form is not a visa. Visa requirements are separate and depend on factors including your nationality, passport and circumstances of travel. Always check the appropriate entry and visa requirements before departure.

Ready to discover Laos?

Laos sometimes sits quietly beside its more frequently visited Southeast Asian neighbours — and that's part of its appeal.

Think the UNESCO-listed streets and temples of Luang Prabang, the Mekong River, waterfalls, mountain landscapes, Buddhist culture and a wonderfully slower pace of travel.

A little preparation before departure means more time enjoying the destination when you arrive.

Planning a trip to Laos or a wider Southeast Asian adventure?

Íjénjèm Travel can help you put together a journey designed around the way you want to experience the region, from flights and accommodation to experiences, transfers and those important pre-travel details.