Access
On arrival
AStay 30 days
Policy · LaosPassport Atlas
South Africa passport to Laos
South Africa passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Laos, usually for 30 days.
Snapshot 2026-10 · This week · Passport-index source
The other way
Visa required
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Key facts
- Laos lets 170 of 198 passports in without a prior visa — South Africa is one of them.
- South Africa passports get “On arrival” at 29 of 198 destinations.
- In the other direction, Laos passports get “Visa required” in South Africa.
Nearby passports travelling to Laos
Open to South Africa passports near Laos
Before you fly
- Remaining validityOften 6 months’ validity remaining
- Blank visa pagesAbout 2 blank visa pages
- Photo spec35 × 45 mm
Flights, eSIM and insurance are third-party. Visatu does not take payment.
Flight corridor
Connection likely
South AfricaLaos- Typical duration
- 14.1 hours
- From
- JNB · CPT · DUR
- To
- VTE · LPQ · PKZ
Usual hubs
Singapore · 15.4 hours
Thailand · 14.2 hours
Duration is a great-circle estimate between main airports. Direct corridors come from the OpenFlights public snapshot — check the carrier or Google Flights for times and prices.
South Africa
Country profile
Capital
Pretoria
Population
63.1 million
Area
1,219,912 km²
Currency
South African rand ZAR
Languages
English, Zulu, Afrikaans
Time zone
UTC+02:00
Foreign-born
2.6 million · 2024
Migrant share
4.1%
Ethnic groups · 2021
- Black African80.9%
- Colored8.8%
- White7.8%
- Indian/Asian2.6%
Foreign-born counts are UN international migrant stock via the World Bank (mostly 2024). Ethnic groups follow each country's published categories — most do not census by skin colour. Indicative only.
Laos
Country profile
Capital
Vientiane
Population
7.6 million
Area
236,800 km²
Currency
Lao kip LAK
Languages
Lao
Time zone
UTC+07:00
Foreign-born
51,446 · 2024
Migrant share
0.7%
Ethnic groups · 2015
- Lao53.2%
- other11.6%
- Khmou11%
- Hmong9.2%
- Phouthay3.4%
- Tai3.1%
- Other8.5%
Foreign-born counts are UN international migrant stock via the World Bank (mostly 2024). Ethnic groups follow each country's published categories — most do not census by skin colour. Indicative only.
Travel notes
Plug
Type A
Mains
230 V · 50 Hz
Driving
Right
Emergency
Police 112 · Ambulance 112
Dialing code
+856
Airports
VTE · LPQ · PKZ · ZVK
Highlights
- Luang Prabang
- Vang Vieng
- Wat Phou
- Mekong
South Africa · On arrival
FAQ
Does a South Africa passport need a visa for Laos?
On the 2026-10 matrix the result is “On arrival”. typical stay 30 days. Rules change — check the carrier and mission before you fly.
How long can you stay?
The matrix records a typical stay of 30 days. The entry stamp, eTA or visa page is authoritative.
Passport validity and blank pages?
Laos typically wants about 6 months’ remaining validity and 2 blank visa pages. Photo spec is often 35 × 45 mm. Confirm with a Laos mission.
What about a Laos passport entering South Africa?
The reverse result is “Visa required”.
How do you apply for Laos as a visitor?
VOA / visa exemption：Often 30 days。Pay in cash at the border or enter visa-free; bring photos and an arrival card.