Travelers planning a trip to Laos will soon experience a smoother and faster arrival and departure process. Starting September 1, 2025, the Lao government will launch a new Digital Immigration Registration System, marking a significant step toward modernizing border formalities.
This new system replaces the traditional paper-based immigration forms with the Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) — an online registration that must be completed before entering and exiting the country.
What is the Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF)?`
The LDIF is a mandatory online form designed to streamline immigration procedures and reduce paperwork. Instead of filling out paper forms upon arrival or departure, travelers will complete the LDIF online and receive a QR code, which will be scanned at immigration checkpoints.
This initiative aims to:
- Speed up processing times at airports and border crossings
- Reduce paperwork for travelers and officials
- Provide a smoother and more efficient travel experience
©The Department of Immigration of Lao PDR
Who needs to complete the LDIF?
The LDIF applies to all foreign travelers entering and leaving Laos by air or land.
Exemptions include:
- Lao citizens
- Foreigners with permanent residency in Laos
- Thai Border Pass holders
Where will the system apply?
The rollout will begin with a trial phase from September 1, 2025, at four key entry points:
- Wattay International Airport (Vientiane)
- Luang Prabang International Airport
- Pakse International Airport
- The First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge (Vientiane – Nong Khai, Thailand)
Following the trial, the LDIF will expand to all border checkpoints across Laos in 2026.
When should travelers submit the LDIF?
The form must be completed within 3 days before arrival and again within 3 days before departure.
After submission, travelers receive a confirmation document with a QR code. Immigration officers will then verify the details electronically at the checkpoint.
Important: While official penalties for failing to submit the LDIF have not yet been announced, travelers are strongly advised to complete the form on time to avoid unnecessary delays.
How to complete the LDIF
Submitting the LDIF is a simple process:
- Visit the official immigration website: https://immigration.gov.la/en/home
- Click on “Submit Online”
- Select either Arrival Register or Departure Register
- Fill in the required details:
Arrival: personal information, passport details, entry point/date, visa information, intended address in Laos, transportation details
Departure: personal information, passport details, exit point/date - Submit the form and download/save with the QR code
- Present the QR code at immigration upon arrival or departure
Key things to remember
- The LDIF does not replace a visa — visa requirements remain unchanged.
- Submission is free of charge.
- No paper card is needed, but travelers must keep the confirmation/QR code saved on a device or printed for easy access.
Preparing your travelers
As this change takes effect, we encourage you to start informing travelers now. Being prepared will ensure a smooth, stress-free journey when visiting Laos from September 2025 onward.
Our Sales Team is ready to assist you and your clients with any questions or support in preparing your travelers.
A modern step forward: with the introduction of the LDIF, Laos is taking an important step toward digital transformation in travel, ensuring that visitors enjoy a faster and more convenient experience from the moment they arrive.
