Can US citizens cross from Thailand into Laos by land?

Yes. US citizens can cross from Thailand into Laos at the four Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge crossings and other designated land border points. You need a Laos visa — either an e-Visa applied in advance at laoevisa.gov.la, or a visa on arrival at the border crossing.

Which Friendship Bridge crossings connect Thailand and Laos?

Four crossings: Friendship Bridge I (Vientiane — Nong Khai), Friendship Bridge II (Savannakhet — Mukdahan), Friendship Bridge III (Huay Xai — Chiang Khong), and Friendship Bridge IV (Vang Tao — Chong Mek). All four accept both e-Visas and visas on arrival for US citizens.

What documents do US citizens need to cross from Thailand to Laos?

Valid US passport (6 months validity, 2 blank pages), Laos e-Visa approval letter (if applied in advance) or USD 35–50 cash for visa on arrival, two passport photos for VOA, completed Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF), and your Thailand entry record if re-entering Thailand afterward.

Do US citizens need a visa for both Thailand and Laos at the border?

Yes — separate visas apply for each country. You exit Thailand (your Thailand visa-free 60-day admission expires on exit), clear Laos immigration and obtain your Laos visa, and when you return to Thailand, you receive a fresh 60-day Thailand visa-free stamp. This is how the classic 'border run' works.

How long does it take to cross at the Friendship Bridge?

Typically 1–3 hours at quieter times. Weekends, Thai and Lao public holidays, and early morning can be significantly busier. Bridge I (Vientiane-Nong Khai) is the busiest crossing. Bridge IV (Vang Tao-Chong Mek) is generally the quietest.

Crossing from Thailand to Laos for US citizens

Last reviewed: March 30, 2026

US citizens can cross from Thailand into Laos at four Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge crossings. Bring your Laos e-Visa approval letter or USD 35–50 cash for visa on arrival, two passport photos, and your passport.

Field	Details
Laos visa required	Yes — e-Visa or visa on arrival
e-Visa	Apply in advance at laoevisa.gov.la
VOA fee	~USD 35–50 cash
Photos required for VOA	2 passport photos
Laos stay	30 days, extendable twice
LDIF form	Required online before arrival

Note: When you exit Thailand into Laos, your Thailand visa-free admission ends. When you re-enter Thailand, a fresh 60-day Thailand visa-free stamp begins. Keep both entry and exit stamps accessible.

The four Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge crossings

Friendship Bridge I — Vientiane/Nong Khai (busiest)

Thai sideNong Khai, Nong Khai Province

Lao sideTha Naleng, Vientiane Prefecture

Transport: Regular bus service runs across the bridge. Trains from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong or Krung Thep Aphiwat station to Nong Khai connect to the crossing. Tuk-tuks available on the Lao side to central Vientiane.

VOA and e-Visa: Both accepted. Busiest crossing — longer queues on weekends and holidays.

Friendship Bridge II — Savannakhet/Mukdahan

Thai sideMukdahan, Mukdahan Province

Lao sideSavannakhet city

Transport: Regular bus service across the bridge. Savannakhet is a major stop for travelers between Thailand and Vietnam.

VOA and e-Visa: Both accepted. Moderate traffic.

Friendship Bridge III — Huay Xai/Chiang Khong

Thai sideChiang Khong, Chiang Rai Province

Lao sideHuay Xai, Bokeo Province

Transport: Regular bus service. Popular entry point for travelers heading to Luang Prabang by slow boat on the Mekong River.

VOA and e-Visa: Both accepted. Popular with travelers on the northern Laos route.

Friendship Bridge IV — Vang Tao/Chong Mek (quietest)

Thai sideChong Mek, Ubon Ratchathani Province

Lao sideVang Tao, Champasak Province

Transport: Songthaews (shared trucks) on both sides. Quietest of the four crossings — shorter queues.

VOA and e-Visa: Both accepted.

Step-by-step: crossing from Thailand into Laos

1
Travel to your chosen Thai border town (Nong Khai, Mukdahan, Chiang Khong, or Chong Mek).
2
Take the bridge bus or walk to the Thai immigration checkpoint. Present your passport and receive a Thai departure stamp. Keep your Thailand departure card.
3
Cross the bridge to the Lao side.
4
At Lao immigration, join the e-Visa or VOA queue. If using e-Visa, present your approval letter and passport. If VOA, complete the form, submit two photos, and pay USD 35–50 in cash.
5
Immigration will affix your Laos visa sticker and stamp your passport. Note your 30-day expiry date.
6
Present your completed Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) confirmation if requested.
7
Clear customs and proceed into Laos.
8
When returning to Thailand, reverse the process. You will receive a fresh 60-day Thailand visa-free stamp on re-entry.

What to bring for the crossing

Valid US passport — 6 months validity, at least 2 blank pages
Laos e-Visa approval letter (printed in color) — OR USD 35–50 cash for visa on arrival
Two passport photos (4x6 cm, white background) — required for VOA, good to have even with e-Visa
Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) confirmation — complete online before crossing
Cash in USD or Thai Baht — some Lao border counters accept Baht; USD is universally accepted
Copy of your Thailand entry stamp — useful to show you have a valid ongoing Thailand admission

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

Information compiled from official government sources and verified data: