Laos Launches Digital Immigration Form, Replacing Paper Cards in 2025

Laos has officially changed from paper to digital immigration cards. As of September 1, 2025, all foreign visitors are required to fill out the new Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) before entering or leaving the country.

What is the Lao Digital Immigration Form?

The Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) is an online registration form that replaces the traditional paper arrival and departure cards. Every foreign national and stateless traveller using a passport must complete it at least three days before entering or leaving Laos.

Registration is only available through the official website: immigration.gov.la. After submitting the form, travellers receive a QR code that is valid for three days. This code must be presented at the border.

Who Needs to Fill It Out?

The rule applies to:

• All foreign nationals entering or leaving Laos
• Stateless persons travelling with a passport

It is worth noting that Lao citizens do not need to fill out the form for submitting the Arrival or Departure Digital Card.

Where Does It Apply?

Right now, the system is in a pilot phase and only applies at four major entry points:

• Wattay International Airport (Vientiane)
• Luang Prabang International Airport
• Pakse International Airport (Champasak province)
• First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge (Vientiane–Nong Khai)

However, authorities plan to expand it gradually to all land borders and airports, with full coverage expected by 2026.

Information You Need to Provide

The Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) collects the same details previously required on paper, but now fully digital. Travellers must provide:

• Arrival/ departure details: checkpoint, date, mode of transport
• Personal info: name, date of birth, nationality, occupation, phone number
• Passport info: number, issue/expiry dates, issuing country, a copy of the passport, and a selfie with the passport
• Travel purpose: tourism, business, transit, visit, or official reasons
• Visa info: type, number, place and date of issue (if applicable)
• Stay details: hotel/accommodation, address, province, check-in and check-out dates

The process is identical for departure registration.

How to Fill Out the Lao Digital Arrival Register

If you’re entering Laos, you’ll need to complete the Arrival Register online before your trip. The process is straightforward:

1. Scan the QR code: Open your phone’s camera or QR scanner to access the official LDIF registration page.
2. Fill in your details: Provide your arrival checkpoint, date, personal information, passport details, travel purpose, and your intended address in Laos. You will also need to upload a copy of your passport and a selfie holding it.
3. Get your verification code: Once you submit the form, you’ll receive a verification code and QR code. This acts as your digital arrival slip.
4. Show your code at immigration: At passport control, present the QR code to immigration officers. They’ll scan it, and your entry will be confirmed.

How to Fill Out the Lao Digital Departure Register

If you’re leaving Laos, the steps are almost identical, but with departure-specific details:

1. Scan the QR code: Use your phone to access the departure form via the official site.
2. Fill in your details: Enter your departure checkpoint, departure date, passport details, and personal information. You’ll also need to provide your last address in Laos.
3. Get your verification code: After submitting, you’ll receive a digital verification code with a QR code. Save it as a file or screenshot.
4. Show your code at immigration: Present the QR code to immigration staff when you leave the country.

What Travellers Should Keep in Mind

• Keep the QR code handy (digital or printed) for inspection at the border
• Complete the form at least three days before travel
• Use only the official immigration site to avoid scams
• Double-check entry dates and passport validity before submission
• The QR code is valid for three days only, so time your registration carefully.

Laos Joins the Regional Shift

Laos is following a broader trend in Southeast Asia. Countries like Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia have already developed similar systems for international travellers. By digitising immigration, Laos aims to modernise border procedures, improve its international reputation, and support tourism. This sector is important for the country’s economy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning a trip to Laos in 2025, be ready. The paper cards are gone. You need to register online through the LDIF. Complete the form at least three days before your travel.

Keep your QR code handy. Right now, the system only works at certain airports and the main land crossing with Thailand. By 2026, it will be available across the whole country.