Laos Introduces Digital Immigration Form to Replace Paper Arrival Cards in 2025

Laos is set to enhance its travel processes by introducing the Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) starting September 2025. This new digital system will replace traditional paper arrival cards, making travel smoother for foreign visitors. Travelers must register online at least three days before their arrival or departure, initially at selected airports and border crossings.

This shift from paper to digital forms marks a significant change in Laos’ immigration procedures. Beginning September 1, 2025, all foreign travelers must complete the LDIF before entering or leaving the country.

Overview: Lao Digital Immigration Form

The Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) serves as an online registration tool, replacing the old paper arrival and departure cards. Every foreign national and stateless traveler using a passport must fill it out at least three days before entering or exiting Laos.

Registration is available exclusively on the official website: immigration.gov.la. After submitting the form, travelers will receive a QR code valid for three days, which is essential for border entry.

Who Needs to Fill It Out?

The requirement applies to:

• All foreign nationals entering or leaving Laos.
• Stateless individuals traveling with a passport.
• Lao citizens do not need to fill out this form when submitting their Arrival or Departure Digital Card.

Where Does It Apply?

Currently, the LDIF is in a pilot phase and is limited to 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)

Authorities plan to gradually expand this system to all land borders and airports, with full implementation expected by 2026.

How to Fill Out the Lao Digital Arrival Register

If you plan to enter Laos, follow these simple steps to complete the Arrival Register online:

• Scan the QR Code: Use your phone’s camera or QR scanner to access the official LDIF registration page.
• Fill in Your Details: Provide information about your arrival checkpoint, date, personal information, passport details, travel purpose, and intended address in Laos. Upload a copy of your passport and a selfie holding it.
• Get Your Verification Code: After submitting the form, you’ll receive a digital verification code and QR code, acting as your digital arrival slip.
• Show Your Code at Immigration: Present the QR code to immigration officers at passport control for entry confirmation.

How to Fill Out the Lao Digital Departure Register

When leaving Laos, the process is similar but requires departure-specific information:

• Scan the QR Code: Access the departure form via the official site.
• Fill in Your Details: Enter your departure checkpoint, date, passport details, and last address in Laos.
• Get Your Verification Code: Submit the form to receive a digital verification code and QR code. Save it as a file or screenshot.
• Show Your Code at Immigration: Present the QR code to immigration staff when exiting the country.

Laos Joins the Regional Shift

Laos is joining a regional trend in Southeast Asia, where countries like Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia have also adopted similar digital systems for travelers. By digitizing immigration processes, Laos aims to modernize border procedures, enhance its international reputation, and bolster the tourism sector, which is vital for economic growth.

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning to visit Laos in 2025, prepare for this change. The traditional paper cards will no longer be in use. Register online through the LDIF at least three days before your trip. Keep your QR code accessible. Currently, the system is operational only at select airports and the main border crossing with Thailand, but it will expand nationwide by 2026.