Laos visa requirements for Botswanas

Travel and visa requirements

Laotian Visa is not required for Botswanas

Stay Duration: 30 days

Entry Requirements

  • Botswana passport holders can visit Laos for a period of 30 days with an e-visa.
  • Visitors from Botswana can gain entry into Laos by applying for an e-visa. E-visa will take about 5 days to process.
  • Tourists can also pay for a visa on arrival at any International Airport in Laos to gain entry into the country.
  • Travellers from Botswana are required to have a passport valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of arrival in Laos. The passport should have at least two blank pages for visa stamping.
  • The import and export of local currency are not permitted. Amounts above 2,500 USD or equivalent in foreign currency must be declared on entry or exit from the country.
  • Batswana visiting Laos are to provide a financial statement to show that they have sufficient funds to spend during their stay in Laos, as well as an onward or return ticket.
  • Visitors from Botswana are expected to have proof of yellow fever vaccination.
  • Prospective visitors can get to Laos from any international airport in Botswana. These international airports can be found in Gaborone and Francistown.
  • Air Botswana, Emirates Airways, Bangkok Airways and Singapore Airlines are some of the carriers that fly from Botswana to Laos.
  • The estimated flight duration from Gaborone to Vientiane, Laos is 20 hours, 35 minutes, and from Francistown, it is 1 day, 2 hours.
  • The dominant religion of Laos is Theravada Buddhism. Other religions include Christianity, Islam, and the Bahá'í Faith.
  • Lao, also known as Laotian, is the official language of Laos. it is a member of the Tai-Kadai language family. It is spoken by 3 million people in Laos.
  • The official currency in Laos is Lao kip. However, there are three currencies used for commerce, and they are kip, Thai baht (B) and US dollars (US$). Visitors can exchange their foreign currency at various banks and exchange outlets in the country.
  • Laos has a tropical monsoon climate, with a rainy season from May to October, a cool dry season from November to February, and a hot dry season in March and April. 
  • A tourist with a low budget can spend about $40 per day on expenses in Laos.
  • Laos uses the Indochina Time (GMT+7), which makes Laos five hours ahead of Botswana.
  • The power and socket plug used in Laos are of Type A, B, C, E and F. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
  • Popular delicacies in Laos include Kaipen (Fried Seaweed), Khao Jee (Baguette), Khao Poon (Spicy Noodle Soup), Lao Sausage and Larb (Minced Meat Salad)
  • Movement in Laos is possible with taxis, car rental, bus and trucks.
  • Visitors are expected to be courteous and conscious of existing rules and customs as they go about their tourism-related activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drink the tap water in Laos?

No, even the locals don't drink it. Tourists are to rely on bottled water which is cheap and available everywhere in Laos. You need not worry about plastic pollution as the bottles usually get recycled.

Are credit cards accepted in Laos?

Generally no, but most top-range hotels and some large-ticket item shops do accept them. Very few restaurants and bars accept them. Most travel agents prefer cash but can sometimes organise credit card payment.

Is Laos safe for tourists?

Generally, Laos is safe to visit, although violent crime against foreigners occasionally takes place. The biggest problems are petty theft, scams and traffic accidents. Tourists are to take necessary precautions while in the country.

When is the best time to visit Laos?

The small, landlocked country of Laos is best visited between October and April when the weather's warm and dry throughout. River travel is best between November and January when high water levels make passage easy along Laos' main waterway, the Mekong River.