Laos Launches the LDIF: Digital Immigration Form for Foreign Travelers (2025–2026)

Laos is modernizing its border procedures with the Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF), officially launched as a pilot system on 1 September 2025. The LDIF replaces the traditional paper arrival/departure card with an online registration and a QR code scanned at immigration checkpoints.

Key takeaway: If you’re traveling to Laos, you may need to submit the LDIF online before arrival (and again before departure) depending on your entry point.

Where it applies (pilot phase)

The LDIF was first introduced at four major checkpoints:

• Wattay International Airport (Vientiane)

• Luang Prabang International Airport

• Pakse International Airport

• First Lao–Thai Friendship Bridge (Vientiane–Nong Khai

  
  

How it works (what travelers should do)

• Submit the form on immigration.gov.la

• Receive a QR code valid for 3 days

• Present it at immigration for entry and exit 

  
  

Note: LDIF is an immigration form — not a visa. 

LDIF is free, but travelers may still need a visa (often around USD 40 on arrival, depending on nationality).

Why it matters

This update comes as tourism grows fast: Laos welcomed over 1.2 million tourists in Q1 2025 (+28% vs 2024). In total, the country reached 4,580,709 visitors in 2025, exceeding the official target of 4.3 million.