Laos at a glance
| Entry | 30 days · e-visa |
|---|---|
| Retiree visa | None · Extensions or business visa |
| VA presence | None · FMP reimbursement |
| Time zone | UTC+7 · Currency: kip |
| Cost of living | Roughly USD 800–1,200 a month. |
| Money · language · time | Lao kip (LAK) · Lao · UTC+7 |
Entering Laos
E-visa or visa on arrival for about 30 days, extendable in-country.
Long-stay and retirement visas
- No retirement visa. Long stays rely on extensions or business visas.
VA care and benefits in Laos
No VA facility. Foreign Medical Program reimbursement.
Vets in Laos are already in the group
Ask about visas, hospitals and FMP claims from people who've done it there.
Healthcare
Very limited. Expats cross to Udon Thani or Nong Khai in Thailand for care.
Where veterans live
- Vientiane: Capital, right across from Thailand.
- Luang Prabang: Heritage town.
Cost of living and property
Roughly USD 800–1,200 a month. Costs vary a lot by city and lifestyle, and health insurance is extra.
No land ownership for foreigners. Leases only.
Watch out for
Unexploded ordnance in rural areas, weak healthcare, banking limits.
Veteran organizations
None found. See all veteran organizations abroad.
Last reviewed November 2026. See something out of date? Tell us.
