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Do Lao citizens need a visa for China?
Last checked against official Chinese sources
Laos passport · ordinary
Yes. Apply for a visa before you fly.
As of 17 September 2026, Laos is not on China's 30-day visa-free list, has no mutual exemption agreement for ordinary passports, and is not among the 57 countries eligible for 240-hour transit.
Your options
- Tourist (L) visa. Apply at a Chinese embassy, consulate or Chinese visa application service center in your country. For single and double-entry visas of up to 180 days, fingerprints are currently waived and fees reduced until 31 December 2026.
- 24-hour direct transit. Any nationality can transit through a Chinese airport within 24 hours without a visa, but must stay in the port area.
- ASEAN tour groups. Groups of two or more from ASEAN countries, organised by a travel agency, can visit Guilin (via Guilin airport) or Xishuangbanna visa-free for up to 6 days.
Heads-up: the fingerprint waiver and reduced visa fees are currently set to end on 31 December 2026. Applying after that? Check the current fee and requirements with the visa center when you apply.
Lists change. Laos could be added to a visa-free or transit list; this page is checked against official announcements and was last checked on 17 September 2026.
Questions people ask
Can Lao citizens use China's 240-hour visa-free transit?
No. As of 17 September 2026, Laos is not among the 57 eligible countries.
Is there any visa-free way for Lao citizens to enter China?
Only 24-hour direct transit, staying in the airport or port area, or an organised ASEAN tour group to Guilin or Xishuangbanna.
Where do Lao citizens apply for a China visa?
At a Chinese embassy or consulate, or a Chinese visa application service center, in the country where you live.
Other passports nearby
SourcesNational Immigration Administration: visa-free policy for 50 countries (17 Feb 2026): https://en.nia.gov.cn/n147418/n147463/c183390/content.htmlNational Immigration Administration: 240-hour visa-free transit, 57 countries (20 Aug 2026): https://en.nia.gov.cn/n147418/n147463/c183412/content.htmlMinistry of Foreign Affairs: mutual visa exemption agreements: https://cs.mfa.gov.cn/wgrlh/lhqz/lhqzjjs/202510/t20251023_11739051.shtmlChinese Consulate in Barcelona: online arrival card and 2026 measures: https://barcelona.china-consulate.gov.cn/gdxw/202603/t20260330_11883678.htmState Council: ASEAN tour groups visa-free in Xishuangbanna (Feb 2025): https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202502/content_7003054.htmNational Immigration Administration: regional visa-free schemes (20 Aug 2026): https://www.nia.gov.cn/n741440/n741577/c1699641/content.htmlLast checked 17 September 2026