Maldives citizens visiting Laos currently need Visa on Arrival entry — duration varies. The Maldives passport holds global rank #101 with 53 visa-free destinations, while Laos ranks #167 with 20 visa-free destinations. This guide outlines the exact rules, required documents, and processing timelines for this specific route.

Reverse: Laos citizens travelling to Maldives

Travellers from Laos entering Maldives need Visa on Arrival — 30 days. Visa policies are not always symmetric, so the requirements may differ from the opposite direction.

Passport Comparison: Maldives vs Laos

Maldives

#101 globally

53Visa-free destinations

120Easy Access

103.6Mobility Score

Laos

#167 globally

20Visa-free destinations

94Easy Access

74.9Mobility Score

Passport Power Comparison: Visa-Free Access

Maldives citizens currently enjoy visa-free or easy-access travel to 120 destinations, while Laos passport holders can visit 94 countries without a prior visa. That's a difference of 26 destinations — the Maldives passport holds the stronger position in the 2026 global mobility index.

Mobility Score Analysis

The Maldives passport scores 120 points on the easy-access index, compared to 94 for Laos. This 26-point gap reflects the difference in how freely each passport lets its holder enter foreign territories without prior permission.

Where Maldives and Laos Citizens Can Travel Together Visa-Free

Planning a joint trip from Maldives and Laos? Both passports share visa-free or easy-access entry to 90 countries. These are ideal destinations if you're travelling as a mixed-nationality group, business delegation, or family.

Shared visa-free destinations (top 12):

Benin Botswana Burkina Faso Burundi Cameroon Cape Verde Comoros DR Congo Djibouti Equatorial Guinea Ethiopia Gabon

See the full list below to plan your next joint getaway.

Political & Regional Bloc Memberships

Maldives is a member of:

Maldives is not a member of any major regional or political bloc tracked here.

Laos is a member of:

ASEAN

Regional bloc membership often grants simplified visa rules, free movement rights, and shared external border policies. When both origin and destination belong to the same bloc, entry is usually visa-free or heavily streamlined.

Estimated Visa Cost for Maldives Citizens

Expected fee: approximately $25 – $60 USD per applicant, depending on visa category, processing speed, and current exchange rates.

Payment is made in cash at the port of entry. Some borders accept card payments.

Visa Processing Time

Entry is immediate — no processing time required for Maldives citizens travelling to Laos.

Required Documents for Maldives Citizens

Valid passport (minimum 6 months beyond entry date, with at least 2 blank pages)
Confirmed return or onward ticket
Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, rental, or invitation)
Evidence of sufficient funds for the trip duration

Travel Insurance Requirements

Although not always mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance with at least $50,000 USD in medical coverage is strongly recommended for Maldives travellers visiting Laos.

Alternative Destinations Similar to Laos

Explore other countries in the same region as Laos — compare visa policies and plan multi-country trips.

Visa on Arrival • 30 days

China

Visa Free • 30 days

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Maldives citizens need a visa to visit Laos?

You can get a visa on arrival. Maldives citizens can obtain a visa when arriving at Laos's border or airport.

What documents do I need to travel from Maldives to Laos?

Essential documents for travel from Maldives to Laos:

Valid Maldives passport with at least 3-6 months validity
At least 2 blank pages in your passport for stamps
Valid visa or travel authorization for Laos
Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
Return or onward travel ticket
Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
Travel insurance (recommended or required)

How do Maldives and Laos passports compare globally?

Here's how the two passports compare in global rankings:

Maldives passport ranking:

Global Rank: #101
Visa-free destinations: 53
Easy access countries: 120

Laos passport ranking:

Global Rank: #167
Visa-free destinations: 20
Easy access countries: 94

Can visa requirements change between Maldives and Laos?

Yes, visa requirements can change due to diplomatic relations, security concerns, or policy updates. Always check current requirements before traveling.

What should I do if I'm denied entry to Laos with my Maldives passport?

If denied entry, remain calm and ask for the reason. Contact your embassy for assistance and keep all documentation for potential appeals.

Do Maldives citizens need a visa to visit Laos in 2026?

Maldives citizens currently require Visa on Arrival to enter Laos. Requirements can change, so always verify with the official embassy or consulate before travel.

How much does a Laos visa cost for Maldives passport holders?

The visa fee for Maldives applicants travelling to Laos typically ranges from $25 to $60 USD, excluding any service or expedited-processing surcharges.

How long does a Laos visa take to process for Maldives citizens?

Standard processing for Maldives citizens applying for a Laos visa is 0 – 0 business days. Expedited services may be available for an additional fee.

How many countries can both Maldives and Laos citizens visit together visa-free?

Both Maldives and Laos passport holders share visa-free or easy-access entry to approximately 90 countries, making these ideal destinations for joint travel.

Which passport is stronger — Maldives or Laos?

Passport strength is measured by the number of visa-free or easy-access destinations. Compare both passports in the section above to see the current ranking gap.

How long can Maldives citizens stay in Laos?

The permitted stay duration depends on the visa category. Most short-stay visas allow 30–90 days per entry. Check the embassy website for your specific visa type.

Laos visa requirements for Maldives citizens 2026

VISA ON ARRIVAL

Travel Requirements & Information