Laos has introduced a new digital immigration card system (LDIF) that foreign citizens will be required to complete before entering the country. The measure came into effect on September 1, 2025, and applies to arrivals through international checkpoints including Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, Luang Prabang Airport, Pakse Airport and the First Lao–Thai Friendship Bridge.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, travelers must fill out the LDIF online form on the official website of the Lao immigration service no later than three days before entering or leaving the country. The form requires passport details, visa information, travel purpose and the intended address of stay. The platform is available in Lao, English and Chinese.

Laotian authorities plan to test the system over a two-year pilot period, after which it could be rolled out nationwide depending on the results of the trial.

Officials stress that the new requirement does not replace visa procedures, but is designed to modernize border control and streamline the processing of foreign arrivals.