Laos visa Find the right Laos Visa for your trip with price, requirements, and application time
Laos Visa Types
- nTourist E-visarequired
- nTourist visarequired
- nBusiness visarequired
- nTransit E-visarequired
- nTransit visarequired
Laos Tourism e Visa
The tourism e-visa is for tourists interested in visiting Laos to experience the natural beauty and culture of the people. This visa is a single-entry visa that can only be used once. It is valid for 60 days from the day it is approved, so it is best to apply for it at least 3-7 days before your planned date for the trip. Tourists on an e-visa can only stay in the country for 30 days, but this can be extended by up to 30 days or more, depending on your unique circumstances.
It can also be used to visit family or friends in the country or even to spend holidays in any part of the country. Applicants must provide valid information and submit valid documents so as not to run into trouble with the authorities at the arrival Checkpoint or when they are already inside the country.
Port of Entry
Here are the designated entry ports for visitors with e-visas.
Airport: Pakse International Airport – Wattay International Airport – Luang Prabang International Airport
Border Crossing: Boten international crossing (Road and Rail), Lao – Thai Bridge (Savannakhet), Lao – Thai Bridge (Bokeo), Thai – Lao Bridge – Vientiane)
Lao eVisa can be used to enter 8 international ports: 1. Wattay International Airport (Vientiane Capital); 2. Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I (Vientiane Capital); 3. Luang Prabang International Airport (Luang Prabang Province); 4. Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II (Savannakhet Province); 5. Pakse International Airport (Champasack Province); 6. Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge IV (Bokeo Province); 7. Boten International Checkpoint (Luang Namtha Province); 8. Boten Railway Station (Luang Namtha Province).
All visitors entering Lao PDR with approved Lao eVisa are obliged to present the same passport that was used for applying Lao eVisa and was declared at the front-end departed checkpoint or the latest checkpoint to the Lao immigration for inspection process. Failure to comply can lead to entry permission denial.
Fill out Laos Tourist E-visa application form online
Valid passport. A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of transit is usually required.
Onward Ticket. Proof of a confirmed flight ticket to a third country (not returning to the country of origin) within the allowed transit period (often 24–72 hours).
Nationality Eligibility. Travelers from certain countries may need a transit visa even for airside transit, while others (e.g., EU, US, Canada passport holders) are often exempt.
Visa for Final Destination. If the destination country requires a visa, it must be obtained prior to transit, and proof may be required during transit.
Proof of Sufficient Funds. Hold proof of sufficient funds to cover reasonable expences.
Layover Duration. Must be within the country’s allowed visa-free transit period (e.g., 24 hours in China, 72 hours in some Gulf countries). Longer stays may require a transit visa.
Clean Travel Record. No bans or restrictions in the transit country, as immigration systems may flag travelers with prior violations.
Airline and Airport Rules. Compliance with specific airline or airport policies, as some may enforce stricter checks (e.g., boarding only with confirmed transit visa).
Valid passport. A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of transit is usually required.
Onward Ticket. Proof of a confirmed flight ticket to a third country (not returning to the country of origin) within the allowed transit period (often 24–72 hours).
Nationality Eligibility. Travelers from certain countries may need a transit visa even for airside transit, while others (e.g., EU, US, Canada passport holders) are often exempt.
Visa for Final Destination. If the destination country requires a visa, it must be obtained prior to transit, and proof may be required during transit.
Proof of Sufficient Funds. Hold proof of sufficient funds to cover reasonable expences.
Layover Duration. Must be within the country’s allowed visa-free transit period (e.g., 24 hours in China, 72 hours in some Gulf countries). Longer stays may require a transit visa.
Clean Travel Record. No bans or restrictions in the transit country, as immigration systems may flag travelers with prior violations.
Airline and Airport Rules. Compliance with specific airline or airport policies, as some may enforce stricter checks (e.g., boarding only with confirmed transit visa).
Visa application form. Fully completed and signed application form. The signature on the application form has to match the signature on the passport.
Original passport. The passport must be valid at least 6 months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the destination country and has at least 2 blank visa pages.
Passport-type photograph. Include 3 passport style photos, with a white background, taken within the last 6 months. You may also choose to upload a photo to your order for us to print. There is a charge associated with this service.
Passport copy. A clear scan of the information page of your valid, signed passport.
Itinerary. A copy of round-trip tickets with the applicant's name clearly stated on the itinerary.
Visa application form. Fully completed and signed application form. The signature on the application form has to match the signature on the passport.
Original passport. The passport must be valid at least 6 months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the destination country and has at least 2 blank visa pages.
Passport-type photograph. Include 3 passport style photos, with a white background, taken within the last 6 months. You may also choose to upload a photo to your order for us to print. There is a charge associated with this service.
Passport copy. A clear scan of the information page of your valid, signed passport.
Itinerary. A copy of round-trip tickets with the applicant's name clearly stated on the itinerary.
Business Support Letter. A support letter from the sending company which introduces the applicant, states the nature of the trip, and specifies the type and desired validity of the visa. The sample format for this letter can be found here.
Passport copy. A clear scan of the information page of your valid, signed passport.
Passport-type photograph. A digital passport-type photograph taken within the last 6 months. This may be taken using a cell phone against a white wall provided if it meets the standards of a passport-type photograph.
Unfortunately, at this time VisaHQ does not provide service for
A visa is not required for this destination.
Laos Tourist E-visa fees for citizens of United States of America
| Type of visa | Validity Maximum validity refers to the period over which you are allowed to enter a given country. Validity of visa starts from the date of issuance of visa. | Processing Processing times start on the next business day following submission and serve as indications of processing times under normal circumstances only. | Embassy fee | Service fee | Case credit The fee will be credited towards future filings through VisaHQ. | Tax | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single entry | Maximum validity refers to the period over which you are allowed to enter a given country. Validity of visa starts from the date of issuance of visa. | Processing times start on the next business day following submission and serve as indications of processing times under normal circumstances only. 2-3 business days | Embassy fee:$0.00 Service fee:$69.00 Case credit*:$0.00 Tax:$0.00 Total cost:$69.00 | ||||
| Single entry | Maximum validity refers to the period over which you are allowed to enter a given country. Validity of visa starts from the date of issuance of visa. | Processing times start on the next business day following submission and serve as indications of processing times under normal circumstances only. 2-3 business days | Embassy fee:$0.00 Service fee:$69.00 Case credit*:$0.00 Tax:$0.00 Total cost:$69.00 | ||||
| Single entry (30 days stay) | Maximum validity refers to the period over which you are allowed to enter a given country. Validity of visa starts from the date of issuance of visa. Up to 60 days | Processing times start on the next business day following submission and serve as indications of processing times under normal circumstances only. 3 business days | Embassy fee:$52.00 Service fee:$59.00 Case credit*:$0.00 Tax:$0.00 Total cost:$111.00 | ||||
| Single entry (30 days stay) | Maximum validity refers to the period over which you are allowed to enter a given country. Validity of visa starts from the date of issuance of visa. Up to 60 days | Processing times start on the next business day following submission and serve as indications of processing times under normal circumstances only. 7-10 business days | Embassy fee:$50.00 Service fee:$149.00 Case credit*:$0.00 Tax:$0.00 Total cost:$199.00 | ||||
| Single entry (30 days stay) | Maximum validity refers to the period over which you are allowed to enter a given country. Validity of visa starts from the date of issuance of visa. Up to 60 days | Processing times start on the next business day following submission and serve as indications of processing times under normal circumstances only. 3 business days | Embassy fee:$70.00 Service fee:$209.00 Case credit*:$0.00 Tax:$0.00 Total cost:$279.00 | ||||
| Single entry (30 days stay) | Maximum validity refers to the period over which you are allowed to enter a given country. Validity of visa starts from the date of issuance of visa. Up to 60 days | Processing times start on the next business day following submission and serve as indications of processing times under normal circumstances only. 7-10 business days | Embassy fee:$50.00 Service fee:$299.00 Case credit*:$0.00 Tax:$0.00 Total cost:$349.00 | ||||
| Single entry (30 days stay) | Maximum validity refers to the period over which you are allowed to enter a given country. Validity of visa starts from the date of issuance of visa. Up to 60 days | Processing times start on the next business day following submission and serve as indications of processing times under normal circumstances only. 3 business days | Embassy fee:$70.00 Service fee:$299.00 Case credit*:$0.00 Tax:$0.00 Total cost:$369.00 |
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Laos Visa Policy
Laos has a visa policy that influences government policy regarding migration and visitors coming from foreign countries. Most visitors are expected to get visas online or on any of the Laotian foreign missions unless they are nationals of any visa-exempt country. Only visa-exempt visitors are allowed into the country without visas. However, all visitors must have valid passports for at least 6 months.
Laos also has a visa-on-arrival program for selected nationalities who are allowed to stay in the country for 30 days after receiving visas at any of the approved points of entry. These entry points are approved airports such as Pakse, Luang, and Wattay International Airports and the Thai -Lao Friendship Bridge I, II, III, and IV, the Samliemkgam, Daensavan, Tanalaeng, Boten, Vang Tao, and Veunkham border crossings.
Visas issued on arrival can be extended twice but not for more than 90 days combined, and this is handled by the immigration authorities in Laos for a fee.
Laos e Visa
The Laotian e visa is an online visa program that has been in commission since 2019. This e-visa is available to all foreign nationals regardless of their country and is valid for 60 days after issuance. The visa allows the holder to stay in the country for up to 30 days, and the cost varies depending on the applicant’s country. E visas are issued within three working days after the application form is submitted.
Key Information About Laos e Visa
Before you submit your application for this e Visa, here are some vital tips to bear in mind.
Extension Application: E-visa holders are allowed to apply for an extension if the 30 days are insufficient for them; however, there is a caveat. Some nationalities are allowed to apply for extensions twice, while others can only apply for extensions once. The number of extension days will be at the discretion of the immigration authorities. To get an extension, submit your application to the immigration office at least a week before your e-visa expires, and this application will cost a fee payable to the immigration service. Applying for an extension after your existing visa expires is a violation.
Passport Validity: Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity from your arrival date to Laos. Any passport that expires in less than 6 months will not be accepted. Also, note that the same passport for the application should be the one you use for the trip. If you travel with a different passport, you will encounter issues at the port of entry because e-visas are linked to the passports you register with.
Approved Routes: There are only 7 approved routes for e-visa visitors to Laos; three airports and 4 border crossings. Traveling through any other route is prohibited, and you will not be allowed into the country. However, you can exit using an unapproved route.
Print A Copy: The e-visa will be forwarded to the email address you provided in the application form. Once you get the e-visa, please print it out and keep it in a safe place. On the day of your trip, travel to Laos with it and show it to the immigration officers to show that you do have a visa. Also, carry it with you if you are in public during your stay in the country in case you encounter law enforcement officers.
Non-Refundable Fee: The application fee for this visa is paid online with a credit or debit card, not with cash. Do note that this fee is not refundable and does not guarantee that the e-visa will be issued to you if you don’t qualify. The fee is only used for processing your application.
Don’t Overstay: Holders of e-visas are only allowed to stay in Laos for 30 days and additional days if they are granted an extension. Do not stay back after your visa expires, as that will be an immigration violation that will attract sanctions like fines and deportation.
Not For Residency: E visas are short-term, not long-stay, like residency visas issued by Laotian embassies and consulates. If you wish to work or live in Laos, we advise you to approach the nearest Laotian embassy for a work visa. Persons who enter the country with work visas are issued work and resident permits.
Laos Visa Online – Get your e-Visa with VisaHQ
If you want to travel to Laos in Southeast Asia, you may need to apply for a visa through a foreign mission or online. For travelers eligible for an electronic visa, VisaHQ is the perfect platform to apply for one. We also have updated information about everything that concerns the application process, policy.
How To Apply For A Visa With VisaHQ?
You can apply for an online visa to Laos with VisaHQ without stress. The application form is structured in such a way that you can fill it out on your own without requiring help from a third party. You are good to go as long as you have a computer or smartphone connected to the internet. Follow these steps to file your application.
Complete The Application Form: Start by choosing the type of e-visa you want, then fill out the application form. You must provide your passport, travel, and personal information. Do these carefully and make sure that your information matches what is on your travel documents.
Upload Documents: Once you are done filling out the form, upload your travel documents based on the requirements for the visa you are applying for. Your documents must be valid and accurate.
Submitting invalid documents belonging to someone else will be accepted. Also, pay the application fee with your credit or debit card, then submit the application form.
Get Your Visa: E-Visa applications take only a few days to process, and the approval will be forwarded to your email address. Do well to print it out and keep it safe for your trip.
Why Use VisaHQ?
If you are still in doubt as to whether to use VisaHQ or not, you might want to reconsider. We have been in business for more than 2 decades and have helped many applicants facilitate their applications. We have experienced staff who know all there is to know about online visa applications, and we are willing to help you avoid difficulties and mistakes. With offices in six countries and across two continents, VisaHQ has what it takes to ensure that your application is successful.
Who says you need travel agents when you can leverage our seamless processes and user-friendly platform to submit your application yourself? Even if you have never used online platforms before and you lack prior experience, you can do it right the first time with VisaHQ.
We guarantee you
- The smooth and stress-free application process
- Online application status tracking
- Apply for multiple visas at once
- Save your data for use in the future instead of starting the process from scratch every time
- Transparent pricing
- Data security with our advanced data protection software
- Technical Support whenever you need it
These and more are what you stand to gain when you use our trusted platform for all your online applications. We are your best bet if you are looking for the easiest way to submit your online visa application. Navigate to our application page to start the process, or better still, send us your inquiries, and we will respond to them speedily.
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