Laos Visa

 

Last update April 2023

What is reported here is purely for information, we try to keep the information up to date but the visa rules may change without notice. Therefore, in case of doubt, we always recommend consulting the official website of Laos Immigration.

In any case, we remain at your disposal for any further clarifications.

Laos Tourist Visa

Laos Tourist Visa is obtained upon arrival at the airport or can be requested before departure at Laotian embassies and consulates abroad with a release time of 3-5 working days.

Validity

Laos Tourist Visa is valid for 60 days (single entry) and must be used within two months from the date of issue.

Duration & Extension

Travelers with Tourist Visa are allowed to stay in Laos max 30 days. The stay in Laos for tourist purposes can be extended by a further 60 days (twice 30 days). In this case, the traveler must go to nearest Immigration office in person.

Required documents

  • Original passport with at least 6 months of residual validity and a blank page;
  • Two Visa application forms, completed and signed by the applicant (delivered on the plane or available at the consulates of Laos);
  • Two passport size photos.

Cost of Laos Visa

  • USD 40 for single-entry Visa on arrival; (for all nationalities )
  • USD 60 if entry is from Vietnam, Thailan or Cambodia by land, to be obtained at the Embassy or at the Laotian consulates;
  • Since 1 October 2018, every tourist visiting Laos is required to pay an additional fee of 1 USD (entrance fee) as economic aid to the country for the costs of recovery from recent natural disasters.

Border Check Points via land

These border-crossing/check points where foreign travelers can travel by land are as follows:

Thai-Lao border

  • Nongkhai / Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge at Nongkhai (close to Vientiane)
  • Chiang Khong / Huay Xai
  • Xayabouly / Nam Heuang Friendship Bridge
  • Friendship Bridge II at Mukdahan / Suvannakhet
  • Chongmek / Champassak

Vietnam-Lao border

  • Nam Kanh / Nong Haet in Xieng Khouang Province
  • Kao Cheo / Nam Phao
  • Lao Bao / Dene Savanh Savannakhet Province

China-Lao border

  • China - Mohan / Boten (Luang Namtha)

Cambodia-Lao border (No Visa upon arrival is permitted)

  • Nong Nok Khiene (Laos side ) – Dong Kro Lor ( Cambodia side )

IMPORTANT NOTE:

It’s not possible to obtain a Tourist Visa entering to Laos from Cambodia by river (VEU KAM). In this case Tourist Visa must be done in Europe or in Phnom Penh (cost: USD 30 Visa + USD 30 USD for fast procedures at the LAO embassy). Total amount must be paid to local Asco staff.

In addition, only by land now Laos to Cambodia Nong Nok Khiene (Laos side ) – Dong Kro Lor ( Cambodia side )

Laos Online Visa (e-Visa)

 How to apply for Laos online Visa

The applicant shall follow these steps for e-Visa application online:

  1. Go official website at laoevisa.gov.la
  2. Click on “Apply Now”;
  3. Insert the email address and the security code in the box;
  4. The system will send the verification code to the registered email;
  5. Fill the verification code for getting link of application form;
  6. Fill the personal information, passport details and travel details;
  7. Review and submit all the information before proceeding to payment;
  8. Chooses the payment method;
  9. Process completed
  10. When the e-Visa application is approved, an Approval Letter will be sent to the registered email address.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Please do not forget to print the Approval Letter (you must show it to Immigration officer when you enter in Cambodia)

IMPORTANT NOTE:

eVisa can be used to enter through these following designated ports:

  1. Wattay International Airport (Vientiane Capital)
  2. Lao – Thai Friendship Bridge I (Vientiane Capital)
  3. Luang Prabang International Airport (Luang Prabang)
  4. Lao – Thai Friendship Bridge II (Savannakhet Province)
  5. Pakse International Airport (Champasack Province)
  6.      Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge IV (Bokeo Province)

 

Document Required

If you are applying for the eVisa, you have to upload the following documents:

  • Photograph size 4x6 cm (have been taken no longer than 6 months).
  • Passport cover page.
  • Passport bio page. 

Note: Please upload the photo of the passport that covers the whole bio page including its MRZ (two lines at the bottom of the page)

The applicant can submit the online request through the official government website: https://laoevisa.gov.la/

Lao e-Visa facility is available for all countries (except those Visa Free Countries to the Lao PDR).

 

At the Arrival Port

As soon as you arrive in Laos with the eVisa approval letter, follow the steps mentioned below:

  • Go to the Immigration area and enter the dedicated eVisa lane.
  • Present your passport and eVisa Approval Letter to the Immigration officer.
  • Get the final Immigration approval and enter Laos.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Photograph Specifications

The size of the photograph must be 4x6 cm, as per ICAO Standard photograph:

Your visa application photograph must meet certain criteria regarding size and content. Submitting photos that do not meet these criteria can delay the visa application process. If your photo does not meet the requirements, you will have to provide new photographs before your application can be processed.

Please refer the sample photo by clicking here

 

Processing Time

The processing time of the Laos online Visa is usually 3 working days after submitting the application and paid the Visa fee.

► For further information regarding Laos Tourist Visa please visit the official website of Laos Immigration: click here

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