How To Get A Laos Visa: On Arrival & E-visa?

I. Laos visa - Things to know

How can you apply and what are the necessary requirements? Let's find out together in this article.

1. How can you get a Laos visa?

Nowadays, getting a Laos visa has become simpler, granting access to the country. The Laos visa is issued by Lao authorities, permitting foreigners to enter and exit Laos. Most nationalities require this visa for visiting Laos. The process of applying for a Lao visa is not too complicated.

Laos visa

There are three ways to get a Laos visa, depending on your nationality:

• Laos visa on arrival (VOA): Apply for a Laos visa when you arrive at international border gates and airports.
• Laos e-visa (Electronic visa): Utilize the official eVisa issuance website of the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Lao Embassy or Consulate abroad: Apply for a visa directly at an Lao Embassy or Consulate abroad if you are not eligible for online or on arrival applications.

2. How Long is a Laos visa valid?

The Laos tourist visa (T-B3) is valid for up to 30 days. When you apply online, you get 60 days to use the visa approval letter to enter Laos.

Get a Laos visa

3. Who is exempt from the Laos visa?

Laos has different visa policies for passport holders from various countries. Due to its participation in the ASEAN agreement, free travel is allowed between ASEAN member countries. Additionally, Laos grants visa exemption to certain non-ASEAN countries with mutual agreements and some former Soviet Union countries.

• Specifically, the exempt days from the Laos visa for countries are:

• 30 days visa-free: Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam.
• 15 days visa-free: Japan, Luxembourg, Switzerland.
• 14 days visa-free: Brunei, Myanmar.

For citizens of the mentioned countries who plan to stay longer than 14-15 days, they will need to apply for a Laos visa on arrival, a Laos e-visa or a Laos e-visa or a visa from an embassy or consulate.

4. Who can get a Laos visa on arrival and a Laos e-visa?

Almost everyone who is not visa-exempt can apply for a Laos visa on arrival or for an e-visa.

However, citizens of the following 32 countries cannot get a visa on arrival or e-visa. They need to apply for a visa in advance at the Lao Embassy or Lao Consulate before entering Laos.

Who cannot get a Laos visa on arrival and a Laos e-visa?

5. Laos visa requirements

To meet Laos visa requirements, you need to have the following documents:

• Valid passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival and has at least 2 blank pages.
• The Laos visa application form: Applicants must completely fill out the application form according to the regulations of the Lao PDR foreign mission (embassy or consulate) where they apply. If you apply at the embassy, you can download it online. If you apply for a visa on arrival, you can get the application form on the plane or at the checkpoint/airport.
• Two recent personal photos: Provide two photos with a white background and 4 cm x 6 cm dimensions.
• Proof of accommodation in Laos: Show evidence of your accommodation in Laos, such as a hotel booking.
• Proof of finances: Demonstrate your financial capability to cover the expenses of your stay.
• Round-Trip or Onward Flight Ticket
• Pay Laos Visa Fee
• Additional Documents: Depending on the purpose of your travel, the Lao consulate may request additional documents.

Laos visa requirements

II. Laos visa on arrival

1. At which checkpoints can you get a visa on arrival?

You can easily get a Laos visa on arrival at 21 border gates and all international airports in Laos.

A. Get your Laos visa on arrival (VOA) at these international airports:

• Wattay International Airport.
• Savannakhet International Airport.
• Pakse International Airport.
• Luang Prabang International Airport.

>> The first 3 airports in the list above allow citizens from 180 eligible countries to enter Laos with an e-visa.

B. Get your Laos visa on arrival (VOA) at these border checkpoints:

Laos has both local and international border crossings. Local crossings are for residents, while international crossings are open to foreign nationals with a valid passport and Laos visa. Most border checkpoints operate daily, with major ones like Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge 1 open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Checkpoints with lower traffic may have reduced hours, so arriving earlier is advisable.

• Laos - Cambodia checkpoints:

• Veunkham checkpoint in Champasak

• Laos - China border checkpoints:

• Lantui checkpoint in Phongsaly
• Boten checkpoint in Luang Namtha (e-visa accepted)
• Boten Railway Station checkpoint (e-visa accepted)

• Laos - Vietnam checkpoints:

• Panghok checkpoint in Phongsaly
• Nonghaed checkpoint in Xieng khouang
• Nam phao checkpoint in Bolikhamxay
• Na pao checkpoint in Khammouane
• Daensavan checkpoint in Savannakhet
• Nam soy checkpoint in Houaphanh
• Phou Keua checkpoint in Eutapeu

• Laos - Thailand checkpoints:

• Friendship bridge IV checkpoint in Bokeo
• Samliemkham checkpoint in Bokeo
• Friendship bridge I checkpoint in Vientiane
• Tanalaeng checkpoint in Vientiane
• Friendship bridge III checkpoint in Khammouane
• Friendship bridge II checkpoint in Savannakhet
• Vang tao checkpoint in Champasak
• Nam Ngeun checkpoint in Xayabouly
• Namheuang checkpoint in Xayabouly

If you plan to enter Laos through the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I or II, it's recommended to apply for a Laos eVisa in advance.

2. Laos visa on arrival requirements

For Laos visa on arrival requirements, you'll need to provide the following documents at the visa counter at the Laos border gate:

• Passport with at least six months validity from the arrival date in Laos.
• Fully filled and signed Laos entry visa form, available at the checkpoint or on the plane.
• Information about your accommodation in Laos during the trip.Two recent passport-sized photos (4cm x 6cm). If you don't have photos, an additional fee of about 2 USD may apply for on-the-spot photography.
• Cash (in US dollars) for visa application fees and any additional charges.
• Proof of financial.
• Round-Trip or Onward Flight Ticket.

After applying, wait for your name to be called for the visa review. Processing times vary, around 15 minutes at major airports and a bit longer at border crossings. To save time, stand in line at the visa window with your documents ready.

Laos visa on arrival application form

A Laos visa on arrival provides flexibility. However, to avoid unnecessary problems and save maximum time, applying for a Laos e-visa would be a perfect choice.

III. Laos e-visa

1. What is the Laos e-visa (Laos approval lettre)

Laos e-visa, or Laos Approval Letter, is an official electronic visa introduced in July 2019. It's similar to a visa on arrival, valid for one entry within 60 days from the issue date and allows a stay of up to 30 days.

Official Laos eVisa website

With an online visa, you can submit documents and pay fees online, saving you from queuing at the visa lane when you arrive. Instead, you can use a special lane dedicated to e-visas.

For the official website to apply for a Laos eVisa, click here.

2. How to apply?

You can easily apply through the official Laos eVisa website https://www.laoevisa.gov.la by clicking "APPLY NOW." Beware of other sites as they may be fake.

• Here's a quick guide:

• Step 1: Fill out the application and upload required documents.
• Step 2: Review your application and pay the fee directly.
• Step 3: Once approved, download the e-visa approval letter via email.

Remember, if your application is rejected, you'll receive an email explaining the details.

3. At which ports can Laos e-visa be used?

• Laos e-visa can only be used to enter the following 8 international ports:

• Wattay International Airport (Vientiane Capital)
• Lao – Thai Friendship Bridge I (Vientiane Capital)
• Luang Prabang International Airport (Luang Prabang)
• Lao – Thai Friendship Bridge II (Savannakhet Province)
• Pakse International Airport (Champasak Province)
• Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge IV (Bokeo Province)
• Boten International Checkpoint (Luang Namtha Province)
• Boten Railway Station (Luang Namtha Province)

4. Laos e-visa requirements

• To apply for a Laos e-visa, you'll need to upload:

• A recent 4x6 cm photo following ICAO standards (taken in the last 6 months).
• The cover page of your passport.
• The passport’s bio page.

Laos e-visa photo requirements

5. How much time does it take to get a Laos e-visa?

Usually, it takes about 3 working days for your eVisa to process after you've applied and paid the visa fee. But if the information you provide doesn't meet the requirements or isn't accepted by the Lao Government Authorities, it might take longer for the processing.

6. How to check your Laos e-visa?

To check your Laos e-visa status, visit the official Laos e-visa website and go to the status inquiry section. You can click here.

>> Maybe you are looking to read: How to apply for an e-visa Vietnam

IV. Get a Laos visa at Laos Embassy

If you can't get a visa on arrival or an online visa or want to stay longer, visit a Lao embassy or consulate abroad. Here's what to do:

• Contact the nearest embassy or consulate.
• Fill out the Laos e-visa application form available on their website and submit it with the needed documents. Follow the consulate's instructions for applying in person or by mail.
• Pay the Laos visa fee.

Get a Laos visa at Laos Embassy

V. How much is the Laos visa fee?

The Laos visa fee can vary based on your nationality, typically between USD 35 to USD 50 for a single-entry 30-day visa.

VI. Can Laos visa be extended?

You're allowed two extensions on the 30-day tourist visa, totaling a 90-day stay within Laos at specific immigration offices in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse, and Phonsavan.

The extension fee is 2 USD per day. Make sure to apply for an extension before your visa expires to avoid fines, which are 10 USD per day if you overstay and pay upon departure at the border gate.

VII. Important notes when applying for a Laos visa

For a memorable trip in Laos, plan to apply for a Laos visa. The process is not overly complex but requires careful attention to detail. Here are some important notes:

• The Laos e-visa fee cannot be refunded.
• Double-check all information filled in the visa application form.
• Only ordinary passports are eligible for eVisa applications.
• When applying for a visa on arrival, remember to bring cash to pay the visa fee.
• Losing your visa or passport might lead to fines and disrupt your travel plans. Auasia Travel advises our customers to store a photocopy of their passport and visa separately or keep electronic copies on a readily accessible device.

Laos

In brief, to enter or exit Laos, having a Laos visa is necessary. With our helpful guidance, we hope your Laos visa application process will be maximally simplified. Have a memorable trip in Laos.

Laos Visa on arrival & E-visa

>> Read more: Things to do in Champasak, Laos

>> Our tours in Laos: 5 days tour in Laos