Laos e-visa

This new system allows citizens from all eligible countries the chance to obtain electronic visas instead of standard paper visas, makes both the application process and the entry process a lot easier, since e-Visa holders have a separate line when passing through customs.

Citizens of 150 eligible countries can apply online for their visas to Laos, including citizens from the countries eligible for the visa on arrival.

While most of the foreign visitors are eligible for a Laos visa online, travelers holding passports from the following countries are NOT eligible for Laos Visas On Arrival: Afghanistan, Burundi, Algeria, Bangladesh, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Jordan, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya (Libyan Arab Jamahiriya), Mozambique, Cameroon, Nauru, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Suriname, Syria (Syrian Arab Republic), Swaziland, Tonga, Turkey, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

The e-visa service will be implemented at seven international border gates, which are: the Wattay, Luang Prabang and Pakse international airports, the Laos-Thailand friendship bridges No.1, No.2 and No.4; and Boten international border gate to China.

However, in the first phase, it will be applied at the Wattay International Airport and Lao-Thailand friendship bridge No 1 before being extended to the remaining five locations. In the second phase, e-visa will be conducted into the feasibility of allowing the service at all international border gates nationwide.

All international visitors to Laos for tourism and leisure will be eligible to apply online for a single entry visa with a maximum period of 30 days. Those wishing to visit Laos on a multiple-entry visa or to stay longer than 30 days are required to apply from another traditional visa application forms.

The minister noted that the e-visa service will run alongside the existing visa system. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visa on arrival services and visa applications at Lao embassies or consulates will still be available for the time being.

1. Apply via Laos embassy or consulate – you need to do it at Lao embassy or consulate in your area.

However, if there is no Lao embassy or consulate office in your country or region, you just need to arrive at the Laos border checkpoints with your passport, passport-sized photo, money for visa fee and get a visa on arrival.

2. Apply on arrival – Visa on arrival is issued at Lao international airports or international border crossing.

-> Read more about how to obtain Laos Visa

How to apply for a Laos visa online:

The e-Visa application process is very simple, quick and 100% online. The application process involves three simple steps, including the provision of documents and payment online, after which users can download an official e-Visa approval letter.
#1: Complete the visa application form:
Fill the personal information provided on your passport. Applicants must answer some questions and give details such as their full name, address, date of birth, passport details and travel itinerary.
Applicants are responsible for the correctness of all information submitted in the visa applications form and documents uploaded, you can’t modify anything after submitting.
#2: Make the payment online:
Payment is made online at the time of the application with VISA or Mastercard credit card systems.
The processing fee ranges from $30 to $42 depending on the origin of the passport, and e-Visa will charge an extra 15$.
#3: Get your official Laos E-Visa:
Once the application is submitted and accepted, the applicant will receive the e-Visa approval letter, which must be printed and shown to the immigration officers upon arrival. Your official E-Visa Laos will be sent by e-mail.
The standard e- Visa processing time will be up to 3 working days after submitting. You also can check your visa status online using the application ID and Passport number.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• The Laos Tourist e-Visa only available for a single entry visa with a maximum period of stay up to 30 days

• E-visa can be issued for purposes such as tourism or visiting a relative. If you want to visit Laos for other reasons, you need to apply for a standard visa.

• Upon arrival in Laos, you will need to present your biometric passport along with your e-Visa, which must be printed.

• Travelers must have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival and have at least 1 page available for stamping.