With the launch of e-Visa scheme in July 2019, now the citizens of all nations can easily apply for Visa to Laos. We recommend you apply for this online visa as it helps avoid the tired long queue at the airport.
For the one forgetting to apply for e-Visa, you can easily apply for Visa on arrival, but it is only eligible for a list of selected countries.
Others, you can apply for Visa at Lao embassy before boarding the flight to Laos.
In general, Laos visa policy is quite easy and straight forward, that can be divided into 4 main categories: e-Visa, Visa Free or Visa Exemption (14-15-30 days), Visa on Arrival (30 days), and Visa or official approval required in advance for 32 blacklisted countries.
Let’s check the map below for the general idea.
Visa Online (Electronic Visa or e-Visa)
Laos government launched the online Visa (e-Visa) scheme on July 9th, 2019 for the citizens of all nations.
It is now the most convenient way to apply for tourist visa. Let’s check out below.
What is Laos e-Visa
The E-Visa Laos is an electronic travel authorization which the Laos government has launched officially in July 2019. Citizens from eligible countries can apply online for their e Visa Laos.
As soon as the e visa to Laos is approved, the travelers will be able to stay in Laos for tourism purposes for a maximum period of 30 days for a single entry.
To be able to benefit from this easy and rapid way of obtaining an eVisa, applicants must provide the correct information concerning their passport.
When arriving in Laos, travelers must show their approved Tourist E visa Laos to the border authorities to enter the country.
The Laos E visa application is aimed to make more fluid the immigration process and to amplify the border security checks.
Applicants must answer some questions and give details such as their full name, address, date of birth, passport details, and travel plans, when doing their application online.
Tourist Visa on Arrival
The Lao government issues 30-day tourist visa on arrival at all international airports and most international border crossings.
The whole process is very straightforward. You need between US$30 and US$42 in cash, one passport-sized photo and the name of a hotel or guesthouse.
Those without a photo, or who are arriving on a weekend, holiday or after office hours, will have to pay an additional one or two dollars.
The visa fee varies depending on the passport of origin, with Canadians having to fork out the most (US$42) and most other nationalities paying between US$30 and US$35.
It’s cheaper to pay in US dollars as a flat rate of 1500B (around US$45) is applicable in Thai baht. No other foreign currencies are accepted.
Where to Get Laos Tourist Visa on Arrival
At the moment, you can apply Laos Visa on arrival at 4 International Airports, 16 Border checkpoints, and 1 Train Station.
3 International airports
- Wattay International Airport in Vientiane Capital;
- Luang Prabang International Airport in Luang Prabang Province;
- Pakse Internatioanl Airport in Champasack Province;
9 International Border checkpoints
Laos – Vietnam: 1 International borders
- Dansavan – Lao Bao (Savannakhet – Quang Tri)
Laos – Cambodia: 1 International border
- Dong Kralor – Stung Treng (Champasak – Stung Treng)
Laos – Thailand: 6 International borders & 1 Train station
- Huayxay – Chiang Khong (Bokeo – Chiang Rai)
- Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I (Vientiane – Nong Khai-Udon Thani)
- Tha Laneng Train Station (Vientiane – Nong Khai-Udon Thani)
- Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge III (Thakhek – Nakhon Phanom)
- Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II (Savannakhet – Mukdahan)
- Vangtao – Chongmek (Champasak – Ubon Ratchathani)
Laos – China: 1 International border
- Boten – Bohan (Luang Namtha – Yunnan)
Visa at the Embassy (Mostly for Blacklisted Countries)
In most of the case, Visa on arrival is the most convenient and recommended method to apply Visa to Laos.
The visa issued at the embassy is generally for the tourists from Blacklisted countries only (33 countries listed above).
However, in case you want to have visa ready before boarding the flight to Laos, you can also have it at one of the Laos Embassy or Laos Consulate.
General Requirement (maybe varied depending on the embassy that you visit)
- Valid passport with remaining validity of at least 6 months from the date of your entry;
- Two blank pages on your passport (Lao visa stamp takes up a whole page, plus there has to be space for immigration stamps too);
- Two recent photographs (3cmx4cm), in color, front view and with a plain/light background;
- Duly filled Visa Application Form with one photograph attached;
- Visa fee (amount depends on your nationality and where you apply);
- A copy of your itinerary.