Planning an international trip can be both thrilling and overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding visa requirements. If you're heading to Laos, learning about the visa process is key to making your trip worry-free for your Laos Pre-Trip Preparation. This easy-to-follow guide from Incredible Asia Journeys covers everything you need to know, so you can spend less time stressing and more time looking forward to your journey in this beautiful Southeast Asian country.
Citizens of the following countries are exempt from obtaining a visa for a specified period:
Visa-free for 14 days: Brunei, Indonesia, Myanmar (Burma).
Visa-free for 15 days: Luxemburg, Japan, Russia, South Korea, Switzerland.
Visa-free for 30 days: Cambodia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam.
If you are not from one of these countries or wish to stay longer than the exempted period, you will need to apply for a visa.
Citizens of the following 29 countries are not eligible for a Visa on Arrival and must apply for a visa at a Laos embassy or consulate:
Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Jordan, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Mozambique, Nauru, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Syria, Swaziland, Tonga, Turkey, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Laos Visa
Visitors to Laos can obtain the Visa On Arrival or in advance from the Laos Embassies/Consulates abroad. The Laos E-Visa is a convenient option for travelers from eligible countries. Below is the step-by-step guide.
A valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the travel date with at least 2 blank pages).
A digital passport-sized photo (white background, no glasses, no facial expression).
Passport details for the application form (ensure accurate name formatting).
Visit the official Laos E-Visa website.
Fill in the online application form with your personal and travel information.
Upload the required documents.
Pay the visa fee online.
Submit the application and wait for confirmation via email.
E-visa processing typically takes 3 business days, excluding weekends and national holidays. Apply in advance to avoid delays.
Fees vary based on nationality and payment methods. Refer to the official website for the most up-to-date fee structure.
E-Visas are valid at the following entry points:
International Airports: Vientiane Wattay, Luang Prabang, Pakse, Savannakhet.
Land Borders: Most major checkpoints, including those along the Thailand-Laos, Cambodia-Laos, Vietnam-Laos, and China-Laos borders.
Print your E-Visa: Ensure you have a printed copy to present upon arrival.
Buy travel insurance: Many travelers are required to have valid travel insurance during their stay in Laos.
Obtaining a Laos Visa On Arrival is the most convenient, inexpensive, and efficient way to get the visa. This is suitable for those who are time poor or who have Lao embassies/consulates that are not easily accessible.
• Vientiane Wattay International Airport
• Luang Prabang International Airport
• Pakse International Airport
• Savannakhet International Airport
Thailand-Laos:
• Chiangkhong – Houixay, Chiang Rai to Bokeo Province;
• Houi Koln – Nam Ngeun, Nan to Sayabouly Province;
• Nakaxeng – Kaenthao, Loei to Sayabouly Province;
• Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I, Nongkhai-Vientiane Capital;
• Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II, Moukdahan-Savannakhet Province;
• Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge III, Nakorn Phanom-Khammouane Province;
• Chongmek – Vangtao, Ubol Ratchathani to Champasack Province;
Cambodia-Laos:
• Dong Calor – Veun Kham, Cambodia to Champasack Province.
Vietnam-Laos:
• Nameo – Banleui, Thanh Hoa to Huaphanh Province;
• Namkan – Namkan, Nghe An to Xieng Khouang Province;
• Keoneua – Nampao (Lak Sao), Ha tinh to Bolikhamxay Province;
• Laobao – Dansavanh, Quang tri to Savannakhet Province;
China-Laos:
• Mohan – Botene , Yunnan to Luang Namtha Province.
Laos Visa on Arrival
The cost of a Laos Visa depends on which passport you are holding. The price list is on display at the visa counter.
If you are a citizen of the USA or UK, the fee is USD$35, Canadian: USD$42, India: USD$ 40, Sweden: USD$31, China: USD$ 20, Australia and other countries is USD$30.
• Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond your travel date, and there must be at least 2 blank pages left on your passport.
• 2 photos (5 cm high x 4 cm wide – white background, no glasses, no facial expression).
• A Visa application form filled out and signed by the applicant (The forms are available at the visa window at Lao ports of entry or are distributed before landing if you are arriving by plane).
• Cash for visa Fee: All visa fees are payable in cash only (Laos Kip, US dollars, or Thai baht). For further information, please contact our consultant.
Laos Visa application form
The passport holders of the following (29) countries are Not eligible for Laos Visas on Arrival.
• Afghanistan
• Algeria
• Bangladesh
• Burundi
• Cameroon
• Congo
• Cote d’Ivoire
• Ghana
• Guinea
• Guinea Bissau
• Jordan
• Lesotho
• Liberia
• Libya ( Libyan Arab Jamahiriya )
• Mozambique
• Nauru
• Niger
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Senegal
• Sierra Leone
• Sri Lanka
• Suriname
• Syria ( Syrian Arab Republic)
• Swaziland
• Tonga
• Turkey
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe
Passport holders of one of those 29 countries listed above can get Lao visas at local Lao Embassies or Lao Consulates. You also can travel with your planned route passing through one of Laos' neighboring countries (Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Thailand, or Vietnam) if there is no Lao embassy or consulate located in your country.
So, hope that you can find your seeking info in this Laos travel guide. Also, if you're still wondering about your situation, contact Incredible Asia Journeys today for expert advice and answers to all your Laos visa questions.
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