Apply for Laos Visa

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Regular Visa

Yes, a visa is required for your trip to Laos.

Citizens of United States of America must obtain a visa in advance. You have to apply for visa through a Laos diplomatic mission or one of its authorized visa agents outside Laos. You will need to visit the Embassy in your country to process this visa. Need help in getting prepare the required documentation contact us.

Laos

Obtaining a visa is an essential requirement for most travelers visiting Laos. Whether you're planning a vacation, business trip, or work assignment in Laos, understanding the visa process is crucial. This guide provides important information about the different types of visas available, requirements, application procedures, validity, and more.

Different Types of Visas Available for Laos:

Foreign nationals require a visa to enter Laos, except for visa-exempt countries. Laos offers different types of short-term visas for temporary reasons like tourism, business, and cultural purposes. Visas can be obtained through e-Visa, embassy, or on arrival.

  • Laos E-Visa:The Laos e-Visa is valid for 60 days from the date of issue, and allows a stay of up to 30 days. It can be obtained online. Additionally, visas can be obtained through Laos embassies/consulates.

  • Laos Visa on Arrival: Foreign visitors to Laos can obtain a visa on arrival, as well as through Laos embassies/consulates and e-Visa. This visa allows a stay of up to 30 days.

  • Laos Short-term Visa:The Laos Short-term visa can be obtained for various temporary reasons, including tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips, short-term education, exchange programs, and short-term work.

  • Laos Long-term Visa:Foreigners planning to stay in Laos for a longer period can extend their visa or apply for a residence permit in most cases. There are financial requirements for long-term stays, with at least $20,000 required for a six-month stay and $40,000 for a one-year stay. It is best to contact Laos embassies/consulates for exact information on long-term visas. They may issue a long-term visa or a short-term visa that can be extended or used to apply for a residence permit in Laos.

Laos Visa Requirements: What You Need to Know:

  • Valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
  • Completed visa application form.
  • Recent passport-sized photographs.
  • Proof of travel itinerary or accommodation arrangements.
  • Sufficient funds to cover your stay in Laos.
  • Depending on the visa type, additional documents may be required, such as a letter of invitation, employment contract, or student enrollment letter.

Laos Offering eVisa Services:

Laos provides an electronic visa (eVisa) service, which allows travelers to obtain a visa online. The eVisa service is available at several ports of entry, including:

  • Wattay International Airport in Vientiane
  • Luang Prabang International Airport
  • Pakse International Airport
  • Savannakhet International Airport
  • Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I (Vientiane - Nong Khai)
  • Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II (Savannakhet - Mukdahan)
  • Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge III (Pakse - Ubon Ratchathani)
  • Nam Heuang Friendship Bridge (Thakhek - Nakhon Phanom)

Laos Visa Validity: How Long Can You Stay?

The duration of stay in Laos varies depending on the visa type. Typically, tourist visas allow stays of up to 30 days, while business visas may permit longer stays. Work visas and student visas are issued for the duration specified in the employment contract or educational program.

Understanding the Online Laos Visa Application Form:

The online Laos visa application form requires you to provide personal information, travel details, and upload supporting documents. It is essential to fill out the form accurately and ensure all required documents are submitted.

How to Apply for a Laos Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide:

To apply for a Laos visa, choose the appropriate application method: online (eVisa), on arrival, or at an embassy/consulate. Gather required documents, complete the application form, pay the fee, and submit. Processing times and requirements vary by visa type and nationality of the applicant.

Applying for a Laos Visa Online (eVisa):

  • Visit the official eVisa website for Laos.
  • Fill out the online application form.
  • Upload the required documents.
  • Pay the visa fee online.
  • Receive the eVisa via email.
  • Print the eVisa and carry it with you when traveling to Laos.

Applying for a Laos Visa on Arrival:

  • Arrive at one of the designated ports of entry in Laos.
  • Complete the visa application form at the visa on arrival counter.
  • Submit the application form, passport, photographs, and visa fee.
  • Receive the visa on arrival.

Applying for a Laos Visa at an Embassy or Consulate:

  • Foreigners can apply for a Laos visa at a Lao embassy or consulate in their home country or country of residence.
  • Required documents typically include a completed application form, passport-sized photos, passport with at least six months validity, and visa fees.
  • Processing time and requirements may vary depending on the embassy or consulate.

Entering Laos with an e-Visa: What You Need to Know:

Upon arrival at a designated immigration area for eVisas in Laos, travelers should present their passport and eVisa approval for review by immigration officers. Approval will be granted upon completion of the review process.

It is important to note that the Laos eVisa is only valid for entry through specific checkpoints, including :- 

  • Wattay International Airport
  • Thai Friendship Bridge I in Vientiane
  • Thai Friendship Bridge II in Savannakhet
  • Luang Prabang International Airport in Luang Prabang
  • Pakse International Airport in Champasack

The eVisa is only issued for tourism purposes, and those seeking longer-term visas must contact a Lao embassy or consulate. A single eVisa application can cover up to five people.

While not required at entry points, it is recommended that travelers have comprehensive travel insurance for the duration of their stay in Laos.

Laos Visa Processing Time: How Long Does It Take?

Laos Visa Processing Time:

  • Normal processing time: 3-5 working days.
  • Rush processing time: 24 hours.
  • Super Rush processing time: 4 hours.

Please note that processing times may vary depending on the type of visa, nationality of the applicant, and other factors. It is recommended to apply for a Laos visa well in advance of the intended travel date to allow for any unforeseen delays.

Urgent Laos Visa Application: How to Expedite the Process:

If you need to expedite the process of getting a Laos visa, there are two options available - rush and super rush. Rush processing typically takes 2-3 business days, while super rush processing can take just 1 business day. However, it's important to note that expedited processing usually comes with an additional fee. To apply for an urgent Laos visa, you should select the rush or super rush processing option when submitting your visa application.

Expired Laos Visa: What to Do Next:

If your Laos visa has expired, you must obtain a new visa before entering the country. Depending on the circumstances, you may be subject to fines or other penalties for overstaying your visa.

Laos Visa Policy Map

 
Laos

 
Eligible Countries/Nationalities for e-visa/visa on arrival

 
Countries/Nationalities Required Regular/Paper Visa for travelling to

 
Visa Exempt Countries/Nationalities for travelling to
Loa visa policy map.

All eligible Countries / Nationalities for an Loa eVisa Online / Visa on arrival / ETA / Invite letters

Visa Exempt Countries List

Citizens of some countries are exempt from a visa for short-term stays in Laos.Exempt countries include

The length of stay and purpose of travel may vary depending on the country of citizenship.

Regular visasAll Countries / Nationalities that required regular visa for Laos

Citizens of certain countries are required to apply for a Laos visa through an embassy or consulate, rather than through an online e-visa application or visa on arrival. These countries typically include:

Laos Visa Cost: How Much Should You Expect to Pay?

The fee for a Laos visa varies depending on the type of visa, processing time, and the applicant's country. To get accurate information about the visa fee, it is recommended to check the above for the most up-to-date details. They will provide you with the necessary information to proceed with your visa application.

Laos e-Visa vs Sticker-Visa: Which is Right for You?

Here are some key differences between Laos e-Visa and sticker-visa to help you decide which one is right for you:

Laos e-Visa:

  • Can be applied for online before travel
  • Only available for entry through Wattay International Airport in Vientiane and Luang Prabang International Airport
  • Must be printed out and presented at immigration
  • Processing time is typically 1-3 working days
  • Valid for up to 30 days for tourism or up to 60 days for business

Sticker-Visa:

  • Must be applied for at an embassy or consulate or on arrival at an airport or land border crossing
  • Available for entry through all ports of entry in Laos
  • Visa sticker is placed in the passport upon approval
  • Processing time can vary depending on the method of application
  • Valid for up to 30 days for tourism or up to 12 months for business

Ultimately, the decision between Laos e-Visa and sticker-visa may depend on your preferred method of application, the port of entry you plan to use, and the duration and purpose of your visit.

Laos Work Visa: What You Need to Know:

  • A work visa is required for foreigners who wish to work in Laos.
  • Applicants must obtain a work permit before applying for a work visa.
  • Additional documents, such as a letter of recommendation from an employer, may be required.

Travel Health Insurance for Laos: Do You Need It?

  • While travel health insurance is not mandatory for entering Laos, it is highly recommended.
  • Healthcare in Laos may be limited, and medical emergencies can be expensive.
  • A comprehensive travel insurance plan can provide coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unexpected events.

FAQs about Loa eVisa

 For long-stay, employment, or other visa inquiries, please reach out to the following embassies