Laos Visa Formalities

Getting a Laos visa is a straightforward process, making it easy for travelers to visit without complications. No hassle, just pack your bag, plan your itinerary, and get your visa at the airport. Let Hanoi Voyages break it down for you.

Basic information

• You will get a single-entry tourist visa which is valid for 30 days. Recently, Laos has extended the tourist visa stay from 30 days to 60 days for citizens of certain countries.

• A passport valid for at least 6 months after your expected departure date is required.

• Overall, visa-on-arrival is obtainable for most countries.

• Visa exemption is available for up to 30 days for a few ASEAN countries and 14 days for some others.

E-visa

Laos e-visa is an electronic visa system introduced to simplify the process of obtaining a visa for travelers wishing to visit Laos.

*How to apply:

• Step 1: Fill out the e-visa application form with personal and travel details.

• Step 2: Upload the required documents, including a recent passport-sized photograph and a scan of the passport's bio page.

• Step 3: Review your application and pay the fee online. The standard fee is $51.75, but it may vary depending on nationality. (Source: Laos eVisa: Requirements, Eligibility and Application Process)

• Step 4: Download the eVisa Approval Letter.

*Note:

• The processing time is typically three working days. (source: https://laoevisa.gov.la/info)

• Validity: eVisa is single-entry, valid for 60 days with an allowed stay of 30 days (Source: Laos e-Visa)

Visa application at the Lao embassy before travel

This is a traditional visa that you must obtain from a Lao embassy or consulate before traveling. It is ideal for those who want to secure their visa in advance.

Requirements:

• A valid passport (at least 6 months validity)

• A completed visa application form

• Passport-sized photos (typically 4×6 cm)

• Visa fee (varies by nationality, usually $30–$50 USD)

• Additional documents (if required, depending on visa type)

Process:

• Visit the Lao embassy/consulate in your country.

• Submit required documents and pay the visa fee.

• Wait for processing (usually 3–5 business days).

• Collect your visa and ensure all details are correct before departure.

Arriving from other Asian countries to Laos

You go from Cau Treo (Vietnam) to Vientiane – by road

If you are in Cau Treo – Vietnam and enter Laos by road, you will be provided a form to fill out, then with two passport size photos and the fee of your country ($40), the customs official at the border will enter your visa in your passport. The formality is quick and easy.

You are in Thailand to enter Laos – by road

If you are in Thailand and enter Laos by road, you will be provided a form to fill out, then with two passport size photos and the fee of your country ($40), the customs official at the border will enter your visa in your passport. The formality is quick and easy.

You travel from Cambodia to Laos - by road

Veun Kham checkpoint in Champasak, Laos, is a major border crossing with Trapeang Kriel in Stung Treng, Cambodia. Travelers entering Laos by road must complete a visa form, provide two passport-sized photos, and pay a $40 fee (varies by nationality). The process is quick and convenient for seamless travel.

Applied? Waiting for your visa?

Read about where are the best spots and what weather will be like!