The Laos eVisa is the official electronic visa system that allows travelers from approximately 80 countries to apply for entry authorization entirely online through laoevisa.gov.la. This digital process eliminates embassy visits and reduces border wait times, with most applications processed within 3-5 working days at a cost of $45-$50 depending on nationality.
What Is the Laos eVisa?
The Laos eVisa is an online visa application platform launched by the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to modernize its entry process. Available at laoevisa.gov.la, this system lets eligible travelers submit applications, upload documents, pay fees, and receive approval letters without visiting an embassy or consulate.
The eVisa replaced the traditional paper-based application for tourist entry, though visa on arrival remains available at major ports of entry. The electronic visa is a single-entry permit valid for 60 days from the date of issuance, allowing a stay of up to 30 days in Laos.
Key facts about the Laos eVisa:
- Official portal: laoevisa.gov.la
- Visa type: Single entry tourist visa
- Stay duration: Up to 30 days
- Validity: 60 days from date of issue
- Processing time: 3-5 working days
- Fee: $45-$50 USD (varies by nationality)
Who Can Apply for a Laos eVisa?
Citizens of approximately 80 countries are eligible to apply for the Laos eVisa. This includes major nationalities such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and most European Union member states. The full list of eligible countries is available on the official portal.
To qualify for the Laos eVisa, applicants must meet these requirements:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended date of entry into Laos
- At least 2 blank visa pages in the passport
- A digital passport-style photograph (4×6 cm, white background, .jpg format, max 2MB)
- A scanned copy of the passport data page (.jpg format, max 2MB)
- A valid credit or debit card for fee payment
- A confirmed accommodation address in Laos
Citizens of 15 countries – including Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Indonesia, Philippines, Myanmar, Brunei, Mongolia, Luxembourg, and Switzerland – can enter Laos without a visa for stays of 14-30 days and do not need to apply for an eVisa.
How to Apply for a Laos eVisa Step by Step
The Laos eVisa application process takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete online. Here is the step-by-step process:
Step 1 – Complete the Online Application
Visit laoevisa.gov.la and click “Apply now.” Fill in your personal details (full name, date of birth, nationality), passport information (number, issue date, expiry date), travel details (intended entry date, entry checkpoint, exit date), and your temporary address in Laos (hotel name and address).
Review all information carefully before proceeding. Any mismatch between your eVisa and passport details can result in denied entry at the border.
Step 2 – Upload Documents and Pay
Upload your digital passport photo (4×6 cm, white background, no glasses, straight-on view) and a clear scan of your passport data page. Both files must be in .jpg format and under 2MB in size.
Pay the eVisa fee using a credit or debit card. The fee is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome. Save the verification code provided after payment.
Step 3 – Download Your Approval Letter
After 3-5 working days, check your application status on laoevisa.gov.la using your registration code, email address, and date of birth. Once approved, download and print the eVisa approval letter in PDF format. Present this printed letter along with your passport at the immigration checkpoint when entering Laos.
Laos eVisa Fee and Payment
The Laos eVisa costs between $45 and $50 USD depending on your nationality. The fee is calculated automatically on the official portal based on the passport country you select during application.
| Nationality | eVisa Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| US Citizens | $50 |
| UK Citizens | $50 |
| Australian Citizens | $50 |
| EU Citizens (most) | $45-$50 |
| Indian Citizens | $45 |
| Chinese Citizens | $45 |
Payment is accepted via credit card or debit card through the portal’s secure payment gateway. The eVisa fee is non-refundable – if your application is denied or you cancel your trip, the fee will not be returned. No cash payments or bank transfers are accepted for the online application.
Laos eVisa Processing Time
Standard processing for the Laos eVisa takes 3-5 working days from the date of application submission. During peak travel seasons (November through February, and around Lao New Year in April), processing may extend to 5-7 working days.
| Processing Type | Timeframe | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 3-5 working days | Most applications |
| Peak season | 5-7 working days | Nov-Feb, April |
| Incomplete application | Additional delays | Missing documents |
Applicants can check their eVisa status at any time on laoevisa.gov.la using the verification code received after payment. It is recommended to apply at least 2 weeks before your intended travel date to allow for any unexpected delays.
eVisa vs Visa on Arrival – Which Should You Choose?
Both the eVisa and visa on arrival (VOA) allow entry into Laos for tourism, but they differ in cost, convenience, and entry points. The table below compares both options:
| Feature | eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $45-$50 | $30-$50 |
| Application | Online (before travel) | At the border |
| Processing | 3-5 days (advance) | 10-40 minutes (on-site) |
| Photos needed | Digital upload only | 2 printed photos (4×6 cm) |
| Entry points | Select airports + land borders | All major ports of entry |
| Queue time | Faster (pre-approved) | Longer (application on-site) |
| Payment | Credit/debit card | Cash (USD or LAK) |
| Best for | Advance planners, faster entry | Spontaneous travelers |
The eVisa is recommended for travelers who want to save time at immigration and avoid carrying extra passport photos and cash. The visa on arrival is better for those making last-minute plans or entering through border crossings that do not accept eVisa.
Entry Points That Accept the Laos eVisa
The Laos eVisa is accepted at the following designated ports of entry:
International Airports:
- Wattay International Airport (Vientiane Capital)
- Luang Prabang International Airport
- Pakse International Airport
Land Border Crossings:
- Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge (Vientiane – Nong Khai)
- Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II (Savannakhet – Mukdahan)
- Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge IV (Huay Xai – Chiang Khong)
- Boten – Mohan (Lao-China border)
Not all land border crossings accept the eVisa. If you plan to enter Laos through a smaller border checkpoint, you may need to obtain a visa on arrival instead. Always verify your intended entry point on laoevisa.gov.la before applying.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many eVisa applications are delayed or rejected due to preventable errors. Here are the most common mistakes:
**Incorrect passport details** – Double-check your passport number, full name, date of birth, and expiry date. Even a single digit error can result in denied entry.
**Poor quality photo uploads** – The passport photo must be 4×6 cm with a white background, no glasses, and taken straight-on. Blurry, cropped, or non-compliant photos cause rejections.
**Passport validity less than 6 months** – Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended entry date. Applications with passports close to expiry are rejected.
**Applying through unofficial websites** – Only laoevisa.gov.la is the official portal. Third-party websites charge inflated fees and may not deliver valid approval letters.
**Not printing the approval letter** – You must present a printed copy of your eVisa approval letter at the border. Digital copies on phones may not be accepted at all checkpoints.
**Applying too late** – Apply at least 2 weeks before travel. Last-minute applications risk not being processed in time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Laos eVisa cost?
The Laos eVisa costs $45-$50 USD depending on your nationality. US, UK, and Australian citizens pay $50, while citizens of some Asian countries pay $45. The fee is non-refundable.
How long does it take to get a Laos eVisa?
Standard processing takes 3-5 working days. During peak travel seasons, it may take up to 7 working days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip.
Can I extend my Laos eVisa?
Yes, you can extend your eVisa for an additional 30 days by visiting the Department of Immigration in Vientiane. Extension fees range from $20-$50.
Is the Laos eVisa better than visa on arrival?
The eVisa offers faster immigration processing since you are pre-approved, but costs slightly more. Visa on arrival is cheaper but requires queuing at the border with cash and photos.
Which countries are eligible for the Laos eVisa?
Citizens of approximately 80 countries can apply, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most EU nations. Check laoevisa.gov.la for the complete list.
Can I enter Laos by land with an eVisa?
Yes, but only at designated land border crossings including the Friendship Bridges and the Boten-Mohan crossing. Not all land borders accept eVisa.
What happens if my eVisa application is denied?
If denied, the fee is not refunded. You can reapply with corrected information or obtain a visa on arrival at the border instead.
Do I need to print my eVisa approval letter?
Yes, you must present a printed copy of the approval letter at the immigration checkpoint along with your passport.
Can I use the eVisa for business travel to Laos?
The standard eVisa is for tourism purposes. For business travel, you need to apply for a business visa through a Lao embassy or consulate before arrival.
Is there an official Laos eVisa website?
Yes, the only official portal is laoevisa.gov.la. Beware of unofficial websites that charge extra fees or provide invalid documents.
The evisalaos.info editorial team specializes in Laos travel documentation and entry requirements. Our team monitors official sources including laoevisa.gov.la and the Lao Department of Immigration for the latest updates. Information in this guide was last updated in June 2026.
Sources: Lao eVisa Official Portal, US Department of State – Laos, UK Government – Laos Entry Requirements, Lao Department of Immigration
