Applying for a Laos eVisa takes about 15 minutes on the official portal laoevisa.gov.la. The three-step process involves entering your details, uploading passport documents, and paying the fee online. Most applicants receive their approval letter within 3-5 working days.
Before You Start – What You Need
The Laos eVisa application process is straightforward, but you should have all required documents ready before starting. Gather these items before visiting laoevisa.gov.la:
- Your passport (valid for at least 6 months from entry date, with 2 blank pages)
- A digital passport photo (4×6 cm, white background, .jpg format, max 2MB)
- A scanned copy of your passport data page (.jpg format, max 2MB)
- A credit or debit card for payment
- Your hotel name and address in Laos
- Your intended entry and exit dates
- Your chosen entry checkpoint (airport or land border)
The entire application takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. You do not need to finish in one session – the portal saves your progress if you need to return later.
Step 1 – Fill in Your Application Details
Visit laoevisa.gov.la and click “Apply now” on the homepage. Select your language and review the terms and conditions before proceeding.
The application form requires the following information:
Personal details:
- Full name (exactly as it appears on your passport)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Nationality
- Email address
Passport details:
- Passport number
- Issue date
- Expiry date
- Place of issue
Travel details:
- Intended date of entry into Laos
- Intended date of exit from Laos
- Entry checkpoint (select from the dropdown – e.g., Wattay International Airport, Friendship Bridge)
- Purpose of visit (tourism)
Accommodation in Laos:
- Hotel or guesthouse name
- Full address in Laos
- Contact phone number (if available)
Double-check every field before proceeding. The most common reason for eVisa rejection is a mismatch between the application details and the passport.
Step 2 – Upload Documents and Pay the Fee
After completing the form, upload two documents:
Passport photo requirements:
- Size: 4×6 cm
- Background: White
- Format: .jpg only
- Maximum file size: 2MB
- No glasses or head coverings (unless religious)
- Face must be clearly visible and straight-on
Passport scan requirements:
- Clear scan of the data page (photo page)
- Format: .jpg only
- Maximum file size: 2MB
- All text must be readable
Next, pay the eVisa fee using a credit or debit card. The fee ranges from $45 to $50 USD depending on your nationality. The payment gateway processes securely through the portal.
Important notes about payment:
- The fee is non-refundable regardless of application outcome
- Only credit and debit cards are accepted (no cash, no bank transfers)
- Save the verification code displayed after successful payment
Step 3 – Download Your Approval Letter
After submitting your application and payment, the Lao immigration authorities process your eVisa within 3-5 working days. During peak travel seasons (November to February), processing may take up to 7 working days.
To check your application status:
Visit laoevisa.gov.la
Click “Check Status” or “Track Application”
Enter your verification code, email address, and date of birth
View your application status
Once approved, download and print the eVisa approval letter in PDF format. This document contains your eVisa number, personal details, and entry authorization. You must present this printed letter along with your passport at the immigration checkpoint when entering Laos.
How to Check Your Application Status
Tracking your Laos eVisa application is simple using the verification code provided after payment. Visit laoevisa.gov.la, navigate to the status check page, and enter three pieces of information: your verification code, the email address used during application, and your date of birth.
The portal will display one of these statuses:
- Processing – Your application is being reviewed
- Approved – Your eVisa is ready for download
- Rejected – Your application was denied (reason provided)
- Additional Information Required – Upload missing documents
If your application shows “Additional Information Required,” log back into the portal and upload the requested documents promptly to avoid delays.
Tips for a Successful Application
Follow these tips to ensure your Laos eVisa application is approved on the first attempt:
**Use only the official portal** – Apply exclusively at laoevisa.gov.la. Third-party websites charge inflated fees and may provide invalid documents.
**Match passport details exactly** – Your name, passport number, and dates must match your passport character-for-character.
**Use a compliant photo** – White background, 4×6 cm, no glasses, clear face, .jpg format under 2MB.
**Apply early** – Submit at least 2 weeks before your travel date to allow for processing delays.
**Save your verification code** – Write down or screenshot the verification code after payment. You need it to check status and download your approval letter.
**Print the approval letter** – Digital copies on phones may not be accepted at all checkpoints. Carry a printed copy.
What to Do If Your Application Is Denied
If your Laos eVisa application is rejected, the portal will display the reason. Common denial reasons include incorrect passport details, non-compliant photos, or passport validity issues.
You have two options after a denial:
**Reapply with corrections** – Fix the error identified in the rejection notice and submit a new application with a new fee payment.
**Get a visa on arrival** – If you are traveling soon, you can obtain a visa on arrival at major airports and land border crossings in Laos. This requires cash payment ($30-$50), 2 passport photos, and queuing at the border.
The visa on arrival option is useful as a backup if your eVisa is denied close to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to fill out the Laos eVisa application?
The application takes approximately 15-20 minutes if you have all required documents ready. This includes filling in details, uploading documents, and making payment.
Can I apply for a Laos eVisa on my phone?
Yes, the laoevisa.gov.la portal works on mobile browsers. However, uploading documents is easier on a computer where you can access your files directly.
What if I make a mistake on my application?
If you notice an error before payment, you can go back and edit your details. After payment, you cannot modify the application. A new application with a new fee is required.
Do I need to book a hotel before applying?
Yes, you need to provide your accommodation address in Laos. A confirmed booking is recommended, though a planned hotel name and address is generally sufficient.
Can someone else apply on my behalf?
Yes, another person can complete the application for you, but they must have all your passport details and documents. The applicant’s name on the eVisa must match the passport.
What payment methods are accepted?
Only credit cards and debit cards are accepted through the portal’s secure payment gateway. Cash, bank transfers, and digital wallets are not supported.
How do I download my eVisa after approval?
Visit laoevisa.gov.la, click “Check Status,” enter your verification code, email, and date of birth. Once approved, a download link for the PDF approval letter will appear.
Is the Laos eVisa application available in English only?
The portal supports English and Chinese language options. All fields must be completed in English (Latin characters) regardless of the language setting.
The evisalaos.info editorial team monitors the official Lao eVisa portal for the latest application updates. Last updated June 2026. Sources: laoevisa.gov.la, travel.state.gov, immigration.gov.la
