Citizens of approximately 80 countries can apply for the Laos eVisa, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and most European Union nations. Additionally, 15 countries enjoy visa-free entry to Laos for 14-30 days without any visa.
Complete List of eVisa-Eligible Countries
The Laos eVisa is available to citizens of approximately 80 countries worldwide. The official list is maintained on laoevisa.gov.la and is periodically updated as new bilateral agreements are established.
North America:
United States, Canada
Europe:
United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Czech Republic, Portugal, Greece, Ireland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Iceland, Liechtenstein
Asia-Pacific:
Australia, New Zealand, India, China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei
South America:
Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Uruguay
Middle East and Africa:
Turkey, Israel, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya
If your country is not on this list, you may still be eligible for a visa on arrival or can apply at a Lao embassy or consulate.
Visa-Free Countries (No Visa Needed)
Citizens of 15 countries can enter Laos without any visa for short stays:
| Country | Visa-Free Stay |
|---|---|
| Thailand | 30 days |
| Vietnam | 30 days |
| Cambodia | 30 days |
| Singapore | 30 days |
| Malaysia | 30 days |
| Indonesia | 30 days |
| Philippines | 30 days |
| Russia | 30 days |
| Mongolia | 30 days |
| Japan | 14 days |
| South Korea | 14 days |
| Switzerland | 14 days |
| Luxembourg | 14 days |
| Brunei | 14 days |
| Myanmar | 14 days |
Visa-free entry is non-extendable. To stay longer, you must exit to a neighboring country and re-enter with a new exemption, or apply for an eVisa or visa on arrival.
Countries That Can Apply for eVisa
All countries listed in the eligible list above can apply for the Laos eVisa at laoevisa.gov.la. The eVisa allows a single entry stay of 30 days and costs $45-$50 depending on nationality.
US Citizens: Eligible for eVisa ($50). Also eligible for visa on arrival ($42). No travel restrictions for US citizens entering Laos, though the US State Department advises exercising increased caution.
UK Citizens: Eligible for eVisa ($50). Also eligible for visa on arrival ($35). No special restrictions.
Australian Citizens: Eligible for eVisa ($50). Also eligible for visa on arrival ($30). No special restrictions.
Indian Citizens: Eligible for eVisa ($45). Also eligible for visa on arrival ($30). Indian passport holders should ensure sufficient blank pages.
Chinese Citizens: Eligible for eVisa ($45). Also eligible for visa on arrival ($20). Chinese citizens benefit from the lowest VOA fee.
Countries That Need Embassy Visa
Citizens of countries not on the eVisa eligible list must apply for a visa through a Lao embassy or consulate before traveling. This typically includes citizens of some African and Middle Eastern countries not listed above.
Embassy visa application process:
Contact the nearest Lao embassy or consulate
Submit passport, application form, photos, and fee
Processing typically takes 3-5 working days
Fee varies by visa type ($30-$100)
Alternatively, citizens of non-eligible countries may be able to obtain a visa on arrival at major entry points, though this is not guaranteed for all nationalities.
Special Cases and Exceptions
Diplomatic and official passport holders: May have different visa requirements based on bilateral agreements. Some diplomatic passport holders enjoy visa-free entry regardless of their country’s general eligibility.
5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate: Available to travelers of Lao origin, their spouses, and children. This allows stays of up to 60 days per visit for 5 years.
Business travelers: The standard eVisa is for tourism only. Business travelers need a business visa arranged through a Lao embassy or their sponsoring organization in Laos.
Transit travelers: Travelers transiting through Laos without leaving the international transit area may not need a visa. Those wishing to exit the airport need a visa.
How to Check Your Eligibility
To verify whether your nationality is eligible for the Laos eVisa:
Visit laoevisa.gov.la
Click “Who can apply” or check the eligible countries list
Select your nationality from the dropdown during application
If your country appears, you are eligible
If your country does not appear in the list, contact the nearest Lao embassy or consulate for visa options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can US citizens get a Laos eVisa?
Yes, US citizens are eligible for the Laos eVisa at a cost of $50 USD. US citizens can also obtain a visa on arrival for $42.
Can UK citizens travel to Laos?
Yes, UK citizens can apply for a Laos eVisa ($50) or obtain a visa on arrival ($35). There are no restrictions on UK citizens entering Laos.
Which countries are visa-free for Laos?
15 countries enjoy visa-free entry: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Russia, Mongolia, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Brunei, and Myanmar.
Can Indian citizens apply for a Laos eVisa?
Yes, Indian citizens are eligible for the Laos eVisa at $45 USD. They can also obtain a visa on arrival for $30.
Are there any countries banned from entering Laos?
Laos does not maintain a public list of banned countries. However, citizens of countries not on the eligible list must apply at an embassy, and individual applications may be denied for various reasons.
Can I enter Laos without a visa?
Only citizens of the 15 visa-free countries can enter without a visa. All others need either an eVisa, visa on arrival, or embassy visa.
How do I know if my country is eligible for eVisa?
Visit laoevisa.gov.la and check the eligible countries list. If your nationality appears during the application process, you are eligible.
Can I apply for a Laos visa at the embassy if my country is eligible for eVisa?
Yes, even if your country is eligible for eVisa, you can still choose to apply at a Lao embassy or consulate if you prefer the traditional process.
The evisalaos.info editorial team maintains updated eligibility lists from official Lao sources. Last updated June 2026. Sources: laoevisa.gov.la, passportindex.org, visaguide.world, travel.state.gov
