The Laos eVisa costs between $45 and $50 USD depending on your nationality. Payment is made by credit or debit card through the official laoevisa.gov.la portal, and the fee is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome.
Laos eVisa Fee by Nationality
The eVisa fee varies by nationality and is calculated automatically on laoevisa.gov.la when you select your passport country. The fee ranges from $45 to $50 USD:
| Nationality | eVisa Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| United States | $50 |
| United Kingdom | $50 |
| Australia | $50 |
| Canada | $50 |
| Most EU countries | $45-$50 |
| India | $45 |
| China | $45 |
| Russia | $45 |
The fee is determined by reciprocal agreements between Laos and each country. Citizens of countries with bilateral visa agreements may pay lower fees.
How to Pay for Your Laos eVisa
Payment for the Laos eVisa is made online through the portal’s secure payment gateway during the application process. The following payment methods are accepted:
- Credit cards: Visa, Mastercard
- Debit cards: Visa Debit, Mastercard Debit
Payment is processed in US dollars. If your card is in another currency, your bank will convert at the current exchange rate and may apply a foreign transaction fee (typically 1-3%).
Important payment notes:
- Cash is not accepted for the online eVisa
- Bank transfers are not supported
- Digital wallets (PayPal, Apple Pay, etc.) are not accepted
- The fee is charged immediately upon submission
- You will receive a payment confirmation via email
Is the eVisa Fee Refundable?
No. The Laos eVisa fee is non-refundable under all circumstances. This policy is stated clearly on laoevisa.gov.la during the application process.
The fee will not be refunded if:
- Your application is denied
- You cancel your trip
- You made an error on the application
- Your travel dates change
- You decide to use a visa on arrival instead
For this reason, double-check all application details before submitting payment. If your application is denied, you must submit and pay for a new application with corrected information.
eVisa Fee vs Visa on Arrival Fee
The visa on arrival is generally cheaper than the eVisa for most nationalities:
| Nationality | eVisa Fee | VOA Fee | Savings (VOA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $50 | $42 | $8 |
| United Kingdom | $50 | $35 | $15 |
| Australia | $50 | $30 | $20 |
| Canada | $50 | $42 | $8 |
| France | $50 | $30 | $20 |
| India | $45 | $30 | $15 |
However, the total cost of visa on arrival may include additional expenses:
- 2 printed passport photos: $5-10 (if you do not already have them)
- Unfavorable exchange rate if paying in Lao Kip instead of USD
- Time spent queuing at the border
When factoring in photo costs and time, the eVisa may be comparable in total cost to the visa on arrival.
Extension and Overstay Fees
If you wish to stay in Laos beyond your 30-day visa, you can extend at the Department of Immigration in Vientiane:
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa extension (30 days) | $20-$50 |
| Business visa extension (30 days) | $50-$100 |
| Overstay fine | 100,000 LAK/day (~$5/day) |
Overstaying your visa without extension is a serious matter. Fines accumulate daily, and persistent overstays can result in detention, deportation, and future entry bans. Always extend your visa before it expires or exit Laos within the authorized period.
How to Use the Fee Calculator
The official Laos eVisa portal includes a fee calculator that shows the exact cost for your nationality:
Visit laoevisa.gov.la
Click on “Fee Calculator” or “eVisa Fee”
Select your nationality from the dropdown
The calculator displays the fee in USD
This tool is useful for budgeting before you begin the application. Use it to verify the exact amount so there are no surprises at the payment step.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Laos eVisa cost for US citizens?
US citizens pay $50 USD for the Laos eVisa. The fee is paid by credit or debit card during the online application.
What happens if I pay with a non-USD card?
If your credit or debit card is denominated in a currency other than US dollars, your bank will convert the payment at the current exchange rate. Most banks also apply a foreign transaction fee of 1-3% on top of the converted amount. Check with your bank before paying to understand the total cost in your local currency.
Are there any discounts for frequent travelers?
No, the Laos eVisa fee is a flat rate per application with no discounts for repeat visitors, frequent travelers, or group bookings. Each entry into Laos requires a separate eVisa and fee payment.
Can I get a receipt for the eVisa payment?
Yes, the payment confirmation serves as your receipt. After successful payment, the portal displays a confirmation page with a verification code. You can also check your credit card statement for the transaction record. For official receipts, contact the Lao immigration authorities through laoevisa.gov.la.
Can I pay for the Laos eVisa in cash?
No, the eVisa fee must be paid by credit or debit card through the online portal. Only the visa on arrival accepts cash payment.
Why is the eVisa more expensive than visa on arrival?
The eVisa includes the convenience of online processing and advance approval. The administrative costs of the digital system are reflected in the slightly higher fee.
Do children pay the same eVisa fee?
Yes, every traveler including children and infants requires a separate eVisa application with the full fee payment.
What currency is the eVisa fee charged in?
The fee is charged in US dollars (USD). Your bank may apply a conversion fee if your card is in another currency.
Is there a group discount for eVisa applications?
No, each application requires a separate fee payment. There are no group or family discounts available.
What if my payment fails during the application?
If payment fails, you can retry with the same or a different card. If the problem persists, contact your bank to authorize the international transaction.
Are there any hidden fees beyond the eVisa cost?
No, the fee shown on laoevisa.gov.la is the total cost. There are no additional government charges. Your bank may apply a foreign transaction fee separately.
The evisalaos.info editorial team tracks fee changes from official Lao sources. Last updated June 2026. Sources: laoevisa.gov.la, travel.state.gov
