The Laos eVisa requires a passport valid for at least 6 months with 2 blank pages, a digital passport photo (4×6 cm, white background, .jpg under 2MB), and a passport data page scan. Citizens of approximately 80 countries are eligible, and the fee ranges from $45 to $50 depending on nationality.
Passport Requirements for the Laos eVisa
Your passport is the most critical document for the Laos eVisa application. The Lao immigration authorities enforce strict passport validity rules, and applications with non-compliant passports are automatically rejected.
Passport requirements for the Laos eVisa:
- Validity: At least 6 months remaining from your intended date of entry into Laos
- Blank pages: At least 2 blank visa pages (endorsement pages do not count)
- Condition: Passport must be undamaged with all pages intact
- Type: Regular passport only (diplomatic and official passports have separate processes)
If your passport expires within 6 months of your planned entry date, you must renew it before applying for the Laos eVisa. Applying with a passport that does not meet the validity requirement is one of the most common reasons for eVisa rejection.
Dual nationals should use the same passport for the eVisa application and for entry into Laos. Laos does not recognize dual nationality for its own citizens, so Lao nationals with a second passport should consult the Lao embassy before traveling.
Photo Specifications and Upload Requirements
The Laos eVisa requires two digital images uploaded during the application process. Both must meet specific technical requirements to avoid rejection.
Passport-style photo requirements:
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Size | 4×6 cm (40×60 mm) |
| Background | Pure white |
| Format | .jpg only |
| Maximum file size | 2MB |
| Face position | Straight-on, centered |
| Expression | Neutral |
| Glasses | Not allowed (unless medical) |
| Head coverings | Only for religious reasons |
| Recency | Taken within last 6 months |
Passport data page scan requirements:
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Content | Full data page (photo page) |
| Format | .jpg only |
| Maximum file size | 2MB |
| Clarity | All text must be readable |
| Orientation | Correctly oriented (not upside down) |
| Edges | Full page visible, not cropped |
Common photo issues that cause rejection:
- Background is not pure white (off-white, grey, or patterned)
- Face is partially covered by hair or shadows
- Photo is blurry or low resolution
- Image file is over 2MB or in the wrong format
- Passport scan is too dark or has glare obscuring text
Eligible Nationalities – Who Can Apply
The Laos eVisa is available to citizens of approximately 80 countries. The complete list is maintained on laoevisa.gov.la and is updated periodically as new agreements are made.
Major eligible nationalities include:
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Asia-Pacific | Australia, New Zealand, India, China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan |
| South America | Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia |
| Other | Russia, Turkey, Israel, UAE, South Africa |
Citizens of countries not on the eligible list must apply for a visa at a Lao embassy or consulate, or obtain a visa on arrival at major ports of entry.
Visa-free countries: Citizens of 15 countries can enter Laos without any visa for stays of 14-30 days. These include Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Indonesia, Philippines, Myanmar, Brunei, Mongolia, Luxembourg, and Switzerland.
Travel Information You Need to Provide
During the eVisa application, you must provide specific travel details. Having this information ready before starting the application speeds up the process.
Required travel information:
- Intended entry date – The date you plan to enter Laos
- Intended exit date – The date you plan to leave Laos
- Entry checkpoint – Select from the dropdown menu (e.g., Wattay International Airport, Luang Prabang Airport, Friendship Bridge)
- Purpose of visit – Tourism (most common), business, or transit
- Accommodation details – Hotel or guesthouse name and full address in Laos
- Contact number – Phone number in Laos or your home country
The entry checkpoint you select on the application must match the checkpoint where you actually enter Laos. If your plans change and you enter through a different checkpoint, your eVisa may not be valid. In such cases, a visa on arrival may be needed instead.
Financial and Accommodation Requirements
While the Laos eVisa application does not require proof of funds or bank statements, there are financial and accommodation requirements to be aware of:
- eVisa fee: $45-$50 USD payable by credit or debit card during application
- Accommodation booking: You must provide a hotel name and address during the application
- Currency declaration: Amounts over $2,500 USD (or equivalent) must be declared upon entry
- Overstay fines: 100,000 LAK per day ($5/day) for exceeding your authorized stay
You do not need to upload accommodation confirmation documents, but having a booking ensures you can provide accurate details on the form. If staying with friends or family, provide their address as the accommodation.
Special Requirements for Minors and Families
Traveling with children requires additional documentation at the Laos immigration checkpoint:
- Children need their own passport and eVisa (separate application per child)
- Parents should carry the child’s birth certificate showing the relationship
- If only one parent is traveling, a notarized consent letter from the other parent is recommended
- Single parents should carry custody documentation if applicable
There is no family or group application option on laoevisa.gov.la. Each traveler, including infants, needs a separate eVisa application and fee payment.
Requirements Checklist Before You Apply
Use this checklist to verify you meet all Laos eVisa requirements before starting the application:
- Passport valid for 6+ months from entry date
- 2+ blank pages in passport
- Digital passport photo (4×6 cm, white bg, .jpg, under 2MB)
- Passport data page scan (.jpg, under 2MB)
- Credit or debit card for $45-$50 fee
- Hotel name and address in Laos
- Entry and exit dates planned
- Entry checkpoint selected
- Email address for receiving approval
Frequently Asked Questions
What passport validity is required for Laos eVisa?
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry into Laos. It must also have at least 2 blank visa pages.
Do I need travel insurance for a Laos eVisa?
Travel insurance is not required for the eVisa application, but it is strongly recommended for medical emergencies and trip disruptions.
Can I apply with a temporary or emergency passport?
Temporary and emergency passports are generally not accepted for the eVisa. Contact the Lao embassy or obtain a visa on arrival with additional documentation.
Do children need a separate eVisa?
Yes, every traveler including infants and children needs a separate eVisa application and fee payment with their own passport.
What if my nationality is not on the eligible list?
Citizens of non-eligible countries must apply at a Lao embassy or consulate, or may qualify for a visa on arrival at major entry points.
Can I use a passport card instead of a passport book?
No, only a valid passport book is accepted for the Laos eVisa. Passport cards are not recognized for international travel to Laos.
Is there a dress code for the passport photo?
No specific dress code, but the photo should look professional. No sunglasses, and face must be clearly visible. Religious head coverings are permitted.
How recent must the passport photo be?
The photo should be taken within the last 6 months and must reflect your current appearance.
The evisalaos.info editorial team verifies all requirements against official Lao immigration sources. Last updated June 2026. Sources: laoevisa.gov.la, travel.state.gov, immigration.gov.la
