Choosing between the Laos eVisa and visa on arrival depends on your budget, travel style, and entry point. The eVisa costs $45-$50 and offers faster immigration processing, while visa on arrival is available at more entry points for $30-$50 in cash.
Quick Comparison – eVisa vs Visa on Arrival
The Laos eVisa and visa on arrival both grant entry for tourism, but they differ in several important ways. The table below provides a side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $45-$50 USD | $30-$50 USD |
| Application | Online (before travel) | At the border (on arrival) |
| Processing time | 3-5 working days | 10-40 minutes on-site |
| Photos required | Digital upload only | 2 printed photos (4×6 cm) |
| Payment method | Credit/debit card | Cash only (USD or LAK) |
| Entry points | Select airports and land borders | All major ports of entry |
| Queue at immigration | Faster (pre-approved) | Longer (form filling + payment) |
| Validity | 60 days from issue | 30 days from entry |
| Stay duration | 30 days | 30 days |
| Extension possible | Yes (30 days) | Yes (30 days) |
| Entry type | Single entry | Single entry |
Both options allow a stay of up to 30 days and can be extended for an additional 30 days at the Department of Immigration in Vientiane.
Cost Comparison
The visa on arrival is generally cheaper than the eVisa. Here is the fee breakdown by nationality:
| Nationality | eVisa Fee | VOA Fee |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $50 | $42 |
| United Kingdom | $50 | $35 |
| Australia | $50 | $30 |
| Canada | $50 | $42 |
| India | $45 | $30 |
| China | $45 | $20 |
| France | $50 | $30 |
| Germany | $50 | $30 |
The eVisa fee is paid by card and is non-refundable. The visa on arrival fee is paid in cash (USD or Lao Kip) at the border. Note that VOA fees may vary slightly depending on the entry point and current exchange rates.
Additional costs to consider:
- eVisa: No additional costs (photos uploaded digitally)
- VOA: You may need 2 passport photos ($5-10 if not already prepared), and you may receive change in Lao Kip at an unfavorable rate
Convenience and Processing Time
The eVisa offers the advantage of pre-approval. You apply days before your trip, receive approval, and walk through immigration faster upon arrival. The visa on arrival requires filling out forms, queuing at the visa counter, and waiting for processing at the border.
eVisa convenience factors:
- Apply from home at any time
- No need to carry extra passport photos
- No need to carry cash for visa fee
- Faster immigration clearance
- Less stress at the border
Visa on arrival convenience factors:
- No advance planning needed
- Available for spontaneous travel
- No risk of application denial before trip
- Works even if eVisa application is delayed
At major airports like Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, the visa on arrival queue typically takes 10-40 minutes. At land border crossings like the Friendship Bridge, wait times can be longer, especially during peak travel hours and holidays.
Entry Points and Availability
One key difference is where each option is accepted:
eVisa accepted at:
- Wattay International Airport (Vientiane)
- Luang Prabang International Airport
- Pakse International Airport
- 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)
Visa on arrival available at:
- All international airports (including the above)
- All major land border crossings
- Additional smaller border checkpoints
If you plan to enter Laos through a border crossing that does not accept eVisa, the visa on arrival is your only option. Always verify your entry point on laoevisa.gov.la before applying for the eVisa.
When to Choose the eVisa
The eVisa is the better choice when:
**You are a planner** – You know your travel dates and entry point in advance
**You want faster immigration** – Pre-approval means shorter queues
**You prefer card payment** – No need to carry cash for the visa fee
**You do not have passport photos** – The eVisa only requires a digital upload
**You are entering at a supported checkpoint** – All major airports and Friendship Bridges accept eVisa
**You are traveling during peak season** – Avoid longer VOA queues during holidays
The eVisa also provides peace of mind – having your visa approved before departure means one less thing to worry about at the border.
When to Choose Visa on Arrival
Visa on arrival is the better choice when:
**You are making last-minute plans** – No advance application needed
**Your nationality is not eligible for eVisa** – VOA is available to more nationalities
**You are entering at a checkpoint that does not accept eVisa** – Smaller borders only offer VOA
**You want to save money** – VOA fees are often lower than eVisa fees
**Your eVisa application was denied** – VOA serves as a backup option
**You are crossing by land at an unsupported checkpoint** – Not all borders accept eVisa
For spontaneous travelers or those on a tight budget, the visa on arrival remains a practical and widely available option.
Can You Switch Between the Two?
Yes. If you have an eVisa but decide to enter through a checkpoint that does not accept it, you can obtain a visa on arrival instead. The eVisa fee is not refundable, so you would pay both fees.
Similarly, if your eVisa application is pending or denied, you can still get a visa on arrival at the border. The two systems are independent – having an eVisa application in progress does not prevent you from using VOA.
However, you cannot use both the eVisa and visa on arrival for the same entry. You must choose one method per entry into Laos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is visa on arrival cheaper than eVisa for Laos?
Generally yes. Visa on arrival fees range from $20-$42 depending on nationality, while the eVisa costs $45-$50. However, VOA requires cash payment and printed photos, which may add to the total cost.
Can I get a visa on arrival if my eVisa is denied?
Yes, the visa on arrival is available independently of the eVisa system. A denied eVisa does not affect your ability to obtain a VOA at the border.
Which is faster – eVisa or visa on arrival?
The eVisa is faster at immigration because you are pre-approved. Visa on arrival requires filling out forms, queuing, and paying at the border, which takes 10-40 minutes.
Do I need passport photos for the eVisa?
No, the eVisa only requires a digital photo upload. Visa on arrival requires 2 printed passport photos (4×6 cm).
Can I use the eVisa at any border crossing?
No, the eVisa is only accepted at designated ports of entry including 3 international airports and select land border crossings. VOA is available at more entry points.
What if I have an eVisa but enter at a different checkpoint?
If your chosen entry point does not accept eVisa, you will need to obtain a visa on arrival instead. Your eVisa fee is not refundable.
Can I apply for both eVisa and visa on arrival?
You can apply for the eVisa in advance and still use visa on arrival if needed. However, you can only use one per entry – not both simultaneously.
Which option do most tourists choose?
Visa on arrival remains the most common method due to its simplicity and wider availability, but eVisa usage is growing as more travelers prefer the convenience of advance approval.
The evisalaos.info editorial team compares official visa options from Lao immigration sources. Last updated June 2026. Sources: laoevisa.gov.la, travel.state.gov, immigration.gov.la
