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Laos Visa: Do I Need a Visa to Laos? Easiest Way to Apply in 2024

Before traveling to Laos, make sure you understand their visa policy and how it applies to you. A little bit of preparation in advance will make sure you have a smooth entry when you arrive. Laos has several convenient visa options for tourists wanting to travel there. To find out if you need a visa to Laos and learn the easiest way to apply Laos visa in 2024, check out the information below.

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Laos? Who Doesn’t Need a Laos Visa?

Travelers to Laos fall into one of three groups: visa-free travel, visa on arrival or e-visa, and visa required in advance. The most commonly used are the e-visa and visa on arrival. These are open to citizens from around 160 countries, including all nations in North and South America, Europe, most of Asia, Australia, and Oceania. The process is simple and makes going to Laos as a tourist very easy.

Citizens from 15 countries can visit Laos without a visa. This group of countries includes all ASEAN nationals. The length of stay for visa-free entry ranges from 14 to 30 days. Travelers from these countries wanting to stay longer must apply for an Laos e-visa or Laos visa on arrival.

Visa Free for 30 Days

What Kind of Laos Visa Should I Apply for Visit & the Cost?

What kind of visa you should apply for when traveling to Laos depends on where you are from, when you are traveling, and where you want to enter the country.

For many people, the e-visa is the best choice. With the e-visa, you can enter Laos at any international airport, through three Thailand-Laos border crossings, and at the Boten railway and road crossings. It’s simple to apply for online and helps avoid long lines at immigration. E-Visas are valid for stays of up to 30 days. The e-visa costs $50 to apply for citizens of eligible countries or $35 for Chinese citizens.

A visa on arrival is another convenient option for travelers from eligible countries. This visa can be applied for at any Lao border crossing except at Boten Railway station. Peak season lines can be long, so this is a better option during the low tourist season. The visa is valid for a single-entry stay of up to 30 days. The cost is $35-$45, depending on the country of origin.

Applying for a visa through a Laotian embassy is open to everyone. The process takes ten working days and can be done in person or by email through Lao embassies or consulates worldwide. A visa obtained through an embassy is valid for 30 days and costs $50.

Laos E-Visa Is the Most Recommended Way to Apply (Easy and Time-Saving)

The Laos e-visa is the most recommended way to obtain a tourist visa. The online application process is straightforward and helps to save time. Compared to the visa on arrival, it takes some preparation but makes passing through immigration much faster. It is best to apply for the visa at least seven days in advance through the official website at https://laoevisa.gov.la/index.

To apply for the visa, you will need the following:

- A valid email address
- A passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of arrival
- A scanned copy of your passport bio page
- A scanned copy of your 4cm x 6cm passport photo

Payment for the e-visa is done online using Visa, MasterCard, JCB, or UnionPay. The e-visa costs $50 or $35 for Chinese passport holders. Once the visa is approved, you will receive a Visa Approval Letter. On arrival, look for the dedicated e-visa lane and present the approval letter. Then, your passport will be stamped. The e-visa is valid for a 30-day stay and can be used at the following ports of entry:

- Luang Prabang International Airport (Luang Prabang)
- Pakse International Airport (Pakxe)
- Wattay International Airport (Vientiane)
- Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge I (Vientiane)
- Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge II (Savannakhet)
- Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge IV (Houayxay)
- Boten Road Checkpoint (Boten)
- Boten Railway Station (Boten)

The e-visa of Laos
The e-visa of Laos .

A Laos Visa on Arrival Is Also Convenient but Not Recommended if Traveling during the Peak Season

The Laos visa on arrival is a very popular way of obtaining a visa. It is available at every point of entry to Laos except for the Boten Railway Station, where an e-visa or visa obtained through an embassy is required. To apply for the visa on arrival, the following is required:

- A passport with at least 6 months remaining validity and 2 blank pages
- Completed visa application form
- Two recent 4cm x 6cm passport photos
- Cash in USD to pay visa fees
- Proof of accommodation in Laos

The visa costs $30 to $45 and is valid for a 30-day stay. When you arrive, submit your documents to the Visa on Arrival window. Expect to wait an hour for processing when it is not busy. During peak times, waiting times can be considerably longer, so if you are going on a Laos tour during a busy season, consider applying for an e-visa in advance.

laos-visa-on-arrival
Completed correctly your Laos visa completed application.

A Visa for Laos from the Embassy Will Cost More Money & Time, but the Hassle-Free Way

Applying for a visa from a Laotian Embassy can cost more in time and money but saves on any hassle on arrival. With the visa already in your passport, you can pass through immigration smoothly without additional processing time. Visas can be applied for by mail or in person at the nearest embassy. Laos currently maintains embassies in 27 countries worldwide. Check the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the nearest embassy at http://www.mofa.gov.la/index.php/the-ministry/overseas-mission.

It takes ten working days for the visa to be processed. A 30-day stay for all visa types is available for $50. The fee must be in the form of a money order or certified check, and a prepaid return envelope must be included with the application when applying by mail. The following documents are required:

- Completed application form (available at: https://laoembassy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/visa-form.pdf)
- Two recent 2” x 2” photos
- Original passport
- A copy of your passport bio page

embassy-of-laos
The Embassy of the Laos.

More Useful Tips for How to Apply for a Laos Visa Successfully

- To save time with the visa on arrival, download and fill out the visa application form in advance
- Lao visas can usually be extended twice for up to 30 additional days each time. Extensions can be done at immigration offices in Vientiane and Luang Prabang or police stations in Pakse and Phonsavan. The cost is 20,000 kip (~ $2.50) per day.
- When applying for a visa at an embassy by email, use registered post and include a prepaid registered return envelope
- Peak season visa-on-arrival wait times at major airports can be very long. Apply for an e-visa in advance to save time
- Prepare exact amounts of cash in the correct currency

Conclusion

Laos has been growing in popularity as a tourist destination in recent years. The visa process today is straightforward and inexpensive to support the tourism industry. Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the requirements in advance, and you’ll have a smooth entry when you arrive for your exotic Southeast Asian getaway. Having gathered insights on Laos visa details, if you're considering a trip to Laos, connect with IndochinaTour, and let us craft the ideal itinerary just for you.

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