Navigating the Laos Visa Application Process 2023

Laos Visa

Irsa GulJune 27, 2023Last Updated: June 27, 2023

0 9 minutes read

Before you can set foot on Laotian soil, you must first navigate the Laos visa application process. With the ever-changing requirements and procedures, it can be daunting to apply for a visa, especially for first-time travelers. In this guide, we will provide you with the essential information you need to know to successfully navigate the Laos visa application process in 2023. From the types of visas available to the required documents and application procedures, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and get you one step closer to exploring all that Laos has to offer.

Navigating the Laos Visa Application Process 2023

Who is eligible for Laos Visa?

The eligibility criteria for a Laos visa depend on the type of visa you are applying for. Generally, citizens of most countries are eligible to apply for a Laos visa. However, there are some exceptions and restrictions depending on the traveler’s nationality, the purpose of travel, and the type of visa they need.

Citizens of the following countries do not require a Laos Visa to enter and stay in Laos for short stays;

Brunei (for 14 days)
Cambodia (for 30 days)
Indonesia (for 30 days)
Japan (for 15 days)
Luxembourg (for 15 days)
Malaysia (for 30 days)
Mongolia (for 30 days)
Myanmar (for 14 days)
Philippines (for 30 days)
Russia (for 30 days)
Singapore (for 30 days)
South Korea (for 30 days)
Switzerland (for 15 days)
Thailand (for 30 days)
Vietnam (for 30 days)

Laos Visa Types

Here are the most common types of visas available for Laos in 2023:

Tourist Visa: for those traveling to Laos for tourism and staying up to 30 days.
Visa on Arrival: for those arriving in Laos without a visa and staying up to 30 days for tourism purposes.
Business Visa: for those traveling to Laos for business purposes, such as attending meetings, conferences, or conducting business activities.
Work Visa: for those intending to work and live in Laos for an extended period, usually issued to those with a job offer from a Laos-based employer.
Student Visa: for those intending to study in Laos for an extended period.
Transit Visa: for those transiting through Laos on their way to another destination.

Different Methods to get a Laos Visa

There are several ways to obtain a Laos visa in 2023, depending on your nationality, purpose of travel, and the type of visa you need. Here are the most common methods:

Visa on Arrival: This is the most popular method for tourists visiting Laos. Travelers from most countries can obtain a visa on arrival at designated entry points, including airports and land borders. This method is only applicable to a tourist visa.
Laos Embassy/Consulate: If you’re not eligible for a visa on arrival or prefer to obtain your visa in advance, you can apply for a Laos visa at a Laos embassy or consulate in your home country or a neighboring country. This method applies to all visa types.
E-Visa: Laos offers an electronic visa (e-visa) for citizens of some countries. This method allows you to apply and pay for your visa online and receive an electronic visa via email. However, e-visas are only available for certain types of visas, including tourist and business visas.
Visa Agencies: If you prefer a hassle-free visa application process, you can use a visa agency to handle your visa application on your behalf. These agencies charge an additional fee but can help expedite the process and provide assistance with any issues that may arise.

Mandatory Requirements

The specific requirements for a Laos visa can vary depending on the type of visa you’re applying for and your nationality. However, here are some common requirements you may need to meet to obtain a Laos visa in 2023:

A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
Completed visa application form with all required information.
One or two passport-sized photos (depending on the type of visa).
Visa fee payment (cash, credit card, or money order).
For tourist visas, a confirmed return or onward ticket and proof of accommodation in Laos.
For business visas, an invitation letter from a Laos-based company or organization and a letter from your employer indicating the purpose of your visit.
For work visas, a work permit issued by the Laos Department of Labor and Social Welfare and a medical certificate.
For student visas, a letter of acceptance from a recognized educational institution in Laos, and proof of financial support.
For transit visas, a confirmed ticket to the next destination and a visa for the destination country (if required).

How to Apply?

The application procedure for a Laos visa can vary depending on the type of visa you’re applying for and your nationality. However, here is the application procedure you may need to follow to obtain a Laos visa in 2023:

Determine the type of visa you need and check the visa requirements and application procedures.
Obtain the necessary documents, including a completed visa application form, passport-sized photos, and proof of payment.
Submit your visa application and documents to the nearest Laos embassy or consulate in your home country or a neighboring country.
Pay the visa fee and wait for the processing time, which can vary from a few days to several weeks, depending on the type of visa and your nationality.
Once your visa application is approved, you will receive your visa either via email (for e-visas) or in person at the embassy or consulate.
Before departure, double-check that all the information on your visa is correct and matches your passport information.

List of Diplomatic Missions started by Laos

Laos has established diplomatic relations with many countries around the world and has opened several diplomatic missions abroad. Here is a list of some of the diplomatic missions started by Laos:

Embassy of Laos in Bangkok, Thailand
Embassy of Laos in Beijing, China
Embassy of Laos in Hanoi, Vietnam
Embassy of Laos in Moscow, Russia
Embassy of Laos in Paris, France
Embassy of Laos in Tokyo, Japan
Embassy of Laos in Washington D.C., USA
Consulate General of Laos in Kunming, China
Consulate General of Laos in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Consulate General of Laos in Khon Kaen, Thailand

To see the whole list, visit the given link.

Laos Visa-on-Arrival

Citizens of the following countries are eligible to apply for a Laos visa on arrival;

Afghanistan
Algeria
Bangladesh
Burundi
Cameroon
Congo
Congo
Eswatini
Ghana
Guinea-Bissau
Ivory Coast
Iran
Iraq
Jordan
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Mozambique
Nauru
Niger
Nigeria
Pakistan
Senegal
Sierra Leone
South Sudan
Sudan
Suriname
Syria
Tonga
Zambia
Zimbabwe

Citizens of the eligible countries can only get a Laos visa on arrival through the following entry ports;

Wattay International Airport
Savan International Airport
Pakse International Airport
Luang Prabang International Airport
Friendship Bridge IV Checkpoint in Bokeo (Thailand Border)
Samliemkham Checkpoint in Bokeo (Thailand and Myanmar Border)
Friendship Bridge I Checkpoint in Vientiane (Thailand Border)
Tanalaeng Checkpoint in Vientiane (Thailand Border)
Nonghaed Checkpoint in Xieng Khouang (Vietnam Border)
Nam Phao Checkpoint in Bolikhamxay (Vietnam Border)
Friendship Bridge III Checkpoint in Khammouane (Thailand Border)
Na Pao Checkpoint in Khammouane (Vietnam Border)
Friendship Bridge II Checkpoint in Savannakhet (Thailand Border)
Daensavan Checkpoint in Savannakhet (Vietnam Border)
Veun Kham Checkpoint in Champasak (Cambodia Border)
Vang Tao Checkpoint in Champasak (Thailand Border)
Boten Checkpoint in Luang Namtha (China Border)
Namheuang Checkpoint in Xayabouly (Thailand Border)
Phou Keua Checkpoint in Eutapeu (Vietnam Border)

Here are the requirements and procedures for obtaining a Laos Visa-on-Arrival in 2023;

Requirements

A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining
One or two passport-sized photos (depending on the entry point)
Visa fee payment in cash (USD or Lao kip)
A confirmed return or onward ticket
Proof of accommodation in Laos or sufficient funds for your stay (usually around $300)
For some nationalities, a letter of invitation or a visa approval letter from the Laos immigration authorities may be required.

Procedure

Fill out the Laos Visa-on-Arrival application form, which is usually available at the airport or border checkpoint.
Attach your passport photos to the application form.
Present your passport, application form, photos, visa fee, and other required documents (such as a return ticket and proof of accommodation) to the immigration officer at the designated Visa-on-Arrival counter.
Wait for the immigration officer to process your visa application and issue your visa.
Check that all the information on your visa is correct and matches your passport information before leaving the counter.

Laos eVisa

Citizens of the following countries can apply for Laos eVisa for up to 14-15 days;

Brunei
Cambodia
Indonesia
Japan
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Mongolia
Myanmar
Philippines
Russia
Singapore
South Korea
Switzerland
Thailand
Vietnam

Here are the requirements and procedures for obtaining a Laos eVisa;

Requirements

A passport with at least six months of validity and one blank page
A digital copy of your passport bio page
A recent passport-style photograph (in color)
A valid email address
A credit card for payment

Procedure

Visit the official website of the Laos eVisa Application System (https://laoevisa.gov.la).
Click on the “Apply for eVisa” button and fill out the application form with your personal and travel details.
Upload the required documents (digital copy of passport bio page and passport-style photograph).
Pay the eVisa fee online using a credit card.
Wait for the eVisa application to be processed (usually within three business days).
Once the application is approved, you will receive an email with your eVisa, which you should print and carry with you to present at immigration upon arrival in Laos.
At the immigration checkpoint in Laos, present your passport and printed eVisa for verification.
Your eVisa will be validated, and you will be granted entry into Laos.

Validity of a Laos Visa

The validity of a Laos visa depends on the type of visa and your nationality. Here is a general guideline for the validity of different types of Laos visas:

Tourist visa: Valid for up to 30 days or 60 days from the date of entry, depending on the visa type and nationality.
Business visa: Valid for up to 30 days, 60 days, or 90 days from the date of entry, depending on the visa type and nationality.
Work visa: Valid for up to 12 months or 24 months, depending on the length of the work contract and the visa type.
Student visa: Valid for up to 12 months, depending on the length of the course of study and the visa type.
Transit visa: Valid for up to seven days.

Laos Visa Extension

Here are the requirements and procedure to apply for a Laos visa extension:

Requirements

A valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity
A copy of your current visa
A completed visa extension application form
Two passport-sized photos (in color)
Proof of financial support (such as bank statements or a letter from your employer)
A valid reason for extending your visa (such as illness, business, or family emergency)

Procedure

Visit the nearest Immigration Department in Laos to apply for a visa extension. You should apply at least one week before your visa expires to avoid any penalties.
Fill out the visa extension application form and provide all necessary documents, including a copy of your passport, your current visa, and your passport-sized photos.
Pay the visa extension fee, which can vary depending on the length of the extension and your nationality.
Wait for the immigration officer to process your application. The processing time can vary depending on the workload of the immigration department.
Once your visa extension is approved, you will receive a new visa sticker in your passport with an extended validity period.
Check the new expiration date of your visa and ensure that it remains valid throughout your stay in Laos.
For more details visit the official website of the Department of Immigration.

Laos Visa Costs

Here are the Laos visa costs;

Tourist Visa

On arrival: USD 30-42, depending on nationality and length of stay (up to 30 days or 60 days).
E-visa: USD 20-58, depending on nationality and length of stay (up to 30 days or 60 days).

Business Visa

On arrival: USD 40-50, depending on nationality and length of stay (up to 30 days, 60 days, or 90 days).
Embassy/Consulate: varies depending on the embassy/consulate and nationality.