Laos Tourist Visa
Traveling to Laos
Ancient history, delicious cuisine, beautiful outdoor adventures, and a friendly local population await tourists who travel to Laos. Located in the middle of Southeast Asia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the Lao PDR) is a wonderful destination to experience the many flavors of the region.
Who Needs a Laos Visa?
The following nationalities must obtain a tourist visa before traveling to the Lao PDR:
Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Eswatini, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Jordan, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Mozambique, Nauru, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Suriname, Syria, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Laos Tourist Visa Validity
The Laos tourist visa is a travel document issued to travelers coming to Laos for the sole purpose of tourism. This includes leisure activities, trekking, sightseeing, and more.
Depending on the applicant’s nationality, the Laos tourist visa is available as both an eVisa and a sticker visa. It is a single-entry visa that is valid for 60 days from the date of approval and allows the holder to stay in Laos for up to 30 days.
Laos Tourist Visa Requirements
To apply for a Laos tourist visa, applicants must submit some required documents. These documents will depend on the applicant’s nationality and whether they apply for an eVisa (online) or a sticker visa (consular processing).
eVisa
Complete the visa application form
The tourist visa application can be completed through the eVisa application portal.
Copy of passport bio-data page
Passports should be valid for at least 6 months before the applicant’s intended travel date. Applicants must also provide a copy of the bio-data page with all primary identification information clearly shown.
Copy of passport cover page
Applicants must also provide a photocopy of the cover page of their passport.
Personal photo
Applicants must submit one recent 4cm x 6cm photograph that is in color and taken within the last six (6) months. The applicant must be facing the camera with a neutral expression and both eyes open. Photographs must have a plain white background and not contain any shadows.
Payment of visa fees
The visa fees can be paid online through the electronic portal. Applicants must have a valid means of payment such as a valid credit or debit card.
Sticker visa
A valid passport
The applicant should hold a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Laos that contains two blank pages for official use.
Personal photo
The applicant is required to submit one recent personal photo taken within the last six (6) months. It must be on a plain white background and adhere to all other embassy guidelines.
A complete visa application form
The applicant can find the visa application form at the relevant Laos foreign mission (embassy or consulate).
Payment of visa fees
Applicants must have a valid means of paying the visa fees. The payment method will depend on the location of submission.
Laos Tourist Visa Application
The application process for the Laos tourist visa will depend on the applicant’s nationality and the method of submission.
The following steps can be taken for the eVisa and the sticker visa accordingly:
eVisa
- Complete the visa application form
The electronic tourist eVisa application form must be completed accurately with the applicant’s personal details and travel information.
- Submit the required documents
Documents can be uploaded directly through the online portal.
- Pay the visa fee
Lao eVisa payment can be made online using one of the following payment methods: VISA, MasterCard, JCB, American Express, or UnionPay.
- Receive the Approval Letter
Once their application is approved, applicants will receive an Approval Letter. They must bring this to one of the eligible ports of entry in Laos and present it to the immigration officer upon arrival.
Sticker visa
- Complete the visa application form
Visa applications must be completed accurately with all personal details and travel plans, if applicable.
- Gather the required documents
Applicants must include all required documents and copies.
- Submit the application
Application packets can be submitted at the relevant Lao PDR foreign mission (embassy or consulate). Application packets can be submitted in person or by post depending on the Laos foreign mission.
- Pay the visa fee
The payment method will vary depending on where the applicant submits their visa application.
- Await visa decision
If approved, the applicant will receive their passport with the sticker tourist visa inside.
Laos Tourist Visa Fees
The visa fees for the Laos tourist visa will vary depending on the applicant’s nationality and the method of application they select. eVisa payments can be made directly online while visa applications submitted for consular processing may require a different form of payment.
Where to Apply
The Laos tourist visa application can either be submitted online at the official visa application portal (eVisa) or at the relevant Laos foreign mission (sticker visa).
Laos Tourist Visa Processing Time
The processing time for the Laos tourist visa will depend on whether the applicant applies for an eVisa online or a sticker visa. The eVisa is typically processed within three (3) working days. The sticker visa processing times will vary depending on the applicant’s nationality and where they submit the application packet.
Approved Visa Applications
If the tourist eVisa is approved, the applicant will receive an email with an Approval Letter. They must print out the Approval Letter and proceed with it, and the other required materials, to the Laos border when they arrive at the port of entry.
If the sticker tourist visa is approved, applicants can pick up their passport with the new sticker visa inside at the same foreign mission where they submitted their application. The new visa can also be returned to the applicant by post depending on the Laos foreign mission.
Laos Visa Extension
Whether or not the holder can extend their tourist visa will depend on their nationality and their intended reason for staying longer in Laos.
Eligible nationalities will be able to extend their tourist visa through the Department of Immigration in Vientiane.
FAQ
The Laos tourist visa is a travel document issued to travelers coming to Laos for the sole purpose of tourism. This includes leisure activities, trekking, sightseeing, and more.
The Laos tourist visa is a single-entry visa that is valid for 60 days from the date of approval and allows the holder to stay in Laos for up to 30 days.
The fees for the Laos tourist visa will depend on whether the applicant applies for an eVisa or sticker visa, and their nationality.
The Laos tourist visa application can either be submitted online at the official visa application portal (eVisa) or at the relevant Laos foreign mission (sticker visa).
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