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    LAOS VISA

    Posted on by goyatravelvietnam

    LAOS VISA EXEMPTIONS
    Most people will need a visa to enter Laos. Only citizens of the following countries are exempt from visa requirements, and they can stay from14-30 days:
    Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Thailand, and Vietnam.

    Notes on visa exemptions:
    Citizens of the countries listed above who want to stay longer than 14-15 days will have to apply for a Laos visa online or on arrival.

    LAOS VISA ON ARRIVAL
    Almost everyone who is not visa-exempt can apply for a Laos visa on arrival. Only citizens of the following countries are unable to get the VOA and have to apply for a visa at an Embassy instead:
    Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Burundi, Cameroon, 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

    Applying for a Laos visa on arrival:
    When you arrive at the checkpoint in Laos, you have to approach the visa-on-arrival issuing counter and present the following documents:
    – Your passport. It must be valid for at least another six months.
    – The Laos Visa on Arrival Form, which you can get at the checkpoint or on the airplane.
    – Proof of accommodation in Laos. E.g. a hotel reservation.
    – Two recent passport-size pictures. 4 cm x 6 cm dimensions.
    – Cash (in US dollars) to pay for the visa fee. The Laos visa fee is USD 30 to USD 45, depending on your nationality.
    – Proof you have sufficient funds to cover the duration of your stay in Laos.
    – A confirmed return ticket or onward travel ticket.
    – A visa/ticket for the next destination (if applicable)
    – After submitting the documents, you must wait until the visa is processed. They will call your name after about 15 minutes when it is ready. You will receive a visa for a maximum of 30 days.

    LAOS ELECTRONIC VISA (E-VISA)
    If you are eligible for a Laos visa on arrival, you can also get a Laos visa online (E-Visa). You can apply for the E-Visa through the official website (here):

    Applying for a Laos Online: 👉 https://laoevisa.gov.la/
    Complete the online application form. Attach the required documents:

    • A recent picture of yourself, with a white background and 4×6 cm dimension
    • Your passport’s cover page
    • Your passport’s a bio page
    • Possibly, additional documents.
    • Pay the online application fee. The fee is between USD 31 to USD 45 depending on your nationality.
    • Wait for the visa application to process. This takes about three working days unless there is a problem with your application.
    • Download the eVisa Approval Letter. You will receive it on your email. Once you get the approval letter, you have 60 days to use it.
    • After you arrive at the port of entry in Laos, head to the designated immigration area for eVisas. Show them your passport and the eVisa approval. The immigration officers will then review them and give you your entry approval.

    LAOS EMBASSY VISA
    To apply for a Laos Visa at an embassy, you have to:

    • Get in touch with the nearest embassy or consulate.
    • Complete e Laos visa application form and submit it along with the required documents. You can find a Laos visa application on the website of the embassy or consulate.
    • You can apply in person or via mail, as per the instructions of the Lao consular services.
    • Pay the Laos visa fee.

    Important note:

    • The visa application process will change slightly depending on where you apply, which is why you have to contact the embassy or consulate of Laos first. – You can find the diplomatic missions of Laos listed here.
    • You have to apply for a Laos visa at the nearest Lao embassy/consulate only if
    • You are not able to get the visa on arrival or online visa or you want to stay for longer than the VOA and eVisa allow.

    LAO DIGITAL IMMIGRATION CARD
    The Lao Digital Immigration Card replaces paper arrival/departure cards starting from September 1st, 2025, for customs and immigration declaration purposes, and is mandatory for all international travelers.

    • This digital card is currently available only at the following checkpoints: Vientiane Wattay International Airport, Luang Prabang International Airport, Pakse International Airport, and First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge.
    • You can complete the declaration via the official website:👉  https://immigration.gov.la Please select either Arrival or Departure before filling out the form.
    • The e-card must be completed within 3 days before entering or leaving Laos, or upon arrival/departure at the airport (however, we strongly recommend completing it in advance to avoid waiting at the airport).
    • After submitting the form, you will receive a QR code. Please present this QR code at the immigration counter.