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Laos, known for its peaceful atmosphere, Buddhist heritage, and scenic landscapes, is becoming an increasingly popular destination for travelers across the globe. If you're planning to visit Laos in 2025, here's everything you need to know about how to apply for a Laos Visa.
Most international travelers need a visa to enter Laos. However, there are some exemptions:
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Laos Visa 2025 (Source: Travel Asia)
There are two main ways to obtain a tourist visa for Laos: the visa on arrival and the e-visa. Each of these options offers advantages in terms of cost and convenience. The cost for these two kinds of visa is generally between 30 and 50 USD, depending on your nationality.
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The fee for tourist visa is very affordable and quick for travelers (Source: Parfum)
The visa on arrival is convenient for those who haven’t had time to apply in advance or for travelers making last-minute decisions to visit Laos (for example, if you’re traveling in Southeast Asia and decide to cross the border from Thailand to Laos!).
Procedure:
Upon arrival, go to the "Visa on Arrival" window. If you haven’t filled out the application form in advance, you can get it at the window and complete it (if arriving by plane, the form and immigration paperwork should be provided before landing, so fill them out before leaving the plane).
Submit the completed form, passport, and 2 photos, then pay the visa fee in US dollars (a fee list is usually available at the window for reference). After submitting all necessary documents, wait nearby for your name to be called when your visa is ready.
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Laos visa application form you need to fill out (Source: Laos Visa)
The popular entry points to obtain the visa on arrival
Major International Airports:
Land Border Crossings:
Read more: Why Laos should be on your travel list?
According to notice No. 1232 issued on October 1, 2009, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lao PDR, nationals who are not eligible for a Visa On Arrival must obtain their visas at a Lao Embassy or Consulate before entering the country. The visa fees and processing times vary depending on the applicant’s nationality.
An exception applies to nationals visiting Laos for official purposes who have a guarantee from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Laos.
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Wattay International Airport in Vientiane Capital (Source: Agoda)
You can check the list of “Who can Apply for Lao eVisa” on the official Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: ”https://laoevisa.gov.la”. If your country is on the list, you don’t need to go to the embassy for the visa.
By applying online, you can submit all the required documents and information and pay the visa fees from your home or office. The e-visa allows you to avoid queues at border checkpoints and enter the country more quickly. Although more expensive, the e-visa is a particularly convenient option for those who want to simplify their entry into Laos.
Procedure
You can apply for an eVisa online at "https://laoevisa.gov.la”. Fill the application form; Pay your fees (visa fees vary depending on the holder’s nationality). Usually, it takes 3 working days to receive the result via email.
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The homepage of the official website to apply laos e-visa (Source: Laosevisa)
From July 2019, the Laos government has officially launched the E-Visa Laos, which is an electronic travel authorization, allowing citizens from 162 eligible countries (list at https://laoevisa.gov.la) who can apply online.
E-visa Laos can be used to enter 9 international ports:
Important note: The E-visa Laos is only for tourism purposes, non-refundable, and can be processed in 3 business days, so travelers should plan accordingly.
The sample of eVisa Approval Letter (Source: Visa travelers)
Can I get a multiple-entry visa for Laos?
For tourists, both the visa on arrival and the eVisa are valid for single entry only. If you leave Laos and wish to return, you'll need to apply for a new visa. However, multiple-entry visas are available, mainly for business purposes, and must be obtained through a Laotian embassy or consulate. These are typically issued for longer stays or professional activities.
What happens if I give wrong information on my Laos eVisa application?
Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all information provided during the eVisa application process. Once the application is submitted, no changes can be made. If any information is incorrect or the application is rejected, you must submit a new application through the official online portal and pay the visa fee again. For further assistance, you may contact the support team at support@laoevisa.gov.la.
Do I need an outbound flight or bus ticket to get a visa?
While Laotian authorities don’t always require proof of onward travel, some airlines may ask for it before boarding your flight. It’s also recommended to have a return or exit ticket when applying for a visa on arrival or an eVisa, as some land border checkpoints may request it.
Can I extend my visa if I want to stay longer than 30 days?
Yes, tourist visas can be extended once for an additional 30 days. You can do this at immigration offices in major cities like Vientiane, Luang Prabang, or Pakse. The fee is about 2 USD per day of extension. If you wish to stay longer beyond that, you must leave the country and apply for a new visa.
What if I overstay my visa?
Overstaying your visa without an approved extension will result in a fine of 10 USD per day. Significant overstays can lead to further issues, such as border delays or even a ban from re-entering Laos.
These are some useful details to guide you through the Laos visa 2025 application process. If you have any further questions or need a personalized itinerary, feel free to reach out to our contact for prompt support and helpful travel advice.
Read more: Laos ranked 4th among the top travel destinations for 2025
