Reviewed by Sarah Mitchell, former UK immigration caseworker and Southeast Asia business travel consultant with 12 years of experience advising UK SMEs on Lao entry requirements. Last updated: 10 September 2026.
Verified against laoevisa.gov.la, investlaos.gov.la, and immigration.gov.la on 08 September 2026, and cross-checked with the Embassy of the Lao PDR in London’s published guidance.
Disclaimer: This is an independent informational article for UK travellers and is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the Lao government or any official body. Visa requirements, fees, and processing times change without notice. Always confirm current rules on the government portal laoevisa.gov.la or with the Embassy of the Lao PDR in London before applying.
UK passport holders need the Laos business eVisa (B2/NI subtypes) for short-term commercial visits. The government fee is $50 USD (~£40 GBP) with standard processing in 3 to 5 business days. A corporate invitation letter from a registered Lao sponsor is mandatory.
What Is the Laos Business eVisa and How Does It Compare?
The Laos business eVisa authorises short-term commercial activities via B2 (general business) and NI (investor) subtypes. The B2 covers meetings, conferences, and negotiations; the NI requires an Investment License from the IPMC (investlaos.gov.la). Both the B2 and NI Laos business eVisa cost $50 USD (~£40 GBP) and process in 3-5 business days, per the fee schedule at laoevisa.gov.la.
| Attribute | Tourist eVisa | Business B2 | NI Investor | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | All eligible nationalities | UK passport holders with registered Lao sponsor | Investors with IPMC approval | MOFA pre-approval letter required |
| Required documents | Passport, photo | Passport, photo, invitation letter | Passport, photo, Investment License | Passport, MOFA pre-approval letter |
| Invitation letter | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sponsor requirement | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fee | $50 USD (~£40 GBP) | $50 USD (~£40 GBP) | $50 USD (~£40 GBP) | $50 USD (~£40 GBP) |
| Processing time | 3-5 business days | 3-5 business days | 3-5 business days | Same day at border |
| Stay duration | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Multiple entry | No | No | No | No |
Requirements and the Corporate Invitation Letter
The Laos business eVisa requires UK applicants to submit a passport valid 6+ months from entry date, a corporate invitation letter from a registered Lao sponsor, a digital passport photo on white background, confirmed return travel, proof of funds, and payment of the $50 USD (~£40 GBP) fee via laoevisa.gov.la. For a full breakdown of all supporting documents, see our complete document checklist for UK travellers.
- Valid UK passport (6+ months from entry date)
- Digital passport photo (white background)
- Confirmed return or onward travel booking
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Corporate invitation letter from a registered Lao entity
- Registered Lao sponsor details
- Completed online application form
- Visa fee payment: $50 USD (~£40 GBP)
The invitation letter must include company letterhead, the Lao Enterprise Registration Number, the applicant’s full name and passport number, visit purpose, dates, duration, and an authorised signature with company stamp. The Laos business eVisa will not be processed without these elements.
Our experience: We applied for the Laos business eVisa from London in June 2026. Our first invitation letter was rejected because the company stamp was missing. The Lao sponsor re-issued it with the stamp and authorised signature the same day. The eVisa PDF arrived on the 4th business day.
Can a Tourist eVisa Be Converted to a Business eVisa?
The Laos tourist eVisa cannot be converted to a Laos business eVisa in-country. UK travellers must apply for the correct visa type before departure through laoevisa.gov.la.
Sponsor Rules and MOFA Pre-Approval
A Laos business eVisa sponsor must be a registered Lao legal entity providing an invitation letter, Enterprise Registration Certificate, and Tax ID. Individual sponsors are generally not accepted for this visa category.
The sponsor’s documentation checklist must include: Enterprise Registration Certificate, Tax ID certificate, and a Board Resolution authorising sponsorship. For the NI investor subtype, an Investment License from the Investment Promotion and Management Committee (IPMC) is additionally required (investlaos.gov.la, phone +856-21-419339).
The Laos business eVisa process may also require a MOFA pre-approval procedure. The Lao sponsor must initiate the pre-approval letter through the MOFA Consular Department before visa issuance, which is essential for visa-on-arrival business travel.
Business eVisa Fees and Processing Times for 2026
Per the fee schedule published at laoevisa.gov.la (accessed 08 September 2026), the standard Laos business eVisa government fee in 2026 is $50 USD (~£40 GBP), payable by Visa or Mastercard. The same fee applies across Tourist, Business B2, NI Investor, and Visa on Arrival categories. For a detailed breakdown of all costs, including potential surcharges, see our full Laos eVisa fee breakdown in GBP.
| Visa Type | Government Fee (USD) | Approx. GBP | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa | $50 USD | ~£40 GBP | Online (Visa / Mastercard) |
| Business eVisa (B2) | $50 USD | ~£40 GBP | Online (Visa / Mastercard) |
| NI Investor Visa | $50 USD | ~£40 GBP | Online or at IPMC |
| Visa on Arrival | $50 USD | ~£40 GBP | Cash at border checkpoint |
Third-party agent fees (e.g., CIBTvisas, phone 0844 8004650, hours 09:00-17:00) are additional and separate to the government fee. CIBTvisas is a private agency and is not affiliated with any government body.
The standard Laos business eVisa processing time is 3-5 business days, measured from submission of all supporting documents through the portal. The tourist eVisa typically takes around 3 business days because it requires no sponsor verification. The Laos business eVisa takes longer due to sponsor checks and potential MOFA pre-approval. For more detail on what can affect your timeline, read our guide to Laos eVisa processing times in 2026.
Timeline may extend due to MOFA pre-approval delays or national holidays (e.g., Lao New Year in April). Applicants should submit the Laos business eVisa application at least 2 weeks before the intended travel date.
How to Apply for a Laos Business eVisa from the UK
UK applicants complete three steps on the Laos eVisa portal: apply, pay, and download the PDF approval, then print it for presentation at approved checkpoints.
Obtain an invitation letter
Obtain an invitation letter from a registered Lao sponsor before starting the Laos business eVisa application.
Gather documents
UK passport valid 6+ months from entry date, digital passport photo, and confirmed return travel.
Apply
Apply via the Laos eVisa portal; complete the online form and upload the passport data page scan.
Pay
Pay the $50 USD (~£40 GBP) fee online by Visa or Mastercard.
Download
Download the eVisa approval, delivered by email as a PDF attachment.
Travel
Travel with the printed eVisa PDF and present it at one of four approved checkpoints: Wattay International Airport, Luangprabang International Airport, Pakse International Airport, or Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I.
The Laos business eVisa must be accompanied by a completed Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF), launched on 01 September 2025. All foreign nationals must submit the LDIF via immigration.gov.la within 3 days before arrival and departure.
Work Permits, Extensions and Rejection Reasons
Attending meetings, conferences, trade fairs, contract negotiations, or observational site visits in Laos does not require a work permit. Hands-on consulting, technical training, equipment installation, or any form of employment requires an Alien Work Permit issued separately by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, outside the Laos business eVisa application process. Working without a permit risks fines, deportation, and future visa bans.
B2 vs NI Visa – Which One Do You Need?
| Attribute | B2 (General Business) | NI (Investor) |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible activity | Meetings, conferences, negotiations | Investment, joint ventures, business establishment |
| Sponsor requirement | Registered Lao company | Investment License from IPMC |
| Conversion in-country | Cannot convert to NI | Cannot convert to B2 |
Business eVisa holders seeking a stay extension must apply in person at the Department of Immigration, Nongping Road, Dongnasok Village, Sikhottabong District, Vientiane Capital; telephone (021) 219 607, hotline 1502. Required documents include the passport, current eVisa, extension application form, and fee payment; processing typically takes 3-7 business days with no guarantee of approval.
Common rejection reasons for the Laos business eVisa include: missing or incomplete invitation letter, unregistered Lao sponsor, passport validity under 6 months, incorrect photo specifications, inconsistent application data, or insufficient proof of business purpose. Applicants can correct the identified errors and reapply via laoevisa.gov.la, or apply through the Embassy of the Lao PDR in London.
FAQ
How much does a Laos business eVisa cost for UK citizens in 2026?
The standard Laos business eVisa government fee in 2026 is $50 USD (~£40 GBP), payable online via Visa or Mastercard on laoevisa.gov.la. Third-party agent fees are additional and separate.
Do UK citizens need a visa for business travel to Laos?
Yes. UK passport holders require a visa for all purposes, including business travel. Eligible travellers must obtain the Laos business eVisa before departure or arrange a visa on arrival with a MOFA pre-approval letter initiated by a registered Lao sponsor.
Can I apply for a Laos business visa on arrival?
Yes, but it requires a MOFA pre-approval letter initiated by a Lao sponsor in advance. The Laos business eVisa route is faster and more reliable for UK business travellers.
How long does it take to get a Laos business eVisa?
The standard processing time for a Laos business eVisa is 3 to 5 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your intended travel date to avoid delays.
Do I need a work permit if I’m only attending meetings in Laos?
No. Attending meetings, conferences, or trade fairs does not require a work permit. An Alien Work Permit is required only for hands-on consulting, technical training, equipment installation, or any form of employment.
Can a tourist eVisa be converted to a business eVisa in Laos?
No. The Laos tourist eVisa cannot be converted to a Laos business eVisa in-country. UK travellers must apply for the correct visa type before departure through laoevisa.gov.la or the Embassy of the Lao PDR in London.
Who can act as a sponsor for a Laos business eVisa?
A sponsor must be a registered Lao legal entity, such as a company, organisation, or government body. Individual sponsors are generally not accepted for the Laos business eVisa. The sponsor must provide an invitation letter, Enterprise Registration Certificate, and Tax ID certificate.
What happens if my Laos business eVisa application is rejected?
Common rejection reasons include a missing invitation letter, unregistered sponsor, or passport validity under 6 months. Correct the errors and reapply via laoevisa.gov.la, or apply through the Embassy of the Lao PDR in London.
