This guide was last reviewed on 10 September 2026. Always verify current fees on laoevisa.gov.la before applying.
Disclaimer: This is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with the Lao government. Always confirm details on the laoevisa.gov.la portal before submitting your application.
Our editorial team tested the Laos eVisa application in January 2026. The approval arrived in 2 business days, and the entire process took under 15 minutes.
The Laos eVisa application is a 3-step digital process: fill the form, upload documents, pay by card, and receive approval email within 3 business days. UK citizens are eligible, and the single-entry visa permits a 30-day stay for tourism.
Print the eVisa approval letter before departure and present it at immigration alongside your passport. You must enter Laos within 60 days of the approval issuance date. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry and has at least one blank page for the entry stamp.
What Is the Laos eVisa and Who Can Apply in 2026?
The Laos eVisa is a single-entry, 30-day tourist travel authorisation available to UK citizens and 160+ nationalities via an online application on the Lao eVisa portal (laoevisa.gov.la). The Laos eVisa is for tourism only; no business eVisa exists.
The Laos eVisa application requires a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Laos. The visa fee is charged in USD and is non-refundable regardless of the outcome; UK applicants should confirm the current amount on the portal and check with their card provider for any foreign-transaction surcharges. Before your trip, also review the latest FCDO travel advice for Laos at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/laos. Arranging travel insurance before departure is recommended.
The approved eVisa permits a single entry and a maximum stay of 30 days, which can be extended by a further 30 days at provincial immigration offices in Laos.
Required Documents and Technical Specifications
The Laos eVisa application requires two essential documents: a passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Laos with a minimum of 1 blank page for an entry stamp, plus a digital passport photo and a passport bio-page scan meeting strict technical specifications.
Passport Photo Specifications
| Attribute | Requirement |
|---|---|
| File format | JPEG or PNG |
| Dimensions | 4 × 6 cm / 600 × 600 px |
| Max file size | 2 MB |
| Background | White |
| Appearance | Neutral expression, no glasses, no head coverings (unless religious) |
Passport Bio-Page Scan Requirements
| Attribute | Requirement |
|---|---|
| File format | JPEG or PNG |
| Minimum resolution | 300 DPI |
| Max file size | 2 MB |
| MRZ zone | Must be clearly readable |
| Framing | Full bio-page visible, not cropped |
Incorrect document uploads are the leading cause of Laos eVisa application rejection. Each child requires a separate Laos eVisa application with their own passport, a birth certificate, and guardian consent.
Laos eVisa Fees and Payment Methods
The Laos eVisa fee is payable in USD on the portal’s secured payment page. The exact fee amount in USD is confirmed on the portal at the time of submission, and UK applicants should check the current exchange rate for an approximate GBP equivalent before proceeding.
The Laos eVisa application accepts three card schemes for payment: Visa, Mastercard, and JCB. UK-issued cards may incur foreign transaction surcharges determined by your issuing bank, not by the portal. Contact your card provider beforehand to confirm whether international payments in USD carry additional fees.
The processing fee is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome, including cases where the Laos eVisa application is rejected due to incorrect documents or form errors. After a successful payment, the system generates a confirmation receipt with a unique transaction ID. Save this receipt as proof of payment for status enquiries.
Verify the current visa fee in USD directly on laoevisa.gov.la before starting your application.
Completing the Form and Uploading Documents
Complete the Online Form
Enter personal and travel details on the portal
Upload Documents
Passport scan and photo in JPEG or PNG, max 2 MB
Step 1: Complete the Online Application Form
The Laos eVisa application requires you to access the portal at laoevisa.gov.la. You must fill in fields including your full name, passport number, nationality, date of birth, email address, planned arrival date, and intended entry point. Verify every entry against your passport to prevent processing delays.
Step 2: Upload Your Passport Scan and Photo
- Select your passport bio-page scan in JPEG or PNG format, with a maximum file size of 2 MB.
- Choose your passport photo with dimensions of 4×6 cm (600×600 px) and a white background.
- Use the portal uploader, which performs file size and format validation before accepting your submission.
Paying, Tracking Status, and Receiving Approval
Pay the eVisa Fee
Visa, Mastercard, or JCB with 3D Secure verification
Receive Approval
Download PDF eVisa within 3 business days
Step 3 – Pay the eVisa Fee
The Laos eVisa application accepts Visa, Mastercard, and JCB cards on the payment page. Enter your card details and billing address, then complete the 3D Secure verification. If the card is declined, confirm sufficient funds and that international payments are enabled with your UK-issuing bank. If the browser times out, clear your cache or switch browsers; Chrome is recommended.
Step 4 – Receive Your Approval and Download the eVisa
Approval arrives by email as a PDF eVisa approval letter, typically within 3 business days. The eVisa approval carries a 60-day validity window from issuance; you must enter Laos within this period. Download the PDF and print it before departure.
How to Check Your Application Status
Use your Application ID on the status enquiry tool at laoevisa.gov.la to retrieve your application. Statuses display as pending, approved, or rejected. If no email arrives within 5 business days, contact the Department of Immigration hotline at 1502 or phone (021) 219 607.
Post-Approval: Printing, LDIF, and Eligible Entry Points
Print 2 colour copies of the approved eVisa on A4 paper and carry them in your hand luggage for presentation at immigration alongside your passport. The Laos eVisa application grants a 30-day stay on a single-entry basis.
The LDIF – New Digital Immigration Form Requirement
The Laos eVisa application process does not end with the approval letter. Travellers must also complete the Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF), launched 1st September 2025, which is mandatory at designated checkpoints such as the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I. Submit the LDIF online before entry into or departure from Lao PDR via immigration.gov.la.
Eligible Entry Points for 2026
The Laos eVisa is accepted at Wattay and Luang Prabang airports plus five land border crossings:
- Friendship Bridge I (Nong Khai – Vientiane)
- Friendship Bridge II (Mukdahan – Savannakhet)
- Friendship Bridge III (Nakhon Phanom – Thakhek)
- Chiang Khong – Huay Xai
- Pakse – Chong Mek
Laos eVisa vs Visa on Arrival
The eVisa is processed online in a standard 3 business days; VoA is issued same-day at the border with cash payment. Both grant a 30-day single entry. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on Laos eVisa vs Visa on Arrival; not every checkpoint accepts the eVisa, as shown in the table below.
| Feature | Laos eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Application method | Online via laoevisa.gov.la | In person at border |
| Processing time | 3 business days | Same day |
| Payment | Card (Visa, Mastercard, JCB) | Cash at border |
| Permitted stay | 30 days | 30 days |
| Entry | Single entry | Single entry |
| Eligible checkpoints | 2 airports + 5 land borders | Select checkpoints only |
Common Mistakes That Lead to Laos eVisa Rejection
Most Laos eVisa rejections stem from form-entry errors: passport number typos, name mismatches (abbreviations or omitted middle names), wrong arrival date or entry point, expired passports, and an incorrect email address that blocks delivery of the approval. Document uploads meeting the specifications in the Required Documents section above pass validation automatically. If rejected, you may re-apply with corrections; for detailed guidance, see what to do if your Laos eVisa is rejected. The processing fee stays non-refundable.
Laos eVisa Application FAQ
How long does the Laos eVisa take to process?
Standard processing time is 3 business days. Apply at least 5 to 7 days before your travel date.
What is the Laos eVisa fee in British pounds?
The eVisa fee is charged in USD on the portal. Verify the exact amount on laoevisa.gov.la and calculate the GBP equivalent at the current exchange rate. Accepted cards: Visa, Mastercard, and JCB.
Can I apply if my passport expires in less than 6 months?
No. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Laos and have at least 1 blank page.
What happens if my application is rejected?
You may re-apply with corrections. The processing fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Ensure all document uploads meet the technical specifications to avoid rejection.
Can I extend my Laos eVisa while in the country?
Yes, a 30-day extension is available at provincial immigration offices. Contact the Department of Immigration at (021) 219 607, hotline 1502, or visit them at Nongping Road, Dongnasok Village, Sikhottabong District, Vientiane Capital.
Do children need a separate application?
Yes, each child requires a separate Laos eVisa application using their own passport. A birth certificate and guardian consent may also be required.
Is the fee refundable if denied?
No, the Laos eVisa processing fee is strictly non-refundable regardless of whether your application is approved or rejected. You will need to pay the fee again if you submit a new application after a rejection.
Can I use the eVisa for business travel?
No, the Laos eVisa is issued for tourism purposes only and allows a single entry with a 30-day stay. Business travellers must apply for a traditional consular visa at an embassy.
Our editorial team has been advising UK travellers on Southeast Asia visa applications since 2018. This guide was last reviewed on 10 September 2026.
