Visa rules and fees may change without notice. Always verify current requirements at laoevisa.gov.la before travelling.
Thai citizens can enter Laos visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism in 2026. A Laos eVisa for Thai citizens is required only for stays exceeding 30 days or non-tourist purposes. The application costs $50 USD (~1,800-1,900 THB) with a processing time of 3-5 business days. All travellers, exempt or not, must also complete the mandatory Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) at immigration.gov.la within 3 days before arrival and departure – in effect since 1 September 2025.
Do Thai Citizens Need a Laos eVisa in 2026?
Thai passport holders receive 30-day visa-free tourism entry under the bilateral Thailand-Laos agreement; a Laos eVisa for Thai citizens is needed only for stays over 30 days or non-tourist purposes (business, work, study). The eVisa permits one 30-day entry, extendable once at the Department of Immigration in Vientiane.
| Condition | eVisa Required? |
|---|---|
| Thai passport, tourism, stay up to 30 days | No (visa exemption) |
| Thai passport, tourism, stay longer than 30 days | Yes |
| Thai passport, non-tourist purpose (business, work, study) | Yes |
| Thai passport with less than 6 months validity | Renew passport first |
Thai nationals must hold a passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity from the date of entry – a tourist visa or visa exemption both require this minimum. Other ASEAN nationals follow similar exemption rules under separate bilateral agreements.
Laos eVisa vs Visa on Arrival for Thai Citizens – Which Option Is Better?
The Laos eVisa for Thai citizens offers advance approval online, while visa on arrival (VOA) allows payment at the border. Both cost $50 USD for a single entry with a 30-day stay, extendable once.
| Feature | Laos eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $50 USD (paid online) | $50 USD (paid at border) |
| Processing | 3-5 business days | Immediate at checkpoint |
| Entry points | Selected airports + Friendship Bridges I-IV | All major checkpoints |
| Stay duration | 30 days, single entry | 30 days, single entry |
| Extension | Yes, once at Dept. of Immigration | Yes, once at Dept. of Immigration |
For Thai citizens, the Laos eVisa for Thai citizens is preferable for advance planning and airport arrivals; VOA suits spontaneous land-border crossings where queuing is acceptable.
How to Apply for a Laos eVisa as a Thai Citizen
Thai nationals submit a Laos eVisa for Thai citizens application at laoevisa.gov.la in three steps: fill the application form, pay the fee, and download the approved PDF. The portal operates in English and Chinese only.
Apply
Complete the online form with full name (as on passport), Thai passport number, nationality, date of birth, email, intended arrival date, entry point, and accommodation details. Upload passport bio page scan, digital passport photo (white background, JPG/PNG), and proof of accommodation.
Pay
$50 USD per single-entry application (~1,800-1,900 THB). Payment via Visa or Mastercard; Thai-issued cards accepted with a minor currency-conversion fee from the issuing bank.
Download
eVisa approval PDF emailed within 3-5 business days. Print and present it at the immigration checkpoint with your passport. Track status via the “Retrieve Application ID” link on laoevisa.gov.la.
Apply at least 5 days before your planned travel date. Source: laoevisa.gov.la, verified September 2026.
Where Can Thai Citizens Enter Laos with an eVisa?
Thai eVisa holders can enter Laos at five international airports and selected land crossings, including Friendship Bridges I-IV connecting directly to Thailand.
| Airport | Location | Accepts eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Wattay International Airport | Vientiane | Yes |
| Luang Prabang International Airport | Luang Prabang | Yes |
| Pakse International Airport | Champasak | Yes |
| Savannakhet Airport | Savannakhet | Yes |
| Boten Airport | Luang Namtha | Yes |
| Land Crossing | Connects To | Accepts eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I | Nong Khai (Thailand) – Vientiane | Yes |
| Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II | Mukdahan (Thailand) – Savannakhet | Yes |
| Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge III | Nakhon Phanom (Thailand) – Thakhek | Yes |
| Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge IV | Chiang Khong (Thailand) – Huay Xai | Yes |
| Boten Land Border | Mohan (China) – Luang Namtha | Yes |
The Laos eVisa for Thai citizens is not accepted at every minor border entry point. Verify your intended crossing supports eVisa clearance at laoevisa.gov.la before travel.
Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) – Mandatory Since September 2025
Thai citizens applying for or entering Laos with a Laos eVisa for Thai citizens – or under visa exemption – must also complete the LDIF, a digital arrival card replacing paper forms, at immigration.gov.la.
- Submit the form within 3 days before arrival and 3 days before departure.
- Enter passport details, travel dates, and accommodation information; save the confirmation for presentation at the border.
- Enforcement is active at Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I and expanding to other entry points. Source: immigration.gov.la, announcement dated 2 September 2025.
Visa Exemptions for Other ASEAN Nationals
While this guide focuses on the Laos eVisa for Thai citizens, Filipino, Malaysian, Singaporean, and Vietnamese nationals follow similar ASEAN exemption rules.
| Country | Visa Exemption | Max Duration | eVisa Required When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | Yes | 30 days | Stays > 30 days or non-tourism |
| Philippines | Yes | 30 days | Stays > 30 days or non-tourism |
| Malaysia | Yes | 30 days | Stays > 30 days or non-tourism |
| Singapore | Yes | 30 days | Stays > 30 days or non-tourism |
| Vietnam | Yes | 30 days | Stays > 30 days or non-tourism |
Applicants from these nationalities needing an eVisa follow the same $50 USD single-entry procedure as the Laos eVisa for Thai citizens.
Extending Your Stay in Laos and Overstay Penalties
Thai citizens holding a Laos eVisa for Thai citizens, or entering under visa exemption, may apply for one extension at the Department of Immigration of Lao PDR, Nongping Road, Dongnasok Village, Sikhottabong District, Vientiane Capital. Telephone: (021) 219 607. Fax: (021) 251 287. Hotline: 1502. Processing takes several business days; bring passport, current visa or eVisa copy, application form, and extension fee.
Overstay fee: ~$10 USD per day, payable at departure in USD or Lao Kip. Extended overstay risks detention, deportation, or future entry bans. Apply for extension before visa or exemption expiry.
Thai citizens from border provinces can alternatively obtain a Temporary Border Pass for short-term crossings into contiguous Lao provinces (Nong Khai – Vientiane, Mukdahan – Savannakhet), separate from the Laos eVisa for Thai citizens system.
Laos eVisa for Thai Citizens: FAQ
Can Thai citizens enter Laos without a visa in 2026?
Yes – up to 30 days for tourism under the bilateral Thailand-Laos agreement. A Laos eVisa for Thai citizens is required only for stays over 30 days or non-tourist purposes.
How much does a Laos eVisa cost for Thai citizens?
$50 USD per single-entry application, approximately 1,800-1,900 THB. Payment via Visa or Mastercard; Thai-issued cards accepted with possible currency conversion fee.
How long does Laos eVisa processing take for Thai passport holders?
Standard processing: 3-5 business days. Apply at least 5 days before your planned travel date. Delays may occur during peak periods.
What documents do Thai citizens need for a Laos eVisa?
A valid Thai passport (minimum 6 months remaining), digital passport photo (white background, JPG/PNG), proof of accommodation in Laos, and flight or travel itinerary confirmation.
Which border crossings accept the Lao eVisa for Thai travellers?
Five international airports (Wattay, Luang Prabang, Pakse, Savannakhet, Boten) and Friendship Bridges I-IV, plus Boten land border. Verify the full 2026 list at laoevisa.gov.la.
Is the Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) required for Thai citizens?
Yes. Mandatory since 1 September 2025 for all foreign nationals. Submit at immigration.gov.la within 3 days before arrival and departure.
Can Thai citizens extend their stay in Laos beyond 30 days?
Yes – one extension only, at the Department of Immigration in Vientiane (Nongping Road, Sikhottabong District). Bring passport, visa copy, and fee; processing takes several business days.
What is the penalty for overstaying a Laos visa as a Thai citizen?
Approximately $10 USD per day, payable at departure. Extended overstay may result in detention, deportation, or entry bans.
Is there a Thai-language version of the Laos eVisa website?
No. laoevisa.gov.la is available in English and Chinese only. Thai citizens should use the English application form and ensure all details match their passport.
Can Thai citizens use a Temporary Border Pass to enter Laos?
Yes. Thai citizens from border provinces can obtain a pass for short-term crossings into contiguous Lao provinces (Nong Khai – Vientiane, Mukdahan – Savannakhet), separate from the eVisa system.
This guide was last reviewed in September 2026. Cross-check current requirements at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/laos and laoevisa.gov.la before travelling.
