The Laos eVisa for Australians allows citizens of Australia and New Zealand to obtain a single-entry tourist visa online. It costs approximately 53 USD (~82 AUD / ~88 NZD) and takes 3 business days to process. Both Australian and New Zealand passport holders apply through the Lao eVisa portal at laoevisa.gov.la. The visa permits a maximum stay of 30 days, valid for 60 days from issue, and requires a passport with at least six months validity from entry.
Travellers must also complete the mandatory Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) within 3 days before arrival at immigration.gov.la. This guide was last updated on 10 September 2026; verify current fees and requirements on laoevisa.gov.la before applying.
Laos eVisa for Australians is an online single-entry tourist visa costing approximately 53 USD (approximately 82 AUD / 88 NZD). It allows a stay of up to 30 days, is valid for 60 days from issue, and is accepted at five major airports and land crossings. Processing takes 3 business days. New Zealand passport holders follow the same process and fees. Apply at laoevisa.gov.la at least one week before departure.
What Is the Laos eVisa and Can Australians Apply?
The Laos eVisa for Australians is a single-entry electronic tourist visa permitting a maximum stay of 30 days, with a 60-day validity window from issue. Both Australian and New Zealand passport holders are eligible through the laoevisa.gov.la portal.
The Laos eVisa for Australians covers tourism only; business and transit visa types fall outside its scope. The eVisa (~53 USD, card) differs from the Visa on Arrival (40 USD, USD cash at border). No expedited option exists for tourist eVisas.
Document and Photo Requirements for AU & NZ Passport Holders
Applicants for the Laos eVisa for Australians need the following documents and details:
- Passport: Colour scan of bio-data page, all four corners visible, valid at least 6 months from entry (entering 15 November 2026 means valid until 15 May 2027), minimum 2 blank pages recommended. Australian passport renewals take up to six weeks via smartraveller.gov.au.
- Photo: Minimum 600 x 600 px, JPEG or PNG, max 1 MB, white background, no glasses.
- Travel details: Flight itinerary and accommodation address in Laos.
- Email: Active address for eVisa PDF delivery.
- Children: Separate passport and eVisa application per child, full fee applies. Under-18s without both parents need a notarised consent letter (Australians: [email protected]).
The 6-Month Passport Validity Rule
The Laos eVisa for Australians requires passport validity of at least 6 months from entry. Passports expiring within this window may result in denied entry at the border checkpoint. Allow up to six weeks for Australian passport renewals.
Photo Specifications
Minimum 600 x 600 px, JPEG or PNG, max 1 MB, white or light-coloured background, taken within the last 6 months, no glasses, no head coverings except religious.
Travelling with Children
Each child needs a separate passport and eVisa application with the full fee. Under-18s travelling without both parents require a notarised consent letter. Australian citizens: [email protected].
Application Steps, Cost, and Processing Time
The Laos eVisa for Australians involves three macro-steps on laoevisa.gov.la: Apply, Pay, Download. Total cost: ~53 USD (~82 AUD / ~88 NZD). Standard processing: 3 business days, extending to 5-7 business days during peak periods.
| Fee Item | USD | Approx. AUD | Approx. NZD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base eVisa fee | 50 USD | ~78 AUD | ~83 NZD |
| Bank processing surcharge | ~3 USD | ~4 AUD | ~5 NZD |
| Total eVisa | ~53 USD | ~82 AUD | ~88 NZD |
| Visa on Arrival (cash) | 40 USD | ~62 AUD | ~66 NZD |
Apply
Register at laoevisa.gov.la, agree to Terms and Conditions, complete the form with personal details, passport data, travel dates, and accommodation. Upload your passport bio-data page scan and a compliant digital photo.
Pay
Pay 50 USD base fee plus ~3 USD surcharge by Visa or Mastercard.
Download
Receive your eVisa approval as a PDF with QR code via email. Download and print for immigration.
Apply at least 5-7 working days before departure. Track status using your Application ID. If you receive a payment error, try a different browser or clear your cache. The Laos eVisa for Australians does not offer expedited processing.
Entry Points, LDIF, and Visa on Arrival Alternatives
The Laos eVisa for Australians is accepted at five major checkpoints. The LDIF is mandatory regardless of entry point.
| Entry Point | Location | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wattay International Airport | Vientiane | Airport |
| Luang Prabang International Airport | Luang Prabang | Airport |
| Pakse International Airport | Pakse | Airport |
| Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I | Vientiane – Nong Khai | Land crossing |
| Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II | Savannakhet – Mukdahan | Land crossing |
| Criterion | eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ~53 USD (card) | 40 USD (cash) |
| Payment | Visa / Mastercard | USD cash only (exact amount) |
| Processing | 3 business days | 15-60 min (queue) |
| Entry points | 5 airports + bridges | Most airports + borders |
| Best for | Planned arrivals | Last-minute, minor crossings |
The LDIF, mandatory for all foreign visitors since 1 September 2025, must be submitted within 3 days before arrival at immigration.gov.la. Minor land crossings may not accept the Laos eVisa for Australians; verify your route before departure.
Visa Extension and How to Avoid eVisa Rejection
The Laos eVisa for Australians can be extended once for up to 30 additional days at the Department of Immigration in Vientiane (Nongping Road, Dongnasok Village, Sikhottabong District). Fee: ~2 USD. Processing: 2-3 working days. Hotline: 1502.
Common rejection reasons for the Laos eVisa for Australians: blurry passport scans, non-compliant photos (wrong size, background, sunglasses), passports expiring within 6 months, name mismatches with passport. Use a free photo-resizing tool to ensure exactly 600 x 600 px and under 1 MB before uploading. Double-check all fields before submitting.
Emergency Contacts for Australian and NZ Travellers in Laos
Save these numbers offline before departure; mobile data can be unreliable in rural Laos. The Laos eVisa for Australians does not include consular support; these are separate services.
| Service | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australian 24-hour consular (overseas) | +61 2 6261 3305 | DFAT |
| Australian 24-hour consular (within AU) | 1300 555 135 | DFAT |
| Australian Embassy, Vientiane | +856 21 353 800 | |
| NZ Embassy (accredited from Bangkok) | +66 2 286 5071 | |
| Lao Immigration Hotline | 1502 | |
| Lao Police | 1191 | |
| Ambulance | 1195 | |
| Tourist Police (Vientiane) | +856 21 251 555 |
Notarial services: [email protected]. Smartraveller: smartraveller.gov.au. NZ SafeTravel: safetravel.govt.nz. Carry these numbers alongside your Laos eVisa for Australians printout.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Laos eVisa for Australians
The Laos eVisa for Australians FAQ below covers costs, processing, validity, entry rules, and extensions. The Laos eVisa for Australians applies equally to New Zealand passport holders.
Can Australians get a visa on arrival for Laos?
Yes. VoA is available at most airports and major borders for 40 USD cash. The eVisa lets you skip the queue by applying online.
How much does the Laos eVisa cost for AU and NZ passport holders?
~53 USD total: 50 USD base fee plus ~3 USD surcharge, payable by card. VoA costs 40 USD cash.
How long does it take to process a Laos eVisa?
Standard: 3 business days. Peak periods: 5-7 business days. No expedited option. Apply at least 5-7 days before departure.
Is the Laos eVisa valid for New Zealand citizens?
Yes. New Zealand citizens follow the same process, fees, and conditions as Australian citizens.
How long can I stay in Laos with an eVisa?
Single entry, maximum 30-day stay. Must enter within 60 days of issue.
Do I need to fill out the LDIF if I have an eVisa?
Yes. Submit the LDIF within 3 days before arrival at immigration.gov.la to receive a QR code.
Which border checkpoints accept the Laos eVisa?
Wattay, Luang Prabang, and Pakse airports plus Friendship Bridges I and II. Smaller crossings may not accept eVisas.
Can I extend my Laos tourist visa beyond 30 days?
Yes. Extend once for 30 additional days at the Department of Immigration in Vientiane for ~2 USD.
What are the photo requirements for the Laos eVisa?
Passport-style, white background, 600 x 600 px minimum, JPEG or PNG, max 1 MB. No glasses.
What happens if my Laos eVisa application is rejected?
Reapply after correcting the issue. Common causes: blurry scans, non-compliant photos, or passports expiring within 6 months.
Disclaimer: This is an independent informational guide, not affiliated with the Lao government or any visa processing agency. Always verify requirements on laoevisa.gov.la before applying.
