The Laos eVisa for Chinese citizens costs approximately $50 USD (government fee) and processes in 3 to 5 business days. The eVisa grants a 30-day single-entry stay at designated airports, land borders, and the Boten railway crossing. Japanese and South Korean citizens are visa-exempt for up to 30 days under bilateral agreements.
Requirements & Visa Exemptions for East Asian Citizens
Applicants for the Laos eVisa for Chinese citizens need: a passport valid 6+ months from the intended date of entry, a 4×6 cm digital photo (JPEG/PNG, white background), a colour passport bio-data page scan, proof of accommodation in Laos, a return or onward flight itinerary, and a valid email address. The Laos eVisa for Chinese citizens applies to Ordinary Passport holders; Service and Diplomatic Passport holders may be exempt under bilateral agreements. All documents are uploaded via the government portal at laoevisa.gov.la (copyright 2019-2026, system version 1.2.11, supports English and Chinese).
Japanese and South Korean citizens are visa-exempt for up to 30 days under bilateral agreements and do not need an eVisa for standard tourist stays.
| Nationality | Visa Required? | Max Visa-Free Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese (Ordinary Passport) | Yes | N/A |
| Chinese (Service/Diplomatic) | May be exempt | Per bilateral agreement |
| Japanese | No | 30 days |
| South Korean | No | 30 days |
Requirements for Different Chinese Passport Types
- Ordinary Passport: eVisa required; full document checklist applies.
- Service Passport: may be exempt under bilateral agreements; verify before travel.
- Diplomatic Passport: exempt; no eVisa needed.
Since 1 September 2025, all foreign nationals must complete the Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) at immigration.gov.la within 3 days before arrival or departure.
Step-by-Step Application Process & Processing Time
The Laos eVisa for Chinese citizens requires three core steps on the eVisa portal: complete the online application form, pay the visa fee securely, and download the approval letter via email.
Apply
Fill the application form at laoevisa.gov.la, selecting your nationality, entry point, and travel dates. Upload a passport bio-data page scan, a 4×6 cm photo, and your return itinerary.
Pay
Submit the visa fee using a secured payment method. Accepted cards include Visa, Mastercard, and UnionPay.
Download
Receive the eVisa approval as a PDF attachment in your email. Print the confirmation and present it with your passport at the port of entry.
Standard processing time is 3-5 business days. Expedited processing of approximately 24 business hours is available only through third-party commercial services. Use your Application ID to check the status of the Laos eVisa for Chinese citizens on the portal. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel (GOV.UK advises at least 5 days).
Fees, Payment Methods & Eligible Entry Points
Government fee: ~$50 USD (Chinese citizens). Japanese and South Korean citizens: visa-exempt (no fee). UK applicants: the $50 USD fee is approximately £39 GBP at current exchange rates; verify with your bank before payment.
| Nationality | Government Fee | Third-Party Service Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese citizens | ~$50 USD | $15-$30 USD |
| Japanese citizens | Not applicable (visa-exempt) | Not applicable |
| South Korean citizens | Not applicable (visa-exempt) | Not applicable |
The Laos eVisa for Chinese citizens is payable on the government portal via Visa, Mastercard, or UnionPay. WeChat Pay and Alipay are not confirmed as supported; applicants without an international card may need a third-party processor.
| Entry Point | Type |
|---|---|
| Wattay International Airport (Vientiane) | Air |
| Luang Prabang International Airport | Air |
| Pakse International Airport | Air |
| Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge crossings | Land |
| Boten railway border crossing (Lao-China Railway) | Rail |
Entering Laos via the Lao-China Railway (Boten)
The Laos eVisa for Chinese citizens is accepted at the Boten railway border crossing. Carry a printed eVisa confirmation, valid passport, and train ticket. Arrive early and keep the eVisa printout accessible. The government portal features an introductory video: “Lao eVisa – Lao China Railway Introduction”.
Government Portal vs Third-Party Services
laoevisa.gov.la is the government portal (no service fee beyond the government fee). laoevisa.org is a private agency operated by TRAVELNER TRAVEL AGENCY L.L.C (Dubai, UAE), not affiliated with the Lao government, charging a $15-$30 USD service fee. It offers a money-back guarantee if rejected and 24/7 support (UK hotline: +44 0330 822 7696, email: [email protected]). Third-party processor sherpa° reports a visa approval rate over 99%. For maximum security and cost-effectiveness, apply directly on laoevisa.gov.la unless you need expedited processing or have payment difficulties.
Validity, Extensions & eVisa vs Visa on Arrival
A Laos eVisa for Chinese citizens permits a 30-day single-entry stay; holders must enter Laos within 60 days of issuance. The eVisa can be extended once at the Department of Immigration in Vientiane.
Department of Immigration of Lao PDRNongping Road, Dongnasok Village, Sikhottabong District, Vientiane Capital, Laos
Tel: (021) 219 607 · Fax: (021) 251 287 · Hotline: 1502
Required for extension: passport, eVisa printout, proof of funds. Fee payable on site.
| Feature | Laos eVisa | Visa on Arrival (VOA) |
|---|---|---|
| Processing time | 3-5 business days (online) | 30-60 minutes at border |
| Convenience | Pre-approved; no border queue | Queue at port of entry |
| Required documents | Passport scan, digital photo, itinerary | Same documents, presented on arrival |
| Recommended for | Chinese citizens (eVisa required) | Japanese & South Korean citizens (visa-exempt up to 30 days; VOA or eVisa only needed for longer stays) |
The Laos eVisa for Chinese citizens is recommended over VOA, while Japanese and South Korean nationals may use the eVisa only for stays exceeding the 30-day visa-free period.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Visa policies change frequently; always verify requirements on the government portal at laoevisa.gov.la before applying. Last reviewed: 10 September 2026.
FAQ
Do Chinese citizens need a visa to visit Laos in 2026?
Yes. Chinese ordinary passport holders must obtain an eVisa or a visa on arrival for tourism. The Laos eVisa for Chinese citizens can be applied for online via the government portal at laoevisa.gov.la before your planned travel dates.
How much does the Laos eVisa cost for Chinese citizens?
Government fee: ~$50 USD. Third-party services add $15-$30. Verify the exact amount via the fee calculator at laoevisa.gov.la.
How long does Laos eVisa processing take?
Standard processing takes 3 to 5 business days. Third-party agencies offer expedited processing as fast as 24 business hours for an extra fee. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel.
Can I enter Laos via the Lao-China Railway with an eVisa?
Yes. The eVisa is accepted at the Boten railway border crossing. Present a printed eVisa confirmation, valid passport, and train ticket to immigration authorities upon arrival.
Do Japanese and South Korean citizens need a Laos eVisa?
No. Both nationalities enjoy visa-free entry for up to 30 days under bilateral agreements. An eVisa is optional for longer stays.
What is the Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF)?
The LDIF is a mandatory online form (launched September 2025) for all foreigners, to be completed within 3 days of arrival/departure at immigration.gov.la. It complements, not replaces, the eVisa.
What payment methods are accepted on the eVisa portal?
The government portal at laoevisa.gov.la accepts Visa, Mastercard, and UnionPay. WeChat Pay and Alipay are not currently confirmed as supported. Applicants without an international card may use a third-party service.
How long is the Laos eVisa valid for?
The Laos eVisa grants a 30-day single-entry stay. You must enter Laos within 60 days of issuance. You can extend once at the Immigration Department in Vientiane for an additional fee.
