As of 2026, the Laos eVisa is accepted at designated airports including Wattay, Luang Prabang, Pakse, and Savannakhet; key land border crossings such as the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridges I-IV and select Vietnam-Laos checkpoints; and railway stations on the Laos-China Railway line. The eVisa is single-entry and valid for 30 days.
UK travellers planning a trip to Laos must ensure they cross at one of these approved Laos eVisa entry points. While Laos has 31 international border checkpoints in total, only a specific subset is authorised to process the eVisa.
In addition to your eVisa, the Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) is mandatory for all arrivals and departures since 1 September 2025. You must complete this online registration within 3 days before your arrival and departure.
Which Entry Points Accept the Laos eVisa?
Only a subset of the 31 international border checkpoints (source: immigration.gov.la) accept the eVisa, covering borders with Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Cambodia. The Laos eVisa entry points include 4 airports, 10+ land crossings, railway stations, and river ports where immigration officers process eVisa holders upon arrival in 2026.
UK passport holders are eligible to apply for the Laos eVisa alongside all other nationalities. The eVisa costs $50 USD (non-refundable), is single entry only, and permits a 30-day stay. For authoritative entry requirements tailored to British citizens, consult the GOV.UK travel advice portal at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/laos as an external source. The complete roster of every approved Laos eVisa entry point follows in the master table below.
For direct enquiries about Laos eVisa entry points, the Department of Immigration of Lao PDR can be reached at telephone (021) 219 607, hotline 1502, or at their office: Nongping Road, Dongnasok Village, Sikhottabong District, Vientiane Capital.
Complete List of Laos eVisa Entry Points (2026)
Of the 31 international border checkpoints registered with the Department of Immigration (immigration.gov.la), a verified subset accepts the eVisa. The list below is cross-referenced with laoevisa.gov.la.
| Checkpoint | Type | Border Country | City/Region | eVisa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wattay International Airport | Airport | – | Vientiane Capital | Yes |
| Luang Prabang International Airport | Airport | – | Luang Prabang | Yes |
| Pakse International Airport | Airport | – | Pakse | Yes |
| Savannakhet Airport | Airport | – | Savannakhet | Yes |
| Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I | Land | Thailand | Vientiane | Yes |
| Second Friendship Bridge | Land | Thailand | Savannakhet | Yes |
| Third Friendship Bridge | Land | Thailand | Khammouane | Yes |
| Fourth Friendship Bridge | Land | Thailand | Bokeo | Yes |
| Daensavan-Lao Bao | Land | Vietnam | Savannakhet | Yes |
| Nong Nok Khiene / Trapeang Kriel | Land | Cambodia | Champasak | Yes |
| Nameo-Boten | Land | China | Luang Namtha | Yes |
| Boten Railway Station | Rail | China | Luang Namtha | Yes |
| Houayxay (Chiang Khong ferry) | River | Thailand | Bokeo | Yes |
Last verified: 10 September 2026. Laos eVisa entry points may change – always confirm at laoevisa.gov.la before booking travel.
Airports Accepting the Laos eVisa
Four airports serve as Laos eVisa entry points: Wattay (VTE) in Vientiane Capital for most UK flights, Luang Prabang (LPQ) for northern Laos, Pakse (PKZ) for southern access, and Savannakhet (ZVK). All are classified as International Check Points by immigration.gov.la.
These Laos eVisa entry points may operate separate immigration lanes for eVisa holders, reducing wait times at peak arrival hours.
Land Border Crossings from Thailand
All four Lao-Thai Friendship Bridges accept the eVisa. Bridge I (Nong Khai-Vientiane) is the busiest Laos eVisa entry point for overland arrivals and was the LDIF initial implementation site. Bridges II (Mukdahan-Savannakhet), III (Nakhon Phanom-Khammouane), and IV (Chiang Rai-Bokeo) serve central and northern routes. These Laos eVisa border crossings are the primary overland entry option for UK travellers arriving from Thailand.
Land Border Crossings from Vietnam
Only select crossings such as Daensavan-Lao Bao accept the eVisa; others require Visa on Arrival. These Laos eVisa entry points are important for UK tourists on Vietnam-Laos loop itineraries. Check the master table above for per-crosspoint eligibility.
Cambodia-Laos Border Crossings
The Nong Nok Khiene / Trapeang Kriel crossing accepts the eVisa for backpackers on Cambodia-Laos routes. This is one of the few Laos eVisa authorised border points on the southern border with Cambodia.
China-Laos Border Crossings & Railway
The Nameo-Boten land checkpoint and Boten Railway Station on the Lao-China Railway both process the eVisa. These Laos eVisa entry gateways connect overland travellers from Kunming and serve as the primary rail-based Laos eVisa entry points.
River & Ferry Crossings
The Houayxay river crossing via ferry from Chiang Khong, Thailand, accepts the eVisa. This Laos eVisa access point operates during daytime ferry hours along the Mekong.
eVisa Entry Rules and Requirements (2026)
The Laos eVisa is single-entry only, allows a 30-day stay, and requires the mandatory Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) submitted at least 3 days before arrival. All Laos eVisa entry points enforce these rules uniformly in 2026.
- Fee: $50 USD, non-refundable (source: laoevisa.gov.la).
- Validity: 30 days, single entry only (confirmed by GOV.UK travel advice for Laos).
- Processing time: Typically 3 business days; apply at least 5-7 days before travel.
- Application process: 3 steps at laoevisa.gov.la – Apply, Pay, Download. Approval delivered via email.
- LDIF requirement: Mandatory since 1 September 2025 for all foreigners entering or departing Laos. Submit online at immigration.gov.la within 3 days before arrival and departure. In practice, the LDIF QR code is scanned at passport control before your visa is stamped – fill it out exactly 72 hours before arrival, as submitting too early (4+ days) may result in a rejected form at the counter.
- Documents at the border: Passport valid 6+ months, printed eVisa approval, proof of accommodation, and return/onward ticket.
- Status enquiries: Require the Application ID issued during submission.
Practical Guide – Using Your eVisa at the Laos Border
Laos eVisa entry points require eVisa holders to carry a printed copy, proceed to dedicated immigration lanes, and present their passport and QR code for processing at the border.
Proceed to the counter
Go to the eVisa or immigration counter at the checkpoint.
Present your documents
Present your passport plus a printed eVisa approval (or digital copy on your phone).
Undergo passport control
Undergo passport control and biometric screening, including fingerprint and facial capture where available.
Receive your entry stamp
Receive your entry stamp.
Major airports such as Wattay, Luang Prabang, and Pakse may operate separate immigration lanes for eVisa holders, reducing wait times. A printed copy is strongly recommended – at land crossings with limited digital infrastructure, a printout avoids delays caused by poor phone signal. Carry a paper backup even if airports accept a phone screen.
Most land border checkpoints operate approximately 06:00 to 18:00 local time. Some crossings apply administrative surcharges outside regular business hours, so carry small-denomination US dollar or Thai baht notes.
eVisa holders can exit through any international checkpoint. Exit is not restricted to designated Laos eVisa entry points. Confirm your chosen crossing is open before travelling.
Getting to Each Entry Point – Transport Links
Cross-border buses, the Lao-China Railway, and Mekong ferries connect major cities to every eVisa entry point.
| Checkpoint | Nearest City | Transport Options |
|---|---|---|
| Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I | Vientiane | Shuttle bus across Mekong; Vientiane-Nong Khai bus; train from Bangkok |
| Second Friendship Bridge | Savannakhet | Bus from Mukdahan; Ubon Ratchathani connections |
| Houayxay river crossing | Bokeo | Ferry from Chiang Khong; bus from Chiang Rai |
| Boten Railway Station | Luang Namtha | Lao-China Railway from Kunming / Vientiane |
UK travellers can book cross-border buses, train tickets, and ferry transfers through 12Go Asia and local bus operators. Arrive early at land border crossings, as Laos eVisa entry points along Friendship Bridges I-IV process overland entry during limited daytime hours.
eVisa vs Visa on Arrival – Which Should UK Citizens Choose?
UK citizens can choose between the Laos eVisa ($50 USD online in advance) and Visa on Arrival ($42-$45 USD at the border). British passport holders are not visa-exempt for Laos – a visa is required regardless of the crossing method.
| Requirement | eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $50 USD (non-refundable) | ~$42-$45 USD (varies by nationality) |
| Processing | Online, 3 business days | At the border, 15-30 min |
| Validity | 30 days, single entry | 30 days, single entry |
| Entry points | Designated Laos eVisa entry points only | Most international checkpoints |
| Documents at border | Passport + printed eVisa approval | Passport + 2 photos + application form + fee (cash) |
The eVisa suits pre-planned arrivals at Laos eVisa entry points; Visa on Arrival works for flexible itineraries or non-eVisa checkpoints. Apply for the eVisa at laoevisa.gov.la; confirm VoA availability via GOV.UK travel advice for Laos.
FAQ: Laos eVisa Entry Points
Which airports in Laos accept the eVisa in 2026?
Wattay, Luang Prabang, Pakse, and Savannakhet – all International Check Points (immigration.gov.la).
Can I use the Laos eVisa at the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I (Nong Khai-Vientiane)?
Yes. This is the busiest land crossing for eVisa holders entering from Thailand. It is classified as an International Check Point and was the first site to implement the LDIF system.
Does the Laos eVisa work at the Laos-China Railway checkpoints?
Yes, at designated railway stations including Boten Railway Station on the Vientiane-Boten line. Confirm eVisa acceptance before travel.
Can I enter Laos with an eVisa at the border with Vietnam?
At select crossings only, such as Daensavan-Lao Bao. Many Vietnam-Laos crossings do not accept the eVisa; Visa on Arrival is the alternative. Check the master table above for per-crosspoint eligibility.
How long does the Laos eVisa take to process?
Typically 3 business days. Apply at least 5-7 days before travel. Processing may be delayed during Lao public holidays.
What are the eVisa requirements for UK citizens entering Laos?
UK citizens need a passport valid 6+ months, a digital passport photo, proof of accommodation, and a return or onward ticket. The eVisa is single entry, 30-day stay, $50 USD non-refundable (source: GOV.UK travel advice for Laos).
Do I need to print my Laos eVisa or is a digital copy on my phone enough?
A printed copy is strongly recommended. While some airports may accept a phone screen, land border crossings with limited digital infrastructure may require a paper printout.
Can I leave Laos through any international border crossing with an eVisa?
Yes. eVisa holders can exit through any authorised international checkpoint. Exit is not restricted to designated Laos eVisa entry points. Confirm your crossing is open in advance.
What is the Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) and do eVisa holders need it?
Yes. The LDIF is mandatory for all arrivals and departures since 1 September 2025. Complete it online at immigration.gov.la within 3 days before entry or exit. It is separate from the eVisa application.
Are there extra fees at Laos land border crossings on weekends or holidays?
Some land crossings apply administrative surcharges outside regular business hours. Budget extra cash and carry small-denomination US dollar or Thai baht notes.
