Published: 15 January 2026 | Last reviewed: 10 September 2026
To apply for a Laos eVisa as a family, visit the Laos eVisa portal at laoevisa.gov.la, create an account, and add each family member, including children with their own passport, to a single application cart. Pay the per-person fee in one transaction and download each approved eVisa before travel. Every applicant, regardless of age, must hold a separate passport.
The Laos eVisa requires a separate passport and individual application for every family member, including infants. All applicants can be added to a single cart on the Laos eVisa portal at laoevisa.gov.la and paid for in one transaction. UK passport holders with at least six months’ validity are eligible.
A Laos eVisa family application follows three steps: Apply, Pay, Download. Every member needs a biometric passport and digital photo; the fixed per-person fee has no infant exemptions; processing takes about three working days.
Who Is Eligible for the Laos eVisa?
Every Laos eVisa applicant, including infants, needs a passport valid for at least six months beyond the entry date, for single-entry tourism visits of up to 30 days. Per the Department of Immigration, every member must meet these criteria independently. UK passport holders can apply at laoevisa.gov.la; refer to gov.uk foreign travel advice for current entry guidance.
- Tourism purpose only – single entry, maximum 30-day stay (immigration.gov.la)
- Passport validity – minimum 6 months from date of entry, at least one blank page (gov.uk)
- Visa on arrival – available at major border checkpoints as an alternative for nationalities not eligible for the Laos eVisa
How to Apply for a Laos eVisa as a Family or Group
Apply
Visit laoevisa.gov.la, add each family member to the cart, and fill an individual application form per person (name, passport number, contact details, accommodation).
Pay
Pay the fixed per-person USD fee for the entire group in one transaction via Visa or Mastercard. Any group member’s card may be used; no requirement that the cardholder name matches an applicant name is stated on the portal.
Download
Each family member receives a separate Application ID and a separate approval email; download each Laos eVisa approval PDF individually.
Can a Group Submit a Single Application?
No shared application form exists. Each family member receives a unique Application ID, and status can be checked via the “Retrieve Application ID” function on the Laos eVisa portal. No maximum group size per cart is published; splitting groups larger than 10 applicants into separate cart sessions is recommended.
Required Documents for a Family Laos eVisa
Each family member needs a biometric passport scan, a digital photo, and accommodation confirmation listing every applicant’s name. Minors travelling with one guardian also need a parental consent letter.
- Biometric passport – minimum 6 months validity from the entry date, with at least one blank page (gov.uk)
- Digital photo – JPEG or PNG format, white background, uploaded per applicant during Step 1 on laoevisa.gov.la
- Accommodation confirmation – hotel or booking listing every family member’s name
- Return ticket or travel itinerary showing departure from Laos
- Birth certificate (certified, in English) for each minor, proving relationship to the accompanying adult
- Parental consent letter – required when a minor travels with only one parent or guardian; notarisation recommended
- Terms and Conditions agreement – every applicant must click “I Agree” on the Laos eVisa portal before submission
A child listed in a parent’s passport cannot receive a separate Laos eVisa – every minor, including newborns, must hold an individual biometric passport to qualify.
Laos eVisa Age Requirements for Minors
There is no minimum age for the Laos eVisa – any child with their own passport can receive an eVisa. Every minor must hold an individual passport; children listed in a parent’s passport cannot apply. Under-18s must list a legal guardian in the form. Infants pay the full fee with no published exemptions. Every child with a passport must also file a Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) within 3 days before arrival (launched 1 September 2025).
Do Children Need Their Own Passport?
Yes. A child listed in a parent’s passport cannot receive a Laos eVisa; every minor, including newborns, must hold an individual biometric passport. UK parents can arrange this through HM Passport Office, which offers a 1-week fast-track service for urgent travel. Passport validity must be at least 6 months from the entry date.
Parental Consent Requirements for Minors
A minor travelling with only one parent or a guardian needs a parental consent letter in English and a certified birth certificate for immigration inspection. The consent letter should be signed by the absent parent; notarisation is recommended. For school trips, written authorisation from all parents or guardians plus a school authority letter is advised.
Student-Specific Rules for the Laos eVisa
The Laos eVisa covers school trips under 30 days for tourism; longer semesters, exchanges, or internships require a student visa from a Lao embassy. The Laos eVisa is restricted to tourism purpose and a 30-day maximum stay (immigration.gov.la).
| Scenario | Duration | Visa required |
|---|---|---|
| School field trip (tourism) | Under 30 days | Tourist Laos eVisa |
| University exchange / semester | Over 30 days | Student visa (embassy) |
| Volunteer placement / internship | Any | Business or student visa (embassy) |
For school group leaders: add each student to the same cart on the Laos eVisa portal; the responsible adult (teacher or group leader) acts as primary contact. Refer to gov.uk foreign travel advice for current entry guidance.
Laos eVisa Fees and Payment Methods
The Laos eVisa costs a fixed USD fee per person, infants included, payable by Visa or Mastercard. Any group member’s card can be used regardless of whose name appears on the application. If payment fails, the application remains in the cart; re-attempt payment without resubmitting documents. Use the fee calculator on laoevisa.gov.la for current pricing. Visa on arrival may carry additional queuing time at the border; compare total costs before choosing.
Processing Time and When to Apply
Laos eVisa processing takes around three working days. Apply at least 5 days before the arrival date; the arrival date must be no more than 60 days from the application date. Each applicant receives a unique Application ID; check status via the “Retrieve Application ID” function on the Laos eVisa portal. Each approval arrives as a separate email. Applying early leaves time to resolve payment or upload issues.
Practical Tips for a Successful Family or Group Application
- Scan all passports and digital photos before starting; submit the Laos eVisa for families and groups in one cart session.
- Print each eVisa approval PDF and track all Application IDs in a spreadsheet.
- Submit the LDIF for each person within 3 days before arrival via immigration.gov.la.
- Carry parental consent documents and birth certificates in hand luggage for immigration inspection.
- Common pitfalls: the portal frequently rejects digital photos for shadows or incorrect background colour. Use a plain white wall with even lighting.
- Travel insurance is not mandatory for the Laos eVisa but is strongly recommended for families with children.
- For assistance, contact Laos Immigration: hotline 1502, telephone (021) 219 607, fax (021) 251 287.
This article is provided for informational purposes only. Always verify current requirements on the Laos eVisa portal at laoevisa.gov.la before submitting your application.
FAQ
How do I apply for a Laos eVisa as a family from the UK?
Visit laoevisa.gov.la, create an account, add each family member to the cart, complete individual forms, upload documents, and pay once. Each family member must hold their own passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
Can children be added to a parent’s Laos eVisa application?
There is no single family application. Each child needs their own form and Application ID, but the family can process all submissions within one cart session and pay in one transaction.
What age can a child apply for a Laos eVisa?
There is no minimum age. Any child, even a newborn, can receive a Laos eVisa provided they hold their own biometric passport with at least six months’ validity. Infants pay the full fee as there are no published exemptions.
Are there student-specific rules for the Laos eVisa?
A standard tourist Laos eVisa covers school trips of under 30 days for tourism purposes. Longer study programmes, exchanges, or internships exceeding 30 days require a student visa obtained from a Lao embassy.
How much does a Laos eVisa cost for a family of four?
Multiply the fixed per-person fee by four; there is no published discount for children or infants. Use the fee calculator on laoevisa.gov.la for current pricing.
How long does the Laos eVisa take to process for a group?
Processing takes around three working days, but the portal requires at least five days’ lead time. Families are advised to apply two to three weeks before departure.
Which Laos entry points accept the eVisa?
The Laos eVisa is accepted at major international airports and select land crossings. The Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I is one confirmed active checkpoint (immigration.gov.la). Confirm accepted entry points on laoevisa.gov.la or gov.uk foreign travel advice.
What should I do if a family member’s Laos eVisa is rejected?
Check for errors in the submitted documents (blurry scans, expired passport, incorrect photo format), then reapply with corrected information. Eligible nationalities may alternatively obtain a visa on arrival at the border.
Is travel insurance required for a Laos family eVisa?
Travel insurance is not mandatory for the Laos eVisa application, but it is strongly recommended, especially for families with children, to cover medical emergencies in Laos.
Can I re-enter Laos with the same eVisa?
No. The Laos eVisa is single entry only (gov.uk; immigration.gov.la). If you plan to leave Laos and return, you will need a new eVisa or visa on arrival.
