Last updated: 10 September 2026. Information verified against the Lao eVisa portal at laoevisa.gov.la and UK Foreign Office travel advice.
The Laos eVisa is a single-entry visa costing $70 USD for a 30-day stay. A multiple-entry visa costs $80 to $150 USD and is obtained through a Lao embassy or consulate.
This guide compares the Laos eVisa single vs multiple entry options across fees, application processes, processing times, and allowed stays to help UK travellers choose the right visa for 2026. The standard eVisa permits one entry within a 60-day validity window, while embassy-issued multiple-entry visas allow unlimited entries across 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month periods.
In 2026, the Laos eVisa is available as a single-entry visa only, costing approximately $70 USD (valid for 60 days, allowing a 30-day stay). A multiple-entry visa for Laos can only be obtained through a Lao embassy or consulate, costs $80 to $150 USD depending on validity (3 to 12 months), and permits unlimited entries with 30 days per visit.
Single-Entry eVisa vs Multiple-Entry Embassy Visa
The key difference in the Laos eVisa single vs multiple entry comparison: the eVisa is single-entry only, while multiple-entry visas are issued exclusively by embassies.
| Attribute | Single-Entry eVisa | Multiple-Entry Embassy Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | $70 USD ($50 service + $20 stamp) | $80 / $120 / $150 USD (3 / 6 / 12 months) |
| Entries | 1 | Unlimited within validity |
| Allowed stay per entry | 30 days | 30 days |
| Validity after issuance | 60 days (must enter within window) | 3, 6, or 12 months |
| Processing time | 3 business days | 5 to 15 business days |
| Application method | Online at laoevisa.gov.la | In person or by post at a Lao embassy or consulate |
Fee Comparison and Application Process
The Laos eVisa single vs multiple entry fee gap: a single-entry eVisa costs $70 USD (~£55 GBP), while embassy-issued multiple-entry visas range from $80 USD to $150 USD (~£63 to £118 GBP). Visa on Arrival at the border costs $30 to $42 USD (~£24 to £33 GBP). GBP equivalents are approximate (rates fluctuate). Third-party agents may add service fees.
The single-entry eVisa application has three steps at laoevisa.gov.la, while the embassy visa requires in-person or postal submission of additional documents.
| Step | eVisa (Online) | Embassy Visa |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Apply | Fill the online form at laoevisa.gov.la | Contact Lao embassy; gather documents (passport, photo, invitation letter, bank statements) |
| 2. Pay | Pay $70 USD by credit or debit card | Submit in person or by post; pay fee per validity tier |
| 3. Receive | Download eVisa PDF by email within 3 business days | Collect passport with visa stamp after 5 to 15 business days |
Which Laos Visa Option Should You Choose in 2026?
Single-entry eVisas suit one-stop trips from the UK; travellers crossing borders and returning to Laos need a multiple-entry embassy visa.
- London to Vientiane, 2-week holiday: Choose the single-entry eVisa at $70 USD, processed in 3 business days via laoevisa.gov.la.
- Backpacking Thailand to Laos to Vietnam to Laos: A 6-month embassy visa at $120 USD permits unlimited re-entries within the validity period.
- Small land border not accepting eVisa: Visa on Arrival at $30 to $42 USD is available at many checkpoints.
- Staying more than 30 days: The eVisa plus a one-time extension at the Department of Immigration, Nongping Road, Dongnasok Village, Sikhottabong District, Vientiane Capital, at approximately $2 to $3 USD per day.
- Business travel across 6 months: A 6-month or 12-month embassy visa ($120 to $150 USD) suits frequent entries.
Laos eVisa Requirements for UK Passport Holders
UK citizens qualify for the Laos eVisa with a passport valid at least 6 months beyond the date of arrival, and must complete the mandatory Lao Digital Immigration Form before entry.
British passport holders are eligible for the eVisa at $70 USD (~£55 GBP) and Visa on Arrival at $30 to $42 USD (~£24 to £33 GBP) at the border. GBP equivalents are approximate.
Since 1 September 2025, all foreigners, including eVisa holders, must submit the Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) online at immigration.gov.la within 3 days before both arrival and departure. This requirement applies regardless of visa type. Full entry requirements are available at GOV.UK foreign travel advice for Laos.
Department of Immigration contact: Telephone (021) 219 607, Hotline 1502, Address: Nongping Road, Dongnasok Village, Sikhottabong District, Vientiane Capital.
FAQ: Laos eVisa Single vs Multiple Entry
Is there a multiple-entry eVisa for Laos?
No. Laos does not offer a multiple-entry eVisa online. Multiple-entry visas are available only through a Lao embassy or consulate, with validity of 3, 6, or 12 months.
How long can I stay in Laos on a single-entry eVisa?
The maximum stay is 30 days from the date of entry. The eVisa is single-entry only and becomes void upon exit.
What is the fee difference between single-entry and multiple-entry Laos visas?
Single-entry eVisa: $70 USD ($50 service + $20 stamp). Embassy multiple-entry: $80 USD (3 months), $120 USD (6 months), or $150 USD (1 year). Visa on Arrival: $30 to $42 USD.
Can I extend my single-entry Laos eVisa inside the country?
Yes, extend once at the Department of Immigration in Vientiane (Nongping Road, Dongnasok Village, Sikhottabong District) or Luang Prabang for approximately $2 to $3 USD per day. Apply before the 30-day stay expires.
What happens if I leave Laos on a single-entry eVisa?
Your eVisa becomes void. To re-enter, obtain a new eVisa online (approximately 3 business days), Visa on Arrival ($30 to $42 USD), or a pre-arranged embassy visa.
Which entry points in Laos accept the eVisa?
The eVisa is accepted at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang International Airport, Pakse International Airport, and Lao-Thai Friendship Bridges I, II, III, and IV. Not all smaller land borders accept the eVisa; check laoevisa.gov.la for the current full list.
How long does it take to get a Laos eVisa?
Standard processing is approximately 3 business days from submission at laoevisa.gov.la. No expedited option exists. Embassy visas take 5 to 15 business days.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Laos in 2026?
Yes. UK passport holders need a visa for Laos, with passport validity of at least 6 months beyond arrival. Options: eVisa, Visa on Arrival, or embassy visa.
Is there a double-entry visa for Laos?
No. Laos offers no double-entry visa. Options are single-entry (eVisa or Visa on Arrival) or multiple-entry (embassy only). For two entries, get a multiple-entry embassy visa or two separate single-entry visas.
Do I need to fill in a digital immigration form for Laos in 2026?
Yes. Since 1 September 2025, all foreigners must complete the Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) at immigration.gov.la within 3 days before both arrival and departure. This applies to eVisa and Visa on Arrival holders alike.
Can I convert a single-entry eVisa to a multiple-entry visa?
No. There is no conversion process. Apply separately for a multiple-entry visa at a Lao embassy or consulate before travelling.
What if my Laos eVisa application is rejected?
Reapply online with corrected information, or obtain a Visa on Arrival at the border ($30 to $42 USD), or contact a Lao embassy for a consular visa.
Sources: laoevisa.gov.la (Lao eVisa portal), immigration.gov.la (LDIF requirement), gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/laos (UK FCDO travel advice). This guide is for informational purposes only; visa rules may change without notice. Always confirm current requirements with the Lao eVisa portal or your nearest embassy before applying.
