Published: 10 September 2026 | Last updated: 10 September 2026. This is an informational guide for UK travellers, not a government portal. Always verify requirements on official government websites before applying.
The Laos eVisa costs $50 USD and processes in 1 to 3 business days, granting a 30-day single-entry stay. Thailand offers UK passport holders 60-day visa-free entry or a $40 USD eVisa with 5 to 10 business days processing. For British travellers comparing Asian eVisa systems in 2026, both Laos and Thailand utilise digital border entry schemes, but their fees, validity periods, and document requirements vary significantly. Neighbouring countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia offer their own electronic travel authorisations, each with distinct processing times and costs.
This comparison analyses fees, processing speeds, stays, and border crossings for the Laos eVisa vs Thailand eVisa alongside other regional frameworks. Data is sourced from laoevisa.gov.la, thaievisa.go.th, and independent travel resource Travelfish.org (established 2004, 100% AI-free editorial policy).
Laos eVisa vs Thailand eVisa: Side-by-Side Comparison Table
The Laos eVisa ($50, 1-3 days, 30-day stay) contrasts with the Thailand eVisa ($40, 5-10 days, up to 60 days). UK passport holders currently get 60 days visa-free in Thailand.
| Attribute | Laos eVisa | Thailand eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $50 USD | $40 USD |
| Processing time | 1-3 business days | 5-10 business days |
| Validity window | 60 days from approval | 90 days from approval |
| Maximum stay | 30 days | 30-60 days (visa type dependent) |
| Entry type | Single entry | Single or multiple entry |
| Accepted airports | Wattay, Luang Prabang, Pakse | All international airports |
| Accepted land crossings | Friendship Bridge I & II, Boten-Mohan | Most land border crossings |
| Payment methods | Visa, MasterCard | Visa, MasterCard, JCB |
| Extension | Up to 30 days, ~$2-3/day | Up to 30 days, 1,900 THB (~£42) |
| Overstay fine | ~$10/day | 500 THB/day |
| UK passport holders | eVisa required | 60-day visa-free entry* |
| Application portal | laoevisa.gov.la | thaievisa.go.th |
Source: laoevisa.gov.la, thaievisa.go.th (accessed September 2026).
*As of September 2026, Thailand grants 60-day visa-free entry to UK passport holders. Reports suggest this policy may be under review; verify on the Royal Thai Embassy website before travel.
Cost, Processing Time, and Validity Compared
The Laos eVisa costs $50 USD for all nationalities with no child discount. The Thailand eVisa costs $40 USD, but UK passport holders skip this entirely with 60-day visa-free entry. According to Siam Legal International (siam-legal.com), a Thailand-based law firm, the standard Thailand tourist eVisa fee is $40 USD with 5 to 10 business days processing.
Processing speed favours the Laos eVisa: typically approved within 1-3 business days, compared with 5-10 business days for the Thailand eVisa. Both systems experience delays during peak periods such as Songkran and Lao New Year, so apply at least two weeks before departure.
Payment options differ: the Laos eVisa accepts Visa and MasterCard, whereas the Thailand eVisa also supports JCB. Regionally, neighbouring eVisas are cheaper, with Vietnam at $25, Cambodia at $36, and Malaysia at $22, making the Laos eVisa vs Thailand eVisa comparison one of the pricier pairings in Southeast Asia. Verify current fees on laoevisa.gov.la and thaievisa.go.th before applying.
Application Steps, Documents, and Photo Specifications
Both the Laos eVisa and Thailand eVisa require a passport valid 6+ months, a digital photo, and travel details. Both portals accept photos in JPG or PNG format at a minimum 300 dpi resolution with a white background. Required uploads include a passport biodata page scan, digital photograph, flight itinerary, and hotel booking confirmation.
Editorial note: Based on data from Travelfish.org and laoevisa.gov.la, the most common rejection reasons are blurry passport scans, incorrect photo dimensions, and passports expiring within 6 months. Double-check all file specifications before uploading.
Apply
Fill the online application form on laoevisa.gov.la with personal and travel details.
Pay
Pay the $50 USD fee using Visa or MasterCard through a secured payment gateway.
Download
Receive the eVisa approval letter via email and download it for presentation at the border.
The Thailand eVisa follows a similar flow via thaievisa.go.th: online form, document upload, payment, and awaiting the approval email. To check a Laos eVisa status, applicants need their Application ID on the portal.
Border Crossings and Ports of Entry Accepting eVisas
The Laos eVisa is accepted at 3 international airports and select land crossings, while the Thailand eVisa is valid at all international airports and most land borders.
Laos eVisa – airports:
- Wattay International Airport (Vientiane)
- Luang Prabang International Airport
- Pakse International Airport
Laos eVisa – land crossings:
- Friendship Bridge I (Nong Khai-Vientiane)
- Friendship Bridge II (Mukdahan-Savannakhet)
- Boten-Mohan crossing
Thailand eVisa – airports:
- Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok), Don Mueang (Bangkok), Chiang Mai, Phuket, and all other international airports
Thailand eVisa – land crossings: most land border crossings accept the eVisa or visa-free entry for UK passport holders.
Arriving at a non-designated crossing with an eVisa means the authorisation is invalid and entry will be refused. For overland UK travellers on the popular Thailand-to-Laos route, Friendship Bridge I (Nong Khai-Vientiane) is the best-served crossing and accepts the Laos eVisa. See the full list of Laos eVisa entry points for all accepted airports and land borders.
eVisa vs Visa on Arrival and Extension Options
The Laos eVisa eliminates the need to queue at the border for a visa on arrival, which costs $30-50 USD depending on nationality and requires passport photos on the spot. For UK nationals, the Thailand eVisa is largely redundant in 2026, as British passport holders receive a 60-day visa-free stamp on arrival.
For longer stays, the Laos eVisa can be extended by up to 30 additional days at provincial immigration offices for roughly $2-3 USD per day. Thailand permits a similar 30-day extension costing 1,900 THB (~£42 GBP). Overstay fines differ sharply: Laos charges approximately $10 USD per day, while Thailand imposes 500 THB per day. For trips exceeding standard stay limits, applying for the appropriate visa type upfront is more reliable than relying on in-country extensions.
Laos eVisa vs Other Asian eVisa Systems in 2026
Vietnam offers the best balance of cost and flexibility ($25, single or multiple entry). Malaysia is the cheapest at $22, while Singapore requires no eVisa at all, just an SG Arrival Card for up to 30 days of visa-free entry. The Laos eVisa at $50 is the most expensive in this group but remains the fastest after Malaysia at 1-3 business days. The Thailand eVisa takes 5-10 business days at $40, though UK citizens enter visa-free for 60 days.
| Country | eVisa Fee (USD) | Processing Time | Validity | Entry Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laos | $50 | 1-3 days | 60 days | Single |
| Thailand | $40 | 5-10 days | 90 days | Single/Multiple |
| Vietnam | $25 | 3 days | 90 days | Single/Multiple |
| Cambodia | $36 | 3 days | 90 days | Single |
| Malaysia | $22 | 1-3 days | Varies | Single |
| Singapore | Free (visa-free) | N/A | 30 days | N/A |
Apply through laoevisa.gov.la (Laos), evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn (Vietnam), evisa.gov.kh (Cambodia), and windowmalaysia.my (Malaysia). Verify all requirements on the relevant government portal before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do UK passport holders need a Laos eVisa in 2026?
Yes. The Laos eVisa costs $50 with 1-3 day processing for a 30-day stay. Verify at laoevisa.gov.la.
Is the Laos eVisa cheaper than the Thailand eVisa?
No. It is $10 more expensive, but UK citizens can enter Thailand visa-free for 60 days. Confirm fees on government portals.
How long does the Laos eVisa take to process?
1 to 3 business days vs 5 to 10 for the Thailand eVisa. Apply at least two weeks before departure due to possible delays.
Can I extend my Laos eVisa while in Laos?
Yes, up to 30 days at ~$2 to $3 per day. Thailand eVisa extension costs 1,900 THB (~£42).
Can I use the Laos eVisa at any border crossing?
No, only at designated airports and land crossings. Arriving elsewhere invalidates the Laos eVisa.
What documents do I need to apply for a Laos eVisa?
Passport valid 6+ months, digital photo (JPG/PNG, 300 dpi, white background), flight itinerary, hotel booking, and passport biodata scan.
Can UK citizens enter Thailand without an eVisa?
Yes, UK passport holders get 60-day visa-free entry with a stamp on arrival. The Thailand eVisa is unnecessary for most British tourists. Verify on the Royal Thai Embassy website.
Which Southeast Asian eVisa is the fastest to obtain?
The Laos eVisa and Malaysia eVisa both process in 1 to 3 business days. The Thailand eVisa is slowest at 5 to 10 days, but UK citizens do not need it.
What happens if I overstay my Laos eVisa?
You will be fined approximately $10 USD per day. In Thailand, the overstay fine is 500 THB per day. Depart before your stay expires or apply for a valid extension.
Is the Vietnam eVisa a cheaper alternative to the Laos eVisa?
Yes, Vietnam costs $25 vs $50 for the Laos eVisa, with 3-day processing and 90-day validity. Apply at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn.
