Laos Visa
Traveling to Laos
The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the Lao PDR or Laos), is a Southeast Asian nation known for its rich history, excellent cuisine, and stunning natural beauty. Due to its central regional location, it is also an important trading country with a growing economy making it an attractive destination for businesspersons, students, researchers, experts, and more.
While some countries have developed bilateral agreements with Laos to ensure their citizens have visa exemptions, the majority of foreign nationals are required to obtain a visa to enter the country. There are various methods of obtaining a Laos visa, depending on the visa type and the applicant’s nationality. Some nationalities are eligible for the Tourist eVisa, while others can obtain a visa on arrival. Others must complete their application through consular processing. All travelers should check the eligibility of their nationality before applying for their Laos visa.
The validity of the Laos visa will depend on the applicant’s nationality, the visa type, and their intended purpose of stay. Visa periods of validity can range from short-term stays to long-term permanent residence.
Laos Visa Types
The Lao PDR offers many types of visas for a wide range of travel purposes. When traveling to Laos, applicants will choose between the following visa types depending on their unique situation:
- Diplomatic visa (D-A1)
- This visa is issued to diplomats, consuls, or representatives of international organizations and their dependents who are authorized for short-term or long-term duty in the Lao PDR.
- Official visa (S-A2)
- This visa type is issued to administrative and technical embassy or consulate staff members and their dependents.
- Spouse visa (SP-B3)
- This is a visa reserved for the legally registered spouses of Lao citizens.
- Courtesy visa (C-B1)
- This visa is issued to staff of international organizations, embassy staff, special guests, and other categories of foreign experts.
- Tourist visa (T-B3)
- This visa is issued to visitors traveling to Laos for the purpose of tourism and leisure.
- Short-term visa (NI-B3)
- This visa is issued to either foreign technical officers coming to Laos for training, events, or meetings OR foreign stateless people who are visiting family, or engaging in other short-term appointments.
- Long-term visa (I-B3)
- Foreign and stateless individuals, and their dependents, can come to Laos on this visa as long-term laborers or residents, provided they meet the minimum financial requirements.
- Permanent visa (P-B3)
- This is a residence permit for foreign nationals and stateless individuals, and their dependents, who plan to live in the Lao PDR long-term.
- Expert visa (E-B2)
- This visa is for foreign nationals and stateless individuals, and their dependents, particularly experts and specialists, who are traveling to Laos to work.
- Transit visa (TR-B3)
- This visa is issued to travelers passing through Laos on their way to their onward destination.
- Business visa (NI-B2 or I-B2)
- This visa is for foreign businesspersons and their dependents to travel to Laos for investment or economic data collection purposes.
- Student visa (ST-B2)
- This is reserved for students, interns, or researchers who plan to come to the Lao PDR for academic or research purposes.
- Media visa (M-B2)
- This is a visa for members of the press, journalists, and other media representatives traveling to Laos for work.
- Labor visa (LA-B2)
- This is reserved for foreign nationals and stateless individuals, and their dependents, traveling to Laos as laborers.
Laos Visa Requirements
To apply for a Laos visa, all applicants must submit several documents depending on the purpose of the trip, the visa type, and their nationality.
The following documents are required for all foreign visa applicants:
Sticker visa
A valid passport
The passport should be valid for at least 6 months and contain two blank pages for official use.
Personal photo
The applicant must provide a recent personal photo that was taken within the last six (6) months against a plain white background and adheres to all other embassy guidelines.
A complete application form
Applicants must complete the application form as stipulated by the Lao PDR foreign mission (embassy or consulate) where they submit their application.
Payment of visa fees
Applicants must ensure they are able to cover the visa fees. Payment methods will vary depending on the location of submission
eVisa (Tourist Visa)
Complete visa application form
Visa applications can be completed and submitted through the official eVisa application portal.
Copy of passport bio-data page
The applicant should hold a passport valid for at least 6 months before their travel date. They must make and submit a photocopy of the bio-data page with all primary identification information clearly shown.
Copy of passport cover page
The applicant must submit a photocopy of the cover page of their valid passport.
Personal photo
The applicant is required to submit one recent personal photo, size 4cm x 6cm, in color, and taken within the last six (6) months. It must be on a plain white background and not contain any shadows. The applicant must be facing the camera with a neutral expression and both eyes open.
Payment of visa fees
Applicants must have a valid means of paying the visa fees online through the electronic portal. This includes a valid credit or debit card.
Some visa types may require additional documents such as a marriage certificate, official letter of employment, bank statements, or letter of invitation.
Laos Visa Application Steps
Some eligible nationalities can apply for the Tourist eVisa online through the official electronic application portal. For the majority of other Laos visa types, the application process should be completed through consular processing at the relevant foreign mission (embassy or consulate).
Sticker visa
Applicants can take the following steps to complete the application for the Laos sticker visa:
- Complete the visa application form
Visa applications must be completed accurately and included in the application packet.
- Gather the required documents
Applicants must include all required documents for their specific visa type.
- Submit the application
Application packets can be submitted at the relevant Loa PDR foreign mission (embassy or consulate).
- Pay the visa fee
The payment method will vary depending on where the applicant submits their visa application.
- Await visa decision
If approved, the applicant will receive their passport with the sticker visa inside.
eVisa (Tourist Visa)
Applicants can take the following steps to apply for the Laos eVisa:
- Complete the visa application form
Applicants must complete the electronic application form completely and accurately with their personal details and travel information.
- Submit the required documents
Documents, including a personal photograph, copy of the passport cover page, and a copy of the passport bio-data page, can be uploaded directly through the online portal.
- Pay the visa fee
Visa fees can be paid online using a valid credit or debit card.
- Receive the Approval Letter
New visa holders must bring the Approval Letter to one of the eligible ports of entry in Laos and present it to the immigration officer.
Where to Apply for a Laos Visa
Most Laos visa types can be applied for at the nearest foreign mission (embassy or consulate) and obtained through consular processing. Uniquely, the Tourist eVisa can be applied for and obtained online through the official electronic visa application portal. Some foreign nationals are eligible to obtain their Tourist visa on arrival in Laos.
Laos Visa Processing Time
Tourist eVisas are typically processed within three (3) days. For all other Laos visa types, the processing times will vary depending on the visa type and the applicant’s nationality. Applicants must ensure they leave enough time to receive their application decision before traveling to Laos.
FAQ
A Laos visa is a travel document that allows foreign nationals to lawfully enter the country. There are a wide range of visa types catering to travelers of all kinds who need to come to Laos for tourism, business, studies, and more.
The cost of a Laos visa will vary depending on the visa type, the applicant’s nationality, and the intended duration of stay in Laos.
Applications for most Laos visa types can be submitted to and processed by the relevant Laos foreign mission (embassy or consulate). Only the Tourist eVisa application can be completed online at the official electronic visa application portal. Some nationalities can obtain a Tourist visa on arrival in Laos.
Visa requirements vary depending on the traveler’s nationality and the purpose of their stay in Laos. Some nationalities are exempt from any visa requirements, while others must obtain a visa in advance through consular processing. Travelers must verify their visa eligibility before departing for Laos.
