Laos Visa

Indian citizens planning to travel to Laos have two primary visa options: obtaining a Visa on Arrival (VoA) or applying for an eVisa prior to departure. Below is a comprehensive guide detailing both methods, including procedures, required documents, fees, and considerations for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) residing outside India.

1. Visa on Arrival (VoA):

The Visa on Arrival is a convenient option for Indian travelers, allowing them to obtain a visa upon entering Laos at designated entry points.

Eligibility and Entry Points:

Indian citizens can obtain a VoA at major international airports and select land border crossings, including:

• Wattay International Airport in Vientiane

• Luang Prabang International Airport

• Pakse International Airport

• Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge I (Vientiane)

• Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge II (Savannakhet)

A comprehensive list of entry points offering VoA services is available.

Validity and Duration:

• Validity: The VoA is valid for a single entry and permits a stay of up to 30 days.

• Extension: If you wish to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Vientiane or at provincial immigration offices. Extensions are typically granted for an additional 30 days for a fee.

Required Documents:

To obtain a VoA, you will need:

• Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry and have at least one blank page.

• Completed Visa Application Form: This form is available at the port of entry.

• Passport-Sized Photographs: Two recent color photos (4×6 cm). If you don’t have photos, you may be charged a small fee (approximately USD 1-2) for scanning your passport photo.

   

• Proof of Accommodation: Details of your hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a host in Laos.

• Return or Onward Ticket: Evidence of departure from Laos within the visa validity period.

Fees:

• Visa Fee: The standard fee for Indian citizens is USD 40, payable in cash. Thai Baht may also be accepted.

• Additional Charges: An overtime fee of USD 1 may apply for arrivals during weekends, Lao public holidays, or outside regular working hours (before 6:00 AM and after 4:00 PM). An entry stamp fee of USD 1 may also be charged.

  Solo Backpacker

   

Procedure:

1. Arrival: Upon arrival at the designated entry point, proceed to the Visa on Arrival counter.

2. Documentation: Submit the completed visa application form along with the required documents.

3. Payment: Pay the visa fee and any applicable additional charges in cash.

4. Approval: Wait for the visa to be processed and stamped into your passport. This typically takes a short time, depending on the number of arrivals.

2. eVisa:

The eVisa is an electronic travel authorization that can be obtained online before your trip, offering a streamlined entry process.

Eligibility and Entry Points:

Indian citizens are eligible to apply for a Laos eVisa. The eVisa is accepted at the following entry points:

• Wattay International Airport (Vientiane)

• Luang Prabang International Airport

• Pakse International Airport

• Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge I (Vientiane)

• Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge II (Savannakhet)

It’s important to enter Laos through one of these designated ports when holding an eVisa.

Validity and Duration:

• Validity: The eVisa is valid for 60 days from the date of approval.

• Duration of Stay: Allows for a single entry with a maximum stay of 30 days.

Required Documents:

To apply for an eVisa, you will need:

• Valid Passport: Must have at least six months’ validity from your intended date of arrival in Laos.

• Digital Passport-Sized Photograph: A recent color photo with a white background.

• Email Address: To receive the eVisa approval letter.

• Payment Method: A valid debit or credit card for the visa fee payment.

Fees:

• Visa Fee: The fee varies depending on nationality. For Indian citizens, the fee is approximately USD 50.

  Lao eVisa

   

• Processing Fee: Some service providers may charge an additional processing fee, depending on the processing time selected.

Application Procedure:

1. Online Application: Visit the official Laos eVisa website at https://laoevisa.gov.la/.

2. Form Completion: Fill out the online application form with personal details, passport information, and travel plans.

3. Document Upload: Upload the required digital photograph and a scanned copy of your passport.

4. Payment: Pay the visa fee using a secure online payment method.

5. Approval: The eVisa is typically processed within three working days