What is the cost of an e-visa to travel to Laos?

Laos, the jewel of Southeast Asia, seduces travellers with its cultural richness, picturesque landscapes and serene atmosphere. This tourist destination offers a unique experience, combining ancient traditions, majestic temples and unspoilt nature. However, to venture to the heart of this mystical land, it is crucial to understand the importance of a visa for travellers. This page aims to guide you through the process of obtaining a tourist visa for Laos, highlighting the different options available and providing essential information to help you plan your stay with peace of mind. Find out how to complete this administrative stage with ease and make the most of your Laotian adventure.

Laos visa price: in brief

• Visa price at the Laos Embassy: A tourist visa for Laos costs €40 if obtained from the Laos Embassy, plus postage costs if you choose to send it by post.
• Price for an online e-visa for Laos: You can also obtain an e-visa for USD 52 (around €50).
• Visa on arrival price for Laos: Visas are also available on arrival at the international airports of Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse and Savannakhet at a cost of USD 30 (around €27).
• Service charges: Service charges may apply depending on the embassy or website used to apply for the visa.
• Means of payment: Payment is made by bank card or bank cheque for visas obtained from the Embassy and e-visas, while visas on arrival are paid in cash (USD accepted).

How much does a tourist visa for Laos cost?

Laos tourist visa price

For British citizens, the cost of a tourist visa applied for at the Laos embassy is around €40. This visa is generally valid for a stay of 30 days, with a single entry.

Documents required:

• Application form: A visa application form must be completed. This form is often available on the embassy website or can be obtained directly from the embassy.
• Passport: The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the planned date of return and have at least two blank pages.
• Passport photo: One or two recent passport photos are generally required.
• Visa fees: Fees must be paid at the time of application. Some embassies accept payment in cash, by card or by bank transfer.

Processing time:

The standard processing time is approximately 5 working days when you submit your application in person at the embassy. If you send your application by post, the processing time may be longer, up to 7 to 10 working days, depending on postal delivery times. There may be an additional charge of around €5 for returning your passport by post.

The price of an e-visa for Laos

Laos offers an electronic visa system (e-Visa) to simplify obtaining visas for travellers. Here is detailed information on the cost and procedures for obtaining an e-Visa for Laos.

The cost of the e-Visa for Laos is a $52 government fee plus service charges. The e-Visa is valid for a single entry and allows you to stay in Laos for 30 days. The e-Visa takes up to 3 working days to process.

The e-Visa for Laos is accepted at specific entry points:

• Wattay International Airport (Vientiane)
• Luang Prabang International Airport
• Pakse airport
• Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I (Nong Khai-Vientiane)
• Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II (Mukdahan-Savannakhet)
• Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge IV (Chiang Khong-Houay Xai)
• Mohan-Boten (border with China)
• Boten station (Lao-China railway line)

The price for a visa on arrival in Laos

An on arrival visa, also known as a visa on arrival, is a popular option for travellers to Laos. Here is detailed information about the cost and the reasons why it may not be advisable to choose this option.

The price for a visa on arrival for Laos is usually between USD 30 and USD 42, depending on the nationality of the applicant. A USD 1 surcharge may apply for arrivals outside normal hours (before 8am or after 4pm) or if a photo has to be taken on the spot.

The visa on arrival allows you to stay in Laos for 30 days with a single entry. Obtaining a visa on arrival generally takes between 5 and 20 minutes, depending on how busy the port of entry is.

Although visa on arrival is a convenient option, there are several reasons why it may be preferable to apply for an e-Visa online:

• Waits and Times: Queues to obtain a visa on arrival can be long, particularly during peak tourist periods. This can lead to delays and inconvenience after a long flight.
• Supplements and Hidden Costs: In addition to the cost of the visa, extra charges may apply for arrivals outside normal hours or if you need to have a photo taken on site. These charges may increase the total cost.
• Limited availability: Visa on Arrival is only available at certain airports and border crossings. If you arrive at a port of entry where Visa on Arrival is not available, you may be refused entry.
• Uncertainty and stress: Obtaining a visa on arrival can be stressful, especially if you are concerned about the possibility of not having all the required documents or encountering unforeseen problems.

It is therefore strongly recommended that you apply for your visa online before you leave for Laos.

What is the price for other types of visa for Laos?

In addition to tourist visas and e-visas, Laos offers several other types of visa to meet the needs of business travellers, students and other specific visitors. Here are details of the costs and procedures for obtaining these visas.

What is the e-visa application process for Laos?

The Laos e-visa application process is relatively straightforward and can be completed in just a few steps. Here is a detailed guide to the process:

• Access the official website or that of a service provider: Go to the official Laos website or a service provider website dedicated to e-visa applications.
• Online application form: Fill in the online application form.
• Necessary documents: Prepare the necessary documents, such as a recent photo, a copy of your passport, and other specific documents as required.
• Payment of fees: Pay the e-visa fees online.
• Confirmation of application: Once you have submitted your application and made payment, you will receive confirmation of your application by e-mail.
• Follow-up: Once your application has been submitted, the processing will begin.
• Receipt of eVisa: Once approved, you will receive your eVisa by e-mail.

Can I get a reduced rate for a visa to Laos?

No, there is no reduced rate for a tourist visa for Laos for British citizens.

The visa price is the same whether you obtain it from the Laos Embassy, in the form of an e-visa or on arrival in Laos.

Exceptions:

• Citizens of the following countries are exempt from visa requirements for short stays: Brunei, Japan, Luxembourg, Myanmar, Switzerland (14 days); Malaysia (15 days); South Korea, Thailand (30 days).
• Children under 15 accompanied by their parents do not need a visa.

What are the service fees when calculating the price of a visa for Laos?

Laos visa fees often include a service charge that covers various administrative and logistical aspects of the visa application. These service fees may vary depending on the type of visa requested (e-Visa, visa on arrival, visa at the embassy) and the entity processing the application (government, travel agencies, online service providers). Here is a detailed explanation of the service fee components:

Components of the Service Fee

Administrative processing:

• Document verification : The service fee covers the verification of documents submitted by the applicant, such as the application form, passport, passport photos and any other required documentation.
• Application Processing: This cost includes data entry, examination of the application, and decision-making by the competent authorities.

Technological infrastructure:

• Online Platforms: For e-Visas, the service fee includes the use and maintenance of technology platforms enabling online submission of applications and electronic visa processing.
• Data Security: The service fee also covers the security measures required to protect applicants' personal and financial information.

Customer Support:

• Assistance and Support: The Service Fee may include assistance to applicants in completing their application correctly, answering questions, and resolving any problems. This may include telephone, email or chatbot support services.

Logistics costs:

• Sending Documents: For visas applied for at the embassy, service charges may include the cost of mailing documents, including the return of the passport with the visa affixed.
• Handling and Management: Fees for the management and handling of visa applications, especially when submitted in large numbers, are also included.

What methods of payment are accepted for the Laos e-visa?

The payment process for the Laos e-visa is generally carried out online when the application is submitted. Several payment methods are commonly accepted by private providers, including credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard. Some services also offer additional options such as PayPal, expanding the possibilities for applicants.

It is crucial to ensure that you have a valid credit card or the necessary information to make the payment online when submitting your e-visa application. This is essential to ensure that your application is processed efficiently and to avoid any delays.

To ensure that you have the correct payment details, it is strongly recommended that you carefully consult the information provided on the official Lao visa service website. These details include accepted payment methods, applicable fees, and other relevant information. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your payment process runs smoothly.

If you still have specific concerns or require further information, it is advisable to contact the Laotian embassy or consulate directly. These organisations are there to provide accurate and professional guidance on accepted payment methods, answer your specific questions and offer the assistance you need to ensure the success of your e-visa application.

By taking a proactive approach, carefully checking the information available online and contacting the relevant authorities if in doubt, you can ensure a hassle-free e-visa application experience and be as prepared as possible for your trip to Laos.

Our top tips for saving on your Laos visa fees:

Saving money on your Laos visa fees while ensuring a hassle-free process can be a challenge, but we have some invaluable tips that you may find useful.

When applying for your e-visa online, it's crucial to avoid mistakes that could lead to delays or additional fees. To minimise these risks, our first piece of advice is to turn to private service providers who offer online assistance. These services often specialise in processing visa applications and can provide professional advice to guide you through the process.

Private service providers are familiar with the intricacies of the e-visa application process and can help you avoid common mistakes, such as incorrect information on documents or payment errors. By opting for these services, you increase your chances of success while minimising the risk of potential obstacles.

Another money-saving tip is to plan your application in advance. Last-minute requests can sometimes lead to extra charges for express services. By planning your application in advance, you can avoid these unnecessary costs and ensure a smooth procedure.

In summary, for your Laos visa application, you can opt for private service providers who offer online assistance. This not only reduces the risk of errors, but also ensures a smoother, more efficient experience. Plan your application in advance to avoid express fees and make sure you provide the correct information from the outset. With these tips, you can save on your visa fees while ensuring a hassle-free application experience.