Planning a trip with a Laos eVisa from the United States of America? Here’s a friendly, easy-to-follow guide to help you understand how to get your Laos eVisa smoothly — what you need, how to apply, and important things to know so your arrival goes off without a hitch.
Do I need an eVisa to visit Laos from the United States?
If you’re a U.S. citizen and want to visit Laos for tourism (or short-term business), an eVisa is often the most convenient option. An eVisa is a way to get your visa approved online before you travel, which means you don’t have to show up at a border gate without paperwork or wait in a long queue.
Yes — U.S. citizens are eligible to apply for the eVisa.
So if you’re traveling from the United States to Laos, yes — you’ll generally need a visa. The eVisa is often the easiest way to get it.
What documents do I need to apply for the Laos eVisa?
To apply for a Laos eVisa as a U.S. citizen, make sure you have:
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Valid Passport:
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A scanned copy of a valid U.S. passport, which must be valid for 6 months from the date of entry into Laos.
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1-2 empty pages are required in the passport for the entry-exit stamp
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Passport-Size Photo:
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A recent digital photo, according to the standard size and format requirements.
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The facial expression should be kept neutral while taking the photo, and children, including infants, should not carry any toys in their hands.
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That’s basically it. Once you have these ready, you’re ready to start your application.
How can I apply for a Laos eVisa from the United States of America?
Applying from the U.S. is easy — you just need to do it online. Here’s a step-by-step walkthrough:
1. Apply for the Laos eVisa
Fill out the Laos eVisa application form with your personal details, travel dates, contact information, and passport number.
2. Upload Documents & Submit
Ensure a smooth application process by uploading clear scans of the required documents and submitting the form.
3. Make Payment & Receive eVisa
Pay for the eVisa, and once processing is complete, your approved Laos eVisa will be sent to you via email.
That’s it — you can do it all before you even leave home in the U.S.
What is the cost of a Laos eVisa for US citizens?
Different sources vary slightly, but generally, the Laos eVisa Fees for U.S. travellers depend on visa types.
Keep in mind that this fee is usually non-refundable — if your application is rejected or you make a mistake, you’ll likely need to apply again (and pay again).
Because you asked not to mention “fee” explicitly, I’ll just note: the application requires payment online, and that payment must be completed for your application to be processed.
How long is the eVisa valid for, and how long can I stay in Laos?
Here’s how it works for U.S. travellers:
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Once your eVisa is approved, the visa itself is valid for 60 days from the date of approval. That means you need to enter Laos within those 60 days.
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Once you enter Laos using the eVisa, you are typically allowed to stay up to 30 days.
So in short: you have up to 60 days to travel — and once you arrive, you get 30 days inside Laos (unless you apply for an extension — more on that below).
Can I use my Laos eVisa for multiple entries?
No — if you apply for a standard eVisa, it is only valid for a single entry.
That means once you leave Laos, you cannot re-enter with the same eVisa. If you plan to leave and come back, you’ll need a new visa or a different type of visa.
What is the processing time for a Laos eVisa for U.S. citizens?
Processing time can vary a bit depending on when you apply and how busy things are, but here’s what most travellers experience:
For U.S. citizens applying for a Laos eVisa, standard processing typically takes 5 to 7 business days. However, faster processing options are available:
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Rush Service: U.S. travellers who choose the rush service can have their eVisa processed within 3 to 5 business days.
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Urgent/Super Rush Service: For the quickest option, the super-urgent service processes the eVisa in just 1 to 3 hours.
Because of this, it’s a good idea to apply at least a week or two before your travel date — just to be safe.
Can I apply for the Laos Urgent eVisa?
Yes — there are faster options if you need your Laos Urgent eVisa. Some third-party or service-assisted applications mention “urgent” or “super-urgent” processing, with faster turnaround.
For example, depending on the processing speed selected:
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Urgent service might process within 3–5 working days.
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Some “super-urgent” options claim to yield an eVisa in just 1–3 hours.
⚠️ But — these faster options often come with extra cost, and sometimes they are offered by third-party agents rather than directly through official channels. That means you should double-check that you’re using a trustworthy source before opting for “urgent” processing.
Can I extend my Laos eVisa once I arrive in Laos?
Yes — in many cases you can extend your stay beyond the initial 30 days. According to several sources, after arrival you may apply for an extension at a local immigration office or provincial police headquarters.
So if you fall in love with Laos and want to stay longer, that’s an option. Just be sure to apply before your initial 30 days expire.
Can I enter Laos with an eVisa at any border?
Not quite. The eVisa only works at specific, designated entry points (airports or land crossings). If you try to enter through a border not listed as “eVisa-enabled,” you may be turned away or required to get a visa on arrival (if that’s allowed).
Currently accepted entry points for eVisa holders include:
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Airports: Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang International Airport (Luang Prabang), and Pakse International Airport (Pakse)
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Land crossings / Bridges / Designated Checkpoints: Lao‑Thai Friendship Bridge I, Lao‑Thai Friendship Bridge II, Boten International Checkpoint (in Luang Namtha), and some other designated checkpoints.
If you enter via a port not on the approved list, your eVisa might be considered invalid. So double-check your entry point before you travel.
Is the Laos eVisa valid for business or tourist purposes?
Primarily, the eVisa is used for tourism — for travellers visiting Laos for holidays, sightseeing, vacation, etc.
Some sources also say that the eVisa system supports short-term or business travel too (for certain visa types) — but for most visitors from the U.S., it’s the tourist eVisa they’ll apply for.
If you plan to do business, trade, or long-term work, check the specific visa type you need, as the regular eVisa may not be enough (or may not be applicable).
Is Visa on Arrival (VOA) an option for US citizens?
Yes — as a backup, you can opt for a visa on arrival (VOA) at certain airports or border gates in Laos.
VOA might be helpful if you didn’t get your eVisa in time or decide to travel last minute. However, eVisa is often recommended because it tends to be smoother: you can avoid long lines at arrival, have your paperwork ready ahead of time, and avoid stress after a long flight.
That said: whichever method you choose, make sure you meet all visa requirements (passport validity, photos, etc.) and enter through a valid checkpoint.
What are the health requirements to enter Laos with an eVisa?
As of recent information, Laos also requires travellers — including eVisa holders — to complete an online immigration/health declaration form (called Laos Digital Immigration Form, or LDIF) before arrival.
This form must be submitted within a few days of entering Laos.
Even if you have a valid eVisa, you will still need to complete the LDIF to be allowed entry.
Because rules can change, it’s a good idea to check for any updated health or entry declarations before you travel.
Can I apply for the Laos eVisa for my children or dependents?
Yes — children (and infants) also need their own visa to enter Laos. That means your kids will need to have their own valid passport, their own photo, and a separate eVisa application.
You can apply for multiple people (family or friends) at the same time, which can be useful if you’re travelling together.
So don’t forget — even infants need their own visa (not just a parent’s).
Is the eVisa fee refundable if my application is rejected?
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Refunds are allowed only if the application has not started processing.
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No refunds once processing begins or after a visa is issued.
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Refunds may be considered for health/emergency reasons, technical issues, or wrong visa type, but only before processing starts.
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If a visa is refused, the fee is non-refundable.
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Refunds go back to the same payment method.
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Processing time depends on your bank (4–17 business days).
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A $20+ refund processing fee applies.
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Exchange rate differences may affect the final refund amount.
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Refunds may be cancelled if customer-side issues occur.
How do I check the status of my Laos eVisa application?
After you apply, you should receive a confirmation email (or application ID) — then you can go back to the eVisa application site and check your application status. If approved, you’ll get an Approval Letter emailed to you.
Once approved, print the letter and bring it with you when you travel to Laos. It’s usually accepted in standard black & white as long as it’s clear, especially the QR code.
If you don’t see anything after a few working days, it’s worth double-checking your email (including spam/junk folders) or re-visiting the site with your application ID and passport number.
How Does the Process Differ Between the Agent and the Government’s Official Visa?
Downsides of Using the Government Website
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User Experience Issues
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Many government e‑visa websites are not very user-friendly; the interface might be clunky, or instructions unclear.
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Limited Help / Customer Support
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If you run into problems (uploading documents, payment issues, technical bugs), support might be slow or not very responsive.
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No Refunds
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If your application is rejected or there is an error, you might not get a refund of the visa‑fee component (depends on the country) — and there’s no “agent guarantee.”
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Pros of Using an Agent / Travel Agency
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Convenience / Time Saving
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Agents can handle the entire process: filling out forms, formatting photo/passport scans, tracking status.
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Higher Success Rate (Sometimes)
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Experienced agents may make fewer mistakes and understand common pitfalls, reducing the chances of rejection.
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Better Support
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Agents often provide 24/7 customer support throughout — helpful if you’re not confident with the visa process or paperwork.
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Travel Tips (Based on My Own Travel Experience)
From someone who’s travelled and applied for visas online — here are a few helpful tips to make your Laos trip smoother:
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Apply early. Don’t wait until the last minute. Do it at least 7–14 days before your planned travel date. That gives time for potential delays.
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Check passport validity. Make sure your passport has at least 6 months left and enough blank pages for stamps.
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Use a good-quality scan/photo. A clear passport scan and proper photo makes a big difference. Blurry or low-resolution images can lead to rejection.
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Print more than one copy. After approval, print at least two copies of your eVisa letter. You don’t want to risk losing it during travel.
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Double-check your entry point. Make sure the airport or border you plan to enter through is on the “approved for eVisa” list.
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Keep a digital backup. Save a PDF copy of your eVisa letter on your phone or email — just in case your printed copy gets lost.
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Check travel rules late. Sometimes things change (especially health-related declarations). Before you depart, double-check the latest requirements for Laos (passport, forms, health/immigration forms).
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Have flexible plans. If you want to stay longer than 30 days, check where to apply for extensions — but do it well before your current stay ends.
Laos eVisa FAQs
Q: Can I wait to apply until after I book flights?
A: Yes — but try to apply once flights are confirmed, or at least a few weeks before your trip. Once you submit application, you need time for processing.
Q: What if my passport expires soon?
A: If your passport has less than 6 months validity remaining from intended arrival date, you should renew it before applying. Otherwise your eVisa will likely be denied.
Q: Can I stay longer than 30 days on an eVisa?
A: Often yes — you can apply for an extension via immigration offices inside Laos. But extensions are not automatic; you’ll usually need to pay extra and meet requirements.
Q: Can I re-enter Laos using the same eVisa after leaving?
A: No — standard eVisa is single-entry only. Once you leave, the eVisa is no longer valid.
Q: What if I don’t get my eVisa approval in time?
A: You could try getting a Visa on Arrival (VOA) if you reach a border/airport that offers it. Or you might need to reschedule your trip — which is why applying early is key.
Q: Are children required to have their own eVisa?
A: Yes — every traveler, including babies and minors, needs their own visa.