Laos e-Visa for US citizens — step-by-step guide
US citizens must apply for a Laos e-Visa before travel or obtain a visa on arrival. The e-Visa is strongly recommended — apply at laoevisa.gov.la at least 7 days before travel. Processing takes 3 business days.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Official e-Visa portal | laoevisa.gov.la |
| Government fee | ~USD 35–50 |
| Processing time | 3 business days |
| Stay | 30 days |
| Extensions | Up to twice (30 days each), maximum 90 days total |
| Digital form (LDIF) | Required separately before arrival |
Warning: The Laos e-Visa is NOT valid at most Vietnam land borders. If your itinerary involves crossing between Laos and Vietnam by land, verify your specific border crossing accepts e-Visas before travel.
E-Visa vs visa on arrival — which to choose
E-Visa (recommended)
Apply online at laoevisa.gov.la at least 7 days before travel. You receive an approval letter by email — print it and present it at the border to receive your visa sticker. Faster processing at the border, valid at more entry points, and no risk of running out of forms or cash at remote crossings. Strongly recommended for all US citizens.
Visa on arrival
Available at major airports (Wattay, Luang Prabang, Pakse) and designated land border crossings. Queue at the VOA counter, complete a paper form, pay USD 35–50 in cash (USD accepted at most crossings), and submit two passport photos. Wait time is typically 15–45 minutes at airports, longer at land borders. Not available at all crossings — verify before travel.
What you need to apply for the Laos e-Visa
Before starting your Laos e-Visa application, prepare:
- Valid US passport with at least 6 months validity from your arrival date and at least 2 blank pages
- Clear JPG photo of your passport data page (full page, including the MRZ lines at the bottom)
- Passport-sized portrait photo in JPG format — white background, face clearly visible
- Your planned entry point into Laos
- Your planned entry date and exit date
- Valid international credit or debit card for payment
- Email address to receive your approval letter
Step-by-step: applying for your Laos e-Visa
- 1
Go to the official Laos e-Visa portal at laoevisa.gov.la. This is the only official government portal — do not use third-party sites.
- 2
Create an account with your email address and activate it within the specified timeframe.
- 3
Complete the application form with your passport details exactly as they appear.
- 4
Select your planned entry point from the dropdown list. You must enter Laos through this exact port.
- 5
Upload your passport data page photo and portrait photo. Both must meet the specifications — the MRZ lines at the bottom of the passport page must be fully visible.
- 6
Pay the visa fee by international credit or debit card.
- 7
Wait 3 business days for processing. Check your email for the approval letter.
- 8
Download the approval letter, print it in color, and bring it to the border along with your passport.
- 9
At the designated entry port, present your approval letter and passport at the e-Visa counter. Immigration will affix the visa sticker to your passport and stamp your entry.
- 10
Complete the Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) before arrival — this is a separate free online form.
Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF)
All visitors to Laos must complete the Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) online before arrival. This is separate from the e-Visa and is free. The LDIF collects your passport details, travel information, and health declaration. Complete it before leaving for Laos and keep your confirmation accessible at the border.
Entry ports that accept the Laos e-Visa
The Laos e-Visa is valid at the following designated entry points:
Airports:
- Wattay International Airport (Vientiane)
- Luang Prabang International Airport
- Pakse International Airport
Land border crossings (selected):
- Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I (Vientiane — Nong Khai, Thailand)
- Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II (Savannakhet — Mukdahan, Thailand)
- Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge III (Huay Xai/Chiang Khong, Thailand)
- Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge IV (Vang Tao — Chong Mek, Thailand)
- Boten (Laos-China border, road and rail)
- Dansavan/Lao Bảo (Laos-Vietnam border) — one of the few Vietnam crossings that accepts e-Visas
Warning — Vietnam land borders: The Laos e-Visa is NOT valid at most Vietnam land border crossings. Travelers crossing between Laos and Vietnam by land at any crossing other than Dansavan/Lao Bảo must arrange their Laos visa at a Lao embassy before travel. Travelers are regularly turned away at these crossings.
Extending your stay in Laos
The standard 30-day tourist visa can be extended up to twice for 30 days each time, giving a potential maximum stay of 90 days. Extensions must be applied for at the Immigration Department in Vientiane before your current visa expires.
Extension fees: Approximately 20,000 kip (LAK) per day or a flat fee — confirm the current rate at the Immigration Department. Overstaying without an extension costs USD 10 per day and can result in exit bans or deportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Information compiled from official government sources and verified data: