About Laos

Laos is one of the most beautiful countries in Southeast Asia. However, with all its beauty and diverse culture, it remains unexplored by most people.

Be it the fantastic experience of local life or the calm sound of the waterfalls nearby, Laos has a lot in store for every kind of traveler.

Furthermore, if you are planning a vacation, then a laidback lifestyle here would surely please you.

If you are someone who craves adventure, then there are an abundance of rolling hills to get an immersive experience of true excitement. 

From traditional Laotian culture to the tasty Laos cuisine, you will explore a lot here.

The temples and charming villages have an abundance to explore, and would surely capture your heart!

So, let us read on to the basic steps that you need to follow while applying for a Laos visa.


Types of Laos Visas for Tourists

Laos has 3 Travel visa types:

The visa on arrival

Indians can apply for a visa on arrival to Laos. In this case, all documents need to be submitted at the airport itself. Also, this visa is available for both business and tourism purposes.

 Laos tourist visa online 

Laos tourist visa online allows for a single entry with a stay of 30 days or less in Laos. To visit Laos multiple times, or to stay longer, one needs to apply for a travel permit from the nearest Laos Embassy or Consulate.

The Tourist Embassy Visa 

A Laos tourist visa from an embassy is needed by the countries that are not eligible for visa on arrival.

Note- It is to be noted that Laos does not have an embassy or consulate in all countries across the world. Thus, it is advised to plan accordingly and save both time and money.


Documents Required for Laos Tourist Visa from India

Tourist Visa

  • Passport with a validity of more than 6 months 
  • Recent colored passport-size photographs with dimensions of 4*6 cm
  • It is advised to not click your passport-size-photograph in the specs
  • Applicant's full face must be clearly visible without any headgear taken against a plain white background
  • Applicant needs to provide confirmed/booked round-trip flight tickets to Laos
  • Applicant must provide proof of their hotel bookings
  • Proof of enough funds to sustain the living expenses in Laos

The main requirements for booking a Laos e-visa are listed below:

Every applicant requiring a visa needs to submit:

1)     Scanned passport bio page

2)     Scanned photograph size 4x6 cm (colored)

3)     Additional documents that may be required 


Laos Tourist Visa Process: Step-By-Step Guide 

  1. Identify visa type, choose the right visa for your trip, and understand if you want to apply for an E-visa or visa on arrival
  2. Begin your application- Get started with your visa application by filling in the form with all your required personal information
  3. Filling up the Laos visa online application form is quite simple and can be done from the comfort of your home 
  4. For this, you should have all the necessary documents
  5. Thereafter, pay your fees and then review your payment
  6. Track your application and stay informed about the progress of your application
  7. You will receive a Laos Approval Letter at your registered email ID
  8.  Once you have your visa, you are ready to travel to Laos.  Ensure you follow the visa conditions, including the allowed duration of stay.


Laos Visa from India Fees and Processing Time

When planning your trip to Laos, it is essential to familiarise yourself with the overall processing time and fees for a Laos visa. The validity for Laos eVisa for a single entry is 60 days with an allowed stay period of 30 days. The e-visa application fee is $51.75 (4,325.47 INR).


Tips for a Smooth Laos Visa Application

  • Be aware of visa processing times and apply accordingly to avoid any last-minute rush.
  • Thoroughly review your application and documents for accuracy before submission.
  • Adhere to all instructions provided by the Laos embassy or consulate.
  • Refer to the official Laos government website and guidelines for the latest visa information.
  • Be truthful in your application as providing any false information can lead to visa rejection.


Key Takeaways

  • Maintain proper documents and have sufficient funds to support your travel. 
  • Applying online through the official portal enhances the process. 
  • To maximize your chances of getting a Laos visa, state your intentions clearly.


Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How much time can Indian citizens stay in Laos?

Indian passport holders with valid Laos eVisa can enter the country and stay for up to 30 days. The online visa for Laos is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. 

Question: Can you cross the Laos border with an e-visa?

Yes, you can cross the Laos border with your eVisa at any time during the validity of the visa.

Question: What is the minimum account balance that an Indian citizen needs when applying for a Laos visa?

INR 50000 should be the minimum bank account balance of an Indian citizen who wants a Laos tourist visa.

Question: What is the processing time for a Laos tourist visa?

The Laos visa application online processing time can differ according to the overall application process.  The maximum time it can take to book a Laos visa is 5-7 business days.