Planning a trip to Laos? This guide covers exactly who needs a visa, what it costs, how long it takes and where to apply — using figures from Laos's official immigration authorities, including which nationalities can enter visa-free.
Quick answer
Most visitors to Laos need evisa / visa on arrival, with an official government fee of Approx US$50 for most nationalities (varies by nationality; exact India figure unconfirmed on official portal).
Laos visa at a glance
| Visa required? | Yes, for many nationalities |
|---|---|
| Main visa type | eVisa / Visa on arrival |
| Government fee | Approx US$50 for most nationalities (varies by nationality; exact India figure unconfirmed on official portal) |
| Processing time | Approx 3-5 business days |
| Validity | 60 days from issue (must enter within this window); single entry |
| Permitted stay | 30 days |
| Where to apply | https://laoevisa.gov.la |
| HolidaySG assistance fee | S$65 per applicant (usually S$100) |
Who needs a visa for Laos?
Visa-free: ASEAN citizens (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Cambodia, Myanmar) 14–30 days; Japan, South Korea, Russia, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Mongolia and some others 15–30 days; China 15 days (2026 pilot).
eVisa / Visa on arrival: Citizens of ~80 eligible nationalities including India; ASEAN nationals (incl. Singapore) do not need it
Visa on Arrival (VOA): Most nationalities requiring a visa (incl. India), arriving at designated international airports and land borders
Laos visa options, fees and processing times
| Option | Official fee | Max stay | Processing | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa exemption | Free | 14–30 days by nationality | On arrival | No application |
| eVisa / Visa on arrival | Approx US$50 for most nationalities (varies by nationality; exact India figure unconfirmed on official portal) | 30 days | Approx 3-5 business days | https://laoevisa.gov.la |
| Visa on Arrival (VOA) | US$30-45 depending on nationality (paid cash on arrival); exact per-nationality figure unconfirmed on a single official page | 30 days | Issued on the spot | On arrival at designated Laos checkpoints |
Documents required
For the eVisa / Visa on arrival:
- Passport valid 6+ months with a blank page
- Recent passport-size colour photo
- Passport bio-data scan
- Payment card (Visa/Mastercard/JCB/Amex/UnionPay)
How to apply
- Check your requirement by nationality (table below) or use our checker.
- eVisa / Visa on arrival: https://laoevisa.gov.la — allow Approx 3-5 business days.
- Visa on Arrival (VOA): On arrival at designated Laos checkpoints — allow Issued on the spot.
- Arrival formalities: Arrival/departure card
- Keep your approval/receipt with your passport; carry proof of accommodation, onward travel and funds.
Laos visa for children and families
Children usually need their own visa or entry authorisation, even infants. For family applications, prepare each traveller's passport and photo, and add birth certificates for minors and, where a child travels with one parent or a guardian, a consent letter. Applying for the whole family together keeps travel dates and reference numbers consistent.
Common mistakes, delays and rejection reasons
From handling Laos visa applications, these are the issues that most often cause delays or refusals. Avoiding them is the single biggest thing you can control:
- Passport validity: many countries require at least six months' validity beyond your travel dates — renew early if yours is close.
- Insufficient proof of funds: bank statements that are too thin, too new, or not in your name are a common reason for delays. Show a stable balance over the last 3–6 months.
- Photo specification errors: wrong size, background colour, glasses or a smile can bounce an application. Follow the exact spec for Laos.
- Applying too late: submit well before departure — allow the full processing window plus a buffer, not the minimum.
- Mismatched documents: names, dates and passport numbers must match exactly across your form, flight and hotel bookings.
- Weak ties to your home country: employment letters, leave approval and return bookings help show you intend to return.
- Prior overstays or refusals: declare them honestly; hiding history causes more problems than the history itself.
- Forgetting the arrival card: Arrival/departure card — complete it in the correct window or you can be delayed at the border.
Practical timeline: application → approval → travel
- 6–8 weeks before travel: check your passport validity, confirm your requirement, and start gathering documents.
- 3–4 weeks before: book refundable flights and accommodation (immigration may ask for these), then submit your Laos application.
- Processing: allow Approx 3-5 business days. Do not make non-refundable bookings until approved.
- On approval: print/save the approval, keep it with your passport, and complete any arrival card before you fly.
Before you travel to Laos
- Arrival card / declaration: Arrival/departure card
- Onward or return ticket: carry proof — airlines and immigration can ask for it.
- Funds: have evidence of enough money for your stay (card and some LAK (Lao Kip)).
- Travel insurance: strongly recommended, and mandatory for some destinations.
- Copies: keep a digital and paper copy of your visa/approval and passport photo page.
Good to know
- Singaporeans 30 days visa-free.
- eVisa accepted only at listed entry points; VOA not available at some remote borders.
Laos visa requirements by nationality
| Passport | Requirement | Max stay |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Laos visa?
eVisa / Visa on arrival: Approx US$50 for most nationalities (varies by nationality; exact India figure unconfirmed on official portal). HolidaySG's assistance fee is a separate flat S$65.
How long does it take?
eVisa / Visa on arrival: Approx 3-5 business days.
Things to do once your Laos visa is sorted
Popular experiences in Laos you can book on HolidaySG:
- Bamboo Experience Class & Kuang Si Falls Full Day — from USD 56
- Bamboo Weaving & Cooking Class Half Day — from USD 15
- Evening Baci Ceremony & Home-Cooked Dinner — from USD 15
- Laos - Unlimited Data 4G/5G eSIM — from USD 22
- Luang Prabang Local villages Full day Private tour — from USD 32
- Luang Prabang Morning Foodie Walking & Monk blessing — from USD 13
Official sources
- Lao eVisa — Ministry of Foreign Affairs — verified 16 August 2026
- Lao eVisa — Ministry of Foreign Affairs — verified 19 August 2026
Last updated 20 August 2026. Written and reviewed by the HolidaySG visa team and checked against the official sources above (facts verified 19 August 2026). Visa rules change and depend on your passport, residence and purpose of travel — always confirm with the official source before booking, or use our visa checker. HolidaySG re-confirms current requirements at the time of your application.