The Lao tourist eVisa, applied for on laoevisa.gov.la, can only be used at 9 designated ports: three airports, three Thai-Lao Friendship Bridges, Boten and two railway stations[1]. It is single entry, gives a 30-day stay, and must be used within 60 days of approval[1]. Arrive anywhere else and you have to buy a visa on arrival, and the eVisa fee is not refunded[1].
Which ports accept the Lao eVisa?
The Lao eVisa site lists these 9 ports[1]:
Airports
- Wattay International Airport (Vientiane Capital)
- Luang Prabang International Airport
- Pakse International Airport (Champasack Province)
From Thailand
- Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I (Vientiane Capital, from Nong Khai)
- Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II (Savannakhet Province, from Mukdahan)
- Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge IV (Bokeo Province, from Chiang Khong)
From China and by rail
- Boten International Checkpoint (Luang Namtha Province)
- Boten Railway Station (Luang Namtha Province)
- Khamsavath Railway Station (Vientiane Capital)
If you enter through any other port, you must apply for a visa on arrival there, and the eVisa fee is not refunded[1]. Confirm your crossing before you apply.
How long can you stay, and how long is it valid?
- Use by: any date within 60 days of receiving your approval letter. You do not have to arrive on the exact date you put in the application[1].
- Stay: 30 days from arrival[1].
- Entries: single entry only[1].
- Passport: valid for more than 180 days from your arrival date[1].
What does the application need?
- A colour scan of your passport biodata page
- A 4 x 6 cm colour photo taken within the last 6 months, on a plain white background, with no shadows, facing the camera, neutral expression, both eyes open[1]
- Your planned arrival date and port of entry
Lao immigration may ask for extra documents after you submit.
How long does it take, and what does it cost?
Applications are processed within 3 working days of a complete application and full payment. Morning submissions are processed the same day; afternoon submissions the next day, Lao time (GMT+7)[1]. The government fee depends on your nationality: the Lao eVisa site has a fee calculator. The eVisa fee is non-refundable under any circumstances[1], so check your port and dates before you pay.
Some nationalities do not need a visa for Laos at all. Check yours before applying.
Planning a Thai visa in Vientiane?
Many people cross into Laos to visit the Thai embassy in Vientiane. From 31 August 2026, Vientiane and Savannakhet accept Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) applications only from Lao nationals and legal residents of Laos. A Lao eVisa does not change that. See our guide to the DTV rule change.
How Issa Compass helps
We confirm your port is one of the 9, check your passport validity and photo against the Lao specification, and file your eVisa on laoevisa.gov.la. See our Laos visas page, or book a free consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a Lao eVisa at any border?
No. It works only at 9 designated ports. At any other port you must buy a visa on arrival, and the eVisa fee is not refunded[1].
Which Thai-Lao border crossings accept the Lao eVisa?
Lao-Thai Friendship Bridges I (Nong Khai to Vientiane), II (Mukdahan to Savannakhet) and IV (Chiang Khong to Huay Xai, Bokeo)[1].
How long is a Lao eVisa valid?
You must enter within 60 days of receiving the approval letter, and you can stay 30 days from arrival, on a single entry[1].
How long does the Lao eVisa take?
Within 3 working days of a complete application and full fee[1].
Is the Lao eVisa fee refundable?
No. The eVisa fee is non-refundable under any circumstances[1].
References
- Lao eVisa: Frequently Asked Questions (laoevisa.gov.la)