Laos Visa Types
When traveling to Laos, you may face specific visa requirements, depending on your country of origin. Some foreigners are allowed to enter Laos without a visa; others must apply for one of several available entry permits. Also, don't forget the mandatory health declaration called Lao Green Pass.
Visa to Laos
There are many types of visas for Laos, depending on the country of origin, passport type and purpose of your visit. Laos visas can be obtained the traditional way at the embassy, upon arrival at your chosen port of entry, or online at home. Some countries are visa-free to enter Laos and do not need to fill out a visa application.
Regular Visa
A regular visa is a travel permit that must be obtained at an embassy. It often allows entry into the country for longer periods of time, but the application process can also be tedious and time-consuming. In addition to completing the application form, you will also be asked to participate in a short interview. The entire delivery process can take up to several weeks; Therefore, plan your embassy visit in advance.
Visa on Arrival
Visa on arrival is issued at the selected port of entry immediately upon arrival in Laos. To get this short-term entry permit, go to the nearest immigration checkpoint and wait for the customs officer to approve your visa. This process can take several hours if the VoA queue is long, so please be patient. Laos visa upon arrival is valid for 30 days.
Electronic eVisa
Electronic visas were introduced by the Lao Government in 2019 to facilitate the registration process for visitors. Applying for a visa online is intuitive and convenient, allowing you to easily get your visa. Complete the questionnaire, pay the required fees, and save the eVisa approval letter from your email address. Processing time should not exceed 3 days. Laos eVisa grants entry into Laos once per month, with the document validity period being 60 days.
Types of Laos Visas
Tourist Visa (T-B3)
A Laos Tourist Visa is required if you travel for tourism purposes such as entertainment, sightseeing and vacation. The permit allows a single stay of 30 days and can be renewed twice. It can be obtained at the embassy or upon arrival. Remember that a tourist visa does not allow you to work in Laos.
Visitor Visa (B3)
Work Visa (LA-B2)
Work visa in Laos allows foreign citizens with a work permit and Lao identification card to work legally in Laos. To check in, you need permission from the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A work visa is the most common type of visa that allows you to work. It can be issued for a period of 3 to 12 months, with the possibility of extension.
Expert Visa (E-B2)
Foreign nationals coming to Laos to work in international organizations must apply for a Lao Professional Visa. To be allowed entry, please provide all necessary information, such as a signed labor contract.
Media Visa (M-B2)
If you are a registered journalist or certified member of the press and wish to travel to Laos to represent international media, you must apply for a Laos media visa. This permit will allow you to travel freely to your workplace in Laos and perform work.
Courtesy Visa (C-B1)
Laos courtesy visa is a document issued to foreign experts who come to Laos under a subcontract with a program sponsored by the Lao government. You may also be granted a preferential visa if invited by a government agency to attend a professional conference in Laos. There are no fee requirements associated with this visa. It is issued for 6 months and can be extended for a further six months upon request.
Diplomatic Visa (D-A1)
Lao diplomatic visas can only be issued by high-level government delegations, foreign diplomats, consular officers and United Nations representatives. It is also issued to international organizations operating in Laos. The permit applies to travelers and their closest family members who hold official passports. The license is valid for one year and can be renewed until the assigned task is completed. Diplomatic visas are free.
Official Visa (S-A2)
The official Lao visa is very similar to the Lao diplomatic visa. These two documents authorize entry into the country for international diplomats and members of government organizations. Official visas can be issued to visitors and their dependents, spouses and children, valid for one year with the possibility of renewing the permit.
Business Visa (NI-B2)
Laos business visa, also known as investor visa, allows you to enter Laos for the purpose of working, gathering data and investing. It is issued to foreign shareholders, directors, technical agents and members of diplomatic missions.
With an investment visa and residence permit, you will have the right to enter Laos multiple times for 3 to 12 months. To get a business visa, you must first get another type of Laos visa. Once you arrive, get your work permit and ID card. You may be asked to present a dealer license or business registration certificate.
Student Visa (ST-B2)
If you have been admitted to an educational institution in Laos, you must apply for a Laos study visa. Any international student intending to spend up to five years studying in Laos can apply for this visa. It is valid for 12 months but can be renewed each year until graduation.
Requirements
To get a Laos visa, you must meet certain mandatory conditions. Before applying, remember to prepare all the necessary documents:
A valid passport with 6 months validity and three copies of your recent photographs.
Lao Green Pass
All foreign nationals entering Laos must not only have a valid visa permit but must also complete a Lao Green Pass health declaration. If you do not receive a unique QR code through the Lao Green Pass, you may encounter problems at the port of entry.
To complete the Lao Green Pass health declaration, you must prepare information about your vaccination status and travel history. You will be asked to fill out a declaration form to agree to quarantine and testing. The red QR code represents 5 days of quarantine, while the blue QR code allows you to travel freely.
