Laotian visa resources
How to Apply for a Laos Visa
The main ways to get a Lao visa - online eVisa, on arrival, or in advance at an embassy - and which suits your trip.
Important
There are three main ways to obtain a Lao visa. Eligible tourists can apply online through the official Lao eVisa portal run by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, receiving an approval letter by email to show on arrival. Many travellers can instead get a visa on arrival at major airports and land borders. Nationals of visa-exempt countries need no visa at all for short stays.
Work, study, investment and family stays require applying for a specific visa, usually with a sponsor (an employer, institution or approved investment) and then a work and/or stay permit after arrival. Employer- and investor-sponsored applications are often handled through the Investment Promotion Department's One-Stop Service.
Always check the official Department of Immigration and eVisa sites before applying, as eligibility, entry points and requirements can change.
Next steps
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.