Laos will begin offering electronic tourist visa (eVisa) applications in July this year, allowing visitors to apply for a visa online prior to arriving in the country.
The official website for the e-visa application process is https://laoevisa.gov.la
The eVisa website will be jointly managed by the Lao Consular Affairs Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Public Security. Tourist visas valid for 30 days will be the first types of visas offered by the site, with other types of visas to be added at a later date.
The application process involves three simple steps, including the provision of documents and payment of an online fee, after which users can download an official eVisa approval letter.
Payments may be made with VISA or Mastercard credit card systems.
Special eVisa priority lanes will be available at seven ports:
Wattay International Airport, Luang Prabang International Airport, and Pakse International Airport,
Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I, Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II, Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge IV,
Boten International Checkpoint
According to the website, the eVisa processing time will be up to three working days, and eVisa applications will include an extra 15 USD charge on top of the ordinary visa fee.
The eVisa system has been developed by the Lao government to boost efficiency in visa processing and as a more convenient way for tourists to apply for tourist visas.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visa on arrival services and visa applications at Lao embassies abroad will still be available for the time being.
