Laos Entry Requirements for Thai Passport Holders

Apply for eVisa

Laos eVisa for Thai Citizens

Thai citizens can enter neighboring Laos without a visa for up to 30 days. Normally when this time is up, they will need to exit the country and then return with a new valid visa.

However, with the eVisa, Thai citizens may extend their stay without the need to exit the country. This can be done at one of the Immigration offices in Laos.

The eVisa, which is also known as the Laos Approval Letter, is an electronic travel document introduced in July 2019 for more than 150 countries globally. This entirely online application allows for a faster immigration process for visitors looking to travel to Laos for tourism purposes.

laos entry requirements for thailand

Laos Online Visa Application from Thailand

The Laos online visa application can be completed in just a few minutes from anywhere in the world as long as there is a stable internet connection.

Applicants must meet a number of requirements and will need to provide the following information:

  • Personal details: full name, country of citizenship, date of birth, gender and address
  • Passport details: number, country of issue, date of issue and expiry
  • Passport-size color photo with follows Laos visa photo guideliness
  • Credit or debit card for the online payment

Finally, applicants will need to provide a valid email address where they will receive a confirmation email after they submit the application. They will be provided with a link to check the status of the application and present additional documents if necessary.

How Long is the Laos eVisa for Thai Citizens Valid for?

The Laos eVisa is valid for 60 days for Thai citizens and all other eligible nationalities. However, the visa allows travelers to stay In Laos for up to 30 days. After this period, an extension can be requested by visiting an Immigration office.

The cost of the extension of the visa can vary. If travelers request the extension before the visa expires, the extension will only cost 2$ per day. If travelers have already overstayed, they will need to pay 10$ for each day of the extension. It is therefore recommended to request an extension within 30 days from the date of entry in the country.

Laos eVisa Details for Citizens of Thailand

There are a number of important details to know about the Laos eVisa for citizens of Thailand before applying. These are as follows:

  • The Laos eVisa is for tourism purposes. Travelers who plan on conducting business will need to request a business visa at a Laos embassy or consulate.
  • The eVisa has a validity of 60 days and allows a single entry into the country for up to 30 days. For longer periods, an extension can be requested for a fee.
  • Travelers must have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Laos.
  • The online application should be submitted at least 7 days prior to departure.
  • Travelers should ensure the accuracy of the information provided in the online application.
  • Additional documents might be required and can be provided even after submitting the online application.

Traveling from Thailand to Laos

At present the eVisa can only be used at specific ports of entry into Laos. Over time, however, it is expected the new system will be rolled out in further border crossing locations.

The eVisa however, allows travelers to enter Laos only through five entry ports:

  • Wattay International Airport (Vientiane Capital)
  • Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I (Vientiane Capital)
  • Luang Prabang International Airport (Luang Prabang Province)
  • Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II (Savanakhet Province)
  • Pakse International Airport (Champasak Province)

Upon arrival in Laos, Thai citizens traveling with an eVisa will need to present:

  • Their passport valid for at least 6 months
  • A printed copy of the eVisa