Laos Entry Requirements for American Citizens
Apply for eVisaTravelers from the United States need to obtain a visa before being allowed entrance into Laos. A visa to Laos from America can be obtained in a number of different ways. These options include:
Applying online for an eVisa
Visiting a Laotian embassy
Getting a visa on arrival
Of the three, the online eVisa offers one of the easiest and fastest ways to get ready to visit Laos for American citizens. This page explains how to smoothly register for an eVisa in just a few simple steps.
Do US Citizens Need a Visa to Travel to Laos?
It is obligatory for US citizens to hold a valid visa before entering Laos. Only 15 nationalities may travel to the country visa free. Most Americans visiting the country travel with a Laos tourist visa.
One form of the, tourist visa is the eVisa Approval Letter allows US citizens entry into the southeast Asian nation for a total of 30 days. This time can be extended whilst in the country if the applicant contacts the relevant authorities before the visa’s expiry.
The online visa for tourists Laos can be acquired in about 3 business days. Travelers just need to make sure they have the necessary documents to enter Lqao PDR upon arrival and that all the correct requirements are met.
Laos eVisa Application Requirements for Americans
The Laos eVisa allows Americans to apply online for a permit of entry into the country from anywhere in the world. To do so, applicants must send the following documents in order to complete and submit the Laos eVisa online application form.
During this process they will need to complete the following steps:
- Fill out the Laos visa application form: this can be downloaded online
- Provide data from a United States passport with a minimum of 6 months’ validity from the chosen arrival date
- Submit 1 passport photograph sized 1.6x2.4 inches (4x6cm) that meets the following requirements, taken within the last 6 months
Applying online for an eVisa saves applicants the stress of travelling to an embassy or queuing to get the visa on arrival in Laos. The passport used during the process should come with two blank pages, allowing enough room for the arrival stamp in the country.
If all requirements are met, it could take as little as 3 working days but travelers should apply at least 7 days before their intended date of departure in case of any delays in processing.
Information for Americans Arriving in Laos with a Valid eVisa
Once processed, the eVisa will be sent to the email address given during the order process. From there American tourists can print off the Approval Letter eVisa document in preparation for their arrival in Laos.
Be aware that at the present time the eVisa can only be used at the following Laotian border crossing points which include:
- Wattay International Airport
- Pakse International Airport
- Luang Prabang International Airport
- Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I
- Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II
When crossing the border into the country Americans will need to present their valid passport used during the registration. They will also need to provide the printed copy of their Lao eVisa. This will then be checked by the attending border guard who will grant the visa-holder entry into the country.
Laos Online Visa Benefits for Americans
Applying for the Laos visa online is more advantageous than applying for a visa upon arrival or applying at an embassy beforehand. With the online visa for Laos, travelers can receive an approved visa in advance and apply using a mobile device or desktop computer.
The online application form for the Laos visa also takes less time to complete and less time to process. making the online application system a smoother process for Laos visa applicants.
How To Visit Laos as a US Business Traveler
American business travelers will instead need a Laos business visa. This process usually takes longer to complete. Individuals are advised to apply for this category of visa at least 3 months before their intended date of travel. Like the eVisa these can also be extended once in Laos.
Register with the US Embassy in Laos
Citizens of the United States can now register with the US Embassy during their stay in Laos.
Enrolling with the US Embassy in Laos has several safety and security benefits.
By registering, travelers can:
- Receive safety and security updates for Laos
- Get important information before and during a natural disaster or other emergency
- Be contacted easily if there is an emergency back home in the United States
US citizens can complete embassy registration when applying for a Laos eVisa through this website. To opt-in for the service, eVisa applicants should select the US Embassy Registration option on the payment page.
FAQ’s about Laos Visa for US Citizens
Can US citizens travel to Laos? Toggle faqs
Yes, citizens of the United States can travel to Laos. They must follow Laos’s entry policies, which include having the correct travel documents.
Americans must have an approved Laotian visa to cross the border into the country. This is part of the nation’s visa policy, which states that a travel permit is mandatory for certain nationalities.
Conveniently, US travelers can apply for an Laos online visa. This is the fastest way to gain entry into Laos with a US passport.
What documents do I need to obtain a Laos visa for Americans? Toggle faqs
United States nationals can apply for the Laos eVisa with just a few items:
- US passport: must be valid for at least 6 months (180 days) from the expected date of arrival in Laos
- Email address: should be an email address which is checked regularly
- Debit or credit card: the Laos eVisa fee must be paid using a card which is authorized for online payments
Applicants can start the eVisa process providing they have everything listed above.
What types of Laos visa can US citizens apply for? Toggle faqs
US citizens are eligible to apply for the Laos eVisa. This electronic visa gives the holder single entry access into Laos, and permission to stay of up to 30 days.
For those who wish to stay for longer than 30 days, or who do not meet the eVisa requirements, there are 2 other options available: visa on arrival and an embassy visa.
US travelers can obtain a visa on arrival at the Laos border, however this can be a lengthy process and does not guarantee an approved visa. Embassy visas involve going in person to a Laotian embassy or consulate.