Laos, the “Land of a Million Elephants,” has become a top-tier destination for European travelers seeking an authentic Southeast Asian experience. From the French colonial architecture of Luang Prabang that feels strangely familiar to the mist-covered karsts of Vang Vieng, this landlocked nation offers a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility.

For citizens of the European Union—whether you are flying from Paris, Berlin, Rome, or Madrid—planning a trip to Laos has never been easier thanks to the digital revolution. Gone are the days of mailing passports to embassies.

In this guide, we answer the most searching questions about the Laos eVisa for European Union Travelers, covering everything from traveling with children to changing your visa status.

Do European Union Citizens Need a Visa for Laos?

Yes, for the vast majority of European Union member states, a visa is required to enter the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Whether you hold a passport from Germany, France, Italy, Spain, or Poland, you cannot enter visa-free for a standard holiday.

The Exception: Citizens of Luxembourg currently enjoy a visa exemption for stays of up to 15 days. However, if you plan to stay longer than two weeks, you will also need to apply for a visa.

For all other EU citizens, the Laos eVisa is the most convenient method to secure entry authorization before you travel.

What Is the Laos eVisa and How Long Is It Valid?

The Laos eVisa (Electronic Visa) is a digital travel authorization that allows citizens of eligible countries (including all EU nations) to enter Laos for tourism purposes.

Key Validity Details:

• Visa Validity: Once your eVisa is approved, you have 60 days to enter Laos.
• Duration of Stay: Upon arrival, you are granted a stay of up to 30 days.
• Entry Type: This is a Single Entry visa.

Minor Travel on Visit Visa: Do Children Need Their Own eVisa?

If you are traveling with your family, you might be wondering if your children can simply be “added” to your visa.

The Rule: Yes, every minor requires their own separate eVisa. Regardless of age, children (including infants) must have a valid visa to enter Laos. They cannot travel solely on their parent’s visa.

How to Apply for Minors:

• Parents or legal guardians can complete the application on behalf of the child.
• You will need to upload the child’s passport scan and a digital photo of the child.
• The passport requirements (6 months validity) apply to children’s passports as well.

Can I Convert My Tourist eVisa to a Business or Work Visa?

Many digital nomads and expats fall in love with Laos and wish to stay longer. A common question is: “Can I convert my Lao Tourist eVisa into a Work Visa without leaving the country?”

The Short Answer: No. The Laos eVisa is strictly for tourism purposes only.

• No In-Country Conversion: You typically cannot convert a Tourist eVisa directly into a long-term Business (B2) or Labor (LA-B2) visa while inside Laos.
• The Procedure: If you find a job or wish to do business, you will generally need to exit the country (a popular option is a “border run” to Thailand) and apply for the correct Business Visa at a Lao Embassy or Consulate abroad before re-entering.

Can I Enter a Different Port Than Selected?

When applying for the eVisa, you are asked to select your “Intended Port of Entry.” But travel plans change—perhaps you found a cheaper flight to Pakse instead of Vientiane.

Can you change your entry point? Yes, you can. You are not strictly bound to the specific port you selected on your application form, provided that the new port is also on the list of eVisa-accepted ports.

For example, if you selected “Wattay International Airport” but decide to cross via the “Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I,” you will still be allowed entry because both are valid eVisa checkpoints. However, you cannot use the eVisa at a remote local border crossing that is not equipped to scan the digital code.

What Documents Do EU Citizens Need to Apply?

The bureaucracy is minimal. To apply for Laos eVisa, European travelers need just a few digital items:

• Valid Passport: Your EU passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from the date of arrival.
• Passport Bio Page: A clear, color scan of the page with your photo and personal details.
• Digital Photo: A recent passport-style photograph (4×6 cm preferred) against a white background.
• Email Address: To receive your official Approval Letter.
• Payment Method: A credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, or Amex) to pay the fee online.

How Fast Can I Get My Laos eVisa?

European travelers value efficiency. Depending on how spontaneous your trip is, you can choose from three processing tiers:

• Normal Processing: Ideal for planned holidays. You will receive your eVisa within 5 – 7 Working Days.
• Rush Processing: Great for last-minute booking. This service delivers your visa in 3 – 5 Working Days.
• Super Rush Processing: For urgent travel, this option processes your application in just 1 – 3 Hours.

Note: “Working Days” excludes weekends and Lao public holidays.

How Much Does the Laos eVisa Cost for Europeans?

The total cost of the Laos eVisa depends on the processing speed you select. The fee covers the government’s standard visa fee plus a service charge for the online platform.

While the eVisa may cost slightly more than the “Visa on Arrival” (which typically demands exact cash in USD), the extra few Euros pay for peace of mind. You avoid the “Visa on Arrival” queues—which can be long and chaotic after a long-haul flight from Europe—and you eliminate the need to carry large amounts of cash.

Which Ports of Entry Accept the Laos eVisa?

This is a critical point for backpackers and overland travelers. The Laos eVisa is not valid at every single border crossing. You must enter via one of the designated international ports:

International Airports:

1. Wattay International Airport (Vientiane)
2. Luang Prabang International Airport (Luang Prabang)
3. Pakse International Airport (Champasak)

Land Bridges & Stations:

1. Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I (Vientiane)
2. Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II (Savannakhet)
3. Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge IV (Bokeo)
4. Boten International Checkpoint (Luang Namtha – bordering China)
5. Boten Railway Station (Laos-China Railway)

Can I Enter via Land Borders from Vietnam or Cambodia?

Many European travelers do a “Grand Indochina Loop,” crossing into Laos by bus from Vietnam or Cambodia.

Important: Many of the remote land borders (such as the Tay Trang border with Vietnam or the Veun Kham border with Cambodia) do not yet accept the eVisa. If you plan to cross at a remote checkpoint not listed above, you will need to rely on the Visa on Arrival service or obtain a physical visa sticker from a Lao Embassy in Paris, Berlin, or Bangkok.

If I make one typo, is my government fee immediately lost?

• Government Website: The cost of error is 100% loss. A typo in your name, date of birth, or passport number means the issued visa is invalid. You cannot make changes after submission and must pay the full government fee again to re-apply.
• lao-evisa.com: Zero financial loss from typos. We act as your error-checking safety net. We review your entire form for clerical errors and compare it against your passport data, saving you the expense of a double application.

Am I risking instant rejection if my uploaded document is blurry?

• Government Website: Rejection Risk is High. The official system provides no personal assistance. If your photo or passport scan is slightly illegible, the system may accept your payment and then reject your application days later.
• lao-evisa.com: No, we guarantee document integrity. Our team manually reviews every document before submission. If anything is blurry, incomplete, or the wrong file type, we contact you immediately to correct the issue, ensuring a high chance of approval.

How to Apply Online for Laos eVisa from Europe?

The process is simple and can be done from your smartphone or laptop:

1. Select Visa Type: Choose “Visit Visa – 60 Days, Single entry”.
2. Upload Documents: Upload your passport scan and photo. ensure the images are clear; blurry photos are the #1 reason for delays.
3. Select Processing: Choose Normal, Rush, or Super Rush.
4. Payment: Pay the fee securely using your card.
5. Download & Print: Once approved, the letter is sent to your email.

Do I Need to Print the Approval Letter?

Yes. Despite being a digital process, the Lao immigration infrastructure relies on paper. You must print two copies of your eVisa Approval Letter:

• One copy is for the immigration officer to keep.
• One copy is for you to retain (often checked upon exit).

Can EU Citizens Extend Their Stay in Laos?

If you fall in love with the relaxed Lao lifestyle, you can extend your 30-day visa without leaving the country.

• Where: You must visit the Immigration Department in Vientiane.
• Cost: The fee is approximately 20,000 LAK (approx. €1-2) per day, plus a small service charge.
• Warning: Do not overstay without an extension. Fines are steep (approx. $10 USD per day) and can lead to bans on future entry.

Conclusion

For European Union citizens, the Laos eVisa is the key to unlocking an unforgettable adventure. It removes the stress of border formalities, allowing you to focus on cruising the Mekong, exploring ancient temples, and enjoying the incredible Lao hospitality.

Whether you are a digital nomad from Estonia or a retiree from Portugal, applying online is the smartest way to start your journey. Bon voyage!