How to Apply for Lao eVisa and Requirements for Mexican Citizens
The rich cultural heritage and landscapes make Laos very attractive to travelers from all over the world, and those include Mexicans, too. In that regard, an Laos eVisa will provide them with a chance to apply online for a visa rather than physically visiting the embassy. Here is a guide to the Laos eVisa requirements and application process for Mexican citizens.
What is the Laos eVisa for Mexican Citizens?
The Laos eVisa is an electronic visa system designed to make it easier for eligible travelers to apply for a visa. It allows Mexican citizens to apply online for a single-entry visa, mainly for tourism purposes, and stay in Laos for up to 30 days.
Conditions for Mexican Citizens to Qualify for the Laos eVisa
To be eligible for a Laos eVisa, Mexican nationals must meet the following criteria:
- Purpose of Visit: The eVisa is issued for short-term tourism purposes only.
- Passport Validity: Applicants must hold a Mexican passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay.
- Entry Points: Travelers must enter Laos through designated checkpoints that accept eVisas, such as Wattay International Airport and Friendship Bridge.
Required Documents for Mexican Travelers Applying for a Laos eVisa
Mexican citizens must prepare the following documents when applying for a Laos eVisa:
- A scan of the bio page in your passport.
- A digital, passport-sized photo that reflects current appearance.
- Credit or debit card to pay for the
- Travel itinerary or flight information (optional but recommended).
How to Apply for Laos eVisa for Mexican Citizens
Following are 3 Easy Steps to Apply for Laos eVisa for the Citizens of Mexico
- Check Official Website of Laos eVisa: Go to the official portal and begin your Laos eVisa application form process.
- Fill Out the Form and Attach Documents: Provide your information and attach a scanned passport bio page and a passport-sized photograph.
- Pay and Submit: Make the payment for the visa online, check your application, and submit it.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Laos eVisa for Mexican Citizens?
Laos eVisa processing for Mexican citizens is pretty smooth and swift, ensuring that one does not face much hassle. Here is what one gets:
– Standard Processing Time: The usual processing time for a Laos eVisa is 1-6 Working Days. It is recommended to apply a week in advance of your estimated date of travel, in case there are any unexpected delays.
– Expedited Services: In certain cases, this might be possible with an additional cost, where the waiting time is shortened. This service will suit last-minute travelers or urgent journeys.
Factors Affecting Processing Time:
- Accuracy of your application form and uploaded documents.
- High volume of applications during peak traveling seasons.
- Public holidays in Laos may also delay the processing.
Notification of Approval:
Once processed, the approval of an eVisa will be issued to the applicant's registered email in PDF format, which is downloadable. It is recommended that Mexican nationals print a copy and carry it along with their passport to be shown at immigration. Application submitted in due time with all the required information and without any errors ensures a smooth and timely eVisa approval process.
Is the Laos eVisa Valid for Multiple Entries for Mexican Citizens?
The Laos eVisa is not a multiple-entry visa for Mexican citizens; it is issued as a single-entry visa, meaning:
- Single Entry Only: The eVisa allows Mexican travelers to enter Laos once. If you leave the country, you cannot re-enter using the same eVisa.
- Duration of Stay: The eVisa permits a maximum stay of 30 days within Laos. Travelers must exit the country before the visa expires to avoid penalties.
- Reapplication Required: If you want to return to Laos again after you've left, then you'll have to apply for another eVisa.
- If you're traveling in and out of the country more than once, consider other visa options such as applying for a standard visa from an embassy or consulate.
Laos eVisa Entry Points for Citizens of Mexico
Mexican visitors with an approved Laos eVisa must arrive in the country at the entry points that accept the eVisa. These entry ports have the necessary facilities to support the electronic visa upon arrival of foreign nationals.
Entry Point |
Description |
Recommended For |
Wattay International Airport (Vientiane Capital) |
International entry point to Laos, serving the capital city, Vientiane. |
Recommended for those flying directly to Laos. |
Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I (Vientiane Capital) |
Border entry between Nong Khai, Thailand, and Vientiane, Laos. |
Suitable for overland travelers from Thailand. |
Luang Prabang International Airport (Luang Prabang) |
Gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang. |
Recommended for travelers heading to Luang Prabang. |
Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II (Savannakhet Province) |
Links Mukdahan in Thailand to Savannakhet in Laos. |
Popular for tourists traveling to southern Laos by land. |
Pakse International Airport (Champasack Province) |
Located in southern Laos, this is an entry point for visitors touring the region. |
Ideal for those visiting southern Laos. |
Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge IV (Bokeo Province) |
Connects Chiang Rai, Thailand, to Bokeo Province, Laos. |
Used by travelers coming from northern Thailand. |
Boten International Checkpoint (Luang Namtha Province) |
Border checkpoint linking China and Laos. |
Suitable for travelers entering from China. |
Boten Railway Station (Luang Namtha Province) |
Railway station in Luang Namtha that connects China and Laos. |
Convenient for rail travelers from China. |
Important Travel Tips
- Ensure your travel plans include one of the approved entry points to avoid complications.
- Present a printed copy of your eVisa along with your passport at immigration.
- Confirm your arrival details match the information provided in your eVisa application.
Application Fee of a Laos eVisa for Mexican Citizens
The Laos eVisa fee for Mexican citizens usually varies, depending on the processing speed chosen by the applicant. The payment can be securely made using a valid credit or debit card. Additional service charges may apply if opting for expedited processing. It’s important to complete the payment during the application process to ensure successful submission and approval of the eVisa.
What to Do if Your Laos eVisa Application is Rejected as a Mexican Citizen
Application rejection for eVisa mostly pops up, which may be disappointing, but you can readdress the situation and take positive steps:
- Know Why
- Look at the rejection notice to understand why this is the case. The usual reasons for rejection will either be because of an incomplete form, incorrect information, or invalid documents.
- Pay close attention to any feedback that may be given by the Laotian authorities.
- Correct and Reapply
- If the problem is minor in nature, say a typo or lack of document, correct it and apply again.
- Ensure everything is correct as well as documents presented are according to the requirements mentioned for avoidance of rejection once more.
- Contact eVisa Support
Reach out to the Laos eVisa support team for clarification or assistance. They may provide insights into what went wrong and how to resolve the issue.
- Explore Alternative Visa Options
If reapplying for an eVisa isn’t possible or the rejection persists, consider applying for a traditional visa through the nearest embassy or consulate in Mexico. Embassy visas often accommodate more complex cases and can be issued for different purposes or durations.
- Check Eligibility and Requirements
Once more, go through the eligibility criteria and ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of your entry.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Laos eVisa as a Mexican Citizen
To ensure a smooth eVisa application process, Mexican citizens should avoid the following common mistakes:
- Providing Incorrect Information: Errors in personal details, passport information, or travel dates can lead to rejection or delays. Always double-check your application before submission.
- Using an Invalid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Laos and have at least one blank page for entry stamps.
- Uploading Improper Documents: Ensure that the scanned copy of your passport's bio page and your passport-sized photo are according to the specifications. Poor quality or uncropped images may lead to rejection.
- Waiting Until the Last Minute to Apply: Processing usually takes 1-6 Working Days, but sometimes unforeseen delays can happen. Apply at least one week in advance of your travel date to avoid stress.
- Choosing the Wrong Entry Point: The Laos eVisa is only valid at specific entry points, such as Wattay International Airport and certain land borders. Confirm your entry point is eligible before applying.
- Not Paying the Correct Fee: Ensure you have a valid credit or debit card to pay the exact eVisa fee. Partial payments or failed transactions will void your application.
- Skipping the Confirmation Email: After submitting your application, check your email for the confirmation message and reference number. This is essential for tracking your application.
Benefits of the Laos eVisa for Mexican Citizens
Laos eVisa offers several benefits to Mexican Citizens including:
- Convenience: Apply online from anywhere without visiting an embassy.
- Time-Saving: The streamlined process ensures quick approval.
- Transparency: Clear requirements and fees reduce confusion.
Does Laos Offers Visa on Arrival to Citizens of Mexico?
Yes, Laos offers a Visa on Arrival (VoA) to citizens of Mexico. Mexican travelers can obtain a Visa on Arrival for tourism purposes at several entry points in Laos, such as airports and border crossings. The Visa on Arrival allows for a stay of up to 30 days and can be extended under certain conditions. However, it's recommended to check the specific requirements and entry points before traveling, as policies may change.
Key Differences Between Laos eVisa and Visa on Arrival for Mexican Nationals
Here are the key differences between Laos eVisa and visa on arrival:
Feature |
Laos eVisa |
Visa on Arrival |
Application Process |
Online application before traveling |
Application completed upon arrival in Laos |
Processing Time |
1-6 Working Days (on average) |
Immediate processing at the entry point |
Convenience |
Apply from anywhere online |
May involve long queues at the airport/border |
Entry Points |
Limited to specific entry points, like Wattay International Airport and Friendship Bridge |
Available at most international entry points in Laos |
Required Documents |
Scanned passport bio page, digital passport photo |
Physical passport photo, completed visa form |
Payment Method |
Credit or debit card online |
Cash in USD or local currency |
Cost |
Fixed fee paid online |
Varies based on nationality and payment method |
Duration of Stay |
Up to 30 days (single entry) |
Typically up to 30 days, depending on approval |
Approval Status |
Approval received via email before travel |
Decision made at the border checkpoint |
Which Option to Choose?
- Laos eVisa: This is convenient for Mexican tourists who like to plan in advance and avoid long queues at entry points.
- Visa on Arrival: Good for last-minute travelers or those who cannot access the eVisa system.
The choice between the two options depends on your travel preference, time, and accessibility to online services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
They will be taken directly to the official Laos eVisa website, where they fill out an application form and attach the required documents—passport bio page and passport-sized photo—followed by the payment of the visa fee.
Mexican nationals are required to furnish a scanned passport bio page, a recent passport-sized photo, as well as all other personal information as requested in the application form.
This is usually done within 1-6 Working Days. It would be better to apply before to avoid unforeseen delays.
No, it is only valid for single entry. Travelers who need to enter Laos for multiple times must apply for a new eVisa every time they intend to enter Laos.
If your application is rejected, review the reasons provided and reapply with the necessary corrections.
Content Disclaimer: While this information was last updated in January 2025, we strongly suggest confirming all travel details with the appropriate governmental agencies, embassies, and airlines.