Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Laos E-Visa Application
Laos eVisa application process is simple and completely only, but small mistakes while applying can delay approval or cause problems when entering the country.
Most of these mistakes can be avoided by checking the information and documents before submitting the application.
1. Entering Incorrect Passport Details
One of the most common mistakes applicant do is to enter personal information that does not match their passport.
- Incorrect name or surname spelling.
- Wrong expiry date or passport number.
- Incorrect nationality or birth date.
Even a small mistake can create problem during processing. All details provided in the application form should match the passport exactly.
2. Applying With an Invalid Passport
The passport must be an ordinary passport, valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Laos.
It should also have at least 1 blank page.
Applying with a passport such as emergency, temporary or other unsupported passport can lead to rejection.
3. Uploading an Unclear Passport Copy
Applicants sometimes upload blurred or cropped passport bio page scan.
The scan copy should:
- Show the complete passport bio page.
- Include both MRZ lines at the bottom.
- Be clear, coloured and readable.
4. Submitting a Photograph That Does Not Meet Requirements
Uploading an old photograph, selfie or photo with shadows or blurriness will require applicant to re-submit the photograph.
The photograph must meet Laos eVisa photo requirements and must have been taken within the last 6 months.
5. Applying Too Close to the Travel Date
The Laos eVisa standard processing time is 5 - 7 Working Days after the complete application and visa fee payment is received.
Public holidays, missing documents or incorrect details may increase the processing time.
For urgent or immediate travel plans rush or super-rush processing is available at an additional cost that is added to the total cost of Laos eVisa.
6. Not Checking Payment and Email Updates
Some applicants complete the payment but never check the registered email for payment confirmation. Only when the fee payment is successfully received, the application processing will begin.
The applicant must regularly check emails for any correction requests or additional documents or information request from the authorities.
7. Confusing Visa Validity With Stay Duration
The Laos eVisa is valid for:
60 days from the approval letter’s issue date, but it allows a stay of up to 30 days after arrival.
It is a single-entry visa.
Travellers should not confuse the entry validity with the permitted stay.
8. Choosing the Wrong Entry Checkpoint
The Laos eVisa is accepted only at designated airports, land checkpoints and railway stations.
- Wattay International Airport (Vientiane Capital)
- Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I (Vientiane Capital)
- Luang Prabang International Airport (Luang Prabang Province)
- Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II (Savannakhet Province)
- Pakse International Airport (Champasack Province)
- Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge IV (Bokeo Province)
- Boten International Checkpoint (Luang Namtha Province)
- Boten Railway Station (Luang Namtha Province)
- Khamsavath Railway Station (Vientiane Capital)
Before booking ticket, check that the entry point allows eVisa travellers or not.
9. Forgetting to Print the Approval Letter
Once the applicant receive the approval letter, they must print a copy and carry it with the same passport used during application.
Showing the approval letter only on a mobile phone is not sufficient.
Final Check Before Submission
Review the entire application before making payment. Incorrect information, unsuitable documents and unsupported entry points can cause unnecessary problems.
1
Visa Application ID: 9CSWFBH Dear Sir or Madame, Unfortunately I made a mistake in my passport number when I applied for a tourist visa to Laos. My correct passport number is C3FL3XX5Y instead of C3FL3XXX5Y. I put in an extra X. The tourist visa has already been paid in full. Can you please respond as I am not sure what to do? Can you correct this mistake? I am travelling at the moment and wish to travel to Laos on 28. December 2025. Thank you for your urgent help. Yours sincerely Mala Reinhardt