Laos eVisa for South African Passport Holders

Planning a trip to the picturesque landscapes of Laos has never been so easy for South African travelers. Thanks to the newly introduced Laos eVisa, South African passport holders can apply for their travel authorization online and avoid traditional embassy visits or visa-on-arrival queues.

Introduction to Laos eVisa for South African Citizens

The Laos eVisa is an electronic visa system that was implemented by the government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic to ease the process of getting a visa for tourism purposes. This online platform allows qualified travelers to apply for their visa in advance, eliminating the need for traditional embassy visits or waiting in long queues at border checkpoints for a visa on arrival.

Introduced for tourism and to ease entry, the eVisa is an online application process; thus, it makes for a smooth and convenient option in preparation for travel to Laos. An approved eVisa will enable one to enter Laos through approved entry points and allow him or her to stay in the country for 30 days' maximum for leisure or to explore the country.

Eligibility for South African Passport Holders

Citizens of South Africa are eligible to apply for the Laos eVisa. Applicants must, however, meet the following requirements for qualification:

Possess a valid South African passport with at least six months' validity from the intended date of entry.
Have a recent passport photo that meets Laos eVisa photo requirements
Have a valid email address where the approved eVisa will be received.
Have a valid means of payment-credit/ debit card-for processing fees.

Advantages of a Laos eVisa Application as Compared to Visa on Arrival

The option of a Laos eVisa is easier and more convenient as compared to visa on arrival or a visa in the traditional sense. Here is why:

Saves Time: Apply online from anywhere—no need to go to an embassy. Do not spend hours waiting in queues at the airport or border checkpoints.
Fast Processing: Get your eVisa in just 1 - 3 Hours and Obtain via email, ready to print and use.
No Hidden Fees: Pay an upfront, specified amount online with no additional or hidden charges.
Easy Travel: Arrive with your entry pre-approved, avoiding last-minute complications, and enjoy easy, step-by-step instructions throughout the process.
Multiple Points of Entry: Use your eVisa at approved airport and land border crossing points.
Easy to Apply Anywhere: Apply at any time and moment you have internet access.

How to Apply for the Laos eVisa for Citizens of South Africa

Applying for a Laos eVisa is a very easy procedure that is done online. Here are simple steps that will guide you through the process;

Visit the Official eVisa Website: Visit the Laos eVisa portal and register on the website. Fill in your details, passport information, and travel plans.
Upload Documents and Pay the Fee: Upload a digital copy of your passport's bio page and a passport-size photo. Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card.
Submit and Receive Your eVisa: Submit your Laos eVisa application form and wait for approval (5 - 7 Working Days). Download and print your approved eVisa to present upon arrival in Laos.

Processing Times for the Laos eVisa from South Africa

The processing time for a Lao eVisa depends on the type of service chosen:

Standard Processing:Typically takes 5 - 7 Working Days
Rush Processing: Available through some providers, allowing approval within 1 - 3 Hours for an additional fee.

During peak travel periods or if there are issues with your application, processing times may take longer. It’s recommended to apply well in advance of your travel dates to avoid delays.

For those needing the visa urgently, rush processing is a convenient option, but it’s essential to check if the service is available for your visa type and review all associated fees before applying. Applying early remains the best way to ensure a smooth process.

Laos eVisa Fees for Citizens of South Africa

The Laos eVisa fee will depend on which processing time you choose. The standard processing is usually relatively inexpensive and is a good choice for people who can apply a long time in advance. Urgent processing is faster but you will have to pay an additional fee. The super urgent service is the fastest for those on urgent plans, giving approval in a very short time. Note that the fee might slightly vary due to different factors such as currency exchange rates or the service provider during the stage of paying. It is recommended that applicants check the current fee on the official eVisa portal at the time of application.

Payment Methods Accepted

Credit cards, including but not limited to Visa, MasterCard, among others.
Debit cards with international payment capability.
Other online payment platforms as outlined on the official Laos eVisa website.

Entry Points for Laos eVisa Holders from South Africa

Accredited South African passport holders are allowed to enter Laos through specific designated points upon presentation of an approved Laos eVisa. These include:

Airports

Wattay International Airport (Vientiane): This is the primary international entrance to Laos.
Luang Prabang International Airport: This airport is more convenient for those tourists who will be visiting the cultural and historic heart of Laos.
Pakse International Airport: Convenient for those visiting southern Laos.

Land Borders

Friendship Bridge I (Vientiane): Connects Laos to Thailand (Nong Khai).
Friendship Bridge II (Savannakhet): A popular crossing point from Thailand (Mukdahan).

Important Tips for South African Travelers

Confirm your chosen entry point accepts eVisas before you travel.
Have a printed copy of your eVisa ready to present at immigration.
Ensure your passport has at least six months' validity from your arrival date.

Visa Validity and Duration of Stay

The eVisa in Laos will be valid for 60 days after being approved. This visa shall provide enough time to South Africans travelers to plan their visits without much inconvenience. The extended period provides room for visitors who schedule their trip to Laos so that they can make the entry into the country within the given period, usually 60 days from date of issue. But they allow only 30 days of stay upon entry; South Africans going to Laos for tourism receive a 30-day entry, but they also provide an opportunity to become exposed to its rich cultural display, natural beauty, and historical features. It does not permit overstay without application or leaving and obtaining a new visa after being outside.

Rules for Extending the Laos eVisa

If you need to stay in Laos beyond the 30 days allowed with an eVisa, you can apply for an extension at an Immigration Office for example in Vientiane or Luang Prabang. Extensions are usually granted for an extra 30 days, but approval depends on the immigration office.

Here’s what you need:

Your valid passport (with at least 6 months’ validity).
A printed copy of your eVisa.
Proof of sufficient funds.
A completed extension application form (available at the office).

Apply at least a week before your visa expires to avoid overstaying fines (around $10 per day) or future travel issues.

Travel Tips for South African Passport Holders

Here are some travel tips to keep in mind while applying for Laos eVisa

Timing: Apply at least 7 days before your intended travel date to ensure sufficient processing time.
Documents: Bring a printed copy of your eVisa and your passport.
Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.

Entry Requirements for South African Citizens with a Laos eVisa

To enter Laos using a Laos eVisa, South African citizens must meet the following requirements:

Valid eVisa Approval: Carry a printed copy of your approved Laos eVisa. Ensure the eVisa is valid on your arrival date (within 60 days from approval).
Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. The passport must have at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps.
Proof of Travel: Present your return or onward travel ticket to immigration officials.
Financial Proof: Be prepared to show proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Laos.
Additional Documentation: Carry a printed copy of your travel itinerary or accommodation bookings.

Important Note

Ensure that all the information on your eVisa matches the details on your passport. Discrepancies may result in entry denial. By fulfilling these requirements, South African citizens can enjoy a smooth entry into Laos.

Common Problems and Solutions for Laos eVisa Application

Here are the most common to be avoided when applying for Laos eVisa as a South African citizen:

Problem	Cause	Solution
Application Rejection	Incorrect or incomplete information submitted.	Double-check all details before submission to ensure accuracy and consistency with your passport.
Delayed Processing	High application volume or missing documents.	Apply at least 7–10 days in advance and ensure all required documents are uploaded correctly.
Payment Issues	Payment declined or insufficient funds.	Use a valid credit/debit card with sufficient funds, and verify your internet connection during payment.
Photo Rejection	Passport-sized photo doesn’t meet requirements.	Upload a clear, recent photo with the correct size and background specifications.
Technical Issues with the Portal	Website crashes or errors during application.	Try again later or use a different browser/device. Contact the eVisa support team if the issue persists.
Wrong Entry Point Selection	Entry point chosen is not eVisa-approved.	Check the list of approved entry points for eVisa holders before applying.
Insufficient Passport Validity	Passport has less than 6 months’ validity remaining.	Renew your passport before applying if it doesn’t meet the validity requirement.
Unclear Travel Dates	Entering approximate or inconsistent travel dates in the application.	Confirm your travel dates and ensure they align with your planned trip before completing the application.
Overstaying the Visa	Not applying for an extension before the eVisa expires.	Apply for an extension at a Laos Immigration Office before your visa expires to avoid penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Laos eVisa is an electronic visa that grants entry into Laos by South African citizens for tourism reasons without having to apply through any embassy or consulate.

It is valid for 60 days, beginning from the date of issuance. The South African passport holders, however, can stay in Laos for only 30 days per visit.

It becomes valid within 60 days from the date of issue, enabling travelers to stay in Laos for up to 30 days on a single entry.

You will need to have:

A valid passport with at least 6 months' validity.
A digital passport-sized photo.
A scanned copy of the passport bio page.
Means of payment-credit or debit card

Yes, you can get a Laos eVisa extended for another 30 days in one of the Immigration Offices in Laos. The requested extensions are usually issued but depend on the immigration officer's judgment.

In case of longer processing than usual, please check your spam for updates. You may also contact their Laos eVisa support team for more information. Applicants are encouraged to apply no less than 7 days from their intended travel date.

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.