South African Citizens are eligible to enter Laos if they obtain a Laos eVisa. The online platform allows qualified travellers 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.
What is Laos eVisa for South African Citizens?
Laos eVisa is a single-entry travel permit for short-term tourism purposes. The eVisa has specific entry and stay rules that must be followed by all travellers to the country.
Who is Eligible for Laos eVisa?
Citizens of South Africa are eligible to apply for the Laos eVisa if they are able to meet the following requirements:
- Have a South African passport with at least 6 months validity from the intended entry date
- The passport must have 1-2 blank pages for immigration stamps
- Have a recent passport-size photo with a white background
Laos eVisa Validity, Stay & Entry
From the approval date, the Laos eVisa is valid for 60 days. However, you can stay in Laos for only 30 days.A single entry is allowed within the validity period.
Processing Times for the Laos eVisa
The processing time for a Lao eVisa depends on the type of service chosen:
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Standard |
Rush |
Urgent/ Super-Rush |
|
Laos eVisa is delivered within 5 - 7 Working Days |
Your eVisa is processed and delivered within 3 - 5 Working Days |
Receive your eVisa urgently within 1 - 3 Hours |
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Note: It must be remembered by the applicants that rush and super-rush processing come with an additional fee |
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Important Note: Applying well in advance is recommended especially during the peak travel seasons.
Laos eVisa Fees
The Laos eVisa fee depends on various factors, including the chosen processing time, entry type, applicant’s nationality, and the current currency exchange rate. The complete cost for processing a Laos eVisa can be calculated by using the fee calculator on the Laos eVisa Fee webpage.
How to Apply for the Laos eVisa?
The 3-step application process is as follows:
Completing the Application Form
Enter passport, employment, travel, and birth details. Check the information once again for any errors or mistakes
Upload Documents and Submit
Upload a scanned copy of the required documents and submit the application form
Pay the Fee and Receive Your eVisa
Pay online with a valid credit/debit card. Once approved, download the eVisa sent by email and present it upon arrival
Laos eVisa Status: How to View It?
The status of your Laos eVisa can be viewed on the Laos eVisa Status page by entering your passport number and order ID in their respective fields.
Entry Points for Laos eVisa Holders from South Africa
South African travellers holding a valid passport are allowed to enter Laos through specific points upon presentation of their approved Laos eVisa.
| Airports | Land Borders |
|---|---|
|
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Rules for Extending the Laos eVisa
Travellers can apply for a 30-day extension at immigration offices in Vientiane or Luang Prabang. Apply at least a week before expiry to avoid fines for overstaying or travel issues.
Common Problems and Solutions for the Laos eVisa Application
|
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 the 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 |
The entry point chosen is not eVisa-approved |
Check the list of approved entry points for eVisa holders before applying |
What Sets Us Apart?
24/7 Support: Reach our support team anytime, from anywhere, through live chat, WhatsApp, email, or phone to complete your Laos eVisa application.
Application Handling: The expert Laos eVisa team handles applications with precision, ensuring that all required information and documents are complete for your application.
Secured Platform: We use advanced-level data encryption to keep the information safe, which minimises the risk of the information being used by any third party.
Frequently Asked Questions
If processing takes longer than usual, you can connect with our customer service to know the status of your application.
To rent and ride a scooter in Laos, South Africans are required to hold both an International Driving Permit and a valid driving licence.
No, ride-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt do not operate in Laos. Instead, use tuk-tuks or the Lao taxi app “LaoKyi.”
Carry small notes for daily use, avoid displaying large sums in public, and use hotel safes for extra cash.
Content Disclaimer: Details were updated in August 2025. Confirm with the relevant authorities to make sure your travel plans remain accurate.
