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Laos Visa for Business Travellers

Laos Visa for Business Travellers

The Laos Visit eVisa is the relevant visa option for eligible travellers visiting Laos for short-term business purposes. It covers approved business visits but does not permit any form of employment in Laos.

Start Your Laos Business eVisa

What Do Travellers Need to Apply for a Laos Visit eVisa?

Travellers must provide the following documents when applying for a Laos Visit eVisa.

Passport bio-page scan copy. The passport must be valid for 6 months from the arrival date in Laos.
Applicant's passport-size photograph.

Note: Travellers do not need to upload invitation letters or business documents during the application process.

However, they should carry meeting details or company contact information in case immigration officers ask about the purpose of the visit.

How to Apply for a Laos Visit eVisa?

Step 1:

Fill out the Laos eVisa application form by providing passport and travel details, and then select the 'Visit eVisa' option from the visa-type drop-down menu.

Step 2:

Select your preferred processing speed (faster processing is also available at an additional cost); then upload required documents.

Step 3:

Pay the visa fee using a credit or debit card, PayPal, or other accepted payment methods.

Step 4:

Receive the approved Laos Visit eVisa by email. Please print a copy before travelling.

Note: Applicants travelling as part of a corporate group or business delegation can use the “Add Applicant” option to include other travellers in the same application.

Duration of Stay and Validity of Laos Visit eVisa

Before finalising your travel plans, check the Laos Visit eVisa validity and permitted length of stay.

eVisa validity

Valid for 60 days from the date of issue.

Maximum stay

Up to 30 days from the date you enter Laos.

Entry type

Single entry.

Laos Visit eVisa Processing Time and Fee

The Laos eVisa application portal offers 3 processing options:

Normal Processing: 5 - 7 Working Days
Rush Processing: 3 - 5 Working Days (faster processing)
Super-Rush Processing: 1 - 3 Working Days (fastest processing)

Note: Rush and super-rush processing require the applicant to pay an additional fee.

The applicant can calculate the total cost of a Laos Visit eVisa before starting the application process.

Permitted Business Activities on a Laos Visit eVisa

The Laos Visit eVisa allows short-term professional activities, but it is important to know exactly what’s allowed and what counts as employment.

Allowed	Not Allowed
Attending meetings and negotiations.	Accept employment with a Lao company.
Participating in seminars, trade events and conferences.	Receive salary or wages from within Laos.
Exploring investment opportunities, conducting site visits.	Performing labour or managing daily operations.
Meeting clients, partners or suppliers.	Providing long-term services that look like regular employment.
Signing commercial agreements that are not employment contracts.	Staying longer than the permitted period.

For Freelancers and Remote Professionals

Freelancers and remote workers can use a Visit eVisa to enter Laos if:

Their income comes from outside Laos.
A Lao company does not support them.
Their stay is short-term and follows the rules.

When a Work Permit Becomes Necessary

The Laos Visit eVisa covers short business activities but does not permit employment in Laos.

You may need a work permit if you:

Take a job with a company in Laos.
Receive payment from a Lao employer.
Manage the daily operations of a business in Laos.
Provide long-term services under a contract with a Lao company.

You must obtain the required work permit before starting any employment covered by Lao labour rules.

If you get a job offer while in Laos, can you start working right away?

No. You must obtain the required work permit before starting the job.

Content Disclaimer: Last reviewed in August 2026. Check with the relevant authorities, embassies and airlines for the latest travel rules before making travel plans.