Laos Visa for Indians: Eligibility, Types, Fees, Application Process, and Rules
Jan 02, 2026
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An insurmountable increase in the demand for Laos visa for Indians in recent times has proved this stunning Southeast Asian country has become one of the most popular travel destinations ever. Laos offers truly well-rounded holidays with diverse experiences, including ancient Buddhist temples, ethereal landscapes with waterfalls, Mekong river experiences, and unique cultural experiences.Laos is also a very affordable destination for tourists from India, costing much less than its pricey neighbours like Thailand.Although a Laos visa for Indians on arrival is a possibility, it's always best to secure a tourist visa in advance through a reputable visa travel agency like Al Mahad Tours and Travels. We provide Laos visa services year-round at low costs and in a fast-tracked process, ensuring you receive it well before the departure date. Our visa specialists can get your application processed successfully within the stipulated 3 to 7 working days, and will also guide you through the entire process.
What is a Laos Visa?
A Laos visa is a necessary official travel document permitting entry into the country for various purposes, including tourism, work, study, and business. Most travelers can easily get a 30-day tourist visa for Laos at entry point or through an online Laos e-Visa system. Conveniently, a Laos visa on arrival for Indian citizens is available, and several other countries are also offered a visa on arrival. However, it's prudent to secure a visa for Laos in advance, as it eliminates the chance of delays or rejections.
Who Can Apply for a Laos Visa from India?
All eligible citizens can apply for a Laos visa for Indians, provided they have a valid Indian passport and meet all the other specified criteria. Applying online for a Laos visa is easy, and you can also get a visa on arrival (VOA). You must have cash in hand if opting for a VOA and ensure all paperwork is in order.
You must state the purpose of travel to Laos and apply for the proper corresponding visa. For instance, students about to study in a Laos university must apply for a student visa, employees obtaining employment in a Laos company must have a work visa, and so on.
Types of Laos Visas for Indian Citizens
Indian nationals can discover a flexible array of choices when applying for a Laos visa, depending on their reason for visit. A tourist e-Visa is the most common, but Indians can also apply for a work visa, student visa, business visa, and transit visa, as applicable. The processing time and documentation requirements will vary from one visa type to another. Here's a brief description of each Laos visa type for greater clarity:
● Laos e-Visa: Typically single-entry, an e-Visa for Laos is primarily for tourism purposes. It is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance and permits a 30-day stay per entry.
● Tourist Visa: A Laos tourist visa from India allows tourists to travel within the country for sightseeing and visiting family or friends. It is generally a single-entry visa valid for 60 to 90 days from issuance, and allows a 30-day stay per entry. It can usually be extended once or twice within Laos.
● Business Visa: Also a usually single-entry visa, a Laos business visa from India allows visitors to attend meetings, conferences, trade fairs, business negotiations, and other professional events or seminars. Often valid for 90 days, it allows for a 30-day stay, and can be extended for up to 15 days
● Labor/Work Visa (LA-B2): Employees taking up jobs will require a Laos work visa from India, and also need sponsorship from their Laotian local company. It is a multiple-entry visa valid from 1 to 12 months, and can be renewed.
● NI-B2 (Investor Visa): This type of visa is essential for Indians investing in a registered Lao enterprise. It is renewable and can be single-entry or multiple-entry. It also requires a a separate Stay Permit (SP).
● Student Visa: Those who have successfully enrolled in a Laotian educational institute will need a Laos student visa from India to legally stay and study there. This is a long-term visa with differing entry and validity.
● Transit Visa: This visa type is for Indian citizens with a stopover in Laos, allowing entry into the country for 3 to 7 days. It is usually a single-entry visa and non-extendable.
Documents Required for Laos Visa Application for Indian Citizens
In addition to the Laos visa application form, Indians must have a valid Indian passport, recent passport-sized color photographs, and a list of other mandatory documents. Depending on the visa type, there may be a few additional documents required. The following is a list of the core documents you must submit for all Laos visa types. They include:
● Original Indian Passport: Your Indian passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond your Laos stay. It must also have two blank pages for stamps by the Immigration Officer
● Recent Color Photographs: All applicants must submit two passport-sized color photographs taken not more than 3 to 6 months back. The picture must be taken against a white background, have no blurs, and meet other specified criteria.
● Flight Ticket Confirmation: Offer copies of confirmed round-trip or onward flight tickets from Laos, showing intent to leave the country after your visit.
● Hotel Booking/Accommodation Proof: Give proof of accommodation via hotel booking confirmation. You can also submit a letter of invitation from your Lao host if staying with a local.
● Proof of Sufficient Funds: Submit bank statements dating the last 3 to 6 months as evidence of adequate finances for travel to and stay in Laos.
● Laos Visa Application Form: Fill the visa application form for Laos without any errors and duly sign it before submitting it alongside all the other paperwork.
● Travel Insurance: Although not mandatory, obtaining travel insurance to Laos is advisable as it shows proof of travel preparedness in terms of luggage loss, theft, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen trip disruptions.
● Additional Documents: For a work visa, provide a copy of employment/job appointment letter from the respective Laotian company. For a student visa, give proof of admission to a recognized Lao university. For a business visa, provide a letter of invitation to the seminar, conference, etc. For minors, submit a copy of birth certificate and parents' consent letter, and so on.
Laos Visa Fees for Indians in 2026
How much is a Laos visa on arrival for Indians? Typically, VOA for Laos from India costs around ₹2,500 to ₹4,200. However, this estimate will change depending on the port of entry, price fluctuations, exchange rates, and other applicable factors. The Laos visa for Indians price for a work visa can range from ₹4,000 to ₹10,000+, depending on validity and other criteria. The exact amount for student visas to Laos will change based on many reasons, including the term of the course and validity. A basic one starts ₹5,000 onward.
Laos Visa Fees for Indians Breakdown:
● Tourist/e-Visa: ₹4,300 to ₹4,500
● Visa on Arrival (VOA): ₹2,500 to ₹4,200
● Business Visa: ₹4,000 to ₹5,000
● Student Visa: ₹5,000+
● Temporary Work Visa: ₹4,000 to ₹10,000+
● Long-Term Work Visa (over 1 year): ₹8,500 to ₹16,800+
● Standard Transit Visa: ₹2,500 to ₹3,500
● Express Transit Visa: ₹3,000 to ₹3,500 Please
Note:
● All Laos visa fees for Indians are estimates only. The actual cost will vary depending on the type, validity, travel season, and other factors.
● These visa cost approximates do not include visa service charges.
● All visa fees (including service costs) are non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the application.
Laos Visa Processing Time
Laos e-Visa from India is generally processed within 3 to 5 working days. A visa on arrival (VOA) is processed instantly at the border, taking around 15 to 30 minutes. An Embassy visa may take around 5 to 7 business/work days or longer, subject to potential delays, volume of visa applications, and timely documentation.
It is highly recommended to apply for a visa to Laos well in advance of your trip. This leaves enough room for reapplication in case of unforeseen delays or errors in documentation/application form.
How to Apply for a Laos Visa Online from India?
Visit the official Laos e-Visa website on your computer and sign in/create an account. Select the right visa type, travel dates, and other details. Fill the Laos visa application form correctly and without any errors, duly signing it and submitting it alongside other required documents. Pay the Laos visa cost using the provided payment gateway.
Once the Laos visa application is complete, you must wait till it is processed by the authorities, which normally takes around 3 to 5 working days. After approval, you will receive your Laos e-Visa via email. A faster, more secure alternative way to apply for a Laos visa from India is through a registered visa/travel agency.
Step-by-Step Online Laos Visa Application Process
Once you know what type of visa you require, learning how to apply for Laos visa from India is a breeze. Simply follow the steps listed below and you will receive your visa for visiting Laos within the expected timeframe.
Step 1: Prepare Documentation
● Valid Passport with 2 Blank Pages: Make sure your passport has at least 2 blank pages for immigration stamps, and is valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond your stay in Laos.
● Passport-Size Color Photos: Submit 2 clear color photographs taken not more than 3 to 6 months back against a non-blurry, white background.
● Flight Details: Offer proof of round-trip or onward flight tickets from Laos, showing your intention to leave the country post your stipulated stay.
● Hotel/Accommodation Proof: Provide hotel booking confirmation or a letter from your Lao host (if staying with a friend or family member). ● Bank Statements: Get copies of your bank statements dating the last 3 to 6 months as evidence of adequate funds for your Laos trip from India.
● Travel Insurance: While not compulsory, travel insurance can fast-track visa applications and approval, as it proves travel preparedness.
● Supporting Papers: Work visa applicants need a letter of job appointment from their Laotian company, while students must submit a letter of admission from a local university, etc.
Step 2: Visit the Official Laos e-Visa Portal
● Create Account: Log into the website using appropriate credentials. Create a new account if you do not have an existing one.
● Select Visa Type: Check the type of visa you wish to apply for, selecting the correct one depending on the purpose of visit.
● Review Information: Take a final look at the information you provided and make necessary changes before moving onto the next step.
Step 3: Fill Laos Visa Application Form
● Personal Information: Enter accurate name, age, nationality, and other essential details in the form.
● Travel Details: Ensure the dates of arrival and departure are correct, so there is no confusion later on.
Step 4: Upload All Documents
● Scanned Copies: All papers and photos you submit should be clear and free of blur. Make sure that you do not leave anything out.
● Verify Paperwork: Check the documents you uploaded before moving on, as the application won't be processed if you miss even a single necessary document.
Step 5: Pay Laos Visa Fees
● Payment Page: Pay the current Laos visa for Indians price at the time of application using the provided payment method.
● Visa Service Charges: If applying through a visa agency, you must pay a marginal service cost through a mode of payment specified by the agent.
● Card Details: Always verify that you have entered the correct card information before making payment. Else, the attempt will fail and you will need to restart all over again.
Step 6: Track Application and Receive Laos Visa
● Track Status: Keep a watch on your Laos visa application using the reference number, or let your visa specialist watch and inform you.
● Receive Approval: Once the specified processing time of 3 to 5 work days is complete, you will receive approval for your visa to Laos.
● Get Visa via Email: Your Laos e-Visa will be sent to your official email, which you provide at the time of application.
● Print the e-Visa: You must print your Laos e-Visa before travel and present it at the port of entry.
Apply for Laos Tourist Visa Online from India with Us
While you can avail Laos tourist visa for Indians on arrival at the port of entry, this can be risky due to potential delays or denials. Invariably, it is best to book your Laos e-Visa with trusted service providers like Al Mahad Tours and Travels Agency. Our visa specialists ensure expert guidance, faster processing, and overall greater convenience by handling all the digital paperwork with unfailing accuracy.
We can process even the most complex visa applications to Laos, ensuring an unbeatable success rate. In addition to comprehensive visa solutions, we also provide well-rounded holiday packages including flights and hotels.
Travel to Laos with peace of mind knowing all your visa needs are taken care of. Apply your Laos tourist visa from India at exclusive prices and save!