How much does a Laos visa cost: the latest fees and application guide (with hot topics on the Internet)
With the recovery of tourism in Southeast Asia, Laos, as one of the popular destinations, its visa policy has become the focus of recent attention among netizens. This article will give you a detailed analysis of the Laos visa fees and application procedures, as well as data on hotly discussed topics across the Internet in the past 10 days.
1. Laos visa types and fees (latest in 2023)

| Visa type | Fee (RMB) | Validity period | period of stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry) | 200-300 yuan | 3 months | 30 days |
| business visa | 400-500 yuan | 3 months | 30 days (can be extended) |
| Visa on arrival (airport) | $20 +1 photo | Effective immediately | 30 days |
| Electronic Visa (eVisa) | $50 | 60 days | 30 days |
2. Comparison of processing channels
| Processing method | time consuming | Materials required | Things to note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apply at the embassy | 3-5 working days | Original passport + photo + application form | Need to do it in person or entrust an agent |
| Visa on arrival | immediate | Passport + photo + cash | Designated ports of entry only |
| electronic visa | 3 working days | Electronic version of materials | Need to print confirmation letter in advance |
3. Association of recent hot topics (data from the entire network in the past 10 days)
| Ranking | hot topics | amount of discussion | Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | China-Laos Railway Travel Guide | 285,000 | directly related |
| 2 | Southeast Asia Visa Simplification Policy | 193,000 | Industry related |
| 3 | Actual measurement of price level in Laos | 157,000 | indirect correlation |
| 4 | Electronic visa system failure | 82,000 | directly related |
4. Precautions
1. Visa on arrival is only available at major ports of entry such as Vientiane Wattay Airport and Luang Prabang Airport. Land port policies often change, so it is recommended to confirm in advance.
2. Electronic visas must be applied through the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Laos (https://laoevisa.gov.la), and beware of phishing websites.
3. Starting from November 2023, the agency fees of some travel agencies will increase by about 15%, mainly due to changes in the material review process.
4. The visa-free policy available to holders of Chinese passports only applies to transit (not exceeding 24 hours and not leaving the airport).
5. Frequently Asked Questions from Netizens
Q: Can I pay the visa fee in US dollars?
A: The embassy only accepts cash in RMB, and US dollars are required for visa on arrival (it is recommended to prepare change).
Q: Are the child visa fees different?
A: The fee for children under 12 years old is half, but a copy of the birth certificate is required.
Q: How to apply for visa extension?
A: You need to go to the Lao Immigration Bureau before expiration. The extension fee is about US$10/day, and the extension can be up to 2 months.
6. Trend observation
According to tourism platform data, Laos visa searches increased by 40% month-on-month in December 2023, of which "electronic visa" searches accounted for 62%. At the same time, more than 1,800 notes related to "Free Travel in Laos" were added on the Xiaohongshu platform every week, with Vientiane, Vangvieng and Luang Prabang becoming the three most popular check-in destinations.
It is recommended that tourists planning to travel during the Spring Festival in 2024 apply for a visa at least 20 days in advance to avoid delays during peak periods. For more detailed information, please consult the Lao Embassy or Consulate in China or a regular travel agency for the latest policies.
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