Applying for a Laos eVisa involves a government fee that every traveller must pay online. This page explains exactly how much the Laos eVisa costs, what the fee covers, and how to pay it securely.
Standard Laos eVisa Fee
The official government fee for a Laos eVisa is USD 50 for a single-entry tourist visa. This amount is set by the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs and applies to all nationalities eligible for the eVisa programme.
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Validity | Stay Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa (single entry) | $50 | 60 days from issue | Up to 30 days |
| Tourist eVisa (multiple entry) | Not available via eVisa | – | – |
The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.
What the Fee Covers
The USD 50 eVisa fee includes:
- Visa processing by the Lao immigration authorities
- Electronic visa approval letter sent to your email
- Single entry into Laos through designated ports of entry
- Up to 30 days of stay in the country
The fee does not cover:
- Travel insurance
- Airport transfers or accommodation
- Extensions beyond the 30-day stay period
How to Pay the Laos eVisa Fee
Payment is made online during the application process on the official Laos eVisa portal. Accepted payment methods include:
- Visa credit or debit card
- Mastercard credit or debit card
- JCB cards
The payment is processed in US Dollars (USD). If your card is denominated in another currency, your bank will apply its exchange rate at the time of the transaction. Some banks may also charge a small foreign transaction fee (typically 1-3%).
Step-by-Step Payment Process
- Complete the online application form on the official eVisa portal
- Upload your passport photo and passport scan
- Review your application details
- Proceed to the payment gateway
- Enter your card details and confirm the USD 50 charge
- Receive a payment confirmation email
- Wait for the eVisa approval (typically 3 business days)
Additional Costs to Consider
Beyond the government eVisa fee, you may encounter these additional costs:
| Cost Item | Approximate Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport photo (digital) | Free-$5 | Many smartphone apps can create compliant photos |
| Bank foreign transaction fee | 1-3% of $50 | Depends on your card issuer |
| Visa on Arrival (alternative) | $30-$42 | Only at certain border crossings |
| eVisa service fee | $0 | No additional service charge on official portal |
eVisa Fee vs Visa on Arrival Fee
If you prefer not to apply online, you can obtain a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at certain land borders and airports. The VOA fee varies by nationality:
| Nationality | VOA Fee (USD) | eVisa Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $42 | $50 |
| United Kingdom | $42 | $50 |
| Canada | $42 | $50 |
| Australia | $42 | $50 |
| India | $42 | $50 |
| China | $20 | $50 |
| France | $42 | $50 |
| Germany | $42 | $50 |
| Most other countries | $30-$42 | $50 |
The VOA fee is typically lower, but the eVisa offers the advantage of pre-approval and faster immigration clearance at the airport.
Payment Troubleshooting
If your payment fails during the eVisa application, try these solutions:
- Use a different card – some international cards are blocked for overseas transactions by default
- Enable international payments on your card through your bank’s app or website
- Try a different browser – Chrome and Firefox tend to work best with the payment gateway
- Disable VPN – the payment processor may flag VPN connections as suspicious
- Check your balance – ensure at least USD 50 (plus potential foreign transaction fees) is available
- Contact your bank – they may be blocking the transaction as a fraud prevention measure
Refund Policy
The Laos eVisa fee is non-refundable under all circumstances:
- If your application is rejected, the fee is not returned
- If you withdraw your application, the fee is not returned
- If you do not use the approved eVisa, the fee is not returned
- Technical errors on the applicant’s part do not qualify for a refund
To minimise the risk of rejection, ensure all documents are clear, your passport has at least 6 months validity, and your photo meets the specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Laos eVisa cost?
The Laos eVisa costs USD 50 for a single-entry tourist visa. This is the official government fee charged by the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Is the Laos eVisa fee refundable?
No. The fee is non-refundable regardless of whether your application is approved, denied, or unused.
Can I pay the Laos eVisa fee in my local currency?
The fee is charged in US Dollars (USD). If your card is in another currency, your bank will convert it at the prevailing exchange rate. A small foreign transaction fee may apply.
Is the Laos eVisa cheaper than a Visa on Arrival?
No. The Visa on Arrival typically costs $30-$42 depending on your nationality, while the eVisa costs $50. However, the eVisa provides faster immigration processing and pre-approval before travel.
What payment methods are accepted for the Laos eVisa?
Visa, Mastercard, and JCB credit or debit cards are accepted on the official Laos eVisa portal.
Do children need to pay the same eVisa fee?
Yes. All applicants, including children and infants, must pay the full USD 50 fee. There is no reduced rate for minors.
Why was my eVisa payment declined?
Common reasons include: international payments being disabled on your card, insufficient funds, VPN interference, or your bank blocking the transaction. Enable international transactions and try again, or use a different card.
