A valid visa is essential for visiting Laos. It is now possible to have an electronic visa, also known as an "e-Visa", to enter Laos. How do I apply for an e-Visa? What documents should I enclose with my application if I am a Belgian national?
Apply for an e-Visa online
Since the beginning of July 2019, it has been possible to apply for an electronic visa, also known as e-Visa. A government website has been set up to enable travellers to apply quickly and easily. To have your application validated, you will need to fill in a few essential details (personal information such as your full name and occupation).
It takes a maximum of 3 working days to obtain the electronic visa or e-Visa. This visa is then valid for 60 days from receipt of the approval letter (by e-mail) and allows you to stay in Laos for a maximum of 30 days. Please note that with this e-Visa, you are only authorised to enter Laos once.
You can use a specialist agency to help you apply for an e-Visa (often, the forms are in English). The agency acts as an intermediary between you and the Laotian authorities and helps you to obtain an e-Visa quickly, for a few extra service charges, again by e-mail.
All the documents you need to enclose with your application
It is essential to have a passport that is still valid (often between 6 and 8 months after the date of your return from your trip). If your stay is for tourism, private reasons, a business trip or family reasons and you are a Belgian national, you may be asked to provide copies of your travel documents (return plane tickets, your hotel reservation or other local accommodation). Remember to make copies of all your important documents.
Don't forget to print out the letter of approval you receive as soon as your visa application has been validated by the Laos authorities. This is how your visa will be affixed to your passport once you arrive in Laos, at the immigration desk at the airport of arrival.
An agency service 