How to Apply for a Laos Visa in St. Louis

Laos -- once a low-cost haven for backpackers drawn to its Buddhist temples, limestone mountains, and laid-back lifestyle -- now attracts an increasing number of leisure travelers from St. Louis and other cities throughout Missouri and Illinois as the government adds more hotels, new festivals, and better highway access to top tourist destinations.  More than three million foreigners visited Laos in 2023, with the United States ranking as the top non-Asian source of inbound tourists.

The only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, Laos (officially the Lao People’s Democratic Republic) borders Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.  The country of 7.6 million covers more than 90,000 square miles.  Most of the country is covered in forested mountains plus several plateaus and plains. “Vivid nature, voluptuous landscapes, and a vibrant culture collide with a painful past and optimistic future to make Laos an enigmatic experience for the adventurous,” Lonely Planet reported. (https://www.lonelyplanet.com/laos)

Located on the Indochina Peninsula, Laos was the center of the Lax Xang (“million elephants”) empire for more than 400 years before internal conflicts split the country into three kingdoms.  The realms were reunited as a French protectorate in 1893 and Laos gained independence from France in 1949.  A civil war that paralleled the Vietnam War led to the 1975 establishment of a socialist republic.  Laos is currently one of only five remaining Communist states in the world.

Despite government dominance of its economy, Laos has enjoyed one of the fastest-growing economies in the Pacific Rim and should not be overlooked by St. Louis-based companies doing business in this part of the world. “The Lao economic model bears some resemblance to its Chinese and Vietnamese counterparts, in that it has implemented market-based economic practices while maintaining a high degree of state control and welcoming foreign direct investment,” the U.S. International Trade Administration (ITA) stated. (https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/laos-market-overview).  It is heavily dependent on trade with and investment from neighboring China, Thailand, and Vietnam.  Growth strategies prioritize selling river-generated electricity to those countries and building four new railroads to link neighboring nations.  Its GDP reached $15.8 billion in 2023, the World Bank reported, with services, transportation, utilities, construction, manufacturing, and mining ranking as the largest contributors.  

ITA also noted that the government is working to expand transportation routes to neighboring countries, increase energy production, and boost agricultural production. “The Lao power sector is open to foreign investment, with representation from international firms,” ITA continued. “Hydropower and transmission and distribution infrastructure will be the focus of increasing investment by the Lao government as it develops its power industry, with opportunities present for developing solar and wind power.” American companies such as Starbucks and Dairy Queen have also added franchises in the recently liberalized retail sector. (https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/laos-market-opportunities)

Another targeted growth area is tourism – particularly ecotourism. “Laos is attempting to attract more upmarket tourists by liberalizing its aviation policies, resulting in more frequent and less expensive flights to and from the country,” ITA stated. (https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/laos-tourism-infrastructure-and-resorts).  Tourism contributed 10% of Laos’ GDP in 2024 ($11.1 trillion) and should reach $16 trillion by 2034, the World Travel and Tourism Council stated. (https://researchhub.wttc.org/factsheets/laos).  ITA added, “The tourism industry in Laos is developing rapidly, with several five-star resorts open or expected to open in the coming years.  The major tourist destination is the world heritage site and ancient capital of Luang Prabang, but other areas including Champasak province and Vang Vieng also attract visitors, especially Chinese and Korean tourists.” New passenger routes on the Lao-China Railway running from Kunming, China, to Vientiane, the capital of Laos, have brought more than 700,000 people to Laos over the first four years of operation.

“A gem of Southeast Asia, Laos attracts visitors who love natural beauty, intriguing culture and off-the-beaten-track experiences – without the throngs,” Lonely Planet also reported. “The country’s low population density means that many of the landscapes here are untouched by humans, which means exciting adventures for outdoor lovers.  Yet in Laos’ cities and towns, visitors find historical treasures, alluring temples, and a warm welcome from Lao locals.” (https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-places-to-visit-in-laos

Vientiane, the largest city in Laos, is located on the Mekong River near the Thai border, and will likely be the entry point into the county for most visitors from St. Louis.  The city contains several significant Laotian sites, including Pha That Luang, a huge gold-covered Buddhist stupa (meditation structure), Haw Phra Kaew, a former temple that housed the Emerald Buddha; the Buddhist temple Wat Si Muang; and Patuxai, an iconic war memorial.  Vientiane also features several riverside hotels, bars, and parks.  Laos contains two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  One is the country’s top tourist draw: Luang Prabang, located between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers.  The town blends traditional Buddhist, French Colonial, and Laotian architecture with boutique accommodations, nighttime markets, the Kuang Si waterfalls, and the Pak Ou Caves.  The other UNESCO site is the Plain of Jars, which features more than 2,100 tub-shaped megalithic stone jars dating back thousands of years. 

Adventurous tourists flock to Luang Namtha, where you can kayak, raft, hike, and bicycle in the northern jungles.  The limestone peaks of Vang Vieng provide a stunning backdrop for swimming, tubing, cave exploration, biking, and hot-air balloons.  While Laos has no ocean beaches, you can get close in Si Phan Don (“4000 islands”) on the Mekong, where you can swim, kayak, tour the rice fields, or chill out in a bamboo hammock.  You can also walk with elephants as the Elephant Conservation Center on Nam Tien Lake; camp or kayak in the jungles of Nong Khiaw; visit wartime history at the caves in Vieng Xai on the Vietnamese border; or take a two-day Mekong River boat ride that explores most of Laos.

Requirements for Obtaining a Laos Visa

Tourists, students, and businesspeople from the United States and most other countries are required to obtain a visa before visiting Laos. (Some 36 nations have visa-exempt agreements with Laos, as listed at https://immigration.gov.la/visa-exemption/.)  The main requirement to obtain a visa is possessing of a passport valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date in Laos.  It must also contain at least two blank pages.  There are no vaccination requirements, but the U.S. Centers for Disease Control does recommends visitors consider several vaccinations at their Laos travel site, https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/laos.

Laos offers three ways for residents of St. Louis to obtain a visa.  Applicants can obtain an electronic visa (e-Visa) online; a traditional paper visa through the Laos embassy in the country where they live; or get a visa upon arrival at certain ports of entry.

Option 1: Electronic Tourist Visa

Travelers from the St. Louis area with American passports can apply for an electronic tourist visa, as can citizens of other countries listed at https://laoevisa.gov.la/article/who_can_apply.  The application can be found at the government portal https://laoevisa.gov.la/index.  The e-Visa allows you to enter Laos through the eight international ports of entry listed on the site.

The e-Visa is only available for 30-day tourist visits with a single entry to Laos.  The single-entry visa is valid for 60 days after issue and allows you to stay in Laos for up to 30 days after arrival.  Processing time is typically about three business days.  The visa fees vary by country of nationality; for U.S. citizens, the fee is $50 per person.

You should apply for the e-Visa no more than two months days before your trip.  The application process includes:

  • Visit https://www.laoevisa.gov.la/index and click on “Apply Now”.
  • Provide your email address on the site and fill in the security code.
  • Receive a verification code via email and enter it on the site, which provides a link to the application.
  • Fill out the application, including personal information and travel plans.
  • Upload your passport data page, a passport-style photo, and any additional documents that are required for your specific circumstances.
  • Pay your visa fee using a VISA, MasterCard, JCB, American Express, or UnionPay card.
  • Receive a visa approval letter from Laotian authorities (usually within three to four days).
  • Print a copy of your e-Visa approval and present it to immigration authorities when you arrive in Laos. There will be a special e-Visa lane at airports, bridges, and railway stations that accept electronic visas.  A list of ports can be found under “Entry Procedure” at https://laoevisa.gov.la/faq.
  • Health Insurance. Although not required for the visa, we recommend purchasing international medical insurance to cover accidents, injuries, and illnesses while traveling in Laos. International medical insurance from GeoBlue can be purchased from Visa Supply online through the following link: ⇒ Order Now.

You can apply for up to 20 people in the same group (such as family members) using the same online session and invoice.  Visa fees apply to each person in the party.

Option 2: Apply through the Laotian Embassy

If you want to stay longer than 30 days, or if you are traveling for other reasons besides tourism (such as business or study), you must obtain a traditional visa.  These visas must be used within two months of issue.  Physical visas are issued through the Laos embassy to the United States in Washington, D.C.  While this visa is also a 30-day single-entry visa, you can apply for a 60-day extension after arriving in Laos through the government immigration office.

Residents of St. Louis can apply in person or through the mail to receive a visa sticker that is attached to your passport.  The visa fee is $50 for U.S. and Canadian citizens, and varies for other nationals.  Further details can be found via the embassy’s website, https://laoembassy.com/visa/.

Apply for a visa up to two months ahead of your trip.  Processing time is typically 10 business days (but can be expedited for an additional $20 charge).  You will need to:

  • Download the application at https://laoembassy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/visa-form.pdf, fill it out, and sign it.
  • Provide your passport (good for six months beyond your departure date and containing at least two blank pages).
  • Include a copy of your passport’s information page.
  • Supply two color passport-size photos taken within the last six months.
  • Pay the visa fee of $30, using a money order or certified check payable to Embassy of the Lao P.D.R.

You can apply for a visa in person at the Laotian embassy in Washington, D.C., or you can mail your application and supporting documentation.  If you decide to apply in person, no appointment is necessary.  Walk-in hours are 9 am to noon Monday through Friday (excluding holidays).  The embassy address and phone numbers are:

Embassy of the Lao P.D.R
2222 S Street, N.W
Washington, D.C. 20008
Phone: (202) 285-5395, (202) 332-6416, (202) 667-0076; Ext: 205 & 203

​If you mail your application and documentation to the embassy, keep copies of all your materials.  You must enclose a prepaid return envelope so your passport and visa can be returned to you.  It is recommended you use tracking numbers on your mailings.  U.S. residents should use Priority Mail Express.

Option 3: Visa on Arrival

You can also apply for a visa when you arrive at certain entry ports in Laos.  However, it is recommended that visitors apply for a visa in advance to avoid delays at the land border or avoid getting denied boarding by the airline (if taking a flight from a neighboring country in Asia).  Also, business visas cannot be obtained on arrival, but must be arranged in advance.  While U.S. citizens are eligible for visa on arrival, those from certain countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East are not.  If you have concerns that you may not qualify, contact the embassy in Washington, D.C. for a current list of eligible countries.

“Tourist visas on arrival are available at certain ports of entry, and generally permit a stay of 30 days,” the U.S. State Department noted. “You can extend the visa up to an additional 60 days through the Department of Immigration in Vientiane.” You will also need a passport valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of entry into Laos and containing two blank pages. (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Laos.html)

You will need to bring your passport and two passport photographs with you.  Upon arrival at an international airport or border crossing, you will be required to complete an application form and present it to immigration officials. (You can also save time by filling out the application in advance.) You will also need to provide proof of accommodations in Laos; a return trip ticket or one to your next destination; and cash payment for visa fees.  These fees, which vary by country of origin, are posted at the airport and are similar to those for other types of visas.

We Can Help if You Need Assistance

If you live in St. Louis or anywhere in the state of Missouri or Illinois and have difficulty applying for a Laos visa or require assistance with any part of the visa process, please give our office a call at 404-682-5445 or schedule an appointment with our company.  We are a private agency in Atlanta providing Laos visa services for Americans and other U.S.-based residents.  Our number one goal is to ensure your application documents for a visa are submitted accurately to the government of Laos.  Our services eliminate delays and give you the peace of mind to focus on your travel plans. 

We provide the following Laos visa services for our customers in St. Louis:

  • Laos Tourist Visa
  • Laos Business Visa
  • Laos Official Duty Visa
  • Laos Diplomatic Visa
  • Laos Student Visa
  • Laos Spouse Visa
  • Laos Long-Term Visa
  • Laos Hotel Accommodations
  • Laos Tour Packages
  • Laos Travel Insurance