How to Get a Laos Visa? Steps for Turkish Passport Holders

Laos offers quite flexible options regarding visas for Turkish citizens. Those traveling to Laos for tourism purposes can obtain a Visa on Arrival at the point of entry or apply in advance through the official e-visa system. The Visa on Arrival is available at many international airports, primarily in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Pakse, as well as some land border crossings. This visa is generally valid for 30 days, and it is sufficient to present a passport, a biometric photo, and the visa fee at the time of application. The visa process proceeds quickly and can be completed during border entry.

Alternatively, an online e-visa application can be made in advance at laoevisa.gov.la. For an e-visa application, a scanned copy of the passport, a photo upload, and payment must be submitted to the system; approval is usually granted within 3 business days and sent to the applicant via email. Although the e-visa is valid only at a limited number of border checkpoints, it is an ideal option for travelers who do not want to lose time at the border. With either method, entering Laos for tourism purposes can be done easily and quickly.

Below you can find step-by-step ways to obtain a Laos visa and the application process:

How to Get a Laos Visa?

🔹 1. Visa on Arrival ✈️ Where to Get It?

Available at airports and some land border checkpoints when entering Laos.

🕓 Duration:

• Generally valid for 30 days.

📄 Required Documents:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months
• 1 biometric photo
• Visa fee: Approximately 30–40 USD (may vary by border crossing)
• Return ticket and hotel reservation (not always required but recommended)

🔹 2. Online Visa (e-Visa) 🌐 Where to Apply?

• Official application site: https://laoevisa.gov.la

📅 Process:

• Fill out the online form, upload passport and photo
• Make payment by credit card
• Approval is sent via email in PDF format within 3 business days

Print it out and keep it with you

💡 Advantage:

No need to wait in line. You can go directly to passport control.

🔹 3. Application Through the Laos Embassy / Consulate

Laos does not have an embassy in Turkey. However, visas can be obtained from Laos embassies in other countries (for example, the Laos embassy in Thailand).

📄 Required Documents:

• Visa application form
• Passport and a photocopy
• Biometric photo
• Visa fee
• Travel itinerary and hotel reservations

🔸 Additional Information:

Laos Visa Types

The types of visas that Turkish citizens can obtain to travel to Laos vary depending on the purpose of the trip. Here are the main types of Laos visas available for Turkish citizens:

1. Tourist Visa (Tourist Visa – T)

• Purpose: Vacation, sightseeing, short-term individual travel.
• Duration: Generally 30 days.

Methods of Obtaining:

• Visa on Arrival: Issued upon arrival in Laos.
• E-Visa (Online): Can be applied for at https://laoevisa.gov.la.
• Through Embassy or Consulate: Since Laos does not have an embassy in Turkey, it is generally obtained from Laos embassies in neighboring countries.

2. Business Visa (Business Visa – B)

• Purpose: Business meetings, commercial activities, conferences, etc.
• Duration: Generally 30 days; multiple-entry and long-term versions can be obtained depending on the business partnership.
• Required Documents: Invitation letter, company documents, etc.

3. Employment Visa (Employment Visa – E)

• Purpose: To work legally in Laos with a work permit.

Required Documents:

• Work permit application
• Employment contract
• Approval from the Ministry of Labor of Laos

Duration: Usually 1 year, can be extended.

4. Student Visa (Student Visa – S)

Purpose: To study at a school, university, or language course in Laos.

Required Documents:

• Letter of acceptance
• Approval from the educational institution
• Documents covering the duration of the education

5. Official / Diplomatic Visa (D / A)

• Purpose: For public officials, embassy staff, etc., traveling to Laos for official or diplomatic missions.
• Issuance: Through official assignment letters and diplomatic channels.

6. Family Reunion / Long-Term Visit Visa

• Purpose: Marriage to a Laotian citizen, family visit, etc.

Required Documents:

• Marriage certificate
• Invitation letter from the family member
• Approval from the Ministry of Interior of Laos may be required.

Notes:

• The type of passport is important: Holders of ordinary (regular) passports are subject to visa requirements.
• Green (special), grey (service), and black (diplomatic) passports are generally treated differently and may be exempt from visa requirements under agreements with Laos (should always be checked beforehand).
• The visa duration and type may vary depending on the method of application and the declared purpose.

Countries Exempt from Laos Visa Requirements

Laos has signed mutual visa exemption agreements with various countries, granting certain nationals the right to enter without a visa for specified durations. This practice is mostly limited to Southeast Asian countries and is part of Laos’ travel policy facilitated through diplomatic relations. Visitors entering under visa exemption only need a valid passport and can stay legally in the country for the allowed period. However, overstaying this duration may result in fines or deportation.

Among the countries whose citizens do not need a visa are neighboring nations such as Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia, as well as more developed Asian countries like Japan and South Korea. The visa-free stay duration varies by country but typically ranges from 14 to 30 days. Those wishing to stay longer must apply for an extension through the Laos Immigration Department.

🌏 Countries with Laos Visa Exemption and Duration of Stay