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Laos Visa for Afghanistan Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Afghanistan citizens require a visa to enter Laos and can apply online for an e-visa or obtain a visa on arrival at designated entry points.

Guide last updated July 21, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport: Must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended period of stay.
  • Visa Application Form: Required for sticker visas. For e-visa, it's an online form.
  • Financial Proof: While not explicitly stated with a minimum amount, applicants should be prepared to show sufficient funds to cover their stay. Proof of accommodation and a return or onward ticket are also generally required.
  • Photograph: One recent passport-sized photograph (usually 2x2 inches or 4x6 cm) with a white background.
  • Biometrics: Not typically required for e-visa or visa on arrival. For sticker visas, may be collected at the embassy.
  • Travel Health Insurance: Recommended but not always a mandatory requirement for entry.

Visa Types

  • Tourist Visa: Official name is 'Tourist Visa'. Validity is typically 30 days, extendable. Maximum stay is usually 30 days per entry. Single entry. Approximate fee: $30-$40 USD.
  • Business Visa: Official name is 'Business Visa'. Validity and maximum stay can vary, often allowing for longer stays and multiple entries for approved business activities. Approximate fee: $40-$60 USD.
  • Transit Visa: For those transiting through Laos. Duration and fee vary.
  • Other visa types (e.g., student, work) may be available but require application through a Laotian embassy or consulate with specific supporting documentation.

How to apply online (e-Visa)

  • Visit the official e-visa portal: https://laoevisa.gov.la/
  • Create an account and fill out the online application form accurately.
  • Upload required documents: passport bio-data page, photograph, and potentially an invitation letter for business visas.
  • Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card. Fees are usually listed in LAK and USD.
  • Processing time is typically 3-5 working days, though it can take longer.
  • Once approved, you will receive an e-visa approval letter via email. Print this letter to present at immigration upon arrival.

Visa on Arrival

  • Available at major international entry points, including Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang International Airport, Pakse International Airport, and several land border crossings (e.g., Friendship Bridges between Thailand and Laos, and the Lao-China border crossing).
  • Present your passport, completed arrival card, visa application form (if not e-visa), photograph, and proof of onward travel.
  • The visa fee is payable in USD or LAK. Expect to pay approximately $30-$40 USD for a tourist visa. Exact amounts can vary.
  • Queues can be long, especially during peak hours. Have all your documents ready.
  • Approved for single entry, typically valid for 30 days.

Fees & Processing Time

  • Tourist e-Visa Fee: Approximately $40 USD (may include a processing fee).
  • Tourist Visa on Arrival Fee: Approximately $30-$40 USD.
  • Processing Time (e-Visa): 3-5 working days is standard. Express processing may be available for an additional fee, but is not always guaranteed or advertised.
  • Sticker Visa at Embassy: Fees and processing times vary by embassy. Standard processing can take 5-10 working days. Express options may be available at higher costs.
  • Total Cost Estimate: For a tourist visa, budget around $40-$50 USD, including potential processing fees or minor incidentals.

Tips for Afghanistan Travelers

  • Apply for your visa at least 2-3 weeks before your planned travel date, especially if applying for a sticker visa or during peak travel seasons.
  • Common rejection reasons can include incomplete applications, insufficient financial proof, or undeclared travel history. Ensure all information is accurate and consistent.
  • For Afghanistan citizens, applying via the e-visa portal or obtaining a visa on arrival at major airports is generally more straightforward than applying for a sticker visa at an embassy, which can sometimes have more complex procedures or longer wait times.
  • Check current travel advisories from your government and the official Lao immigration website for any updates or specific entry requirements.
  • Visa extensions for tourist visas are usually possible for an additional 30 days by applying at the Immigration Department in Vientiane or provincial capitals. An extension fee will apply.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.