With its peace, kind people, pilgrimage to Buddha Land, cultural diversity, festivals, and other events, Laos is definitely the ideal place for you to visit.
Visas are essential for tourists coming to Laos. In this article, readers will learn more about the Laos visa for French citizens, including the requirements as well as the visa costs. Let’s keep reading!
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Laos eVisa for French citizens
1. Laos visa for French citizens
A visa is required for French citizens to visit Laos. Those with valid French passports can apply for electronic access to Laos. Visas for Laos can now be obtained online, making it convenient to obtain a Laos visa for French citizens without leaving home.
French nationals can enter Laos on a tourist visa for a stay of up to 30 days. For stays in Laos exceeding 30 days or for purposes other than tourism, a different form of Laos visa is required for French citizens. For instance, French business travelers will need to apply for a Laos business visa at an embassy or consulate in their home country.
Can French nationals submit an online visa application for Laos?
Those who choose to apply for a visa to Laos online with Laos Immigration Services will not need to visit the embassy in Paris. There is no need to print out the form because it may all be done online, and the approved visa will be sent to you by email.
The entry point for French citizens using an eVisa to enter Laos
To enter Laos, French travelers in possession of an eVisa Approval Letter may use any of the following entry points:
- Wattay International Airport
- Luang Prabang International Airport
- Pakse International Airport
- Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge No.1
- Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge No.2
2. Laos Visa Requirements for French Citizens
To be eligible, visitors need a French passport that is valid for at least 180 days after the day they are scheduled to arrive in Laos.
The following documents are required to be submitted by applicants who want to meet the Laos visa requirements for French citizens:
- Copies of the Passport biographical information page
- Two blank passport
- Recent passport-style photograph
- An email to receive e-Visa
The Laos eVisa application form needs to be filled out by French citizens. It won't take you more than a few minutes at most.
The bare minimum of required includes information:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Travel details
- Email address
- Passport number, issue, and expiry
- Intended date of entry
There could be a delay in processing if the necessary information is absent or if there are mistakes. As such, it is incumbent upon applicants to double-check their applications for accuracy and completeness.
All notifications and updates will be sent to the email provided, so be sure to enter it correctly, and the tourist will receive an email with the Laos eVisa Approval Letter attached.
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Requirements of Laos Tourist eVisa for French passport holders
3. How to apply for a Laos visa from France
From France, obtaining a visa to enter Laos is a simple process. An electronic visa for Laos can be obtained in 4 simple steps for French citizens:
Step 01: Fill out the online Laos visa application form with the information mentioned above.
Step 02: Pay the required visa fee. After fees are paid, Laos Immigration Services may ask for further paperwork to complete the process.
Step 03: Be sure to check an email confirmation about the eVisa from us, and be aware of the total processing time.
Step 04: To use your Laos eVisa, you'll need to download and print it out once it appears in your email. You will receive a passport stamp as confirmation. Please note that you must use the same passport to enter Lao PDR as was used to apply for your Laos eVisa. Please present this document to the Immigration Officer at the port of entry in addition to your valid Visa.
The Laos eVisa application process typically takes no longer than 3 working days for citizens of France. Therefore, it is strongly advised that obtain a Laos visa for French citizens no less than 7 days before departure.
Read more: Laos eVisa Processing Time
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Apply for Laos eVisa from France
4. Laos eVisa fees for French citizens
To receive eVisa to enter Laos, citizens of France need to pay both a government fee and a service fee to obtain it.
Laos eVisa requires tourists to pay a government fee to the government before receiving electronic visas for travel. However, this cost cannot be refunded regardless of whether or not your visa is granted.
Also, you'll need to pay a service fee to Laos Immigration Services before they'll help you get an eVisa. The service fee is calculated according to the processing time selected for your visa application. Laos Immigration Services offers three different processing times for various service types.
- Normal service: Laos Tourist visa of French citizens is processed within 03 business days. Most travelers opt for this service because of its cheap price.
- Urgent service: If the itinerary of citizens from France is quite rushed. This option helps them get an eVisa after 48 processing hours.
- Super Urgent services: If Frech citizens have less time to prepare, they should choose this service. Pay an extra cost and they can expect to obtain a Laos visa after 24 processing hours.
French citizens can pay for their Laos eVisa Fee with either a wire transfer to the Bank of Cyprus or an electronic payment service like PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.
Travel Insurance to Laos: We recommend you include Travel Insurance in your plan if your journey is going to be more than a few weeks long. Pandemics, accidents, and illnesses are all things that this insurance protects you from. Having Travel Insurance is highly recommended since you never know what could happen to you in a foreign country.
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Laos eVisa fee for French citizens
Laos Visa Requirements for France Citizens FAQs
Do French Citizens Need A Visa For Laos?
Yes. French nationals need a valid visa corresponding to their purpose of visiting Laos. Additionally, the Government of Laos has a list of countries whose nationals are exempt from visas when they visit Laos.
There are several ways that French passport holders can apply for a Laos tourist visa. So let us explore all those options:
- On the Laos Immigration Services website: You may also apply for a Laos tourist visa on the website of the Laos Immigration Services. The visa application process is simple and quick. In less than 20 minutes, you can complete the online application form with some essential information. At present, applying online is one of the most popular ways to apply for a visa.
- Through the Embassy of Laos: You can apply for additional Laos visas listed earlier in this article at the Laos Embassy in France. To apply, fill out the application form, submit your papers, pay the visa money, and wait for your Visa to be issued.
- On Arrival: French nationals can apply for a tourist or business visa at the airport. However, if the port of entry is crowded, the visa application procedure might be lengthy.
Can French Passport Holders Get a Laos Visa at the Airport?
Yes, French passport holders can apply for a visa on arrival in Laos. French citizens should fill out the visa application form in advance to save time on arrival.
Laos visas are easily obtained on arrival at all points of entry, including the busiest international airports. Visitors wishing to get a visa on arrival in Laos must have the visa fee in cash; card payments are not accepted.
Passengers from France who choose the visa on arrival should plan ahead of time. Long lineups may form at the visa-on-arrival window.
French travelers are urged to apply online whenever feasible for a speedier and more convenient process.
Laos visas for French citizens may be obtained upon arrival at the following international airports:
- Wattay International Airport in Vientiane Capital.
- Luang Prabang International Airport in Luang Prabang Province.
- Pakse Internatioanl Airport in Champasak Province.
Can I Enter Laos If My Passport Expires Soon?
No, you cannot enter Laos if your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival date. This is a requirement of the Lao government, and airlines will not allow you to board a flight to Laos if your passport does not meet this requirement.
It is important to note that this requirement is for the validity of your passport, not the date that you applied for your visa. If you have a valid visa, but your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival date, you will still not be allowed to enter Laos.
If your passport is expiring soon, you should renew it before you travel to Laos. You can renew your passport at your local passport office.
Here are some tips for renewing your passport:
- Best Time to Apply for the Renewal of Your Passport: When applying for a passport renewal, it is all about time. If your passport is likely to expire within the next 06 months or has expired within the last 12 months, you can apply for a passport renewal. If your passport has been expired for longer than 12 months, you will be unable to renew it. In that situation, you will need to apply for a new passport. It is advised that you apply at least six months before your passport's expiration date. The reason for this is that if the application procedure takes too long, you will have your passport renewed by the time your first one expires.
- Online Application for Renewal of Passport: Applying online is the most convenient way to renew your passport. You will just need to go to the online official website, fill out the application form for passport renewal, and then submit the form after paying the necessary amount for passport renewal. It is advised that you apply online since it will save you a lot of time and will only take you 10 to 15 minutes. If you make an error while applying for a passport renewal, simply contact the customer support number shown on the website, and they will assist you in resolving the problem.
- Pay the passport renewal fee: You must pay the passport renewal charge. The passport renewal fee varies based on the kind of passport and the applicant's age.
What are some interesting facts about Savannakhet?
Savannakhet is Laos' second largest city (after Vientiane) and is located on the banks of the Mekong River, bordering Thailand and Vietnam. The city is home to a number of ethnic communities, including Laotian, Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese. Sacred Buddhist stupas like That Ing Hang and That Phonh, as well as 20 national protected areas dot the Savannakhet Province, are must-sees.
Here are some interesting facts about Savannakhet:
- Historical Significance: The city has a long history, stretching back to the Khmer Empire. In and around Savannakhet, you may still see relics of this heritage, including temples and ruins.
- French Colonial Influence: Savannakhet, like much of Laos, was under French colonial administration for a long time. The city's architecture reflects this impact, with many colonial-era structures still intact.
- Friendship Bridge II: The Second Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, which connects Savannakhet to Mukdahan in Thailand, is located in Savannakhet. This bridge is critical for regional trade and transportation.
- Dinosaur Museum: The Dinosaur Museum in Savannakhet exhibits a collection of dinosaur fossils and information about the prehistoric animals that once inhabited the region. It is a one-of-a-kind attraction for paleontology enthusiasts.
- Laid-Back Atmosphere: Savannakhet has a more peaceful and laid-back ambiance than the busy capital, Vientiane. It's a spot where you may explore and appreciate the local culture at your leisure.
- Local Cuisine: Savannakhet, like the rest of Laos, provides a variety of wonderful Lao foods, including the famed sticky rice and numerous noodle meals. Don't pass up the opportunity to sample the local food.
- Natural Beauty: The surrounding area is noted for its natural beauty, with breathtaking scenery along the Mekong River and outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.
- Festivals: Savannakhet, like other Lao cities, celebrates a variety of festivals throughout the year, including traditional Buddhist festivals and cultural activities.
- Friendly Locals: Visitors frequently comment on the warmth and friendliness of the locals. It is customary to be greeted warmly by the people of Savannakhet.
Read more: Savannakhet Travel Guide - Immerse Yourself in Lao Culture and Heritage
What is the oldest city in Laos?
Luang Prabang, Laos' historic capital, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. Luang Prabang is considered the spiritual center of Laos, with several attractions, including Indochinese architecture, Buddhist monasteries, and varied cultures.
Luang Prabang is located on the banks of the Mekong River, approximately 425 kilometers from Vientiane in northern Laos. The present population is at around 22,000 people. It was once the first capital of Laos. UNESCO now recognizes Luang Prabang as one of the world's physical cultural heritage sites.
It attracts tourists from the start due to its serene and old beauty, buildings with Laotian and French architecture, and the friendliness of the locals. Everything about the beauty and culture of the ancient town will make tourists fall in love.
The climate in Laos is similar to that of Vietnam, with typical temperatures ranging from 24°C to 33°C. Like northern Vietnam, Luang Prabang has four seasons.
Laos has a tropical monsoon climate with two seasons: dry and wet. The rainy season lasts from May to November, while the dry season lasts from December to April. You can make the finest selections based on your strategy and the weather you prefer.
To visit Luang Prabang from France, you need to apply for a Laos visa online through our website. We have assisted several travelers with a wide range of travel needs. We know what you need for a 60-day Laos tourist visa.
Do You Need a Laos Visa if You Have a Passport?
Yes, you need a visa to Laos from France. There are 3 ways to apply for a Lao Visa: You can obtain an e-Visa, a Visa On Arrival, or a visa at a Lao Embassy. However, applying for a visa online is still one of the most popular ways among tourists.
The Laos e-Visa is another way to obtain travel authorization from the Laos government since July 2019. Instead of long waiting times and complicated procedures for visas on arrival, you can obtain an online visa application form before your trip to Laos. It is recommended that you apply at least 7 days before your scheduled departure from Laos.
The Lao e-Visa clearance letter is authorized for a single entry stay of up to 30 days in Laos. Until present, only eight specified entry points have allowed Lao e-Visa admission, including:
- Wattay International Airport (Vientiane Capital)
- Lao - Thai Friendship Bridge I (Vientiane Capital)
- Luang Prabang International Airport (Luang Prabang)
- Lao - Thai Friendship Bridge II (Savannakhet Province)
- Pakse International Airport (Champasack Province)
- Lao - Thai Friendship Bridge IV (Bokeo Province)
- Boten International Checkpoint (Luang Namtha Province)
- Boten Railway Station (Luang Namtha Province)