You will likely require a visa in order to enter Laos. Visas are required for all visitors to Laos except those from a small number of countries. Yet citizens of other countries (Sri Lanka included) can also obtain a visa to Laos with little difficulty using our convenient online eVisa service. To learn more about how to apply for and meet the requirements of a Laos Visa for Sri Lankan citizens, see the article below.
![Laos eVisa for Sri Lankan citizens Laos eVisa for Sri Lankan citizens](https://d1y03gc41sfvov.cloudfront.net/uploads/laos-evisa-for-sri-lankan-citizens-1679621971.jpg)
Laos eVisa for Sri Lankan citizens
1. Laos visa for Sri Lankan citizens
The Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs has begun issuing electronic visas to visitors from Sri Lanka to Laos in 2019. This electronic travel authorization, often known as an eVisa, was issued to Sri Lanka to speed up the visa application procedure. At the current time, nationals of Sri Lanka are eligible to make use of this visa and have more time to travel to Laos.
Those who are nationals of Sri Lanka and hold a Laos eVisa for Sri Lankan citizens will enjoy benefits the benefits:
- Length of stay: 30 consecutive days
- Visa validity: 60 days from the date of issue
- Purpose of visit: Tourism, leisure
- Number of entries: Single entry
If you plan to travel to Laos for any other purpose, you should seriously consider applying for a regular visa at the Laos Embassy or Consulate in Sri Lanka.
2. Laos visa requirements for Sri Lankan citizens
Sri Lanka is not on the exempt country list for the Laos visa, therefore visitors from Sri Lanka will need to obtain a visa before entering the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
Required documents Sri Lankan citizens need to prepare for the Laos application.
Before applying for the Laos online application form, residents of Sri Lanka need to check that they meet all of the Laos visa requirements for Sri Lanka citizens to visit this nation. Holders of Sri Lankan passports are required to compile the following documents before applying for a tourist eVisa to Laos:
- 01 passport scan of the biographical page of the passport.
- The valid Sri Lanka passports should be at least 06 months from the intended arrival date in Laos.
- There should be at least 2 blank pages in the passports available for verification
- 01 your photograph (any size you have). The photograph should be taken as recently as possible (within the last 06 months)
- An email address to receive all the notifications related to the visa application.
Once applicants from Sri Lanka are certain they have all the required documents ready, they can start the Laos e-Visa application process.
The entry points for Sri Lankan citizens to enter Laos
The holder of an eVisa for Laos from Sri Lanka may enter Laos via one of the entry points listed below:
- Wattay International Airport
- Luang Prabang International Airport
- Pakse International Airport
- Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge No.1
- Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge No.2
![Requirements of Laos eVisa for Sri Lankan citizens Requirements of Laos eVisa for Sri Lankan citizens](https://d1y03gc41sfvov.cloudfront.net/uploads/2-laos-e-visa-requirements-for-srilankan-1679553463.jpg)
Requirements of Laos eVisa for Sri Lankan citizens
3. How to apply for a Laos visa from Sri Lanka
The application process for a visa to Laos is simplified by the electronic visa system. Instead of waiting in line at the Laos embassy and filling out a ton of laborious paperwork, Sri Lankan residents can apply for a visa online for a brief trip to Laos. Travelers simply need a few minutes to complete the process online on their laptop or phone.
Visitors coming from Sri Lanka are required to fill out a secured online visa application form that may be found on the website of the Laos Immigration Services. Please proceed in the manner described on our website, which consists of 04 steps.
- Step 1: Fill in the online application form. In this step, please provide
- Visa information: number of visas, type of visa, transportation method, port of arrival, and processing time.
- Personal details: contact information, full name, date of birth, passport number, and travel details.
Please make sure that your information is accurate because it could affect how quickly your application is processed.
- Step 2: Pay the Laos visa fee. After payment, Laos Immigration Services may request some documents to finish the process apply for Laos eVisa.
- Step 3: Check an emailed confirmation from us and know the processing time of the Laos eVisa as well.
- Step 4: When you receive your Laos eVisa, please download and print it out. A stamped confirmation will be placed on your passport. The passport you used to apply for the Laos eVisa and the one you used to enter Laos has to be the same. When you arrive, please present it along with your valid visa to the immigration officer at the border checkpoint so that they may verify your eligibility.
The average processing time for a Laos visa for Sri Lankan citizens is 03 business days. We recommend tourists from Sri Lanka should apply for their applications as soon as possible to catch their flight.
![Apply for Laos eVisa from Sri Lanka Apply for Laos eVisa from Sri Lanka](https://d1y03gc41sfvov.cloudfront.net/uploads/3-apply-for-a-laos-e-visa-from-srilankan-1679553463.jpg)
Apply for Laos eVisa from Sri Lanka
4. Laos visa fees for Sri Lankan citizens
Sri Lankan citizens need to pay 02 types of visa fees to Laos: the Government Fee and the Service Fee.
Applicants have to pay the Government Fee for the Laos government to issue an electronic tourist visa (eVisa). This fee is non-refundable regardless of the result of the visa application.
Depending on the service and processing time you choose, a Service Fee for your visa application will be determined. Laos Immigration Services offers 03 Laos visa services from Sri Lanka:
- Normal service for Sri Lankan citizens: Laos Tourist visa is processed within 03 business days. Most travelers opt for this service because of its cheap price.
- Urgent service for Sri Lankan citizens: If your itinerary is quite rushed. This option helps you get an eVisa after 48 processing hours.
- Super Urgent for Sri Lankan citizens: If you have less time to prepare, you should choose this service. Pay an extra cost and you can expect to obtain a Laos visa after 24 processing hours.
Payment method for Laos eVisa fee: You can use electronic payment (Paypal, Visa, Master Card, and American Express), or Wire transfer to the Bank of Cyprus.
Travel Insurance to Laos for Sri Lankan citizens: For a long trip, we strongly suggest you add Travel Insurance to your plan. This Insurance not only protects your benefits in case of unexpected risks but also increases the chance of visa approval.
![Laos eVisa fees for Sri Lankan citizens Laos eVisa fees for Sri Lankan citizens](https://d1y03gc41sfvov.cloudfront.net/uploads/4-cost-of-laos-e-visa-for-srilankan-1679553463.jpg)
Laos eVisa fees for Sri Lankan citizens
Laos Visa Requirements for Srilanka Citizens FAQs
Can Sri Lankan citizens travel to Laos?
Yes, Sri Lankans are permitted to travel to Laos. They can apply for a visa to Laos online through the Laos Immigration Services website. The eVisa for Laos issued by Sri Lanka is a single-entry visa valid for 30 days.
To apply for a Laos visa online, you will need to provide the following documents:
Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your anticipated departure date from Laos.
Passport photograph: Your passport photograph must be a recent, color photograph that meets the following requirements:
- It must be shot in front of a white background.
- Your face should be in the center of the shot and occupy approximately 70-80% of the area.
- Your eyes should be open, and your brows should be natural (not lifted or wrinkled).
- Your lips should be together and your mouth should be closed.
- Wearing sunglasses, a hat, or any other head covering that obscures your face is not permitted.
Email address: You must provide a valid email address where you can receive your eVisa.
Payment: You must pay the eVisa fee. You can pay with a credit card or a debit card.
Is Laos safe for Sri Lankan citizens?
Laos is usually regarded as a safe destination for tourists, especially Sri Lankans. Laos has a low crime rate, and the nation is noted for its tranquil and inviting atmosphere. However, like with any other tourist site, use cautious and take the appropriate procedures to protect personal safety. Here are some safety precautions to take when visiting Laos:
- Stay Informed: Check travel advisories and information from your government or relevant authorities before your trip to stay up to speed on the current situation in Laos.
- Secure Belongings: Take care to protect your assets and property. For passports, cash, and critical papers, use hotel safes or secure storage solutions. Pickpocketing is common in busy settings, so keep a watch on your personal things at all times.
- Transportation Safety: Use trusted transportation providers and make that the cars are in good working order. When going by vehicle, use caution because road conditions might change, and follow local traffic rules.
- Health and Hygiene: Maintain excellent hygiene measures, such as hand washing and drinking clean food and water. To avoid potential health problems, drink bottled or filtered water and avoid eating street food.
- Respect Local Customs and Laws: In Laos, become acquainted with the local customs, traditions, and laws. Respect cultural norms by dressing modestly, especially while visiting religious locations.
- Stay Connected: Inform someone of your trip intentions and keep them up to date on your location. Keep in touch with your embassy or consulate in case of an emergency or for help.
As with any overseas journey, travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost or stolen possessions is suggested.
While Laos is usually safe, it is always best to be cautious, use common sense, and adhere to local rules and regulations to have a safe and pleasurable travel experience.
Does my Laos visa have to be printed in colour?
No, your Laos visa does not need to be in color. Your Laos visa can be printed in black and white as long as it is readable, especially the QR Code. However, it is advised that you print your visa in color so that immigration officers may easily check it.
Here are the requirements for the printout of your Laos eVisa:
- The printing must be readable and clear.
- All of the information on your eVisa, including your name, passport number, and travel dates, must be included on the printout.
The PDF on an electronic device or a snapshot of the e-Visa are not allowed. Entry may be refused to those who cannot show a paper copy of the approval letter.
How much time can a Sri Lankan stay in Laos?
Visitors who have a valid e-Visa for Laos can remain for up to 30 days from the date of arrival.
Laos eVisas are valid for 60 days from the date they are granted. Sri Lankan can utilize their Laos online visa at any time throughout the 60-day period.
If visitors from Sri Lanka desire to remain for more than 30 days or do not match the Laos eVisa requirements, they must apply for a different form of visa at an embassy.
In addition, please make sure to thoroughly review all the information before submitting it in order to prevent mistakes or inaccuracies in your e-Visa application. It is advised that you double-check your application form and all supplementary materials to make sure they are accurate, complete, and current.
Do I need a Laos transit visa for Sri Lankan citizens?
If you are traveling through Laos by air and your country of citizenship requires a visa to enter Laos, you will need a transit visa even if your visit is solely for the purpose of passing through and not for stopping or visiting.
A transit visa is necessary for individuals with a brief layover at a Laos airport. This type of visa allows Sri Lanka citizens, instead of remaining at the airport during their layover, to enter the country of Laos.
To apply for a transit visa in Laos, you must provide the following documents:
- A current passport
- An application form for a visa
- A current passport photograph
- Proof of future travel
- An electronic mail address
When you arrive in Laos, you will need to show your visa to immigration officers.
Here are some additional tips for transiting through Laos:
- Make sure you have your visa ready ahead of time.
- Check with your airline to determine whether a transit visa is required.
- Prepare to present immigration officers with your onward travel papers.
- Stay inside the airport's transit zone.
Does an eletronic travel permit ensure my entry into Laos?
No, a travel authorization will not grant you entry into Laos. An immigration official will make the ultimate judgment on entrance into Laos upon arrival at the border.
A travel authorization is a document that permits you to visit Laos without the need for a visa. However, it remains at the discretion of immigration officers. If an immigration officer considers you pose a security risk or do not satisfy Laos' entrance rules, you may be denied entry even if you have travel permission.
Here are some things you may do to improve your chances of getting travel permission to enter Laos:
- Make sure you have a valid passport that is valid for at least 6 months after your desired departure date from Laos.
- Have a specific goal in mind for your trip to Laos.
- Have a return ticket or other proof of further travel.
- Prepare to answer inquiries regarding your travel arrangements.
It's important to note that visa policies and requirements can change over time, so it's advisable to check with the Embassy or Consulate of Laos or consult with Laos Immigration Services for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding transit visa requirements, application procedures, and any specific conditions that may apply to Sri Lankan citizens transiting through Laos. They will be able to provide the most current and detailed information based on the latest visa regulations.