Laos e-visa requirements for Swiss citizens

Laos is one of Asia's least visited and underappreciated tourism spots. Laos, a remote country in Southeast Asia, has just lately opened its doors to Western visitors. However, the business swiftly took off, becoming one of the country's economic driving factors.

Laos is a wonderful nation with breathtaking natural reserves that coexist with vibrant cities. The Lao people are among the nicest in the world, and their culture is incredibly diversified, providing a rewarding experience to any travelers who desire to venture off the main road.

Laos e visa for Swiss citizens

Swiss citizens no longer need to go to a Laos Embassy to request a visa. The Laos eVisa application for Swiss citizens is 100% online.

Swiss travelers can enter Laos for up to 30 days with an electronic visa. This website covers all of the information required for Swiss citizens to go to Laos using an electronic visa. Learn about the Laos e visa requirements for Swiss citizens, as well as how to apply.

1. What is a Laos visa for Swiss citizens?

Currently, Laos’s visa-free policy is only granted to ASEAN member states and a few non-ASEAN countries that have signed a mutual agreement with the Lao government. Therefore, citizens from Switzerland and other eligible countries must apply for an online visa to Laos before traveling.

Any traveler wishing to travel to Laos from Switzerland must ensure that their passport is valid for at least 6 months.

The Lao e-Visa for Swiss citizens is an electronic visa implemented by the Lao government in 2019 to simplify and speed up the visa application process for Swiss citizens.

Laos eVisas are valid for two months from the date of approval and are only good for one entrance. A single-entry visa permits the tourist to stay in Laos for a total of 30 days. Even if the whole 30-day period has not been used, the visa becomes invalid as soon as the passenger departs Laos.

Laos visa types for Swiss citizens

There is only one type of e-visa in Laos and that is the Laos Tourist Visa. Swiss citizens can use Laos visa in electronic form for both tourism and leisure purposes.

Laos online visa holders can quickly enter Laos through the country’s 7 designated ports of entry:

• Boten International Checkpoint
• Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I
• Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II
• Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge IV
• Luang Prabang International Airport
• Pakse International Airport
• Wattay International Airport

2. Laos e visa requirements for Swiss citizens:

Laos e visa requirements for Swiss citizens

When you apply for a Laos visa online from Switzerland, you don’t need to worry about the requirements. That’s because Laos visa requirements aren’t very high, and chances are you already have everything on the list. Here's what you need to provide:

• Copy of your valid passport: Your Swiss passport must be valid for at least six months after your intended arrival in Laos and have at least two blank pages.
• Upload a recent digital photograph of the traveler, passport-style
• Email address of applicants - This email address will be used for official contact during the visa application process. It will be used to provide alerts about the visa's status. Once processed, a copy of the e-Visa will be emailed to this email address.
• Payment Method and Details - Visa processing fees must be paid with a valid debit or credit card, Paypa or Visa.

All supporting papers are uploaded digitally, so Swiss citizens do not need to show them in person at the embassy.

3. How to apply for a Laos visa online from Switzerland:

Applying for a Laos visa online from Switzerland

Applying for a Laos visa online for Swiss citizens may appear difficult, but we're here to make the process as simple as possible. And, if you run into any problems, our professionals are here to help!

Simply follow the procedures below to apply for your Laos visa online:

Step 1: Begin by inputting your personal information on our website. To avoid errors, go through the information one more time.

Step 2: Pay the visa service charge with your debit or credit card, PayPal, or Visa. Once your money is received, you will receive an email with a detailed guide to help you with the remaining phases of the application process.

Step 3: If your visa application is granted, you will receive a visa confirmation email. Follow the processes to obtain your approved visa, and you'll be ready to tour Laos

If you have all the requirements ready, the application process usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Electronic visa processing takes approximately 1-3 days and applicants may receive confirmation within 24 hours.

The eVisa for Laos will be connected to the Swiss holder's passport automatically. Visitors from Switzerland must remember to enter Laos using the same passport they used to file their petition.

4. Laos evisa fees for Swiss citizens:

There are two kinds of Laos Evisa fees that you have to pay to get a Laos visa for Swiss, including visa service fee and Laos Government fee

After you've successfully completed the online visa application form and carefully examined and validated all of the given information, select a processing time that works for you:

• Normal: With this option, your Laos eVisa will be processed and available in 72 hours.
• Urgent: If you need your eVisa in a hurry, you can select the urgent option. This will shorten the processing time and ensure that you obtain your eVisa within 48 hours.
• Super urgent: The Super Rush processing option is available for people who need a visa quickly. By picking this option, you will obtain your valid Laos Visa in an astonishingly short time span of only 24 hours.

In addition, we recommend that you should buy Laos travel insurance. Travel insurance can protect against unexpected costs while you're on holiday.

Can a Laos eVisa be extended to Swiss citizens?

Unfortunately, an eVisa for Laos cannot be extended. You must depart the country after your eVisa has expired. If you want to return to Laos, you must apply for a new eVisa from Switzerland

Those who intend to stay in Laos for longer than the eVisa's allotted period may consider alternate entry permits such as a resident permit or study visa.

Laos visa online fees for Swiss citizens

What consequences of overstaying a Laos e-visa?

It is important to closely adhere to the period of stay set on your Laos eVisa. Overstaying your visa's validity period might have significant implications.

Failure to comply with the allowed time may result in severe penalties, fines, and even expulsion, as assessed by Laos immigration officials. These implications might cause travel disruptions as well as legal and financial penalties.

Overstaying can also result in entrance restrictions, which limit your ability to visit Laos for a certain length of time. Furthermore, immigration records are frequently shared with other nations and considered throughout future visa application processes, possibly complicating future travel plans.

5. What to do when my Laos eVisa application is denied?

If your Laosy eVisa application is denied, you must take specific procedures. Begin by thoroughly researching the particular grounds for the denial. This information will assist you in determining the best course of action.

Before reapplying for the eVisa, you must fix the issue that caused the denial. Make certain that any issues expressed by Laos officials are adequately addressed in your new application.

Our Experts are also ready to assist you and answer any questions you may have about the visa application procedure.

6. Prepare for a trip from Switzerland to Laos:

Consider the following vital considerations to guarantee a pleasant trip from Switzerland to Laos:

• Examine the passport and visa requirements.
• Plan ahead of time for flights and lodging.
• Check the recommended vaccines for the Laos trip and consider getting immunized.
• Get travel insurance that covers medical bills and emergencies to protect your well-being while traveling.
• Keep your travel papers, including your passport and visa, immediately available upon arrival.
• Follow the directions of immigration agents and ensure that all customs declarations are followed.

You may have a memorable and pleasurable vacation to Laos if you plan ahead of time and keep educated about the criteria and expectations for your trip.

7. Get additional information about the Laos eVisa

If you have any questions concerning the Laos e-Visa application procedure for Swiss nationals, please contact us through online chat or email at [email protected]. They are eager to help and answer any queries you may have.

Laos Visa Requirements for Switzerland Citizens FAQs

Is Laos visa-free for Swiss citizens?

Yes, Laos is visa-free for Swiss citizens for a stay of up to 15 days. This implies that Swiss nationals can enter Laos without a visa and stay in the country for up to 15 days without limitation.

If you want to stay in Laos for more than 15 days, you must apply for a visa. A visa can be obtained at a Lao embassy or consulate in your home country, or from the airport in Vientiane.

The Laos visa requirements for Swiss citizens are:

• Passport – Valid for 6 months from the date of arrival in Laos. Make sure there is one blank in the stamp.
• Passport photo – must be current and meet the criteria for a passport photo.
• Travel itinerary.
• Place of accommodation – A hotel reservation confirmation, Airbnb receipt, or proof of accommodation will suffice.
• Email address – Each visa we provide to our customers will be sent as an email message. Therefore, please provide an email address that you use frequently.

A Swiss national will be notified through email whether they are successful in acquiring a Laos eVisa.

If the e-Visa is not granted for any reason, Swiss applicants must contact their nearest Laos embassy or consulate to apply for a Laos visa.

Can Swiss citizens apply for a Laos business visa?

Yes, Swiss citizens can apply for a Laos business visa. A business visa is a type of visa that allows you to enter Laos for the purpose of conducting business.

The visa application requirements for a Swiss citizen are:

• A valid passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry into Laos.
• A recent passport-sized photograph.
• A blank passport front page
• The first page of your passport.

The processing time for a business visa for Swiss citizens is typically 1-3 working days. However, if you apply from a nation without an online application system, the processing time may be longer.

You can apply for a Laos business visa at a Lao embassy or consulate in your home country, or at the airport in Vientiane.

Here are some additional tips for applying for a Laos business visa:

• Make sure your employer's or business sponsor's letter is in English or French.
• A hotel reservation or a letter from a friend or family member who is hosting you might serve as proof of lodging in Laos.
• A bank statement or a letter from your company confirming that they will reimburse your expenditures might serve as proof of adequate finances to sustain your stay in Laos.

What type of visa is required for Laos?

There are different types of visas for traveling to Laos, with numerous aspects to consider when deciding which one you require. Travelers should consider the length of their stay in Laos as well as the cause of their travel since Laos visa types include business, tourist, transit, and more

• Tourist Visa (T): This visa is appropriate for tourists and leisure travelers visiting Laos. It enables a brief vacation to the nation for sightseeing, visiting friends or family, or immersing oneself in the local culture.
• Business Visa (B): The business visa is for foreign travelers traveling to Laos for business-related activities, such as attending meetings, conferences, or exploring business opportunities.
• Transit Visa (TR): The transit visa is for travelers passing through Laos on their way to another destination and requires a short stopover in the country.
• Visa on Arrival (VOA): Some nationalities are eligible for visas on arrival in Laos at specified entrance ports. This sort of visa permits for a brief stay in the country for tourists or businesses. However, before flying, be sure your nationality is qualified for a VOA.
• E-Visa: The Laos government unveiled the Laos eVisa (really titled Laos Approval Letter) in July 2019, an electronic visa to travel to Laos that streamlines the process of acquiring a visa to visit the nation. This website will be updated with current information regarding the Laos eVisa.
• Work Visa (E): For individuals intending to work in Laos, a work visa is required. Work visas are usually obtained through sponsorship from an employer or organization in Laos.
• Residence Visa: For those planning to live in Laos for an extended period, a residence visa is necessary.

How to travel to Laos from Switzerland?

Swiss citizens must print the Laos eVisa Approval Letter. Travelers must bring a valid Swiss passport as well as a printed eVisa Approval Letter.

Swiss citizens should do the following when they arrive at the Laotian border:

• Go to the eVisa lane in the immigration area.
• Show border authorities your Swiss passport and e-Visa.
• Receive final permission to enter Laos

There are a few ways to travel to Laos from Switzerland. Here are some of the most popular options:

• By plane: Because there are no direct flights from Switzerland to Laos, you must take a connecting trip. Bangkok, Hanoi, and Kuala Lumpur are all major connecting airports. The flight from Switzerland to Laos takes about 10-12 hours.
• By bus: There are no direct buses between Switzerland and Laos. However, you can travel by bus to Bangkok, Thailand, and then take a connecting bus to Laos.
• By car: Driving to Laos from Switzerland is possible, but it is a lengthy and difficult voyage. Switzerland and Laos are almost 5,000 kilometers apart, and the journey would take at least 5 days.

Once you arrive in Laos, you can travel around the country by plane, train, bus, or car.

Do Swiss citizens need proof of onward travel to Laos?

Yes, Swiss citizens need to show proof of onward travel when entering Laos. This is mandatory for all travelers to Laos, regardless of nationality.

A valid visa for another country, a confirmed onward airplane or bus ticket, or a letter from a travel agent confirming your further travel plans can all serve as proof of onward travel.

When you arrive in Laos, immigration officials may want to examine your documentation of onward travel. You may be refused admission into Laos if you do not have documentation of onward travel.

Here are some tips for getting proof of onward travel to Laos:

• Plan your next steps ahead of time. You'll have a piece of mind knowing you have a confirmed ticket or visa.
• Always have your evidence of further travel with you. This involves storing it in your passport or another secure location.
• When you arrive in Laos, be prepared to provide your evidence of onward travel to the immigration officials.

Is 2 days enough in Luang Prabang?

With just two days in Luang Prabang, you may get a good perspective of the city, see a Mekong sunset, meet some monks, and take a culinary lesson. You may also explore the surrounding area by taking a river boat to the Pak Ou Caves and seeing one of the neighboring waterfalls, or perhaps working on a genuine farm.Here’s how.

Day 1: Morning

Begin the day early, like the locals do, by waking up to witness the monks collecting alms throughout the city and participating in the rite yourself. Take in the ambiance at a wet (product) market, which is buzzing long before daylight, and then walk in the footsteps of Laos' last king at the Royal Palace Museum.

Day 1: Afternoon

Culture vultures could spend the afternoon exploring the city's iconic temples, including Vat Visounarath and Wat Xieng Thong. Others may learn about Laos' distinctive cuisine, which includes elements from Thailand, China, and even France, by taking a culinary lesson.

Day 1: Night

The colors that the setting sun reflects in the Mekong will stay with you for the rest of your life. Experience your first sunset in Luang Prabang from a sunset boat, above Mt. Phousi in the city center, or from a humble riverbank bistro with a cool Beer Lao in hand.

Day 2: Morning

Continue your Mekong adventures with a traditional Luang Prabang adventure: a river trip to the Buddha-filled Pak Ou Caves. Many boats stop in traditional villages such as Whisky community (Ban Xang Hai) and Ban Xang Khong, a weaving community.

Day 2:  Afternoon

A number of beautiful waterfalls cascade through the trees just west of Luang Prabang. Spend the afternoon visiting Kuang Si Falls, a three-tiered waterfall that also houses a bear rescue facility that rescues bears from the brutal traditional medicine trade. Alternatively, visit a real organic farm and learn about the hard job of rice production.

Day 2: Night

The vibrant night market in Luang Prabang is one of the top places in Southeast Asia to browse for handicrafts. Purchase mulberry-paper notebooks, vibrant silks, and embroidered bags. Finish your tour to the city with a gourmet dining feast by candlelight in a tropical garden at one of Luang Prabang's beautiful restaurants.