Planning a journey from the white-marble city of Ashgabat to the golden stupas of Vientiane? Laos has become one of the most sought-after destinations in Southeast Asia, and for citizens of Turkmenistan, the process has never been simpler. Thanks to the electronic visa (eVisa) system, you can now skip the embassy queues and secure your travel authorization online.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Laos eVisa For Turkmenistan Citizens, from document requirements to the fastest way to get your approval.
Can Turkmenistan Citizens Apply for a Laos eVisa?
Yes! Turkmenistan is on the list of eligible countries for the Laos eVisa. This digital system allows Turkmen nationals to apply for a visa from the comfort of their home. Whether you are planning a holiday in Luang Prabang or a business visit to the capital, the eVisa is the standard gateway for entry.
What Are the Types of Laos eVisas Available?
In the process of applying for Laos eVisas, you get to select any of the following types depending on the nature of your visit:
Visit Visa: Visit Visa is suitable in cases where individuals visit people or family in Laos.
Travel Visa: This is the most common option that tourists have when they want to explore the natural beauty and heritage sites in the country.
The two types generally allow one entry and a 30-day stay.
What Are the Document Requirements for Turkmen Applicants?
One of the best parts of the Laos eVisa is the minimal paperwork. You don’t need stacks of physical documents. You only need to provide:
Passport Bio Page: A clear, high-quality scan or photo of your passport’s main page.
Applicant Photograph: A recent digital passport-style photo (4x6 cm) with a plain white background.
Passport Type Requirements
Before you apply, please ensure you are using the correct travel document. The Laos eVisa system is strictly available for Ordinary Passport holders only. If you hold a Diplomatic, Service, or Official passport, you must contact the nearest Lao Embassy to apply for a traditional sticker visa. Additionally, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
How Long Does the Laos eVisa Processing Take?
Timing is everything when planning an international trip. We offer three distinct processing speeds to match your schedule:
Normal Processing: 5 -7 Working Days (Best when one plans in advance).
Processing Rush: 3 - 5 Workdays (In the case of travelers with a tight schedule).
Super Rush Processing: 1 -3 Hours (The final solution to last minute emergencies).
How much is Laos' eVisa fee?
The total cost of your Laos eVisa is transparent and composed of three parts: Total Payable = Government Fee + Service Fee + Rush Processing Fee (Optional)
The Government Fee is the official cost paid to the Laotian authorities, while the Service Fee covers the professional document handling, verification, and expert support provided by the agency.
Accepted Online Payment Methods
To facilitate a smooth application process, Laos eVisas supports various secure digital payment options. Applicants from Turkmenistan can use:
Credit and Debit Cards: (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, or UnionPay).
Digital Wallets: Depending on regional availability, other secure online payment systems may be used during the checkout process.
Are Laos eVisa Fees Refundable? (Important Policy)
Previous applicants must be aware of the terms of refund the applicant must know before applying. Since you have to work as soon as possible so that your visa would be approved, the following are the rules:
Government Fee: It does not have a refund because it is given directly to the state authority to have their applications evaluated.
Service Fee: Once the process of verification and document handling has begun, the service fee cannot be refunded.
Rush/Super Rush Fees: Non-refundable after the activation of the prioritization of your application.
Rejections/Withdrawals: These terms are applicable in both the situations where the application is withdrawn by the user or when it is rejected by the government.
How to apply for an eVisa for Laos?
The application process is designed to be user-friendly:
Fill the Form: Enter your personal and travel details on the secure portal.
Upload Docs: Attach your passport scan and photo.
Payment: Complete the total amount of payment via a safe online transaction.
Get Approval: Your eVisa approval letter will be delivered to your mail.
Which Entry Points Accept the Laos eVisa?
You cannot enter through every single border crossing with an eVisa. It is currently accepted at major gateways, including:
Wattay International Airport (Vientiane)
Luang Prabang International Airport
Pakse International Airport
Lao-Thai Friendship Bridges (I, II, and IV)
Boten International Checkpoint & Railway Station (Lao-China border)
Laos Immigration Rules and Entry Procedures
After reaching a specific port, it is necessary to go to a special eVisa booth. You are required to present:
The same passport that you used during the application.
An eVisa Approval Letter printed.
An Arrival/Departure card (carrying the details of your flight or at the border).
Lao immigration officers will be checking your QR code and stamping the entry. Before being left at a counter, make sure that you look at the date of your stamp.
Can I Work on a Laos eVisa?
No. The Laos eVisa is strictly for tourism and visiting purposes only. It does not grant you the right to engage in any form of employment, paid or unpaid, including volunteering or internships. Engaging in work activities while on a tourist eVisa is a violation of immigration law and can lead to heavy fines, deportation, or being barred from future entry. For employment, you must apply for a "Labour Visa" (LA-B2) through a local sponsor.
Do I Need a Transit Visa for Laos?
If you are a citizen of Turkmenistan transiting through a Laotian airport to a third country and staying within the international transit area (not passing through immigration), you typically do not need a transit visa. However, if your layover is long and you wish to exit the airport to visit the city, you must have a valid eVisa to clear immigration.
How Long Can I Stay in Laos with an eVisa?
The eVisa generally allows for a 30-day stay. It is valid for use for 60 days from the date of issuance. This means you have a two-month window to enter the country, and once you arrive, your 30-day countdown begins.
What Happens if My Laos eVisa is Rejected?
While rejections are rare if you use a professional service, they can happen due to typos or blurry documents. This is why using an agent like lao-evisa.com is beneficial—their team reviews your documents to ensure they meet government standards before submission, significantly reducing the risk of denial.
Top Tips for Turkmen Travelers in Laos
Print Your Approval: Always carry a printed copy of your eVisa approval letter to show at the immigration desk.
Respect the Culture: Laos is a deeply Buddhist country; remember to dress modestly when visiting temples.
Currency: While the Lao Kip is the official currency, USD and Thai Baht are often accepted in major tourist hubs.
Why Use an Agent for Your Laos Visa Application?
Navigating government portals can sometimes be confusing due to technical glitches or strict formatting rules. By choosing lao-evisa.com, you get 24/7 support, expert document verification, and the peace of mind that your application is being handled by professionals who understand the specific requirements for Turkmenistan citizens.
