The trip between the UAE and Laos takes one to the world of natural beauty and ingrained culture, starting with the futuristic skyscrapers of Dubai and Abu Dhabi and ending with the serene and everlasting scenery of the Mekong River. To the residents of the United Arab Emirates, a visit to the Land of a Million Elephants has become extremely convenient because of the official electronic visa (eVisa) system.
This guide details everything you need to know to secure their Laos eVisa For United Arab Emirates Citizens, ensuring your transition from the desert to the jungle is perfectly smooth.
Can United Arab Emirates Citizens Apply for a Laos eVisa?
Yes, the United Arab Emirates is a fully eligible country for the Laos eVisa program. UAE citizens can complete the entire application process online from their smartphone or computer, avoiding the need to visit an embassy or stand in long queues for a Visa on Arrival at Laotian border checkpoints.
How Many Times Each Year Is Entry Allowed into Laos?
There is currently no official limit on how many times a UAE citizen can visit Laos in a year. However, because the eVisa is a single-entry permit, you must apply for a new one for every trip. Frequent visitors should ensure their passport remains valid and that they are not violating any "stay limit" regulations by attempting to live in the country on back-to-back tourist visas.
Can Diplomatic or Special Passport Holders Use the eVisa System?
No. As noted, the eVisa is only limited to citizens with a normal (ordinary) passport. Diplomatic, Service, or Special passport holders of the UAE government are ineligible to the electronic application and have to process their visa via official diplomatic channels or the closest embassy of the Lao PDR.
What Are the Available Laos eVisa Types for UAE Citizens?
When applying for Laos E-Visa, you can choose the visa category that matches your travel purpose:
Travel Visa: The most popular option for UAE tourists looking to explore the temples of Luang Prabang or the lagoons of Vang Vieng.
Visit Visa: Specifically for those traveling to Laos to visit friends, family, or relatives residing in the country.
Both eVisas typically allow for a single entry and a stay of up to 30 days.
Do UAE Citizens Need a Transit Visa for Laos?
If you are transiting through a Laotian airport and staying within the international transit area, you generally do not need a visa. However, if your transit requires you to exit the airport, change terminals, or stay at a hotel outside the security zone, a valid eVisa is mandatory.
Is It Possible to Submit a Group Application for Families?
Yes. If you are traveling as a family or with a group of friends from the UAE, lao-evisa.com allows you to submit multiple applications. Each traveler, including children and infants, must have their own separate eVisa. You can manage the documentation for the entire group through our portal, making it much easier for families to coordinate their travel documents together.
Laos eVisa Document Requirements for UAE Applicants
The digital application is designed for speed and requires only two primary documents:
Passport Bio Page: A high-quality digital scan or photo of your passport's information page. Ensure all details are legible and all four corners of the page are visible.
Applicant Photograph: A recent digital passport-style photo that complies with the official standards listed below.
How Long Does the Laos eVisa Processing Take?
We offer three processing speeds to accommodate the busy lifestyles of UAE travelers:
Normal Processing: 5 - 7 Working Days (Best for those planning a few weeks in advance).
Rush Processing: 3 - 5 Working Days (For travelers needing a quicker turnaround).
Super Rush Processing: 1 - 3 Hours (The fastest option for urgent or last-minute trips).
Can I Change My Arrival Date After the eVisa Is Approved?
Yes, but within a specific window. Your Laos eVisa is usually valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. While you provide an intended arrival date during the application, you can enter Laos on any date within that 60-day validity period. You do not need to update the visa if your flight changes by a few days, as long as you enter before the "Expiry Date" shown on your approval letter.
How Much is the Laos eVisa Fee for UAE Citizens?
The total Lao Visa cost is transparent and calculated as follows: Total Payable = Government Fee + Service Fee + Rush Fee (if selected)
The Government Fee is the obligatory state fee on the very visa. The Service Fee includes the professional handling and verification services.
Why Does the Agent Charge a Service Fee for Applications?
The service fee at lao-evisa.com ensures a "peace of mind" experience by providing:
Expert Document Review: We check your photo and passport scan against government standards to prevent rejection.
Error Correction: We fix minor typos or formatting issues instantly.
Prioritization: We manage the "Super Rush" queue for those needing approval in under 3 hours.
Dedicated Support: 24/7 assistance to help with any queries during the application.
What Should I Do If My eVisa Payment Failed But Money Was Deducted?
On rare occasions, a technical glitch may cause a payment to show as "failed" on the website even if your bank has deducted the funds. If this happens:
Wait and Check Email: Sometimes the system takes a few minutes to sync. Check your inbox (and spam) for a confirmation.
Contact Support: Reach out to the lao-evisa.com support team with your transaction ID or name.
Do Not Pay Twice: Avoid making a second payment immediately until our team has confirmed the status of the first transaction to prevent double-charging.
Are Laos eVisa Fees Refundable if My Plans Change?
The following are the non-refundable conditions:
Government Fee: Once the application submitted to the state visa authority is not refunded.
Service Fee: Not refundable after document verification and handling processes are done.
Priority Fees: Non-refundable in the event of Rush or Super Rush being activated.
Rejection: These regulations are applicable when the government refuses the application.
What Are the Laos Immigration Rules and Entry Procedures?
Upon landing at a major airport like Wattay International in Vientiane, UAE citizens should:
Locate the dedicated eVisa lane at the immigration counter.
Present your original passport (must match the one used in the application).
Provide a printed copy of your eVisa Approval Letter.
Submit a completed arrival/departure card.
What Activities are Permitted on a Laos Tourist eVisa?
The Tourist eVisa is designed for leisure and social purposes. Permitted activities include:
Sightseeing and visiting historical landmarks.
Visiting friends or relatives.
Short-term study (informal language classes or cooking courses).
Medical checkups or wellness retreats.
Attending cultural festivals.
Is a Confirmed Flight Ticket Necessary for the Application?
While lao-evisa.com does not always require you to upload a flight ticket for the application process, it is highly recommended to have your return or onward flight details ready. Immigration officers at the border may ask to see proof of your intent to leave the country before your 30-day stay expires.
Are There Specific Hotel Stay Rules for Tourists?
According to the Laotian law, foreign tourists are also required to be accommodated in registered hotels, guesthouses or resorts. These institutions will ensure that your presence is registered in the local authorities. In case you are staying at a private house (with friends or relatives), your host has the technical obligation to register your stay at the village office.
Is It Possible to Work in Laos While Holding an eVisa?
No. The Laos eVisa is strictly for tourism and social visits. Engaging in any form of employment, business ventures, or volunteer work is illegal on this visa type and can lead to fines, deportation, or being blacklisted from the country.
What Are ATM Availability and Currency Exchange Options in Laos?
Currency: The official currency is the Lao Kip (LAK).
ATMs: There are vast numbers of ATMs in such cities as Vientiane and Luang Prabang. The majority of them take international cards but with a withdrawal limit and low charges.
Exchange: USD is mostly accepted foreign currency. At banks and official exchange bureaus in the main tourist centers, you can exchange either AED or USD.
What Are the Best Taxi and Local Transport Options?
Taxis & Tuk-Tuks: Common in cities; always negotiate the fare before you start the trip.
Ride-Hailing: The Loca app is the local equivalent of Uber/Careem and is highly recommended for transparent pricing in Vientiane.
High-Speed Rail: The Laos-China Railway is a fantastic, modern way to travel quickly between Vientiane, Vang Vieng, and Luang Prabang.
What Are the Healthcare Facilities Like for Tourists in Laos?
For minor ailments, Vientiane has reputable international clinics. However, for serious medical emergencies, patients are often stabilized and evacuated to neighboring Thailand. We strongly advise all UAE travelers to obtain comprehensive travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation.
