PassportSouth Africa

Laos: do South Africans need a visa?

South Africans need to apply online for an e-visa before travel to Laos. You can stay up to 30 days per visit, and you can apply to extend.

Visa required. South Africans can apply online for the Lao eVisa: South Africa is listed as a nationality on the official eVisa portal, laoevisa.gov.la. A visa on arrival is also available at the main international airports and Friendship Bridges, so either route works.1245

Before you travel

Purpose of visit

Tourism. The eVisa is for tourist entry.23

Confirmed on an official government source

Passport validity

More than 180 days (6 months) from arrival, with at least 1 blank page (GSA). The UK FCDO says 2 blank pages; carry 2 to be safe.47

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

How to apply

eVisa: apply only at laoevisa.gov.la. Processing usually takes 3 working days after the application and fee are received. The fee is shown by the portal's fee calculator; a South African visa agency quotes USD 50 for South Africans, non-refundable. Print the approved eVisa (black and white is fine). Single entry. Valid only at 9 ports: Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang International Airport, Pakse International Airport, Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I (Vientiane), II (Savannakhet) and IV (Bokeo), Boten International Checkpoint, Boten Railway Station and Khamsavath Railway Station (Vientiane). The UK FCDO advises applying at least 5 days before arrival. Visa on arrival: at the main international airports and other major crossings, single entry; bring US dollars cash and a passport photo (fee for South Africans not confirmed). About 18 of 33 land crossings do not issue visas on arrival.123457

Confirmed on an official government source

Where South Africans apply

Online at laoevisa.gov.la, or on arrival at an eligible port. Laos has no embassy in South Africa; a visa in advance would need a Lao mission abroad (not identified).245

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

Travel insurance

Not published by official sources

Return or onward ticket

Not published by official sources

Proof of funds

Proof of sufficient funds may be asked for (GSA). No amount given.7

Not yet confirmed by an official source

Accommodation or invitation

Not published by official sources

Vaccinations, including yellow fever on return to South Africa

Not published by official sources

Arrival forms

Not published by official sources

Extending your stay and overstaying

UK FCDO: from January 2025 a tourist visa can be extended twice inside Laos, for up to 60 extra days in total. Overstaying beyond 90 days can lead to fines of about USD 2,000, deportation and an entry ban.4

Not yet confirmed by an official source

Transit

Not published by official sources

Travelling with children

Not published by official sources

What changed

1 January 2025Tourist visas reverted to 30 days from arrival; up to two in-country extensions allowed, 60 extra days in total (UK FCDO).

Sources

Official

The destination's own government

  1. 1Lao Official Online Visa (Government of Lao PDR) laoevisa.gov.la
  2. 2Lao Official Online Visa (Government of Lao PDR) laoevisa.gov.la
  3. 3Lao Official Online Visa (Government of Lao PDR) laoevisa.gov.la

Other government

Official advice from other governments

  1. 4UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office gov.uk

Reference

Used to find official sources, never the final word

  1. 5Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org

Commercial

Visa agencies, law firms and travel companies

  1. 7The GSA (South African visa agency) thegsa.co.za

Last researched 5 October 2026. Rules change; confirm with the embassy before you book.