PassportSouth Africa

Trip checklist: Laos

For South African passport holders. Last checked 5 October 2026.

Visa requirement

South Africans need to apply online for an e-visa before travel to Laos.

Permitted stay

You can stay up to 30 days per visit, and you can apply to extend.

Before you go

  • Purpose of visit

    Tourism. The eVisa is for tourist entry.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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).

  • Proof of funds

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

  • 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.

  • Confirm with the embassy

    Rules change. Check the official source before you book.

Where to apply

Research sources

  1. 1. Lao Official Online Visa (Government of Lao PDR) (Official, laoevisa.gov.la) https://laoevisa.gov.la/fee-calculator
  2. 2. Lao Official Online Visa (Government of Lao PDR) (Official, laoevisa.gov.la) https://laoevisa.gov.la/faq
  3. 3. Lao Official Online Visa (Government of Lao PDR) (Official, laoevisa.gov.la) https://laoevisa.gov.la/info
  4. 4. UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (Other government, gov.uk) https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/laos/entry-requirements
  5. 5. Wikipedia (Reference, en.wikipedia.org) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_South_African_citizens
  6. 6. The GSA (South African visa agency) (Commercial, thegsa.co.za) https://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2721-laos-country-guide

From doineedavisa.co.za/laos. Always confirm with the embassy before you travel.