Answered4 years ago
Which is better for entering Laos: an eVisa or a visa on arrival?
Which is recommended, getting a Laos eVisa or visa on arrival at the airport?
Answer summary
The discussion revolves around the preference for either obtaining a Laos eVisa or a visa on arrival (VOA) at the airport. Several comments suggest that there are no significant advantages to choosing the eVisa when a VOA is available. Many travelers find the VOA to be more convenient and cost-effective, especially for US and Canadian citizens. Additionally, it's noted that some Lao land borders no longer offer VOA services, though this primarily affects adventurous travelers. Overall, if a VOA option exists, it is generally seen as the better choice.
27 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Paul *******
Some Lao land borders no longer offer a VOA service, neither does Savannakhet airport. However, none of these border crossings mentioned are ones which most travelers use. Only adventurous travelers and those who know the region well usually choose to cross at such remote borders. As for Savannakhet airport, you can't get there directly from Bangkok as the flight lands in Pakse first where a visa on arrival is available so the lack of visa on arrival service at Savannakhet airport won't be an issue for anyone as they don't offer any direct flights from abroad.
Bä ****
VOA cheaper just have your hotel address where you’re staying and phone number and $40 for US Citizen
Mark *********
@Bä ***
...and $51.75:for Canadians.
Sam *********
E visas only seem beneficial when going to countries where a visa on arrival isn’t available, meaning your other option besides an e visa would be a consulate or embassy visit. If you can get one on arrival, that’s usually the best bet.
Lynnette *******
VOA?
Duncan *******
@Lynnette ******
yes, many qualify for a VOA for Laos.Lynnette *******
@Duncan ******
oh didnt know that.Mark *********
No benefit to evisa
Paul *******
There is in terms of time saved and a page in your passport too but for many people not necessary or worth it, especially dual citizens who probably won't be able to fill up all the pages in their passports.
Yaroslav ***********
@Paul ******
Ah, OK, so this is what matters to me. So e-visa is just a small (-ish) entry and exit stamps, without a full page visa sticker, right? If so, that's a decisive factor to me. Can you (or anyone else who used Laos electronic visa) confirm this? TIA.Paul *******
@Yaroslav **********
e-visa only works at a small number of entry checkpoints. Double check to see which ones.Paul *******
@Yaroslav **********
Correct. Just a small stamp.Mark *********
@Yaroslav **********
The three items were all together in a rectangular block. Don't know if this is always the case.Yaroslav ***********
@Mark ********
OK, thank you, that's exactly what I wanted to know.Mark *********
@Yaroslav **********
Yes. I got an evisa. On mine, 1. the entry visa sticker and 2. entry stamp and 3. exit stamp take up about 2.5" X 4" on one passport page or say half of one passport page.Mark *********
Paul James. It does take some time to do the evisa and with the page you print off you must still give it to a teller with your passport for them to stamp it. They still do put a relatively small Visa stamp in your page. Is the VOA a big one?
Mark *********
@Yaroslav **********
I get that and agree with you. ThanksYaroslav ***********
@Mark ********
Unless something changed in recent years, visa on arrival is a full page sticker PLUS then also entry and exit stamps, so a page and a half just for Laos, which by itself can be a sufficient reason to avoid it for some.Jon *****
@Mark ********
42 dollars for Canadians... Not worth getting an e-visa **************************************
Mark *********
@Jon ****
ThanksJon *****
@Mark ********
👍and more expensiveMark *********
@Jon ****
All countries pay a different Visa cost varying from $30-50 +/- US.Mark *********
@Jon ****
I paid $51.75 US for money as a Canadian.Jon *****
@Mark ********
Yes, you are right, it's 42 dollars for Canadians... Still cheaper than an e-visaMark *********
@Jon ****
The price depends on your passport. Canadians pay the highest rate.Jon *****
@Mark ********
Yes it's only 40 USD for VOA
Activity
9 joined9
people
Related
25What are the advantages of obtaining a retirement visa if married to a Thai national?
5.7k101641mo
Can I get my stamp at the Malaysian land border when re-entering Thailand on a DTV visa?
3k974mo
Is it a problem to cross from Thailand to Laos and back at the Nong Khai border with a visa exemption?
478176mo
What are the benefits of getting a Multiple Re-Entry Permit for Retirement or Non O visas in Thailand?
5.8k38909mo
What are the current rules for staying in Thailand with a Non-O Multiple Entry Visa?
2.3k19181y
What are the visa options and travel experiences for Vietnam and Laos compared to Thailand?
3.9k30401y
What are the best options for doing a border run from Bangkok?
6.4k61381y
What are the best options for a 6-month visa extension in Thailand?
3.6k35201y
What are the best border run options from Pattaya?
5.3k43352y
What are the pros and cons of extending a DTV Visa versus leaving the country when reaching the 180-day mark?
4.6k41322y
Can I enter Laos at Luang Prabang and obtain a visa on arrival?
2.6k1272y
Are there issues entering Thailand with a DTV for those with extensive entry histories?
910442y
What is the best way to extend my Visa on Arrival in Thailand for another 60 days?
1.9k13112y
Can I obtain a Visa on Arrival in Thailand multiple times within a month?
798433y
What are the options for extending a 15-day Visa on Arrival for Bulgarians in Chiang Mai and how does land entry affect a new visa?
1.4k1163y
Is there a 1 month grace period extension available for a Non-Ed visa in Thailand?
1.2k963y
What are the differences between visa exemption and Visa on Arrival (VOA) in Thailand, and can the visa exemption be extended?
1.1k2163y
How many times can I enter Thailand with a Visa on Arrival if I meet all requirements?
612124y
Do I need an onward flight ticket to enter Thailand if I'm visiting Laos?
2.7k22154y
What are the risks of frequent border hopping in Thailand without a long-term visa?
6.4k56574y
Can I travel to Laos during the 28-day consideration period for my visa renewal?
1.1k5134y
What are the current photocopy requirements and charges at immigration offices in Thailand?
4.8k37415y
Can I self-file a TM30 in Bangkok if I'm staying at a hotel without a lease?
1.2k7115y
What are the current COVID-19 rules and restrictions in Thailand regarding masks and interprovincial travel?
2k11276y
What Are the Current Border Re-Entry Rules for Expats in Thailand?
1.3k8107y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served