Laos e-Visa for French citizens - Requirements and Fees

FAQs

1. Do French Citizens Need A Visa For Laos?

   Yes. French nationals need a valid visa corresponding to their purpose of visiting Laos. Additionally, the Government of Laos has a list of countries whose nationals are exempt from visas when they visit Laos. 

   There are several ways that French passport holders can apply for a Laos tourist visa. So let us explore all those options:

   • On the Global Visa Services website: You may also apply for a Laos tourist visa on the website of the Global Visa Services. The visa application process is simple and quick. In less than 20 minutes, you can complete the online application form with some essential information. At present, applying online is one of the most popular ways to apply for a visa.
   • Through the Embassy of Laos: You can apply for additional Laos visas listed earlier in this article at the Laos Embassy in France. To apply, fill out the application form, submit your papers, pay the visa money, and wait for your Visa to be issued.
   • On Arrival: French nationals can apply for a tourist or business visa at the airport. However, if the port of entry is crowded, the visa application procedure might be lengthy.

    
2. Can French Passport Holders Get a Laos Visa at the Airport?

   Yes, French passport holders can apply for a visa on arrival in Laos. French citizens should fill out the visa application form in advance to save time on arrival. 

   Laos visas are easily obtained on arrival at all points of entry, including the busiest international airports. Visitors wishing to get a visa on arrival in Laos must have the visa fee in cash; card payments are not accepted.

   Passengers from France who choose the visa on arrival should plan ahead of time. Long lineups may form at the visa-on-arrival window.

   French travelers are urged to apply online whenever feasible for a speedier and more convenient process.

   Laos visas for French citizens may be obtained upon arrival at the following international airports:

   • Wattay International Airport in Vientiane Capital.
   • Luang Prabang International Airport in Luang Prabang Province.
   • Pakse Internatioanl Airport in Champasak Province.
3. Can I Enter Laos If My Passport Expires Soon?

   No, you cannot enter Laos if your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival date. This is a requirement of the Lao government, and airlines will not allow you to board a flight to Laos if your passport does not meet this requirement.

   It is important to note that this requirement is for the validity of your passport, not the date that you applied for your visa. If you have a valid visa, but your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival date, you will still not be allowed to enter Laos.

   If your passport is expiring soon, you should renew it before you travel to Laos. You can renew your passport at your local passport office.

   Here are some tips for renewing your passport:

   • Best Time to Apply for the Renewal of Your Passport: When applying for a passport renewal, it is all about time. If your passport is likely to expire within the next 06 months or has expired within the last 12 months, you can apply for a passport renewal. If your passport has been expired for longer than 12 months, you will be unable to renew it. In that situation, you will need to apply for a new passport. It is advised that you apply at least six months before your passport's expiration date. The reason for this is that if the application procedure takes too long, you will have your passport renewed by the time your first one expires.
   • Online Application for Renewal of Passport: Applying online is the most convenient way to renew your passport. You will just need to go to the online official website, fill out the application form for passport renewal, and then submit the form after paying the necessary amount for passport renewal. It is advised that you apply online since it will save you a lot of time and will only take you 10 to 15 minutes. If you make an error while applying for a passport renewal, simply contact the customer support number shown on the website, and they will assist you in resolving the problem.
   • Pay the passport renewal fee: You must pay the passport renewal charge. The passport renewal fee varies based on the kind of passport and the applicant's age.
4. What are some interesting facts about Savannakhet?

   Savannakhet is Laos' second largest city (after Vientiane) and is located on the banks of the Mekong River, bordering Thailand and Vietnam. The city is home to a number of ethnic communities, including Laotian, Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese. Sacred Buddhist stupas like That Ing Hang and That Phonh, as well as 20 national protected areas dot the Savannakhet Province, are must-sees.

   Here are some interesting facts about Savannakhet:

   • Historical Significance: The city has a long history, stretching back to the Khmer Empire. In and around Savannakhet, you may still see relics of this heritage, including temples and ruins.
   • French Colonial Influence: Savannakhet, like much of Laos, was under French colonial administration for a long time. The city's architecture reflects this impact, with many colonial-era structures still intact.
   • Friendship Bridge II: The Second Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, which connects Savannakhet to Mukdahan in Thailand, is located in Savannakhet. This bridge is critical for regional trade and transportation.
   • Dinosaur Museum: The Dinosaur Museum in Savannakhet exhibits a collection of dinosaur fossils and information about the prehistoric animals that once inhabited the region. It is a one-of-a-kind attraction for paleontology enthusiasts.
   • Laid-Back Atmosphere: Savannakhet has a more peaceful and laid-back ambiance than the busy capital, Vientiane. It's a spot where you may explore and appreciate the local culture at your leisure.
   • Local Cuisine: Savannakhet, like the rest of Laos, provides a variety of wonderful Lao foods, including the famed sticky rice and numerous noodle meals. Don't pass up the opportunity to sample the local food.
   • Natural Beauty: The surrounding area is noted for its natural beauty, with breathtaking scenery along the Mekong River and outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.
   • Festivals: Savannakhet, like other Lao cities, celebrates a variety of festivals throughout the year, including traditional Buddhist festivals and cultural activities.
   • Friendly Locals: Visitors frequently comment on the warmth and friendliness of the locals. It is customary to be greeted warmly by the people of Savannakhet.

   Read more: Savannakhet Travel Guide - Immerse Yourself in Lao Culture and Heritage

    
5. What is the oldest city in Laos?

   Luang Prabang, Laos' historic capital, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. Luang Prabang is considered the spiritual center of Laos, with several attractions, including Indochinese architecture, Buddhist monasteries, and varied cultures.

   Luang Prabang is located on the banks of the Mekong River, approximately 425 kilometers from Vientiane in northern Laos. The present population is at around 22,000 people. It was once the first capital of Laos. UNESCO now recognizes Luang Prabang as one of the world's physical cultural heritage sites.

   It attracts tourists from the start due to its serene and old beauty, buildings with Laotian and French architecture, and the friendliness of the locals. Everything about the beauty and culture of the ancient town will make tourists fall in love.

   The climate in Laos is similar to that of Vietnam, with typical temperatures ranging from 24°C to 33°C. Like northern Vietnam, Luang Prabang has four seasons.

   Laos has a tropical monsoon climate with two seasons: dry and wet. The rainy season lasts from May to November, while the dry season lasts from December to April. You can make the finest selections based on your strategy and the weather you prefer.

   To visit Luang Prabang from France, you need to apply for a Laos visa online through our website. We have assisted several travelers with a wide range of travel needs. We know what you need for a 60-day Laos tourist visa.

6. Do You Need a Laos Visa if You Have a Passport?

   Yes, you need a visa to Laos from France. There are 3 ways to apply for a Lao Visa: You can obtain an e-Visa, a Visa On Arrival, or a visa at a Lao Embassy. However, applying for a visa online is still one of the most popular ways among tourists.

   The Laos e-Visa is another way to obtain travel authorization from the Laos government since July 2019. Instead of long waiting times and complicated procedures for visas on arrival, you can obtain an online visa application form before your trip to Laos. It is recommended that you apply at least 7 days before your scheduled departure from Laos.

   The Lao e-Visa clearance letter is authorized for a single entry stay of up to 30 days in Laos. Until present, only eight specified entry points have allowed Lao e-Visa admission, including:

   • Wattay International Airport (Vientiane Capital)
   • Lao - Thai Friendship Bridge I (Vientiane Capital)
   • Luang Prabang International Airport (Luang Prabang)
   • Lao - Thai Friendship Bridge II (Savannakhet Province)
   • Pakse International Airport (Champasack Province)
   • Lao - Thai Friendship Bridge IV (Bokeo Province)
   • Boten International Checkpoint (Luang Namtha Province)
   • Boten Railway Station (Luang Namtha Province)