How much time can a Sri Lankan stay in Laos?
Visitors who have a valid e-Visa for Laos can remain for up to 30 days from the date of arrival.
Laos eVisas are valid for 60 days from the date they are granted. Sri Lankan can utilize their Laos online visa at any time throughout the 60-day period.
If visitors from Sri Lanka desire to remain for more than 30 days or do not match the Laos eVisa requirements, they must apply for a different form of visa at an embassy.
In addition, please make sure to thoroughly review all the information before submitting it in order to prevent mistakes or inaccuracies in your e-Visa application. It is advised that you double-check your application form and all supplementary materials to make sure they are accurate, complete, and current.
Does my Laos visa have to be printed in colour?
No, your Laos visa does not need to be in color. Your Laos visa can be printed in black and white as long as it is readable, especially the QR Code. However, it is advised that you print your visa in color so that immigration officers may easily check it.
Here are the requirements for the printout of your Laos eVisa:
The printing must be readable and clear.
All of the information on your eVisa, including your name, passport number, and travel dates, must be included on the printout.
The PDF on an electronic device or a snapshot of the e-Visa are not allowed. Entry may be refused to those who cannot show a paper copy of the approval letter.
Is Laos safe for Sri Lankan citizens?
Laos is usually regarded as a safe destination for tourists, especially Sri Lankans. Laos has a low crime rate, and the nation is noted for its tranquil and inviting atmosphere. However, like with any other tourist site, use cautious and take the appropriate procedures to protect personal safety. Here are some safety precautions to take when visiting Laos:
Stay Informed: Check travel advisories and information from your government or relevant authorities before your trip to stay up to speed on the current situation in Laos.
Secure Belongings: Take care to protect your assets and property. For passports, cash, and critical papers, use hotel safes or secure storage solutions. Pickpocketing is common in busy settings, so keep a watch on your personal things at all times.
Transportation Safety: Use trusted transportation providers and make that the cars are in good working order. When going by vehicle, use caution because road conditions might change, and follow local traffic rules.
Health and Hygiene: Maintain excellent hygiene measures, such as hand washing and drinking clean food and water. To avoid potential health problems, drink bottled or filtered water and avoid eating street food.
Respect Local Customs and Laws: In Laos, become acquainted with the local customs, traditions, and laws. Respect cultural norms by dressing modestly, especially while visiting religious locations.
Stay Connected: Inform someone of your trip intentions and keep them up to date on your location. Keep in touch with your embassy or consulate in case of an emergency or for help.
As with any overseas journey, travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost or stolen possessions is suggested.
While Laos is usually safe, it is always best to be cautious, use common sense, and adhere to local rules and regulations to have a safe and pleasurable travel experience.
Can Sri Lankan citizens travel to Laos?
Yes, Sri Lankans are permitted to travel to Laos. They can apply for a visa to Laos online through the Global Visa Services website. The eVisa for Laos issued by Sri Lanka is a single-entry visa valid for 30 days.
To apply for a Laos visa online, you will need to provide the following documents:
Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your anticipated departure date from Laos.
Passport photograph: Your passport photograph must be a recent, color photograph that meets the following requirements:
It must be shot in front of a white background.
Your face should be in the center of the shot and occupy approximately 70-80% of the area.
Your eyes should be open, and your brows should be natural (not lifted or wrinkled).
Your lips should be together and your mouth should be closed.
Wearing sunglasses, a hat, or any other head covering that obscures your face is not permitted.
Email address: You must provide a valid email address where you can receive your eVisa.
Payment: You must pay the eVisa fee. You can pay with a credit card or a debit card.
Do children from New Zealand need a visa for Laos?
Yes, a visa is required for entry into the Lao PDR for all applicants, including children and infants. Children who are traveling to Laos for tourism or business purposes will need to apply for a Laos visa. They can apply for a Laos visa online through the Global Visa Services website
Here are some additional tips for traveling to Laos with children:
Make sure your children have a valid passport: The passports of your children must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of their anticipated departure from Laos.
Apply for a visa in advance: If your children intend to visit Laos for tourism or business, you should apply for a visa ahead of time. When you arrive in Laos, this will save you time and trouble.
Pack for all weather conditions: The weather in Laos varies based on the season. Pack clothing for both hot, humid weather and colder, drier weather.
Be prepared for long travel times: The journey from New Zealand to Laos might be lengthy. Prepare for long flights as well as bus or rail rides.
Keep your children entertained: Long travel times can be boring for children. Pack some activities to keep them entertained, such as books, games, and movies.
How to travel from New Zealand to Laos
To travel from New Zealand to Laos, you would typically need to take a flight, as there are no direct air connections between the two countries. There are a few ways to travel from New Zealand to Laos.
If you want to go directly, there is one way: by plane. This is the most prevalent mode of transportation between the two nations. Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is served by direct flights from Auckland and Christchurch. The flight lasts around 23 hours.
Besides that, you can also transit through Thailand to arrive in Laos:
By bus: There are no direct buses between New Zealand with Laos. You may, however, take a bus from Bangkok to Vientiane. The travel takes around 24 hours.
By train: Between New Zealand and Laos, there is no rail service. You may, however, travel the train from Bangkok to Nong Khai, Thailand. You may take a ferry from Nong Khai to Vientiane over the Mekong River. The travel takes around 36 hours.
By car: Driving from New Zealand to Laos is not doable. You can, however, drive from Bangkok to Vientiane. The travel takes around 36 hours.
The best way to travel from New Zealand to Laos is determined by your budget and available time. You can travel directly to Vientiane if you have more time and money.
No matter which way you choose to travel, be sure to book your tickets in advance. Flights and buses can sell out quickly, especially during the peak season.
Here are some additional tips for traveling from New Zealand to Laos:
Check the Laos visa requirements: Make sure you have the correct visa for Laos before you travel. You can find more information on the Global Visa Services website
Get travel insurance: When visiting a foreign nation, it is a good idea to purchase travel insurance. It will protect you in the event of a medical emergency or a travel delay.
Pack for all weather conditions: The weather in Laos varies based on the season. Pack clothing for both hot, humid weather and colder, drier weather.
Learn some basic Laotian phrases: Learning a few basic Laotian phrases will help you communicate with locals and get around.
Be respectful of Laotian culture: Because Laos is a Buddhist country, you should respect local customs and traditions.
Can New Zealand citizens extend the validity of their Laos visa?
Yes, it is possible for New Zealand citizens to extend the validity of their visa while in Laos if they wish to stay beyond the initial visa-free period or the duration granted on a visa on arrival. However, the extension process and requirements may vary, and it's important to follow the guidelines provided by the immigration authorities in Laos.
To extend the validity of their visa, New Zealand nationals must normally apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration or the nearest immigration office in Laos. The particular procedures and documentation required for the extension may differ based on the kind of visa and the sought term.
To give enough time for processing, it is best to begin the extension procedure long before the first visa expires. It's also a good idea to check with the immigration authorities or a local immigration lawyer or travel agency in Laos for the most up-to-date information on the extension procedure, requirements, costs, and any other special restrictions that may apply.
Do You Need Passport Photos for the Laos Visa?
Yes, you must provide two identical passport-style pictures with your Laos visa application. This contains applications for the Laos eVisa online.
The photographs must fulfill the following requirements:
They must be 4x6 cm in size.
They must be taken against a white background.
Your face must be centered in the photo and take up 70-80% of the space.
Your eyes must be open and your eyebrows should be in a natural position (not raised or creased).
Your mouth should be closed and your lips should be together.
You should not be wearing sunglasses, a hat, or any other head covering that obscures your face.
You may take your own passport photographs or have them professionally shot. If you're taking your own images, make sure you utilize a high-quality camera and even lighting.
Once you have your photos, you can upload them to the Global Visa Services website
Here are some additional tips for taking passport photos:
Make sure that your hair is neat and tidy.
Wear plain, light-colored clothing that does not have any distracting patterns or designs.
Avoid wearing sunglasses, hats, or other head coverings that obscure your face.
Smile naturally.
What types of Laos visas can New Zealand citizens apply for?
Laos tourism offers travelers a unique fusion of natural splendor, a rich cultural legacy, and an unhurried, tranquil ambiance. From ancient temples and historical remnants to breathtaking natural vistas, Laos boasts an array of attractions for those in pursuit of an authentic and less-traveled journey.
To fully immerse themselves in the wonders of Laos, New Zealand citizens are required to secure an e-visa for legal entry. The Laos eVisa is a digital visa option that enables eligible individuals, including New Zealand citizens, to apply for a tourist visa to Laos through an online process, eliminating the need for in-person visits to an embassy or consulate. As of February 2023, citizens from approximately 150 countries, including New Zealand, are eligible to apply for a Laos eVisa. However, it's important to note that this option is exclusively available for tourism purposes and leisure. Those with other intentions, such as work or immigration, must adhere to the traditional visa application process at the Embassy.
Currently, the Laos eVisa is a single-entry visa valid for a maximum stay of 30 days in Laos. Travelers can obtain this eVisa online by completing the application and submitting the visa fee using a credit or debit card. Prior to departing from New Zealand, it is crucial to ensure that all requisite visas and documentation are in order. Additionally, travelers should strictly adhere to all COVID-19 health and safety guidelines to ensure a secure and seamless travel experience.
Can New Zealand citizens go to Laos?
Yes, New Zealand citizens can visit Laos for tourism or leisure purposes. The national government has established an electronic travel permit known as the Laos eVisa Approval Letter to make it easier for travelers to visit Laos.
This enables people from 150 countries, including New Zealand, to apply for a Laos e-Visa online. This saves passengers the inconvenience of visiting a local Lao embassy or consulate and waiting in long lines for a visa.
To begin applying for a Laos eVisa, visitors can visit the Laos Imigration Services website and apply. We will next be prompted to provide the necessary personal information.
The eVisa Approval Letter for Laos permits New Zealand nationals to stay in the Southeast Asian country for a total of 30 days.
The online tourist visa to Laos is processed in around three business days. Travelers should simply ensure that they have all of the essential documentation to enter the Laos PDR upon arrival and that all of the relevant criteria are satisfied.