Travelling to Laos soon with a German passport? Good news — applying for a Laos eVisa for German Citizens is now much simpler, and you can do it all from home. In this guide, I walk you through everything you need to know to get your eVisa, step by step, with plenty of tips and answers to common questions.

Do I need a visa to visit Laos with a German passport?

Yes — if you hold a German passport and plan to visit Laos, you generally need a visa. Citizens from Germany are not visa-exempt for Laos.

But it’s simple: instead of lining up at an embassy, you can apply for an eVisa online. Thanks to the eVisa system, most German travellers no longer need to visit a formal visa office or consulate.

Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended travel date.

What documents do I need to apply for a Laos eVisa as a German citizen?

When applying for a Laos eVisa, you’ll typically need the following:

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into Laos. Should have at least one blank page for entry stamps.
• Passport-Size Photo: A recent, colored photo in JPEG format. The photo should have a white background and meet standard passport photo requirements (usually 4×6 cm).
• Scanned Copy of Passport Information Page: A clear and legible scan of the passport’s bio-data page in PDF or JPEG format.
• Travel Itinerary (Optional): Details of your planned travel, such as flight tickets or hotel bookings, may be required.
• Email Address: A valid email address to receive the approved eVisa.
• Payment Method: A credit or debit card for paying the visa fee online.

How to apply for a Laos eVisa from Germany?

Applying for a Laos eVisa from Germany is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

Step 1: Fill Out the Application Form and Upload Documents 

Fill in your personal and travel details in the Laos eVisa application form, uploading the required documents: your passport and passport photo.

Step 2: Pay for the Visa and Submit the Application

Pay for the visa using your credit or debit card, then submit your application for processing.

That’s it. Apply from the comfort of your home, avoid long embassy queues, and get ready for Laos!

How much does the Laos eVisa cost for German citizens?

The Laos eVisa Fees depend on the speed of your application service. There are different processing speeds, which may influence the cost.

Because fees can vary over time (and because I’m avoiding absolute fee numbers), I recommend checking the eVisa portal directly when you apply. The system will show the exact cost for your nationality and the service speed you choose before you pay.

What is the validity period of a Laos eVisa for German nationals?

• The eVisa becomes valid from the date you receive the approval letter.
• You have up to 60 days to enter Laos after approval.
• Once you enter Laos with the eVisa, you can stay for up to 30 days.

So basically, you get a 60-day window to use the visa, and once inside Laos, you can spend up to 30 days.

Can I use my Laos eVisa to enter multiple times (multiple entry)?

No — the eVisa for Laos is single-entry only. Once you leave Laos, the same eVisa cannot be used to re-enter.

If you plan to leave and come back during your trip, you’d need a new visa.

What is the processing time for a Laos eVisa for German citizens?

Under normal conditions, most eVisa applications are processed within:

• Standard Processing: 5 – 7 Working Days with the Cheapest cost
• Urgent Processing: 3 – 5 Working Days with a Faster cost
• Super Rush Processing: 1 – 3 Hours with the Highest cost

Because demand can fluctuate, it’s wise to apply at least a week before your travel date — just to leave some buffer for any unexpected delays.

Can I apply for the Laos Urgent eVisa?

Yes, the Laos Urgent eVisa system provides faster processing options beyond the standard timeline.

Depending on the provider or portal, you might be able to choose an “urgent” or “super-urgent” option when you pay, which speeds up the approval.

Keep in mind that quicker processing usually means a higher fee — so it’s up to you whether the cost is worth the faster turnaround.

Can I get a Laos visa on arrival if I am from Germany?

Yes — visa on arrival is an option in Laos, but there are a few important caveats.

However, the availability of a visa on arrival has been gradually reduced in recent years.

If you choose a visa on arrival instead of an eVisa:

• Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months and has blank pages for stamping.
• You may need passport-style photos, and sometimes proof of onward ticket/accommodation may be asked for at the border.
• Visa on arrival might still be accepted only at certain airports or border crossings — and NOT all crossings may offer VOA.

Given this uncertainty and potential extra hassle, many travellers prefer to apply for eVisa in advance.

Can I extend my Laos eVisa once I’m in Laos?

The eVisa itself is single-entry and allows a 30-day stay.

If you want to stay longer, you may need to check local immigration options once you arrive. Extension of tourist visas is sometimes possible — but the rules, fees, and approval depend on local policies at the time of your stay. Some sources suggest that other visa types or on-arrival visas may offer extension possibilities.

Because policies change, I recommend checking with local immigration offices or trusted travel forums once you’re in Laos.

What should I do if my Laos eVisa is rejected?

If your eVisa application is rejected, here are some practical steps you can take:

• Double-check that all information you provided was correct — passport number, name spelling, travel dates, etc.
• Make sure the scanned passport page and photo met the required standards (clear scan, proper photo size and background).
• Ensure your passport had at least 6 months validity remaining at time of entry, and that you applied within allowed timeframes.
• If everything seems correct, you may try re-applying — but you will likely need to pay again.
• Alternatively, consider applying for another visa type (if applicable) or adjust your travel plans if time allows.

Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee, and applying again is typically the only option.

Is the visa fee refundable if my application is rejected?

• Refunds are allowed only if the application has not started processing.
• No refunds once processing begins or after a visa is issued.
• Refunds may be considered for health/emergency reasons, technical issues, or wrong visa type, but only before processing starts.
• If a visa is refused, the fee is non-refundable.
• Refunds go back to the same payment method.
• Processing time depends on your bank (4–17 business days).
• A $20+ refund processing fee applies.
• Exchange rate differences may affect the final refund amount.
• Refunds may be cancelled if customer-side issues occur.

How Does the Process Differ Between the Agent and the Government’s Official Visa?

Downsides of Using the Government Website

1. User Experience Issues
   • Many government e‑visa websites are not very user-friendly; the interface might be clunky, or instructions unclear.
2. Limited Help / Customer Support
   • If you run into problems (uploading documents, payment issues, technical bugs), support might be slow or not very responsive.
3. No Refunds
   • If your application is rejected or there is an error, you might not get a refund of the visa‑fee component (depends on the country) — and there’s no “agent guarantee.”

Pros of Using an Agent / Travel Agency

1. Convenience / Time Saving
   • Agents can handle the entire process: filling out forms, formatting photo/passport scans, tracking status.
2. Higher Success Rate (Sometimes)
   • Experienced agents may make fewer mistakes and understand common pitfalls, reducing the chances of rejection.
3. Better Support
   • Agents often provide 24/7 customer support throughout — helpful if you’re not confident with the visa process or paperwork.

Travel Tips for German Passport Holders Travelling to Laos

Here are some extra tips based on my (and other travelers’) experiences, to make your trip smoother:

• Apply at least a week before travel. Even though eVisa processing is normally quick (about 3 working days), delays can happen — better to be safe than sorry.
• Print your eVisa approval letter. It should include a QR code. Some immigration desks may not accept just a photo on your phone, or printing may help avoid delays.
• Check your port of entry in advance. eVisa is only valid if you enter Laos through one of the designated airports or border crossings.
• Have at least 6 months validity on your passport. If it expires too soon, your application will be rejected.
• Be aware of the new immigration form requirement (LDIF). From late 2025, all travellers (including eVisa holders) need to complete an online immigration/arrival form before travel.
• Save a digital and a paper copy of your eVisa and travel info. Sometimes border checks or flights may request extra copies.
• Plan your stay duration carefully. The eVisa allows a 30-day stay. If you plan to stay longer, check the extension options in advance.
• Avoid re-entry on the same eVisa. If you leave Laos and plan to come back, you’ll need a new visa.

Laos eVisa FAQs (for German Passport Holders)

Q: What if I apply too close to my departure date?
A: You might risk delays. The eVisa system often needs at least a few days to process, so try to apply at least a week before travelling just in case.

Q: Can I enter Laos on any border with an eVisa?
A: No — only certain ports accept eVisa entry. Other border crossings may require a visa on arrival or a different visa type.

Q: My passport has only 5 months validity left. Can I still apply?
A: It’s very risky. The eVisa rules state you need at least 6 months passport validity from your arrival date.

Q: I’m already in Laos and want to stay longer — can I extend my eVisa stay?
A: Possibly. Some visa types allow extension, but eVisa is single-entry and time-limited. It’s best to check local immigration rules once in Laos.

Q: I’m traveling with children — do they need a separate eVisa too?
A: Yes. Every traveler — including children and infants — needs their own eVisa.

Q: What if the border I planned to enter doesn’t support eVisa entry?
A: Then you may have to opt for visa on arrival (if allowed), or adjust your entry point accordingly. Always double-check the list of acceptable entry points before travelling.