Planning to Visit Laos from South Korea? Here’s Your Complete Laos Visa Guide
If you’re living in South Korea and planning a trip to Laos, getting a Laos visa might seem like a hassle at first, but the process is actually quite simple if you follow the right steps and meet the necessary requirements. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about applying for a Laos visa from South Korea, covering the required documents, processing times, and helpful tips to ensure a smooth application experience.
Laos, a beautiful country in Southeast Asia, is famous for its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and friendly people. Whether you’re traveling for tourism, business, or other purposes, most foreign nationals need to obtain a visa before entering the country. While citizens of many countries are eligible to apply for a Laos eVisa, those who are not eligible can follow this guide to secure their visa through the Lao Embassy in Seoul.
The application process typically involves two main steps: first, applying for a visa approval letter from the Lao authorities; and second, visiting the Laos Embassy in South Korea to get your visa stamped. If you’re planning your Laos trip and need a hassle-free way to apply for a Laos tourist visa, this guide will provide all the details you need to make the process as easy as possible.
Note: Visa rules often change, so before applying for a visa by following this guide, it is advisable to contact the relevant embassy or consulate office for the most up-to-date information.
Step 1: Applying for a Visa Approval Letter
Before visiting the Laos Embassy, you must obtain a visa approval letter from the Lao authorities. This step takes approximately 10 days after submitting all the required documents. Here’s what you need to do:
Required Documents for Visa Approval Letter
- Visa Application Form
Complete the form provided by the Laos Embassy. You can request it from the Embassy or download it if available online. Ensure all information is accurate and matches your passport details. - Copy of Passport
Submit a clear photocopy of the main page of your passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Laos. - Flight Reservation
Provide a copy of your flight reservation. A confirmed booking is preferred, but a reservation copy may suffice. Ensure that your travel dates align with the visa duration. You can use Kayak, Trip.com, Skyscanner To book Your Flight Ticket. - Hotel Reservation
Submit proof of accommodation in Laos. This can include hotel booking confirmations or an invitation letter from a host if staying at a private residence. You can use Agoda, Trivago, Trip.com To make a Hotel Reservation. - Employment or Enrollment Letter
- If employed, submit a letter from your employer confirming your current job and leave approval.
- If you are a student, submit an enrollment certificate from your educational institution.
How to Submit the Documents
Prepare all the required documents and email them to the Laos Embassy in South Korea ([email protected]) Ensure the scanned copies are clear and meet any specified file size limits. Once submitted, the Embassy will forward your application to the Lao concerned authority for processing.
Processing Time
It usually takes around 10 working days for the Lao authorities to process and issue a visa approval letter. Once approved, you will receive the letter either via email or directly from the Lao Embassy Seoul. Be sure to consider this timeline when planning your trip to Laos. If the authorities require any additional information or once your visa approval is finalized, they will contact you accordingly.
Step 2: Visiting the Laos Embassy for Laos Visa Issuance
After receiving the visa approval letter, you must visit the Laos Embassy in South Korea to complete the visa issuance process. Here’s what you need to bring with you:
Required Documents for Laos Visa Issuance
- Original Passport
Submit your original passport, which must have at least six months of validity and blank visa pages. - Visa Approval Letter
Bring the visa approval letter you received from the Lao authorities. - One Passport-Sized Photo
Provide one recent passport-sized photo. The photo should have a white background and meet standard visa photo requirements. - Visa Fee
The visa fee for most applicants is $35 USD ( converted to Korean won). Confirm the exact amount before visiting the Embassy. The fee is typically payable in cash, so carry the exact amount to avoid complications.
Business Hours of the Laos Embassy
- Morning Hours: 09:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Afternoon Hours: 02:00 PM – 04:00 PM
Make sure to visit during these hours for both document submission and visa collection. The Embassy is closed on weekends and public holidays.
Klook.comStep 3: Processing Time for Laos Visa Issuance
After submitting your documents to the Embassy, the visa processing takes approximately 3 working days. You will be informed when your visa is ready for collection visa phone or an email. Then you need to visit the embassy again to collect your passport along with the attached visa.
Note: After submitting the visa application and fee, you will receive a passport collection receipt. Keep it safe for collecting your passport.
Laos Embassy in South Korea: Contact Details
- laos embassy Address: 30-4 Daesagwan-ro 11-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul
- Phone: 02-796-1713
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Laos Embassy Seoul
- How to go to Laos embassy in Seoul: To reach the Embassy of Laos at 30-4 Daesagwan-ro 11-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul, by subway, you have several options. The closest station is Itaewon Station (Line 6), where you can take Exit 3 and follow the map directions to the embassy. Alternatively, you can use Hangangjin Station (Line 6), Exit 3, or Hannam Station (Jungang Line), Exit 1, and walk towards Soon Chun Hyang University Hospital, then proceed to the embassy.
Port of Entry for Laos Visa Holder
Once your Laos visa is issued, you can enter Laos through designated ports, such as:
- Wattay International Airport (Vientiane Capital)
- Luang Prabang International Airport (Luang Prabang)
- Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I (Vientiane Capital)
- 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)
At the Arrival Port
Once you arrive in Laos with the visa, follow these steps:
- Proceed to Immigration
Enter the designated visa or eVisa lane at the port of entry. - Present Your Documents
Show your passport and visa to the Immigration officer. - Immigration Approval
Complete the final Immigration approval process to enter Laos.
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- Lucky Backpackers Hostel – starting from 3usd per night
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- SYRI Guesthouse Vientiane Hostel & Cafe – starting from 6usd per night
Frequently Asked Questions About Laos visa(FAQs)
Most embassies accept flight reservations, but confirmed bookings are preferred. Contact the Embassy to clarify their specific requirement.
Visa on arrival is not available for Bangladeshi passport holders. You must apply for a visa in advance.
If your application is rejected, you will be notified of the reasons. Address the issues and reapply with the corrected documents.
Visa fees are non-refundable, even if your application is denied.
Key Tips for a Smooth Laos Visa Application Process
- Submit Accurate Information
Ensure that all details on your application form and supporting documents are correct. Discrepancies may lead to delays or rejection. - Plan Ahead
Since the visa approval letter takes 10 days and the visa issuance takes 3 days, allow at least 2–3 weeks to complete the entire process before your travel date. - Check Document Validity
Double-check the expiration dates of your passport and other documents to avoid any last-minute issues. - Flight and Hotel Bookings
While some embassies may accept tentative bookings, confirmed reservations are preferred. If your travel dates are flexible, ensure your bookings align with the approval letter validity. - Prepare Exact Visa Fee
Carry the exact visa fee in USD to simplify payment at the Embassy.
Applying for a Laos visa from South Korea is a straightforward process if you follow the steps outlined above. From obtaining the visa approval letter to finalizing the process at the Lao Embassy, proper preparation ensures a hassle-free experience. Whether you’re traveling for leisure or other purposes, planning ahead and adhering to the requirements will make your journey to Laos seamless and enjoyable. Safe travels!
