Travelling between Belarus and the very heart of Southeast Asia is a trip of a lifetime. Laos, with its unbelievable waterfalls, old Buddhist culture, and relaxed spirit is a tourism destination of choice to those who want to go off the beaten tourist path. The fact that the people of Belarus do not need to travel far to visit distant embassies is the good news. The entry process has been made simple with the Laos Electronic Visa (eVisa).
Here is everything you need to know about the Laos eVisa for Belarus Citizens, securing your travel permit.
Do Belarus citizens need a visa to visit Laos?
Yes, citizens of Belarus must have a valid visa to enter the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Belarus is eligible for the eVisa system, which allows you to apply entirely online. This digital approval acts as your official permission to enter the country, replacing the traditional “visa on arrival” or the need for a physical stamp from an embassy before you fly.
What are the passport requirements for the Laos eVisa?
To apply, you must hold a valid Ordinary Passport. It is essential that your passport has a minimum of six months of validity remaining from the date you arrive in Laos. Additionally, the document must have at least two blank pages to accommodate the entry and exit stamps. Please note that Diplomatic, Service, or Official passports are generally not eligible for the eVisa and may require different processing through a consulate.
What are the specific photo requirements for the application?
The Lao government is severe with the quality of the digital photograph you post. To prevent being rejected, make sure that your photo fits these criteria:
- Background: This should be a plain and solid background of white.
- Size: The standard digital size is expected to be 4x6cm.
- Recency: The photograph should be of less than six months old.
- Appearance:You need to be straight to the camera with a neutral face and your eyes open. Do not wear glasses, hats, and heavy jewelry that may cover up your features.
Which types of Laos eVisas are available for Belarusians?
The online system currently supports two main categories of visas:
- Travel Visa: For those exploring the natural wonders and cultural heritage of Laos.
- Visit Visa: For travelers heading to Laos to stay with friends or family members who are residents.
Both options typically allow for a single entry and a stay of up to 30 days.
Can I work in Laos using a tourist eVisa?
No, it is strictly prohibited to engage in any form of employment or paid work while on a tourist eVisa. This visa is designed solely for leisure, sightseeing, and family visits. If you intend to work, volunteer, or conduct long-term business in Laos, you must apply for a specific Labour Visa or Business Visa through a local sponsor and the relevant Ministry.
Do I need a transit visa for a layover in Laos?
If you are simply transiting through a Lao international airport (like Wattay in Vientiane) and do not plan to leave the transit area to enter the country, you generally do not need a visa. However, if your layover is long and you wish to exit the airport to explore or stay in a hotel, you will need a valid eVisa or a short-term Laos transit visa.
How long does the eVisa processing take?
Depending on how quickly you need your travel documents, you can choose from three processing levels:
- Normal Processing: 5 – 7 Working Days.
- Rush Processing: 3 – 5 Working Days.
- Super Rush Processing: 1 – 3 Hours (Ideal for last-minute emergencies).
What is the total fee structure for the application?
The total Laos Visa cost you pay covers the essential components of the visa issuance:
Total Payable = Government Fee + Service Fee + Rush Fee (if chosen).
The non-refundable amount is the government fee which is paid to the state and the service fee entails the professional examination of your documents to be certain they meet all the requirements before they can be forwarded to immigration department.
How is the internet availability for travelers in Laos?
In cities, it is not very difficult to remain in touch. Free Wi-Fi is provided in most hotels and cafes. To maintain constant connectivity, you can buy a local Tourist SIM (either Unitel or Lao Telecom) at the airport and pay approximately 1-5 dollars including a large data package. eSIMs are also offered by lao-evisa.com and other websites where people can pre-order their data connection.
Should I apply through an agent or the government portal?
Although it is possible to apply directly on the official government site, most travelers prefer an agent such as lao-evisa.com to be on the safe side. Government portals may be sometimes technically difficult, and there is no support option in case of a typing error. By selecting an agent you will have:
- 24/7 Support: Can be contacted through WhatsApp.
- Document Review: Experts check your photo and passport details to prevent rejection.
- Simpler Forms: A more user-friendly interface that saves time and reduces stress.
Where can I enter Laos with my approved eVisa?
Your eVisa is valid for entry at the following major international points:
- Airports: Wattay (Vientiane), Luang Prabang, and Pakse.
- Land Borders: Lao-Thai Friendship Bridges (I, II, and IV) and the Boten International Checkpoint (Railway and Road) on the border with China.
Which currency is used in Laos and what should I carry?
Laos has its official currency called Lao Kip (LAK). Although large hotels and upscale restaurants in such cities as Vientiane or Luang Prabang can take US Dollars (USD) or Thai Baht (THB), the majority of transactions people make on a daily basis (markets, street food, tuk-tuk) are not possible without Kip. You should also have a few crisp USD bills to be exchanged, but these should be dated not older than 2009 and they must be without the scribbles or scribbles.
