How to Apply for Visas for Thailand and Laos Tour?

Before traveling to Thailand and Laos, it’s important to check your visa requirements. If you are not belong to the nationalities that can enter Thailand and Laos visa-free, don’t worry - getting a visa is quite simple.

Applying for an e-visa online is the easiest and our most recommended way. It is available for both Thailand and Laos and can save you a lot of time. Just visit the official website, check the requirements, prepare your documents, fill out the form, pay the fee, and you’re ready to go!

In this guide, we’ll cover all you need to know about obtaining a visa for Thailand and Laos, and some helpful tips to make the procedure easy and stress-free!

Thailand and Laos Visa Requirements: Who Needs a Visa?

For travel planning, understanding visa requirements is the first step. Regulations vary from country to country, and for Thailand and Laos tourist visas, you’ll need to check if you qualify for a visa exemption.

Thailand

Thailand is one its own popular tourist destinations, and they grant visa-free entry to citizens of 93 countries and territories, typically for stays of 60 days or less:

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bahrain, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, United States, Peru, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Bhutan, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Fiji, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, Malta, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Romania, Uzbekistan, Taiwan, China, Laos, Macau, Mongolia, Russia, Cambodia, Albania, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Jordan, Kosovo, Morocco, Panama, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, Tonga, Uruguay.

This is very convenient for short trips! But even if you belong to a visa-free country, your passport should be valid for at least six months after your planned duration of stay.

Also, to simplify entry procedures and enhance border security, Thailand will introduce an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) from June 2025 onwards for all travelers entering the country visa-free. From 1 May 2025, all foreign visitors to Thailand will be required to fill out a new electronic form, which must be completed online through the Thailand Digital Arrival Card Portal (TDAC) at least 3 days before arrival.

Thailand visa on arrival allows travelers from other eligible countries to stay for 15 days. It is convenient and quick to apply at major Thai airports and some border checkpoints, making it an ideal choice for your short-term visit. If you are going to stay for more than 60 days or you are from a country that is not visa-exempt, you have to apply for a e-visa, it tends to demand more paperwork and a longer application process, which we’ll discuss later.

Example of a paper visa for Thailand.

Laos

To visit Laos, citizens of the following 15 countries can enter visa-free for a short-term stay for 14-30 days, depending on the country:

Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, Spain, and Greece.

For citizens from other countries, the Laos visa on arrival at international airports like Wattay International Airport, Luang Prabang International Airport, Pakse International Airport, and land border crossings is the most useful method to get a visa. This means that you just arrive in Laos, and then apply for a visa there. Or apply for an e-visa online before you travel, which can save you time at the airport.

Example of a paper visa for Laos.

E-Visa is Highly Recommended for Thailand and Laos Tour

After knowing whether you need a visa for Thailand tour and Laos tour, if you do, we strongly recommend an e-visa, which can save you a lot of time and hassle by not going to the embassy or consulate in person.

The Laos e-visa is available to many nationalities and is applied for online through the official Laos e-visa portal, providing a single-entry visa for stays of up to 30 days. Thailand is mainly visa-free, but also offers online visa applications for other countries and long-term residents.

The traditional visa may take longer, but applying for the e-visa is much faster; it is quite easy to follow the status of your e-visa application, and the e-visa can be processed quickly within a few days depending on the country. Also, you don’t have to worry about the passport or other critical documents getting lost in the mail.

12 Days Highlights of Thailand Laos Tour

Luang Prabang – Vientiane – Bangkok – Chiang Mai - Phuket

Example of an e-visa for Thailand.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Thailand and Laos Visas

We have now chosen to apply for an e-visa to travel to Thailand and Laos. The following is a detailed reference to the application process:

Step 1: Visit the official website

Start at the official website of each nation’s embassy or consulate. The most up-to-date and trustworthy information may be found here.

Step 2: Get the required documents ready

When you apply, you should have all the required paperwork ready. Your passport (which needs to be valid for at least six months), a digital passport photo, a copy of your flight itinerary, and evidence of lodging (a hotel reservation) are often needed for that.

Step 3: Fill out the online application

Complete an application form about your personal information, passport number, travel itinerary, and so on. And you have to do it carefully and accurately. Make sure to double check everything before handing in!

Step 4: Cover the cost of the visa

Visa fees are different, so check the official website for the correct amount. You typically have to pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.

Step 5: Finish the application

After filling out the application and paying the required amount, create a successful application and submit it. Your application number will often be included in a confirmation email that you receive.

Step 6: Await processing

The length of time varies based on the country and season. Since processing an e-visa often takes three to five working days, it is best to apply ahead of time.

Step 7: Obtain your visa

The e-visa will be emailed to you after the application has been accepted. Simply print it off and bring it along when you go.

Example of an e-visa for Laos.

Costs of Thailand and Laos Visas

The cost of a visa might differ by visa type, by nationality, and by the place of application. The following general guidelines apply:

Thailand

Visas on arrival cost around $60 for a maximum of 15 days and must be paid for in cash at the border, though this might change at any time. Tourist e-visas for a single entrance range from $30 to $50, and extended stays may cost more, especially if you’re planning a longer Thailand Honeymoon tour with multiple stops.

Laos

The cost of a Lao visa varies by nationality, with the government fee for an e-visa being $30-$50, and additional service fees may apply depending on the provider. A visa on arrival costs between $30 and $45, and processing a visa at the embassy costs between $50 and $70.

However, when entering Laos after 4:00 pm, on weekends, or on Lao public holidays, there is an additional processing fee of one US dollar. If you’re planning to explore highlights like Kuang Si Waterfalls, it's best to account for these visa costs and fees in advance.

18 Days Nature and Culture Tour of Northern Thailand and Laos

Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Sukhothai – Doi Inthanon – Chiang Mai – Pai – Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai – Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng - Vientiane

Many tourists are queuing at the visa-on-arrival office in Thailand.

Useful Tips for a Smooth Visa Application for Thailand and Laos

For first time travelers exploring Laos and Thailand, there are some helpful tips that can be very useful while traveling.

Be prepared: Remember to check a government website for updates or new requirements before you travel, since visa policies and fees may change.

Apply early: Start the visa process early, since you will have more time to get all of the paperwork together and then finalize your application and wait for it to be processed.

Double-check: Check all the requirements for the type of visa you are applying for, photo, and documents.

Complete the forms properly: Complete the forms thoroughly and truthfully; mistakes can affect the processing of your application.

Get copies: Duplicates of all relevant documents, even your passport. This is useful if you lose the original documents or ask to prove the visa status.

Many tourists are queuing at the visa-on-arrival office in Laos.

Conclusion

It will be easy for you to obtain tourist visas for Thailand and Laos if you follow the steps in this guide and keep the practical tips in mind. Whether this is your first trip or you have traveled extensively, a little preparation will ensure a smooth journey.

With your visa finally in hand, it’s time to visit Thailand and Laos, with their stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and kind people. Pack your luggage and prepare for a journey that will never be forgotten! If you have any other questions or information you want to know, just contact us.