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Planning a Laotian Holiday from the UK

By rotide
Created 26/02/2021 - 11:30
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In recent years, Laos has gained a reputation among holidaymakers as a can't-miss destination in Southeast Asia. Previously overshadowed by its more well-known neighbours Thailand and Vietnam, Laos is emerging as a culturally and geographically diverse nation with an impressive array of destinations.

Intending to take advantage of its resources, the Laotian government has changed the way it issues visas to potential visitors from the United Kingdom, reshaping the entire process to be more straightforward and painless. The Laos eVisa for citizens from Britain is an online visa application system [1] that eliminates the need to visit an embassy or consulate or wait in long border lines upon arrival.

Read on to find out everything you need to know to successfully apply for the Laotian eVisa for British citizens, as well as learn more about this beautiful country to help plan a wonderful holiday.

Applying for the Laotian eVisa for UK Citizens

Although there are technically three options for British passport holders to obtain a visa for Laos (eVisa, visa on arrival and applying at a consulate or embassy), the eVisa is the most simple and secure choice. This is because unlike the other two options, everything is conducted online, meaning the applicant does not even need to leave the couch to apply and receive an approved visa.

If applied for with plenty of time (the standard processing time is three business days and Laotian officials recommend applying a minimum of seven days before travelling), applicants can easily fix any unforeseen issues that crop up.

The Laotian eVisa for British citizens grants 30 consecutive days of travel within Laos on a single-entry basis, making it perfect to get a good sense of the country on holiday, or ideal for a business trip [1] to an emerging market [1].

Laotian eVisa Requirements for British Passport Holders

The documentation and personal details required for applying for the Laotian eVisa is no different than what a traveller would typically need at the border or their local consulate. These tend to include (but are not limited to) the following:

●      A valid UK passport with a minimum of six months of time remaining before expiration from the intended date of arrival to Laos

●      A passport-style photograph (recently taken)

●      An email address as all correspondence, including the issuing of the eVisa, will be via email

●      A credit or debit card to pay the non-refundable application fee

●      A completed application form

The online process for the Laotian eVisa will ask for personal details from each passenger including:

●      Their full name as it appears in their passport

●      A current address and phone number

●      Nationality

●      Gender

●      Age

●      Their passport's expiration date and date of issue

Note: As the fee is non-refundable, it is critical that when filling out the application form, each passenger double-checks their information to be sure that there are no mistakes that could cause a delay or rejection of their application.

Once the eVisa has been issued, a hardcopy should be printed and carried with the passenger's passport to show to Laotian border officials.

The 10 Best Places to Visit in Laos?

Once you have been issued your Laotian eVisa for British citizens, the fun can begin. Laos provides incredible opportunities for urban and nature lovers, and with up to 30 days of travel time, holidaymakers can get a full sense of the country.

Here are 10 of the absolute can't-miss places to explore during a trip to Laos:

●      Luang Prabang is a world UNESCO heritage site [2] located on the Mekong River. The town is famous for its blend of local and French colonial aesthetics, making it an integral part of the history of Laos

●      Another UNESCO heritage site is Vat Phou and Associated Ancient Settlements, an archaeological wonder full of temples and shrines that were built to mimic its ideal natural setting

●      The only other UNESCO heritage site in Laos is the Plain of Jars, which is a vast landscape filled with more than 2,100 ancient funerary capsules, some of which date back to as far as 500 BCE.

●      The Mekong River is the lifeblood for countless people who rely on it for their personal and agricultural water supplies. Impressive in its own right, the Mekong is the 12th longest river in the world and is worth visiting any time of year

●      Vientiane is the most urban environment in Laos and operates as its capital city. The former French colony still carries many marks of its difficult past, but the decolonisation efforts of the past decades still leave it feeling decidedly and uniquely Laotian

●      One of the largest cities in the south, Pakse is a hub for visiting smaller tourist attractions and for enjoying delicious seafood

●      Close to the Plain of Jars, Phonsavan is unique for its local culture, which would be familiar to British citizens for its similarity to Western or cowboy culture

●      The Tham Piew cave [3] offers travellers a sobering reminder of the oft-ignored toll that the US-Vietnam war had on Laos

●      The Elephant Village Sanctuary is a rehabilitation centre for elephants, one of the most famous and iconic animals of Southeast Asia

●      Finally, a trip to Laos for British passport holders would not be complete without a temple visit, and Wat Phu provides visitors with an idyllic example of the region's historic religious significance


Source URL:
https://www.newbusiness.co.uk/articles/lifestyle/planning-a-laotian-holiday-uk