Laos eVisa Photo 2026: Official 4x6 cm Size and Requirements
In short. To apply for a Laos eVisa, you must upload a digital photo measuring 4x6 cm on a white background, taken within the last 6 months.
- The official digital photo size for the Laos eVisa is 4x6 cm.
- The photo must be in color, on a white background, without shadows, and taken within the last 6 months.
- Along with the photo, you must upload a scan of the passport's biometric page that fully covers the MRZ zone.
- The passport must be valid for at least 180 days from the date of planned arrival.
- The standard application processing time is 3 working days.
Main rule: For a successful Laos electronic visa (eVisa) application, applicants must upload a digital photo of a strictly defined size — 4x6 cm. Failure to comply with the technical photo requirements is one of the most common reasons for delays in processing visa applications.
What has changed
The Government of Laos has standardized the document upload requirements on the official eVisa portal. The system now strictly requires a digital photo measuring 4x6 cm. The photograph must be in color, have a white background, and be taken no later than 6 months before submitting the application.
| Parameter | Official requirement (2026) |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 4x6 cm |
| Background | Pure white, no shadows |
| Photo age | Not older than 6 months |
| Facial expression | Neutral, eyes open, looking at the camera |
| Color | Color photo |
Who this applies to
These requirements apply to citizens of Ukraine and other foreigners eligible for a tourist eVisa to Laos. The eVisa allows a single entry into the country with a maximum stay of up to 30 days. The visa is valid for 60 days from the date of its approval.
What to do now
- Prepare the photo: Take a digital photo measuring 4x6 cm on a white background. Ensure there are no shadows on the face or background, and the facial expression is neutral.
- Scan your passport: Make a high-quality copy of the biometric page of your international passport. The scan must cover the entire page, including the two lines of the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) at the bottom.
- Check passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 180 days from the date of planned arrival in Laos.
- Submit the application: Fill out the form on the official website laoevisa.gov.la, upload the prepared documents, and pay the visa fee (note that the fee is non-refundable).
- Wait for a decision: The standard processing time is 3 working days. Once approved, print the eVisa Approval Letter to present it at the border.
Common mistakes
- Incorrect background or presence of shadows: Photos with a colored background, patterns, or shadows on the face are rejected by the system.
- Cropped MRZ zone: Uploading a passport scan where the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) is not visible is a critical error.
- Using an old photo: Uploading a photo that is already printed in your passport (if it was issued more than 6 months ago) will result in a request for a new photo.
- Insufficient passport validity: Submitting an application with a passport valid for less than 180 days at the time of entry.
Rules change frequently — before taking action, always check the current requirements on the official government source provided above.
Official sources
Questions
- What is the exact photo size required for the Laos eVisa?
- The official digital photo size is 4x6 cm. It must be uploaded when filling out the online application.
- Can I upload the photo from my passport?
- No, the photo must be taken within the last 6 months. If your passport was issued earlier, using the photo from it will cause processing delays.
- How long does it take to process the eVisa?
- The standard application processing time is 3 working days after uploading all documents and paying the fee.
- Do I need to print the eVisa?
- Yes, after receiving the eVisa Approval Letter, it must be printed and presented to the immigration officer upon arrival.