LaosSouth Africa

South Africa visa for Lao citizens

Visa required

Lao citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to South Africa.

Where to apply
No mission in your country

Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index

Which South Africa visa?

Visitor's visa (section 11 of the Immigration Act) and visa-exempt holiday visits

Key facts

Fee
ZAR 425

All visa types for South Africa

South Africa’s tourist visa costs ZAR 425 at the standard rate published by its authorities.

Where Lao citizens apply for a visa for South Africa

South Africa has no embassy or consulate in Laos on our records; applications usually go through a mission in a neighbouring country or an online portal.

Measured from Vientiane, South African embassies and consulates are closest in Hanoi, Vietnam (481 km), Bangkok, Thailand (519 km) and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (1,650 km). Which post accepts applications from residents of Laos is decided by South Africa, so confirm it with the mission or the official visa portal before booking an appointment.

South African citizens travelling to Laos

South AfricaLaos Visa on arrival Laos visa for citizens of South Africa

Travel advice for South Africa

  • US State Department Level 2: Exercise increased caution
  • UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
  • German Foreign Office No travel warning

What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.

Before travelling from Laos to South Africa, it helps to know the official travel advice: the US State Department rates South Africa at Level 2, exercise increased caution (updated 26 May 2025), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to South Africa (updated 5 November 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for South Africa (updated 28 October 2026). The advice is aimed at each government’s own nationals.

Good to know

How long Lao citizens can stay in South Africa

How long Lao citizens may stay in South Africa is set by the visa issued, and the visa type must match the purpose of the trip.

How Lao citizens apply

South Africa has no embassy or career consulate in Laos. Lao citizens apply through a mission of South Africa accredited to Laos from abroad; the official visa portal of South Africa names the right place.

South Africa’s neighbours for Lao citizens

Eswatini and Lesotho require Lao citizens to obtain a visa in advance.

South African citizens travelling to Laos

South African citizens can get a visa on arrival in Laos, valid for stays of up to 30 days.

Frequently asked questions

Do Lao citizens need a visa for South Africa?

Lao citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to South Africa.

Is there an embassy of South Africa in Laos?

No. South Africa has no embassy in Laos. The nearest South African embassy is in Hanoi, Vietnam, 481 km from Vientiane.

How much does the South Africa tourist visa cost?

South Africa’s official sources give a standard fee of ZAR 425 for the tourist visa.

Do South African citizens need a visa for Laos?

South African citizens can get a visa on arrival in Laos, valid for stays of up to 30 days.

Can Lao citizens enter South Africa visa-free?

No; Lao citizens need a visa for South Africa obtained in advance.

Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.