If you are planning on crossing the border from Laos to Vietnam, this article will be helpful for you. There are a number of land border crossings you can go to. If you are traveling from Laos to Vietnam, it is necessary to obtain a visa when you cross the border.
The e-Visa is one of the most popular ways to obtain a visa though and is now eligible for 80 nationalities all over the world (Country list for Vietnam e-visa). The e-Visa is an electronic travel authorization that allows applicants to travel in Vietnam for 30 days on a single-entry visa. This means you cannot enter, exit and reenter Vietnam. If you want to travel back and forth to Vietnam, you must apply for an new e-visa.
What makes this e-visa so good is that it only takes a few minutes to complete. So if you are looking for a smooth and easy visa process, this is a very good alternative.
There are 8 different land border crossings between Laos and Vietnam. They are:
These are the three most common and convenient routes you can take:
The most popular way to travel from Laos to Vietnam is by bus. It is both cheap and convenient as many tourism agencies provide daily trips. There is also the option of hiring a car, but most travelers prefer to go by bus.
From Luang Prabang, catch a sleeper bus to Hanoi. The journey takes approximately 27 hours and costs about 45 USD (37,000 Kip). The bus departs at 18:00 and crosses the border at around 6:00 in the morning.
You will have to show your passport, departure card and your tourist visa (if this is required) when you enter Vietnam. You will also need to place your luggage on the x-ray machine. Once you are through the passport control, the journey will continue to Hanoi.
Please note that there are no toilets on most buses, although there will be a few stops along the way. Passengers should also remember to bring plenty of snacks with them.
The e-Visa online application only takes a few minutes to complete and everything can be done from your computer, smartphone or tablet. There is no need to go to the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in order to apply for the visa. To complete the online form, all you need to do is enter some basic information such as name, address, date of birth, passport details and travel itinerary.
Please note that all information must be correct. Incomplete sections or errors may cause delays or even rejections. Therefore, make sure that you revise all information thoroughly before submitting the form. In order to finalize the application, you must pay a fee by either your debit or credit card.
Applications normally take about 3 business days to process, however, you should apply at least 7 days prior to arrival to Vietnam in case of delays or holidays. Approved visas will be sent by email and travelers must print out a copy to present at the Vietnamese border.
