Laos passport → South Africa

South Africa visa for citizens of Laos

Embassy / VFSTourist Visa · up to 90 days

Citizens of Laos need a visa for South Africa and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Tourist Visa · up to 90 days
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 90 days
Entries	Single entry
Processing time	5–15 days
Government fee	$43 + $32 service fee
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statement showing sufficient funds (approx. $500 per month of stay)

How to apply

1
Complete online visa application form on VFS Global website
Fill DHA-84 form accurately and print a copy.
2
Gather required documents
Assemble all documents listed above as per checklist.
3
Book an appointment at VFS Global visa centre in Vientiane
Appointments are mandatory for biometric data collection.
4
Attend appointment and submit application
Bring original passport, photocopies, photos, and all supporting documents. Pay visa fee and service charge.
5
Biometric enrollment
Provide fingerprints and photograph at the visa centre.
6
Track application status online
You will receive a tracking number to follow processing.
7
Collect passport with visa decision
Passport is returned either by courier or collected in person (as per your selection).

Documents checklist

Travel

Passport (original + photocopy of biopage)
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay and have at least 2 blank visa pages.
Proof of travel (flight itinerary or confirmed return ticket)
Must show onward/return booking.
Accommodation proof (hotel booking or invitation letter)
For the entire intended stay.

Financial

Bank statement (last 3 months)
Must show sufficient balance – approximately $500 per month of stay.

Employment

Employment letter or proof of occupation
Stating position, salary, and approved leave.

Supporting

Visa application form (DHA-84) filled online and printed
Complete on VFS Global website and print.
Two recent passport-size photographs (white background, 3.5 x 4.5 cm)
Taken within the last 6 months.
Travel insurance covering minimum USD 30,000 for medical emergencies
Valid for the entire Schengen area (if applicable) but accepted for SA visa.
Copy of ID card (if applicable) or residence permit
For applicants residing outside their passport country.
Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if traveling from endemic country)
Optional
Only if visiting endemic regions or transiting through them.

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: $500 per month of stay

Bank statement (last 3 months)
Pay slips

Balance must cover estimated expenses throughout stay.

Good to know

Processing times may be longer during peak season; apply well in advance.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient funds or unclear proof of financial means

Ensure bank statement shows consistent balance above $500 per month of stay.

Invalid passport (less than 6 months validity) or insufficient blank pages

Check passport validity and blank pages before applying.

Incomplete or incorrect application form

Double‑check all fields and signs before submission.

Missing onward / return ticket

Provide confirmed flight itinerary showing exit from South Africa.

FAQ

Do citizens of Laos need a visa for South Africa?

Citizens of Laos need a visa for South Africa and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Tourist Visa · up to 90 days.

How long can citizens of Laos stay in South Africa?

Up to 90 days.

How much does the South Africa visa cost for citizens of Laos?

Government fee: $43 + $32 service fee.

How long does South Africa visa processing take?

Typically 5–15 days.

What documents do citizens of Laos need for South Africa?

Passport (original + photocopy of biopage); Visa application form (DHA-84) filled online and printed; Two recent passport-size photographs (white background, 3.5 x 4.5 cm); Proof of travel (flight itinerary or confirmed return ticket); Accommodation proof (hotel booking or invitation letter); Bank statement (last 3 months); and 4 more.

How long must my passport be valid for South Africa?

At least 6 months.

Where do I apply?

On the official site: https://www.vfsglobal.com/southafrica/laos/

Sources

vfsglobal.com

Plan your trip to South Africa

Nowah is an AI travel agent that books flights, hotels and eSIMs in one conversation and keeps track of your visa paperwork along the way. Need data on arrival? See the Nowah eSIM guide for South Africa.

Plan the trip in Nowah All visa guides