No More VOAs at Nine Border Checkpoints in Laos

Here is the list of border checkpoints where visas on arrival will no longer be issed:

Laos–Vietnam
– Pang Hok (Phongsaly Province) bordering Vietnam
– Nam Soy (Huaphanh Province) bordering Vietnam
– Nam Kan (Xieng Khouang Province) bordering Vietnam
– Nam Phao (Khammouane Province) bordering Vietnam
– Na Phao (Khammouane Province) bordering Vietnam
– Phou Keua (Attapeu Province) bordering Vietnam

Laos–Thailand
– Nam Ngeun (Xayaboury Province) bordering Thailand
– Nam Heuang (Xayaboury Province) bordering Thailand

Airports
– Savannakhet International Airport

Earlier this year, Laos launched an online e-visa service yet only three border crossings accept e-visas so far. These include:

– Vientiane's Wattay International Airport,
– The First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge between Vientiane in Laos and Nong Khai in Thaialnd
– Luang Prabang International Airport.

The fact that e-visa fees are 50% higher than what travellers pay for a visa on arrival at the border is being heavily criticized but e-visas are valid for 60 days while VOAs allow visitors to stay in Laos for 30 days only.

Currently citizens of 15 countries can enter Laos without a visa for a period between 14 and 30 days depending on their passport. Visitors of other nationalities need a visa for travelling to Laos. After closure of the 9 border checkpoints for VOA services, it will still be possible to obtain visas on arrival at the remaining 15 ports of entry.

Source