Laos entry requirements for Cyprus passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed July 3, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Cyprus passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Laos — no need to apply in advance. Just show up at the airport or land border with your passport and the fee in cash. This has been the standard entry method since 2025.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on ArrivalYou do not need to apply for a visa before traveling; you can get one when you arrive in Laos. Available at international entry points | Citizens of Cyprus can obtain a visa on arrival at major international airports and land border crossings in Laos. The visa is valid for a single entry, with a stay duration determined by immigration upon arrival (typically 30 days). | Required |
| Passport ValidityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival date in Laos. Minimum 6 months remaining | Your Cyprus passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Laos. | Required |
| Blank Passport PagesThe visa on arrival is affixed to a blank page in your passport, so you need at least one unused page. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank visa page for the visa on arrival sticker. | Required |
| Return or Onward TicketImmigration officials may ask for proof that you plan to leave Laos within the allowed stay period. Proof of onward travel | You may be required to show a return or onward ticket upon arrival in Laos. While not always enforced, it is strongly recommended to have one. | Recommended |
| Proof of FundsCarry cash or a credit card to show you can support yourself during your visit. Sufficient financial means | You may be asked to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds for your stay in Laos. No specific amount is officially published, but having access to at least $200 or equivalent is advisable. | Recommended |
| Arrival DeclarationYou do not need to complete any online or paper arrival declaration before traveling. Not required | No arrival declaration form is required for entry into Laos. | Not required |
| eVisa ApplicationDo not attempt to apply for an eVisa; it is not an option for Cypriot citizens. Not available for Cyprus passport holders | Laos offers an eVisa for some nationalities, but Cyprus passport holders are not eligible. You must use the visa on arrival process instead. | Not required |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash. ATMs are available only after you clear immigration. Bring USD, THB, or LAK in exact change if possible.
Keep your departure card
When you enter, you'll get a departure card stub stapled into your passport. Don't lose it — you'll need to hand it back when you leave Laos. Replacing it is a hassle.
What happens at the border
1
Fill out the arrival form
On the plane or at the border, you'll get a Lao arrival/departure card. Fill it out in capital letters. Keep the departure stub safe — you'll need it when you leave.
2
Queue at Visa on Arrival counter
At Wattay International Airport (Vientiane) or Luang Prabang Airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival'. Hand over your passport, photo, arrival card, and fee. Wait 5–15 minutes while they process it.
3
Pay and collect your visa
They'll call your name or hand back your passport with the visa sticker. Check the validity dates before walking away. Then proceed to immigration for the entry stamp.
4
Pass through immigration
Show your passport with the new visa, arrival card, and sometimes your return ticket. They'll stamp you in. Keep the departure card stub in your passport.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Cyprus Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated July 3, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (B2)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$45
Requires invitation letter from Lao company; can extend for up to 1 year.
Multiple-entry tourist visa
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity3 months
Cost$50
Apply at Lao embassy abroad; allows multiple entries.
retirement
Lao Retirement Visa (B3)
1 year, renewable annually
$100 (first year)
For foreigners aged 50+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires annual renewal and residence registration.
Lao Immigration Department business
Lao Business Visa (B2) with Work Permit
1 year, renewable
$200+ (including work permit)
For those employed by a Lao company or investors. Requires company sponsorship and multiple approvals.
Lao Immigration Department Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (tourist, 30 days)Payable in USD, THB, or LAK at entry. | $35 |
| Visa on Arrival (business, 30 days)Requires invitation letter or business purpose. | $45 |
| Visa extension (per 30 days)Up to 2 extensions allowed at Immigration Office. | $30 |
| Overstay finePaid at immigration or airport exit. | $10 per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
Invalid or damaged passport25%
Missing return or onward ticket20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Laos
No transit visa needed
Cyprus passport holders transiting through Laos (e.g., at Wattay International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and departing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsWattay International Airport (VTE) · Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ)
Health & vaccines for Laos
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Common in urban and rural areas, especially rainy season.
MalariaHigh risk
Present in rural areas, especially in the south and along borders.
TyphoidModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present in all provinces except Vientiane Capital. Prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Vientiane
Lao Immigration Department (Visa Extension Office)
Saysettha Road, near That Dam
Mon-Fri 08:00-12:00, 13:00-16:00
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Immigration Office
Ban Pakham, near the old town
Mon-Fri 08:00-12:00, 13:00-16:00
Practical information for CY travellers
Country basics
CapitalVientiane
LanguageLao
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyLao Kip (LAK)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 22,376.9 LAK
Time zone
Local timeUTC+7
vs New York+12h
vs Los Angeles+15h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
A,B,C,E,FTypes A and B (US-style) and types C, E, F (European-style) are common.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The standard fee is around $30–$40 USD. It can vary slightly depending on the border post. Pay in cash — US dollars, Thai baht, or Lao kip are all accepted. Credit cards are not.
Yes, you can extend your visa at the Immigration Department in Vientiane or at provincial immigration offices. Extensions cost about $2 per day and can be done for up to 30 days total. You'll need your passport, a photo, and the fee in cash.
Most major land border crossings (like Friendship Bridge from Thailand, or Boten from China) offer visa on arrival for Cypriot passport holders. The process is the same — fill out the form, pay the fee, get the sticker. Some smaller crossings may not offer it, so check in advance.
Yes, you need proof of onward travel out of Laos. A bus ticket, train ticket, or flight booking to a third country works. A screenshot on your phone is fine.
The standard visa on arrival allows a stay of 30 days. You can extend it once for an additional 30 days at an immigration office. Overstaying costs about $10 per day.
No problem — there's usually a photo service right at the visa counter. They'll take your picture for a small fee (around $1–$2). Just be prepared to wait an extra minute.
Laos does offer an e-visa for some nationalities, but as of 2025, Cypriot passport holders are not eligible. You must use the visa on arrival or apply at a Lao embassy in advance if you prefer.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on July 3, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.