Laos entry requirements for Greece passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 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
Greek passport holders can enter Laos visa-free for up to 15 days — this policy is in effect for 2026. You don't need to pay anything at the border, but your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date and you'll need a return or onward ticket. If you want to stay longer, you'll need to apply for a tourist visa in advance.
Apply for Laos eVisaOfficial portal: Laos eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on ArrivalYou need a visa to enter Laos, but you can get it on arrival or apply online beforehand. Greek citizens eligible | Greek passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at designated entry points in Laos. The visa is issued at the border or airport upon arrival. For a faster process, you may apply for an eVisa online before travel via the official Lao eVisa portal (laoevisa.gov.la). The eVisa is valid for entry at specific international checkpoints. | Required |
| eVisa application (optional but recommended)Applying online in advance can help you avoid queues at the airport or border. Pre-arrival online application | To save time at the border, you may apply for an eVisa through the official Lao eVisa website (laoevisa.gov.la). Processing times and fees vary; check the site for current details. | Recommended |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire within six months of your arrival. At least 6 months beyond entry | Your Greek passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Laos. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your visa. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the visa stamp upon arrival. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a ticket out of Laos shows you plan to leave, which can help at border control. May be requested | Although not always required, immigration officials may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. It is strongly recommended to have one ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsBe ready to show you can support yourself during your visit if asked. May be requested | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. No specific amount is officially published, but carrying cash or a bank card is advisable. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival forms beyond the visa application. Not required | Laos does not require a separate arrival declaration form for Greek citizens at this time. | Not required |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Laos. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied travel. Renew your passport if needed.
No visa fee for 15-day stay
Greek passport holders do not pay any fee for the 15-day visa-free entry. If an official asks for money, politely decline and ask to speak to a supervisor. For longer stays, the visa fee is $30-$40.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
At Wattay International Airport (Vientiane) or Luang Prabang International Airport, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. Join the queue for foreign passports.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport (with at least 6 months validity and 1 blank page) and your boarding pass. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation booking — have them ready on your phone or printed.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 15-day visa-free entry. No fee is charged. Check the stamp says '15 days' before you walk away.
4
Collect luggage and proceed
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel, then head to customs (usually nothing to declare for personal items). You're free to enter Laos.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Greece Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$35–$50
Single entry; can be extended once for up to 30 days.
Business visa (pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50–$70
Requires invitation letter from Lao company; extendable.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (pre-arranged)For stays longer than 15 days; apply at Lao embassy/consulate. | $35–$50 |
| Visa extensionAvailable at immigration offices in major cities; max extension typically 30 days. | $30–$50 |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Greek citizens transiting through Laos do not need a 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 or visa exemption applies.
Transit hubsWattay International Airport (VTE) · Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ)
Health & vaccines for Laos
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)RecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially rainy season.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in rural/forested areas, especially southern provinces. Prophylaxis recommended for high-risk zones.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to street food and untreated water. Stick to bottled water and well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in rural areas, especially in the south (Champasak, Attapeu). Prophylaxis recommended for extended rural stays.
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
Samsenthai Road, Vientiane
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, photo, and fee.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Immigration Office
Ban Xieng Mouane, Luang Prabang
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Handles extensions for tourists in the north. Arrive early to avoid queues.
Practical information for GR 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
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave Laos (e.g., a quick trip to Thailand or Vietnam) and re-enter, or apply for a visa in advance. Overstaying costs about $10 per day and can cause problems at immigration.
You need to get a visa before you travel. Apply at the Lao Embassy in Athens or online via the official e-visa portal (laoevisa.gov.la). The tourist visa costs around $30-$40 and allows up to 30 days, extendable once for another 30 days at immigration offices in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, or Pakse.
If you stay airside and don't pass immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area (e.g., to catch a domestic flight or stay overnight), you'll need the visa-free entry or a visa. Check with your airline.
Your passport (valid 6+ months, 1 blank page), boarding pass, and sometimes a return/onward ticket. Accommodation booking is not always asked but have it ready. No visa fee for the 15-day visa-free entry.
Yes, the 15-day visa-free entry applies at all international border crossings, including land borders from Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and China. The same rules apply: passport validity and onward ticket.
You'll be fined approximately $10 per day (paid in Lao Kip or USD) when you leave. Overstays are recorded and can affect future visa applications. Avoid it by leaving on time or getting a visa extension beforehand.
No, it's not mandatory for entry. But it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Laos can be high, and insurance covers evacuation, accidents, and trip disruptions. Some tour operators may require it.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.