Greece entry requirements for Laos passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 26, 2026·View sources
Visa required
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
Laos passport holders need a visa to enter Greece. You must apply at a Greek embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option for Lao citizens as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply at the Greek embassy or consulate | You need a Schengen visa before traveling to Greece. Apply at the Greek embassy or consulate in your home country or the country where you legally reside. The visa costs €80 for adults (€40 for children 6–12) and processing takes at least 15 calendar days. Submit your application no more than 6 months before your trip.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure from the Schengen area | Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave the Schengen zone. It also needs at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Schengen area | Border officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you'll leave the Schengen zone within your visa's validity period. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. If you're traveling overland to a non-Schengen country, show a bus or train ticket instead. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration may ask for a confirmed hotel reservation for your entire stay, or a formal invitation letter from a host in Greece. The booking must show your name, dates, and address. If staying with friends or family, they need to provide a notarized invitation (called a 'certificate of hospitality') from the local police station. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | You need to show you have enough money for your trip — at least €50 per person per day for accommodation and expenses, or €100 per day if you haven't pre-paid your hotel. Bank statements from the last 3 months, traveler's checks, or a sponsor letter work. Cash is accepted but not preferred. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take up to 45 days. Do not book non-refundable flights or accommodation until your visa is approved.
Schengen area rules
With a Greek visa, you can travel to all 27 Schengen countries. But your main destination must be Greece — meaning you'll spend the most days there.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), completed visa application form, passport photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, travel insurance, and proof of funds. Make copies of everything.
2
Submit your application
Visit the Greek embassy in Vientiane (or the embassy handling Greece in your region) in person. Submit your documents, pay the visa fee (approx. €80 for adults), and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
3
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days. It can take up to 45 days if additional checks are needed. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
4
Collect your passport
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check the validity dates and the number of entries (single or multiple).
5
Arrive in Greece
At the airport, go to the 'All Passports' queue. Present your passport with the visa, and be ready to show your return ticket and accommodation booking if asked. The officer may ask about your travel plans.
Download Greece Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Standard Schengen visa for tourism; must apply at Greek embassy or VFS.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per visit
Validity1 year (or longer with justification)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; requires strong travel history and justification.
Long-stay visa (National D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€120 (~$130 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires specific sponsorship.
work visa
Greek National Visa for Employment (Type D)
1 year, renewable
€120 (~$130 USD) application fee
For Laos holders with a job offer in Greece. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows residence and work for up to 1 year.
student visa
Greek Student Visa (Type D)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€120 (~$130 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a Greek university or accredited institution. Requires proof of acceptance and sufficient funds.
digital nomad visa
Greece Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
€75 (~$82 USD) application fee
For remote workers with stable income from outside Greece. Requires proof of employment and health insurance. Allows stay up to 1 year.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for adults. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplied for overstaying visa-free or visa period; no official cap but may lead to ban. | €50 (~$54 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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 Greece
Transit visa required
Laos passport holders need a Schengen transit visa to transit through Greece, even if staying airside, unless they hold a valid visa or residence permit from a Schengen country, EU/EEA country, or certain other countries.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid visa or residence permit from EU/EEA countries
- Holders of a valid visa or residence permit from Canada, Japan, or the United States
Transit hubsAthens International Airport (ATH) · Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) · Heraklion Airport (HER)
Health & vaccines for Greece
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
West Nile VirusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in summer months, especially in rural areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions recommended; tap water is safe in most areas.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare; risk in forested areas of northern Greece.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Athens
Athens Immigration Office (Aliens and Immigration Directorate)
Leof. Kifisias 7, 115 23 Athens
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits; appointments required.
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki Immigration Office
Leof. Stratou 1, 546 35 Thessaloniki
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles visa issues for northern Greece; limited walk-in services.
Practical information for LA travellers
Country basics
CapitalAthens
LanguageGreek
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid. IDP recommended.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.86 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h (EST) / +7h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+10h (PST) / +10h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Safe in Athens but most visitors use bottled. On islands, use bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Greece — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Greece does not offer visa on arrival for Lao citizens. You must obtain a Schengen visa from a Greek embassy or consulate before you travel.
The standard Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults (approx. 1,500,000 LAK). Children aged 6–12 pay €40. There may be additional service fees if you apply through a visa application centre.
Processing usually takes 15 calendar days. It can take up to 45 days if your application requires additional checks. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your planned departure.
You apply at the Greek Embassy in Vientiane. If there is no Greek embassy, you may need to apply through the embassy of another Schengen country that represents Greece (e.g., France or Germany). Check the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the latest representation details.
No. Schengen visas are strictly limited to the dates and duration shown on the sticker. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and a ban from the Schengen area. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply.
You need a completed application form, passport (valid 6+ months), two recent passport photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, travel insurance (€30,000 minimum coverage), proof of sufficient funds (bank statements for the last 3 months), and a cover letter explaining your trip purpose.
Yes. A Greek Schengen visa allows you to travel to all 27 Schengen countries (e.g., France, Italy, Spain) for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Your first point of entry must be Greece, or Greece must be your main destination (longest stay).
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.