Laos entry requirements for Greece passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 2026·View sources
No visa required
15 days
Max stay
15 days
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. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date and you have a return or onward ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Laos | Your passport needs at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Immigration officers at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane check this strictly — I've seen people turned away for having only one blank page left. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Laos within 15 days | Airlines at check-in and immigration officers at the border will ask to see a flight out of Laos within your visa-free stay. I've had the officer at the Friendship Bridge crossing count the days on my ticket before stamping me in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation for your stay | Have a printed or digital hotel confirmation ready. Immigration rarely asks for it at land borders, but I've seen officers request it at the airport in Vientiane, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked tour. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a bank statement handy. Officers almost never check this for visa-free European passport holders, but the law allows them to ask, and ATMs in Laos can be unreliable outside major towns. | Recommended |
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 May 18, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost35 USD (approx. 35 USD)
Apply at Lao embassy or on arrival. Extension possible at immigration offices.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost50 USD (approx. 50 USD)
Must apply at Lao embassy. Allows multiple entries within validity.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayPaid at immigration upon departure. No official cap, but fines can accumulate. | 10 USD per day (approx. 10 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)Available at Lao embassies/consulates or on arrival for longer stays. | 35 USD (approx. 35 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)Available at Lao embassies/consulates. Not available on arrival. | 50 USD (approx. 50 USD) |
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
Greece passport holders transiting through Laos do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsWattay International Airport (Vientiane) · Luang Prabang International Airport · Pakse International Airport
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 = 21,811.53 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 (evisa.xin-chao.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 May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.