Answered4 years ago
Can Canadian passport holders apply for a Thai tourist visa in Laos at land border crossings or only at the Thai embassy?
I am a Canadian passport holder living in Chiang Rai. I'm confused as to where I can obtain a tourist visa in Laos. Do I have to go to a city with a Thai Embassy (Vientenne), or can I apply for a tourist visa at one of the nearby land border crossings (Chiang Sean, Chiang Khong)?
Answer summary
A Canadian passport holder in Chiang Rai is inquiring about where to obtain a Thai tourist visa while in Laos. The consensus among the community is that a tourist visa can only be applied for and obtained at Thai embassies in Laos, specifically in Vientiane or Savannakhet, with the latter accepting walk-ins. The user also wants to know about the processing time for a tourist visa when traveling to neighboring countries like Cambodia or Vietnam, and whether there are options to avoid waiting for the 2-3 days required for visa processing.
16 repliesnewest first
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Alistair **********
You can just come in visa exempt and get 45 days. That way it's a simple in and out same day.
Nikki *********
@Alistair *********
ok thank you!Alistair **********
@Nikki ********
Laos is easy to cross by yourself, if you're not near a land border easiest option is to google your location + "Border run" to find a company.Nikki *********
@Alistair *********
thank you. I appreciate you taking the time to help me.Alistair **********
@Nikki ********
depends on location, most don't have that restriction, some land crossings in Cambodia do make you stay overnight (eg. poipet)Nikki *********
@Alistair *********
ok. When you say come back in…since we are visa exempt do you mean immediately or would I need to plan for a few days?Alistair **********
@Nikki ********
you just leave the country then come back in, be it via land or plane. You can either do it yourself or use a border run company.Nikki *********
@Alistair *********
Can you share more about this process?
Ryan *********
OPThank you very much. Is it also the case that if I travel by air to Cambodia, or Vietnam that I should expect to wait 2-3 business days for processing of a 60-day tourist visa? Is there a way to eliminate the 2-3 day waiting time? Thank you so much
Ryan *********
OPOk, thank you!
Brandon ************
@Ryan ********
no, in person applications only. You submit your application before noon and then pick it up 1-2 days later in the afternoon. Different times depending on the embassy.
Todd *********
@Ryan ********
you can e-visa to either country. Or just visa on arrival in Cambodia. As a Canadian you get 30 days in both countriesRyan *********
OPThank you. Is there a way to apply and receive the VISA online in advance of making the trip?
Graham ******
@Ryan ********
No, that's the process
Steve *******
RTE in Vientiane or the Thai Consulate in Savannakhet are the only 2 places in Laos to get a Tourist visa.
Brandon ************
If you want an actual visa, they can only be applied for and received at a Thai embassy.
In Laos you would have to go to Vientiane or Savannakhet. Vientiane requires an appointment but Savannakhet accepts walk-ins. It will take 2-3 business days.
In Laos you would have to go to Vientiane or Savannakhet. Vientiane requires an appointment but Savannakhet accepts walk-ins. It will take 2-3 business days.
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