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Can Canadian passport holders apply for a Thai tourist visa in Laos at land border crossings or only at the Thai embassy?

Thai Tourist Visa Visa Application Process Thailand Immigration Canadian Passport Holders Laos Visa Services

Jan 7, 2023

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

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)?

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TLDR : 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.

Alistair **********

You can just come in visa exempt and get 45 days. That way it's a simple in and out same day.

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Nikki *********

@Alistair *********

ok thank you!

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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.

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Nikki *********

@Alistair *********

thank you. I appreciate you taking the time to help me.

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Alistair **********

@Nikki ********

depends on location, most don't have that restriction, some land crossings in Cambodia do make you stay overnight (eg. poipet)

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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?

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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.

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Nikki *********

@Alistair *********

Can you share more about this process?

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Nikki *********

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Ryan *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank 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

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Ryan *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Ok, thank you!

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Brandon ************

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.

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Todd *********

you can e-visa to either country. Or just visa on arrival in Cambodia. As a Canadian you get 30 days in both countries

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Ryan *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you. Is there a way to apply and receive the VISA online in advance of making the trip?

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Graham ******

No, that's the process

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Graham ******

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Steve *******

RTE in Vientiane or the Thai Consulate in Savannakhet are the only 2 places in Laos to get a Tourist visa.

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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.

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Brandon ************

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