Ask question

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)?

778

views

1

likes

26

all likes

16

replies

0

images

7

users

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.

Like

Reply

Nikki *********

@Alistair *********

ok thank you!

Like

Reply

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.

Like

Reply

Nikki *********

@Alistair *********

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

Like

Reply

Alistair **********

@Nikki ********

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

Like

Reply

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?

Like

Reply

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.

Like

Reply

Nikki *********

@Alistair *********

Can you share more about this process?

Like

Reply

Reply to

Nikki *********

Reply

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

Like

Reply

Ryan *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Ok, thank you!

Like

Reply

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.

Like

Reply

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

Like

Reply

Ryan *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

Like

Reply

Graham ******

No, that's the process

Like

Reply

Reply to

Graham ******

Reply

Steve *******

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

Like

Reply

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.

Like

Reply

Reply to

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

Reply

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

How can I extend my stay in Thailand with a 60-day tourist visa from Cambodia?

16 comments

6 months ago

Can I apply for a multiple entry or 90-day visa at an embassy while in Laos to return to Thailand?

5 comments

6 months ago

What is the process for applying for a Thai tourist visa in Vientiane, Laos?

1 comments

a year ago

Can a Canadian tourist in Vietnam apply for a Tourist visa at the Thai consulate in Ho Chi Minh?

1 comments

a year ago

What are the requirements for obtaining a Thai tourist visa in Vientiane, Laos?

10 comments

a year ago

Which Thai embassy or consulate near Ho Chi Minh is the easiest for obtaining a tourist visa within a week?

18 comments

a year ago

How can I apply for a single entry tourist visa while living in Thailand?

44 comments

a year ago

Can I apply for a tourist visa at the nearest border from Chiang Mai or do I need to go to Vientiane?

7 comments

2 years ago

What type of visa should I apply for if I'm traveling from Canada to Thailand for an extended trip including Laos and Vietnam?

6 comments

2 years ago

How can I successfully apply for a 60-day tourist visa in Laos for Thailand?

16 comments

2 years ago

Should I apply for a visa before arriving in Thailand if I hold a Canadian passport and want to stay for 90 days?

20 comments

2 years ago

Is the Thai embassy in Laos operational and what is the processing time for a tourist visa?

16 comments

2 years ago

Can Canadians apply for a 60-day tourist visa at the Thai consulate in Ho Chi Minh City?

8 comments

2 years ago

Can I apply for a Thai visa at the Thai Embassy in Laos and return to Bangkok within a few days?

6 comments

2 years ago

Is it currently possible to obtain a tourist visa from inside Laos?

6 comments

2 years ago

What is the best border crossing for obtaining a Thai Tourist Visa from Sukhothai: Myanmar, Cambodia, or Laos?

0 comments

5 years ago

Which Thai consulate should I visit in Laos for a 60-day tourist visa?

13 comments

5 years ago

What should I know before applying for a tourist visa at the Thai consulate in Vientiane?

14 comments

6 years ago

What are the visa options and requirements for Canadians entering Thailand from Laos?

14 comments

6 years ago

What are the best alternatives to Vientiane for obtaining a Thai tourist visa, and what is the current turnaround time for these applications?

17 comments

6 years ago

Can I apply for a Thai tourist visa in Laos and what are the requirements?

13 comments

6 years ago

Can I apply for a tourist visa in Laos after entering Thailand multiple times on exemption?

12 comments

6 years ago

Can I apply for a Thai tourist visa or other types of visas in Laos?

23 comments

6 years ago

Can I apply for a new tourist visa at the Thai Embassy in Laos?

19 comments

7 years ago

Can Chinese nationals apply for any types of visas at the Royal Thai Embassy in Vientiane/Laos?

2 comments

7 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.