Can I arrive late for my visa appointment in Vientiane and still be processed quickly?

Oct 17, 2019
5 years ago
John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Vientiane Visa Appointment

From my confirmation email:

Queue #: 010

Time: 09:00 - 12:00

Why is everyone showing up at 9am? Shouldn't I, in theory, be able to walk in at any time before Noon and be served?

And the following afternoon, with my low number, I should be able to pick up my passport early on or would it be one of the last ones handed out if I straggled in at 11:30am the day before?

Not a major concern, but I'm curious. I was planning to stay in Nong Khai the night before my appointment. (Better room and food at half the price.)
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster is inquiring about the procedure for a visa appointment in Vientiane, questioning why many arrive at the same time despite having a low queue number. They seek clarity on whether arriving close to the end of the appointed time will delay their processing or impact the timing of passport pickup the following day.
Sarah **********
The queue is only for the first step of checking documents. After that it’s first come to get in line and wait to go to window. I was number 30 and arrived right at 9 am. They group numbers by 30, I think, and it’s not long before they release the next batch. I was about the 15th person back in the line and it took about 45 mins. As I left I saw the line had grown to 60+ people. I wouldnt want to sit there waiting if I didn’t have to.
John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
So get there early or come late and not deal with lines. Before there was an appointment system, I would arrive between 11-11:30. Only a few people in the whole place. No lines.

Next day, I'd have a high number for pickup, say 124, so I also knew that I didn't need to show up before 2 to collect my passport.

I'd rather not do anything in a rush than wait in a line to be the first.
Noel *****************
10 means 10 probably out 9.30
Noel *****************
Well let us know how you got on. I have to go new-year. But not in a rush. Fly in bus back udon fly Chiang Mai. But not worried about time do much.
Noel *****************
@John ********
might miss out if not on time. But all the agents go first. So probably OK. Usually many agent's with a van full 12 per van.
John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
And if I get there at 10am? Am I in line with everyone else, or do I jump to the front because they're serving higher numbers than me?
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