Can I Cross into Laos and Return for Another 30 Days on a Visa Exempt Entry?

Visa Exempt Entry Thailand Immigration Family Visa

Mar 6, 2020

5 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

I work in China. I came to Thailand on holiday in January.  I was on a normal arrival 30 days.  I have since extended another 30 days.  My visa expires on March 16.  My wife is Thai and we have two children dual British /Thai passports.  I can’t get a marriage visa as all our documents are in China.  Am I able to make a land crossing into Laos and return immediately to get another 30days ?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is currently on a 30-day visa in Thailand that has been extended by another 30 days and is seeking advice on obtaining further stay time due to restrictions related to their work in China. Comments suggest that it is possible to make a border crossing into Laos for a new Visa Exempt Entry of 30 days, provided they have not exceeded the allowable entries for the calendar year. There are also mentions of potentially applying for a tourist visa while in Laos for a longer extension and recommendations to check with local immigration offices for specific guidance.

Robert *******

@Dave *****

We do refer to this Extension of Stay very regular on this page, but I guess the name is not familiar.

Extension of Stay based on visiting family is what is normally used on this page, official name

Extension of Stay in case of visiting spouse or children who are of Thai nationality.

a Wedding certificate is required to get this Extension.

5 years ago

Roger *********

There was something in the press about those with disrupted travel plans due to Corona being able to get an extra 30 day extension, but I do not know the details.

5 years ago

James ********

@Roger ********

check with your own nation's Embassy to learn if they participate in providing letter request to Thai Immigration for extension.

5 years ago

Reply to

James ********

Dave ******

For future reference Marty me old pal and for anyone else this might help. If your wife is present with you ( thats the important part or else you are only entitled to 30 days) you can choose between a 30 day extension and a 60 day extension when you extend your stay on a visa exempt . I have never seen this mentioned on this forum before so I hope it helps someone out. Keep up the great job your doing folks.

5 years ago

Dave ******

I have done it both ways , once with my wife and the next time without . That is how I confirmed this. Aug 2019 last time.

5 years ago

Ellie *******

Don't you need marriage certification for that?

5 years ago

Reply to

Ellie *******

Sirinapa ********

Consult with the nearest immigration office and let them know that you are the one who sponsoring your family while they stay in Thailand. You may no need to do border cross.

5 years ago

Benjamin ******

I don't know how long this virus is going to last. Here's my advice:

1. Go to Laos and apply for a single entry tourist visa. This is valid for 60 days. If you haven't had any tourist visas recently, they should grant it to you.

2. Once you get the visa, apply for a 30 day extension, giving you an entire 90 days.

3. You may be able to try and get another tourist visa. If you can't, then I'd border bounce, and extend. You get two border bounces, by land, in a calendar year. Each bounce can be extended by another 30 days at immigration.

This would give you a total of 210 days in Thailand; it should be enough to ride out this virus.

5 years ago

Robert *******

not sure what your plans are, but if you like to stay a longer period, you better get the documents into Thailand.

5 years ago

Martin ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I really appreciate everyone’s answers. thank you. My long term plans are to return to work in China. just got to wait the restrictions out. have a great weekend everyone

5 years ago

Reply to

Martin ********

Robert *******

With your British passport you can get twice a calendar year a 30 day Visa Exempt Entry at land borders.

5 years ago

Barry ***********

To answer your question. Yes, so long as you have not done two land border crossings already.

You would have to stamp into Laos though.

5 years ago

Bell *******

You could get a certified copy of your Thai Marriage Cert. FYI. Ask at Registrar at the nearest District Office.

5 years ago