Answered2 years ago

Can I do a visa run from Chiang Mai to Laos to extend my DTV visa?

Visa Run DTV Visa Laos Border Crossing Immigration Rules Thailand Expats

Anonymous *************

asked Jan 28, 2025

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Hi guys I want to make a visa run to extend my DTV. I live in CNX thinking to take a bus to Laos. 

Is it possible to just got to a border city and come back? Do I have to stay multiple nights? Can anyone pls help me this is my first time doing this.

Answer summary

The user inquires about making a visa run from Chiang Mai to Laos to extend their DTV visa, seeking clarity on the rules regarding how long they must stay at the border and if merely crossing is sufficient. Responses clarify that while a DTV visa cannot be extended through a border run, it is possible to cross into Laos and return for a new 180-day stamp, often referred to as a 'border bounce.' Some comments suggest that staying in Laos for 2-3 days may be required unless using a border run service.

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Luit *****************

To be correct, you do not extend anything with a DTV visa when you leave and get back.

The visa itself is valid 5 years an cannot be extended.

Each stay is 180 days maximum, and can be extended in the country at immigration once for 1900 THB.

What you call a visa runs is not a visa runs, because you don't get a new visa, it is just a border bounce to get a new 180 day stamp.

It should be easy to do at each border, as long as the country you enter accepts

2 years ago

James ********

@Luit ****************

reports that not all land border crossings are accepting the DTV visa.

Suggest you use an experienced border run service company to take you to the Thai border, crossing and reenter Thailand with a New 180 day stamp. ALL done on the SAME DAY

Suggest you use

2 years ago

David ***********

If you don’t use a border run company, I hear you may have to stay in Laos for 2-3 days before you can come back. These companies have good reviews:

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2 years ago

James ********

@David **********

correct ✅ and wise advice 👍

2 years ago

Luit *****************

@David **********

Is this not only when you want to get in on visa exempt?

With a valid visa it should not be a problem to get in immediately.

2 years ago

James ********

@Luit ****************

use an experienced border run service company.

2 years ago

David ***********

@Luit ****************

I believe same-day border runs are more restricted now. I can’t say if it’s easier with DTV but I know agents can help.

2 years ago

Henrik *****

Out and in again in few minuts

2 years ago

Wesley ********

You can just cross.

2 years ago

Greg ********

@Wesley *******

Many on Chiang Mai report yiu have to stay overnight in Laos if DiY. There are border run companies that facilitate a same day border bounce.

2 years ago

Wesley ********

@Greg *******

I thought this is only for visa holders exempt.

2 years ago

Greg ********

@Wesley *******

Has anyone said anything specific that DTV will be exempt from this? We already have other border points charging a premium for DTV border bounces over a Visa Exempt ie 6500 for DTV and 3500 for visa exempt.

2 years ago