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Can I enter Laos by bus for a DTV visa application, and what are the return ticket requirements?

Laos Visa DTV Visa Visa on Arrival Border Crossing Return Ticket Requirements Travel by Bus to Laos Thai Visa Issues

Apr 24, 2025

a month ago

Omar ******************

ORIGINAL POSTER

If I'm going to Laos, especially if it's to apply for a DTV visa, can I just go by bus? To get a visa on entry, they say one needs to have a return ticket already booked, and the same goes for the Thai embassy in Laos when applying for DTV. 

My question: can this return ticket simply be a return bus ticket? Or does it necessarily have to be a plane ticket? And if so, please explain why. I need answers from people who have a clear answer from someone who knows, not someone who's just guessing and think they know. 

Thanks!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Yes, you can enter Laos by bus when applying for a DTV visa. Based on various experiences shared by travelers, it appears that return tickets are rarely checked at land borders. Many have successfully entered Laos by bus without having to show a return ticket. For those using buses to cross the border, having a Lao Visa Sticker is necessary, as the buses do not wait for visa applications to be completed at the border. It's advisable to have USD $40 for the visa fee and a passport-sized photo. While there are differing opinions, the consensus suggests that a bus ticket suffices as a form of return ticket in many cases, but be prepared just in case additional documentation is requested.

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David ********

I flew in to Vientiane no return ticket just explained to embassy that l would apply for my visa then travel in laos and pick up my visa and leave by bus to Thailand. No questions asked on arrival or departure

25 days ago

Adrian ******

Never been asked for a return ticket for visa on arrival at various laos land borders. I usually just rock up on my bicycle!

a month ago

Omar ******************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Nice! So I can just go with my bike to the border if I wanted to? Are there checkpoints that check for your driver's license in Vientiane?

25 days ago

Adrian ******

@Omar *****************

every time I have to border bounce or whatever I make it 3 or 4 week cycle tour, not interested in rushing it as I like to explore around. Not sure about checkpoints as I don't bother with motorbikes.

25 days ago

Omar ******************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Adrian *****

oh okay. Would it be a problem if I rushed it and came back within the same day? That is if I already have a DTV visa and need to exit every 6 months..

25 days ago

Adrian ******

@Omar *****************

that shouldn't be a problem with the dtv, it's just visa exempt that you may have to stay a couple of days at certain laos/thai border crossing points.

25 days ago

Reply to

Adrian ******

Oswald *******

@Adrian *****

25 days ago

Reply to

Oswald *******

Wannikea *********

You pay your $40USD with perfect notes, you get the visa, never ever heard of any bus or ticket required at Nong Khai during entry, ever. They also want a passport sized photo

a month ago

Dca *****

However, one can easily use the SRT Long Distance Trains from Krungthep Apiwat Central Station at Bang Sue to Vientiane (Khamsavath) Station for easy entry into Vientiane, Laos from directly from Bangkok using a Lao Visa on Arrival (Lao VoA) Sticker which is USD $40 and cheaper than a Lao eVisa at USD $55+ , but the Lao eVisa Sticker is smaller than the regular Lao Visa Sticker which takes up a whole passport page

a month ago

Dca *****

@Omar *****************

Unrelated to a Thai DTV Visa, Thai Visas in general, or Thai immigration, if you want to catch a Thai international bus (บขส) that crosses from Thailand into Laos (particularly the Udon Thani–Vientiane บขส buses), then you need a Lao Visa Sticker beforehand as the บขส Thai buses will NOT wait for those that are getting a Lao Visa on Arrival (Lao VoA) or even have a Lao eVisa (only those with a Lao Visa Sticker issued by a Lao Embassy/Consulate)

a month ago

Kurt *************

Fly to udon thani, buss/train to vietiane. Visa on arrival is 45 dollars.

a month ago

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

Yes, you can definitely enter the land border by bus. I’ve never been asked for a return ticket from Laos immigration when applying for the Laos visa at the border.

a month ago

Bobby *******

@James *******

poipet is Cambodia son

a month ago

James ********

@Bobby ******

my bad 😔... thanks for your helpful note

25 days ago

Reply to

James ********

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