Can I face difficulties obtaining a second tourist visa in Vientiane this year?

Oct 5, 2019
5 years ago
George *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I've read through some recent comments but would like a heads up about obtaining a tourist visa in Vientiane. It would be my 2nd this year plus one visa exempt in between. Previously I had non-b visas apart from 7 months on tourist visas 2017-2018. My question is, can I anticipate any problems gaining this 2nd tourist visa this year?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user seeks clarification on the likelihood of successfully acquiring a second tourist visa in Vientiane after previously obtaining one this year, following reports of stricter visa rules. Commenters share experiences suggesting that the consulate may now deny a second tourist visa within the same year based on new policies. They advise potential alternatives such as applying in different cities (KL, Yangon, Penang) or using visa exemptions when crossing at Nong Khai.
James ********
George ... Amornrat says...

KL, Yangon, Penang, or Kota Bharu are better choices to get the second Tourist Visa in this year.
George *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
thanks very much
James ********
As posted by Amornat :

Vientianne...

Suitable for apply Non B (only one in one full year),

Non ED (most first timers have no problem, only one application from Language Schools in one full year , cover letter must only indicate your specific level & show bank balance THB 20,000.-. As of now we can not confirm on how to do with second year applicants).

Non O Single Entry (but no retirement) if married to Thai or support Thai Child (if back to back application, they will ask show money THB 200,000.- in Thai Bank Account).

For application Non O Volunteer first time OK(if back to back need guarantee letter from said Ministry equivalent to department level).

Tourist Visa, if you had previously some Tourist visas your application will be considered more carefully. Vientiane is now, in most cases, asking for proof of funds, Book Bank with balance THB 20,000.- up OR print out from Bank account from home country value USD 700.-up. Onward air ticket is not required.
James ********
George Perry .. Lets ask
@Amornrat *********
for his advice.
Amornrat **********
KL, Yangon, Penang, or Kota Bharu are better choices to get the second Tourist Visa in this year.
Ivan ************
I wouldn't go back to Vientiane. There is a recent report on Thai Visa they are now implementing a 1 tourist visa per year rule. The guy who reported this and was denied had only 1 prior tourist visa. The consulate explicitly said "there’s a new rule where you can only get one tourist visa per year".

I think you are in Chiang Mai. If you haven't done 2 visa exempt land entries already I would go do a border bounce at Mae Sai. That will get you two months with extension. If your other visa exempt was air you could do another and that would get you through to the end of the year.

Alternately go somewhere else for the visa. Vientiane isn't a soft touch any more.
James ********
@Ivan ***********
good advice...AVOID VIENTIANNE.
James ********
Vientianne report from
@Amornrat *********
:

Tourist Visa, if you had previously some Tourist visas your application will be considered more carefully. Vientiane is now, in most cases, asking for proof of funds, Book Bank with balance THB 20,000.- up OR print out from Bank account from home country value USD 700.-up. Onward air ticket is not required.

Good Luck.
Hans *************
No one can know, but reading about peoples experiences in Vientiane there is a clear risk that they will deny you a visa.

No one seems to have had problems crossing by land at Nong khai though, so even if you're denied a visa at the embassy you can get a visa exemption 30 days. But if I was you I would rather try another embassy than the one in Vientiane.
George *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Hans **************
right OK. Some people get a warning stamp after two. You obviously didn't. But speculating the reason for your denial, it might be because you're asking for a third. I'm only asking for my second so fingers crossed it will work. If not I'll be back asking for the visa exempt at nong Khai as you did
Hans *************
@George ******
I was denied tourist visa there a few weeks ago and got no stamp or anything in my passport, and was even denied to know the reason why I was denied a visa. But I had two tourist visas already in 2019. Went back to Thailand with bus and no problem at all with visa exemption at Nong Khai.
George *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Hans **************
oh right. Thanks for the advice. I thought because it's only my second one this year they wouldn't deny it. If I was asking for a third I'd certainly think there's a greater risk. But as you said, no one can know. Also, don't they usually put a stamp warning in your passport before they then deny you next time?
Stewart ***************
Did you get the first tourist visa at Vientiane?
George *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Mary ********
Just don't return through Bangkok.
George *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mary *******
I'll be crossing over the land border at nong khai
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