Answered8 years ago
Can I get a new tourist visa in Laos with a note from my Thai visa indicating I should return to South Africa?
Hi All, I’m one of those South Africans who thought I was doing the right thing by getting my visa at the consulate in Pretoria, and ended up with writing all over the top. The best translation I could get of the writing was “if want to change visa, recommended to return to South Africa”. Has any progress been made regarding visa runs with this writing? I was told that since the writing mentions “change”, I could probably get a new tourist visa in Laos.
Answer summary
A South African expat inquires about the implications of a note written on their visa from the Thai consulate in Pretoria, suggesting they must return to South Africa to change their visa. They seek clarification on whether they can obtain a new tourist visa in Laos despite this note. Responses indicate that applying for a new visa in Laos might be possible, but caution against using the Thai consulate in Pretoria.
24 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Tod *********
You MIGHT, as in maybe IF you're sure the writing only mentions you need to go back to S/A if you're changing the visa,
You're out nothing by trying, but I'd say it's unlikely they're gonna get it.
You're out nothing by trying, but I'd say it's unlikely they're gonna get it.
Tod *********
@Lawrence *****
do report back when you try it. There seems to be a couple different versions of stuff written on tourist visas from the consulate in Pretoria. Some say you HAVE to go back there for a visa, and some are like yours that only say IF you're changing visa types you're suggested to go back.
Lawrence ******
OP@Tod ********
that’s what I’ve decided to do. I’ll never know if I don’t try.Tod *********
@Lawrence *****
I'd go to Vientiane and try for a tourist visa and if you can't get it use one of the two 30 day visa exempt entries by land to come back on. At least you'll know if it'll work and if it doesn't you can still get back into the country.Lawrence ******
OPWorst case scenario, I have 2 visa exemption land entries allowed this year, and with extending at Promenada I could buy myself 120 days to see if anything changes for the better.
Mark **********
you can apply for any visa outside of Thailand. Laos is the place to go. but your school should give you the documents for a non b.
Lawrence ******
OPWhat my friend who translated the writing said is that if I can get a new tourist visa in Laos that doesn’t have any writing on it, they can then help me to get a non-immigrant b without having to go back to SA. I guess I’ll have a definitive answer for everyone by the 19Th of next month.
Mark **********
I can't see why as a non b is totally a different visa and u can apply from any Thai consulate. Anyways good luck.
Lawrence ******
OPI think the problem is that too many South Africans have come here on tourist visas and ended up working here. I intend to apply for a non-immigrant b visa once I have all the necessary paperwork, but I’m pretty sure they’re going to send me back to South Africa to do that.
Lawrence ******
OPI can get help with all sorts of other things there, but this one is still too new. But I will succeed, I have no doubt.
Mark **********
Go to where we studied the course. And ask John
Lawrence ******
OPIve been here 2 months, how could I possibly know anyone in immigration? 🤣🤣
Mark **********
Never experienced this problem before. But if you know someone in the immigration office maybe they can do a special service if you know what I mean? LOL.
Lawrence ******
OPFor some reason the consulate in South Africa is not writing on ALL visas issued there, and the writing is basically instructing other consulates to send us back to South Africa.
Mark **********
I thought the problem is the one in South Africa is no good. So why is it they can't apply from outside of Thailand. Everyone can. Or why not just call the consulate in Vientiane and find out. ????
Lawrence ******
OPTod Daniels which is why I’m hoping to hear that SOMEONE in my situation has had some luck somewhere.
Tod *********
@Mark *********
You need to pay attention to the fact that the O/P is from South Africa and got a tourist visa from the consulate in Pretoria that has writing on it stating they need to go back there to change their visa. people have been denied getting a visa in Penang, Vientiane & Savannakhet with that writing on their old one.
Saying they can go to lao is not necessarily what they can do.
Mark **********
Used to be that way. But in my 10 years plus living and working here. It's not so simple anymore.
Tod *********
@Mark *********
, easy with the broad brushing :O I know people who have been here YEARS on tourist visas.Mark **********
you cant live in Thailand on a tourist visa.
Mark **********
if he is
Robert *******
Out of different topics here, it seems the only solution is back to South Africa and apply for a new Tourist Visa, but DO NOT use the Thai consulate in Pretoria.
Shezan ******
Lawrance, Robert is right you will not get visa in any of the neighboring countries to Thailand any visa. They will look at your handwritten Pretoria visa and reject you straight away but if you willing to try then go to Laos or Myanmar, Malaysia very slim chance
Lawrence ******
OPThanks for the help.
Activity
5 joined5
people
Related
25Can I extend my tourist visa in Thailand by traveling to Laos and returning?
190133d
Can I re-enter Thailand in September 2026 after multiple visa exemptions?
5.6k101582mo
Can I obtain a 6-month visa in Thailand for health and fitness work, or should I do a border run?
1.8k15121y
Can I get another 60-day visa exemption by crossing the border to Laos and returning to Thailand immediately?
2.8k15222y
Can you be banned from Thailand for staying too long on a tourist visa?
9.2k551432y
Can I re-enter Thailand after a 30-day stay and receive another 30 days without a visa?
5k50212y
Can I extend my Non-B visa in Thailand while waiting for my teaching license, or do I need to exit the country?
591143y
What are the risks of entering Thailand on a tourist visa if I plan to apply for a work visa from Laos shortly after?
3.6k35173y
Can South Africans still process a Non-B visa in Laos?
953633y
Can I do another visa run after my current visa extension in Thailand?
1.1k764y
What options does my daughter have regarding her expiring ED visa and new passport in Thailand?
2k16124y
Can I extend my COVID visa in Thailand, or do I need to leave the country?
2.7k2694y
Can I apply for a business eVisa online while in Thailand on a tourist visa and use it to re-enter?
1.5k8164y
Can you get a new visa with a tourist visa by doing a visa run in Thailand?
5.4k46506y
What should I do after leaving Thailand without a re-entry while on a non-B visa?
2.4k20167y
What are the visa options for working as an actress and trainer in Thailand as a Romanian citizen?
3.2k22388y
How many times can I enter Thailand on a tourist visa in one year?
41318y
Do I need to cancel my Non-B visa before applying for a tourist visa in Thailand?
2.2k19128y
Can I print the tourist visa application form for Vientiane or do I need to get it from the consulate?
3.1k28178y
Can South Africans switch from a Tourist Visa to a Non-B Visa in Thailand without returning home?
1.2k6118y
What should I do with my work permit and visa cancellation in Thailand before exiting?
2.8k25139y
Is a paid bus ticket sufficient proof of onward travel for a visa run from Thailand?
965639y
What are my options for extending my 30-day visa exemption in Thailand?
1.6k11109y
What are the current visa application requirements for South Africans in Kuala Lumpur?
6.1k66229y
Can I enter Thailand on a new passport with a tourist visa while having my non-B visa in an old passport?
2.7k26119y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served