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Can I get a new tourist visa in Laos with a note from my Thai visa indicating I should return to South Africa?

Visa Rules Tourist Visa Non-B Visa Thailand Visa Policies Visa Runs Expat Advice South Africa Laos Visa Application

Aug 12, 2018

7 years ago

Lawrence ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

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.

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TLDR : 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.

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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.

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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.

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Lawrence ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

that’s what I’ve decided to do. I’ll never know if I don’t try.

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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.

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Lawrence ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Worst 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.

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Lawrence ******

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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.

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Lawrence ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

What 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.

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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.

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Lawrence ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I 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.

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Lawrence ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I 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.

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Mark **********

Go to where we studied the course. And ask John

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Lawrence ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Ive been here 2 months, how could I possibly know anyone in immigration? 🤣🤣

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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.

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Lawrence ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

For 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.

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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. ????

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Lawrence ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Tod Daniels which is why I’m hoping to hear that SOMEONE in my situation has had some luck somewhere.

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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.

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Mark **********

Used to be that way. But in my 10 years plus living and working here. It's not so simple anymore.

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Tod *********

@Mark *********

, easy with the broad brushing :O I know people who have been here YEARS on tourist visas.

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Mark **********

you cant live in Thailand on a tourist visa.

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Mark **********

if he is

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Mark **********

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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.

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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

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Lawrence ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks for the help.

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Lawrence ******

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