Ask question

Can I obtain a transit visa for a border run to Laos instead of a tourist visa?

Visa Types Thailand Immigration Laos Transit Visa Visa Regulations Border Run Tourist Visa Visa Exemption

Jun 3, 2024

7 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

When doing a border run to Laos, can we not get a transit instead of a tourist visa? (It says it’s valid up to 5 days)

864

views

2

likes

32

all likes

20

replies

0

images

5

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion addresses the possibility of obtaining a transit visa for a brief stay in Laos during a border run to extend time in Thailand. Key points include that the Thai border does not issue visas, and travelers can get a visa exempt stamp for 30 days upon re-entry to Thailand. However, concerns arise regarding the validity of applying for a transit visa when returning to the same country, as transit visas are typically for traveling to another destination. Further exploration into this option, including potential requirements and processes, is recommended.

Frank-Steven ***********

I am not sure the ansers so far really cover your case / your idea. Form what I understand you want to do a border bounce into Laos to spend more time in Thailand after your return, right? And you don't like having to pay 2000 baht for a 30 day Lao visa on arrival for just a 5 minute stay in Laos. I get that. I don't like that, too. So your idea is to get a Lao transit visa beforehand instead - which you claim is cheaper or free? I like the idea. But I don't know if it works. Maybe someone else does.

Like

Reply

Anna *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Frank-Steven **********

That’s precisely the reason all countries offer a transit visa for. In our case we shouldn’t be getting a visitor visa. We’re not there long enough to even visit a toilet.

I’ll try and find out from the consulate…

Like

Reply

Frank-Steven ***********

I like your thinking. I am just not sure a transit visa can be applied to transiting from and to the same country again. Usually I would think it is meant to be transiting through: in from one country out to another country. But keep us posted on your findings.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Frank-Steven ***********

Reply

Frank-Steven ***********

Also, not sure if a Laos Transit Visa can be applied for online - of if that would require a cumbersome visit at a consulate.

Like

Reply

John **********

@Frank-Steven **********

nope nor I suspect at the border

Like

Reply

Reply to

John **********

Reply

Frank-Steven ***********

I am not sure Laos would issue a Transit Visa if returning to the same country you came in from. It defines on their official website: "Transit visa (TR-B3) - issued to: Foreigners and stateless people whose travel is to transit to other countries"

*******************************************

Like

Reply

Reply to

Frank-Steven ***********

Reply

Joey ***********

Border bounce does not give you visa. It gives you another 30 days of visa exempt.

Like

Reply

Phil ******

are you transiting through Laos to another country or are you doing a border bounce back to Thailand to get another Visa Exemption for 30 days?

Like

Reply

Anna *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

border bounce

Like

Reply

Anna *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

I get that, but we spend a total of 5 min in Laos, so why spend 2000 baht for a 30-day visitor visa, if we can apply for a transit visa (which in Laos is valid for up to 5 days) and it's free. We are transiting not visiting. Most countries don't care which country you're going to next as long as you leave by the expiry. Unless Laos wants to cash in on the popular border run route?

Like

Reply

Anna *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

I have a return ticket, which I know is their requirement. I’ve done it in many other countries (including returning to the ‘from’ country) and it’s usually free.

Like

Reply

Bob **********

you’ll just need to purchase a visa to enter Laos US $ are the preferred currency then stamp into Laos and then stamp out and re enter Thailand I’ve never heard of 5 day anything

Like

Reply

Nongnuch ********

correct - there is no Laos 5-days transit visa. Never heard or read about, can't find any info in the World Wide Web

Like

Reply

Nongnuch ********

when you enter Laos, they will issue a "visa-on-arrival" and it will cost 2000.- THB. There is no way around this, as you cannot do a border run without first having to ENTER Laos. You cannot apply for a transit visa online! And you cannot apply for a transit visa at the Laos border. Laos is only issuing the 30-days tourist visa online, and it costs the same fee! Find on the Laos e-visa website: "eVisa is currently available for Tourist Visa (T-B3) only, the stay permit of eVisa is 30 days after the date of arriving in the Lao PDR." The e-visa for a citizen of the United Kingdom costs 50.- U.S. Dollar! So, it is cheaper to pay the 2000.- THB at the land border

Like

Reply

Phil ******

I didn't need a return air ticket. Just took the bus from a company that specialises in bb

Like

Reply

Steven ***************

. The transit visa you are thinking of is for transiting through Thailand to go elsewhere which you aren't. You are exiting Thailand to do a re entry from what you are stating. That's what a border bounce is. Takes 5 minutes to get a Laos visa on arrival at the Laos border which is after the thai exit.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Steven ***************

Reply

Phil ******

ok so no transit. So what's 5 days? You'll get stamped in for 30 days Visa Exempt

Like

Reply

Reply to

Phil ******

Reply

Brandon ************

You cannot get ANY visa at all. The Thai borders do not sell visas. If you're from an eligible country you can get a visa stamp for 30 days upon entry if you don't have a visa.

Like

Reply

Anna *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

what if I apply beforehand?

Like

Reply

Brandon ************

I'm not sure what you're asking.

If you're in Thailand already you cannot apply for a tourist visa or a transit visa. If you want a visa you must travel to a Thai embassy or consulate in Laos and apply and pay for a visa. It takes 3 days and you'll need to book an appointment beforehand. The requirements are on the embassy websites.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Brandon ************

Reply

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

Can I do a border run to Laos after extending my tourist visa in Thailand?

26 comments

3 months ago

Do I need a re-entry permit before leaving Thailand for a border run to Laos?

21 comments

7 months ago

Can I get a free 30-day visa upon re-entering Thailand after leaving for Laos?

21 comments

8 months ago

Can I get a new 30-day visa for Thailand by briefly visiting Laos?

26 comments

10 months ago

What are the best options for an Indian passport holder considering a visa run from Thailand to Laos?

13 comments

10 months ago

What are the requirements for getting a Thai 30 day Visa at the border with Laos?

3 comments

a year ago

Is it better to do a visa run to Laos or to apply for a tourist visa extension in Thailand?

42 comments

a year ago

Can a visa exempt be extended for 30 days and what is the process for a visa run to Laos?

8 comments

a year ago

Is it possible to do back-to-back tourist visa runs to Laos for entry into Thailand without issues?

10 comments

2 years ago

How long does a Laos visa run extend a Thai visa?

10 comments

2 years ago

Do I need to enter Laos for a border run after my visa has expired in Thailand?

6 comments

2 years ago

Can I do a same-day border run to Laos for a visa exemption in Thailand?

30 comments

2 years ago

Can I conduct a 'border run' without entering a neighboring country and avoid needing a visa?

44 comments

2 years ago

Is there a minimum time I need to spend in Laos for a visa run from Thailand?

5 comments

2 years ago

Is there a transit visa for Thailand and how does it affect visa-exempt entry for US passport holders?

9 comments

3 years ago

Can I Cross into Laos and Return for Another 30 Days on a Visa Exempt Entry?

13 comments

5 years ago

Can you extend a 1-month transit visa obtained in Laos by 30 days at Chaengwatana?

5 comments

5 years ago

Can I reenter Thailand on a visa exempt entry if my Tourist Visa application is rejected after leaving for Vientiane?

24 comments

5 years ago

Can I obtain a 60 or 90-day visa at a Thai Embassy in Laos after completing border runs?

0 comments

6 years ago

Can I do a border run from Thailand to Laos and back for another 30-day visa exemption?

20 comments

6 years ago

Can I obtain a 30-day visa exemption if denied a 90-day tourist visa after a border run?

5 comments

6 years ago

Can I do a border run to Laos as an Australian citizen to extend my visa for Thailand?

2 comments

6 years ago

Can I extend my stay in Thailand by crossing into Laos and returning on a tourist visa?

5 comments

7 years ago

Can I extend my visa exempt status at the Thailand-Laos border, or is it easier to fly back to Bangkok?

10 comments

7 years ago

Can I extend my tourist visa in Thailand by crossing into Laos?

8 comments

7 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.