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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

6 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)

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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.

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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…

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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.

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

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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.

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John **********

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

nope nor I suspect at the border

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John **********

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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"

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

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

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

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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?

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Anna *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

border bounce

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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?

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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Phil ******

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

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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.

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

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Phil ******

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

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Phil ******

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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.

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Anna *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

what if I apply beforehand?

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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.

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

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