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Can my Thai girlfriend travel to Laos with me for my Non-O visa application?
Visa ApplicationCross-Border TravelThailand to LaosThai National ID for TravelNon-O VisaVisa on ArrivalNong Khai Border Crossing
Aug 27, 2025
8 months ago
Jeff *************
ORIGINAL POSTERI have another question American passport, I have you go to Laos to apply for my Non O due to bad advice, what i would like to know is we are driving up to nong khai then leaving the car at immigration, take a bus or train over apply, pay wait. My question is will my Thai girlfriend be ok going into Laos or will they try and prevent her from going? What will we need to have to make sure she can cross? I would appreciate any directions that will help
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user seeks guidance on whether their Thai girlfriend can accompany them into Laos while they apply for a Non-O visa. It is explained that Thai citizens do not need a passport to enter Laos, as they can use their national ID card. The border pass for Thais is inexpensive, and they face no issues crossing the border as long as they have the necessary documentation. The user will need to check for their own visa requirements.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Mike *******
I got the same bad advice! I'm going to Ho Chi Min City for 8 nights.
Jeff *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mike ******
have Fun, I was there in MarchReply to
Jeff *************
Reply
Joe **********
She will be fine. Locals cross that border on a daily basis. If she doesn't have a passport she can get a border pass on the spot which is valid for, I believe, 3 days
Paul *********
I did thus about 2 months ago for my OA application lodged Monday and it took till late Thursday afternoon for the process to be finalized
Jeff *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul ********
did you take a train or a bus over? Do you know if we can park the car at immigration, I was told before yesPaul *********
@Jeff ************
just a bit of heads up for if you didn't know when you come back across the bridge after getting your visa there an inside office to the left of the immigration windows you have to go there to get your e visa stamped into your passport, I lined up at windows and wasted about 20 minutes for nothingJeff *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul ********
Thanks Paul I really appreciate this advice, im new at this if you couldn't tell lolPaul *********
@Jeff ************
no problem am happy to help good luck with everythingJeff *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul ********
ThanksReply to
Jeff *************
Reply
Paul *********
@Jeff ************
I traveled to the bridge by taxi from Udon then caught the bus across the bridge ,but yes there is a secure parking area before the bridge where you can pay a small fee to keep your car thereBrandon ************
@Jeff ************
you cannot park AT the border, but there are parking lots you can pay to park at just before it. Easy walking distance.Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Jeff *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul ********
thanksReply to
Jeff *************
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Frank **********
While you are at it, take some English classes.
Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
Phil ******
@Jeff ************
why would she have a problem? No passport then yes she is prevented from leaving Thailand. She is an Asean nation person so no issue. However be prepared to say in Laos.Gordon *********
@Phil *****
wrongPhil ******
@Gordon ********
nah your wong as its only Myanmar and Cambodia giving Thais a hard time. If you post your source link then then this is really new. If you don't post it then its fake newsGordon *********
@Phil *****
up to youReply to
Gordon *********
Reply
Jeff *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Gordon ********
what's the correct answer pleaseReply to
Jeff *************
Reply
Jeff *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Phil *****
Thanks, I've just heard storysabout Thai girls having a hard time leaving ThailandPhil ******
@Jeff ************
Cambodia yeh but no stories from Laos yet. You may have to stay a day or 2 thoughJeff *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Phil *****
I've booked a room for 4 nights to be safeReply to
Jeff *************
Reply
Wannikea *********
Bring $41 in perfect US notes or expect to pay $1,700 baht also bring a passport size photo
Jeff *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Wannikea ********
ThanksReply to
Jeff *************
Reply
Christopher ***********
Thais don’t need passport for Laos. Three day visitors pass costs 50 baht, obtainable at border.
Jeff *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Christopher **********
what if we are there longer, I didn't think thai people needed a visaBrandon ************
@Jeff ************
if she doesn't have a passport she cannot stay for more than 3 days and she cannot leave the province where she entered. If she has a passport then you'll be fine.
Jeff *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
she has a passport so I think we are good, Thanks You for the HelpBrandon ************
@Jeff ************
just make sure it has more than 6 months left until expiration. Laos has a rule that the passport must have at least 6 months left to enter.Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Gordon *********
She can go on her ID card you will pay 1800 baht to the best of my knowledge there's a few offices were the guy will take you but you would have to pay him easy to do your self 🙏
Brandon ************
@Gordon ********
border pass is only valid for 3 days I believe which may not be enough time for him to get his visa. She also can't leave the province. Not a good plan.William *********
@Brandon ***********
Visa on Arrival is 30 days. I was there last week.Brandon ************
@William ********
did I say visa on arrival? I said BORDER PASS. That's what Thai people get if they don't have a passport. Also Thais get visa exempt into Laos with their passport, not visa on arrival like you got.Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Brandon ************
Why would she have a problem? As long as she has a passport she will be visa exempt to get into Laos. You will probably have to pay for visa on arrival for yourself though. You might want to apply online before you go if you have time.
Reply to
Brandon ************
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