Answered4 years ago

Can Thai citizens enter Laos using just their ID card, or do they need a passport?

Thai Visa Laos Entry Requirements Passport Border Pass Travel to Laos Expats in Thailand

Mark *******

asked Feb 5, 2023

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Hi can Thai citizens enter Laos with just there I'd card or do the need a passport. Thanks

Answer summary

Thai citizens cannot enter Laos with just their ID card; they need a passport for unrestricted travel. If they do not have a passport, they can apply for a 3-day border pass, which allows them to stay in Laos but is only intended for local traders and provides limited travel options. The border pass costs around 100-150 Baht, but obtaining a passport is recommended for easier travel.

8 repliesnewest first

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Av **********

3rd option for 500 baht they can be be boated over at the low point of the river at night...pretty popular option up there 555

4 years ago

Av **********

@Paul ******

not unless u keep extra bribe $$ on u 555

4 years ago

Paul *******

Lol. Laotian authorities don't take too kindly to Thais thinking their sense of entitlement will get them far in Laos. If caught, they'll be in for a long stay in the "Vientiane Hilton".

4 years ago

Paul *******

Just get a passport. It's the easiest thing in the world, is cheap as chips at 1500 Baht for a 10 year version and travel is unrestricted. With a border pass, can stay in Laos 3 days and 2 nights, costs like 100-150 Baht and may take up to half an hour to process. Moreover, such passes permit travel ONLY within the border province entered. Basically, a border pass makes sense ONLY for local traders who are using particular local crossings in their area and just going over for the day or a night. For tourism and business purposes and to bring a vehicle into Laos for temporary purposes, a passport is mandatory.

4 years ago

Paul *******

Also, with a border pass, depending on the province its issued at, the cost can easily exceed 1000 or 1500 Baht if you cross the border often enough. Border passes make sense for travel to Myanmar, due to the particular formalities that apply for entry there. Also, because at the present time, the Burmese authorities aren't allowing Thais in with a passport via land borders. They must use a border pass that restricts travel to a few Km of the border.

4 years ago

Paul *******

Yes so for them it's 1000 Baht. Even adults can select a 5 year passport for the same 1000 Baht fee. Personally, I don't think it's worth getting a 5 year passport when for 50% more the validity can be extended by another 5 years. If you get two 5 year passports you're spending 2000 Baht. Until 2020, that was the only option because before then Thailand only issued 5 year passports to its citizens.

4 years ago

Vernon *********

@Paul ******

10 year Thai passport for over 20's, under 20's still classed as a child so only 5 year passport.

4 years ago