Answered5 months ago
Do I get a 60-day visa extension if I cross into Laos by road and return?
If I go to Laos by road and come back in couple of days again via Savannakhet Mukdahan friendship bridge by road do I get 60 days extension and what documents would I need?
Answer summary
The conversation discusses the possibility of obtaining a 60-day visa exemption when crossing from Thailand into Laos and back by road. Most commenters agree that while it is possible to receive a 60-day stay upon return, the decision ultimately depends on an individual's immigration history and discretion of the immigration officer. Necessary documents for crossing include vehicle registration and insurance covering Laos, in addition to general entry requirements. It is noted that prior usage of visa exemptions may limit the chances for future entries.
31 repliesnewest first
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Pete *****************
Twice visa exemption used up. Must go by air and come back
Michael *********
I've been to Thailand 10 times now and the last time was the first time I've crossed a border and returned to Thailand in a short period of time- so there's my history.
I crossed via bus at the Nakhon Phanom Friendship Bridge just for a day of sightseeing on 18 Feb this year. My original entry stamp (set to expire on 21 March) was cancelled and on return, also on 18 Feb, i was stamped in again until 18 April. A new 60 day exemption. Not an extension because the original exemption was cancelled
I crossed via bus at the Nakhon Phanom Friendship Bridge just for a day of sightseeing on 18 Feb this year. My original entry stamp (set to expire on 21 March) was cancelled and on return, also on 18 Feb, i was stamped in again until 18 April. A new 60 day exemption. Not an extension because the original exemption was cancelled
Tong ******
No, you can be given 7 if they feel like it. If you need more time , have all documentation ready to substantiate your visit.
Gary *****
No problem
Andrew ********
You need to have insurance that will cover you in Laos, DLT paperwork pay the fees and get the pass from Lao officials and done
Graeme *******
Yes you can.
Before you can take your car across to Lao at any border crossing ,bridge you need to get a car passport from the Thai transport office where you register your car every year. The car has to be in your name , not under finance to be able to get the Passport in the first place.
Or if it's in your wife's name ( not a good idea ) and she goes with you that can work as well.
The first time you cross it takes time as it has to be entered into the system on both sides of the river which takes time.
After the first trip its relatively easy to go again as everything is in the computers.
Good luck
Before you can take your car across to Lao at any border crossing ,bridge you need to get a car passport from the Thai transport office where you register your car every year. The car has to be in your name , not under finance to be able to get the Passport in the first place.
Or if it's in your wife's name ( not a good idea ) and she goes with you that can work as well.
The first time you cross it takes time as it has to be entered into the system on both sides of the river which takes time.
After the first trip its relatively easy to go again as everything is in the computers.
Good luck
Graeme *******
I tried to take my car last year at Mukdahan last year and the Immigration in Thailand said I couldn't as i didn't have a 1 year visa long visa. So I drove to Nakhon Phanom and of course I could take it. It's nothing to do with Immigration its a Customs procedure but they were just being A holes as usual.
Gian *******
Graeme Edgar you just reconfirmed what i was just suggesting. Is always a case by case scenario in thailand, and always depends on your legal immigration status, networks like family or businesses, type of visa hold & past history of travelling/residing thailand.
So, chill chill little boy.
You still have a farang mindset flashing keyboard muscle.
So, chill chill little boy.
You still have a farang mindset flashing keyboard muscle.
Graeme *******
Gian Rossi For your info I've been driving my car to Lao for the 16 years I've owned it on all kinds of visas. Never a problem till the A hole Immigration in Mukdahan wouldn't allow me but as you read its nothing to do with Immigration its customs. You obviously dont read very well as I stated I drove to Nakhon Phanom and drove into Lao regardless of not having a long visa of any kind.
Little boy? I'm 76 years old and have lived in Thailand for 42 years and arrived here 52 years ago. Also speak fluent Thai and E-sarn.
Farang mindset?
Sorry you're the idiot and you know it.
Go home you know very little , little boy about this country that's obvious.
Little boy? I'm 76 years old and have lived in Thailand for 42 years and arrived here 52 years ago. Also speak fluent Thai and E-sarn.
Farang mindset?
Sorry you're the idiot and you know it.
Go home you know very little , little boy about this country that's obvious.
Sean *********
I read somewhere you can't bring a privately owned thai registered car into Loas. Not sure how true but worth checking just in case
Steve *******
Sean Knowles You can but you need to buy a permit, basically insurance, in order to do so.
Ron ********
Steve Greir similar to Malaysia
Jonathan *************
Sean Knowles a foolish Thai i know of took a Thai registered back hoe and truck over and then couldn't bring it back (allegedly) unless it was a scam? :(
Ron ******
Sean Knowles you go to DLT and get a purple passport, which has an English translation and a VIN bar code. You can't bring a rental
Daniel *******
I do this last Sunday and yes 69 days… with a warning from the supervisor: this is the last time, after this you must return to your country 🥵🥵 But I've been here since December... I've already got a lot of stamps 🤣🤣
Doug ********
Daniel Revuz.so why not get a proper visa and stop making it difficult for so many who get stopped because of ppeople like you
Ole ***************
You get 60 days, if not make several border bounches previously, There is no difference in land crossings or by air anymore same rules applies.
Gian *******
60 days by plane...
30 days by land, & no more than 2 times per year....
Apparently
30 days by land, & no more than 2 times per year....
Apparently
Martina ********
Wrong information 60 days by land just did this visa run from Pattaya
David **********
Gian Rossi not true. It is 60 days by land or air. All immigration officers are asked to use their discretion and look, not so much for number of entries is a year, but any pattern which can read as a non tourist reason for seeking entry for 60 days.
Bent *************
Gian Rossi
NOT true! Its 60 days!
NOT true! Its 60 days!
Doug ********
Gian Rossinot corrct. I got 60 days..by road ..twice
Mark ********
Gian Rossi false information
Gian *******
Mark Walker come on bro.
I just told you what the situation is on the laos border. Since 2021 the issue of exemptions stamps at the border & Non-o visas from the consulates is on a case by case basis.
Is it up to you to do your due diligence exercises.
I just told you what the situation is on the laos border. Since 2021 the issue of exemptions stamps at the border & Non-o visas from the consulates is on a case by case basis.
Is it up to you to do your due diligence exercises.
Graeme *******
Gian Rossi Not correct 60 days by land and air still but its upto the discretion of the Immigration officer.
If hes had a bad day or its a female Immigration official ( always avoid them if possible ) they could and my well make it difficult for you
If hes had a bad day or its a female Immigration official ( always avoid them if possible ) they could and my well make it difficult for you
Sean ******
Graeme Edgar Yeah, that does seem true! In the airport always try to avoid the females if possible!!!
Uffe ********
Sean Jose And in the bar?
Greg ***********
Gian Rossi your comment is complete and utter nonsense. You will get a 60-days admitted stay stamp when entering across a land border. And the limit of two visa-exempt entries across a land border got discontinued by July 15, 2024
Gian *******
Greg Alexander case by case....
John **********
Whether you get allowed in on a 60 day visa exempt entry or not is very much going to depend on your history in Thailand. If you've had 2 visa exempt entries which you've used in full in the past 12 months your going to struggle or so
Daniel *******
@John *********
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