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Do I need a visa to enter Laos for a visa run to Thailand?
Feb 4, 2020
6 years ago
Bryan ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI am in Khon Kaen, Thailand right now. I am a US citizen. I am wanting to take a bus to Laos and apply for a 60 day visa back into Thailand. I came here with a 60 day visa and got a 30 day extension. Do I need a visa into Laos? I have read online that I just bring my documents to Thai embassy in the am and pick up the visa the next day? This is my first visa run. Any help or suggestions would be much appreciated.
TLDR : Answer Summary
A US citizen currently in Khon Kaen, Thailand, is planning to travel to Laos to apply for a new 60-day visa for Thailand. The individual is uncertain if a visa is needed for entry into Laos and has heard that they can acquire a Thai visa from the embassy the next day. Responses clarify that a visa on arrival is required for Laos, which costs $35, and emphasize the need for specific documentation and an appointment at the Thai embassy in Vientiane.
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Robert *******
Okay, the Thai consualte in Savannakhet is more strict with issuing back to back tourist visa, I would say with more visits already to Thailand, do not go there.
The Thai Consulate in Vientiane does issue a second Tourist Visa if you can meet all the requirements.
In case of denied visa, just make your way back into Thailand, get 30 days Visa Exempt Entry and you can apply for Extension of Stay at Immigration Office.
After these 60 days do another border run for a new 30 day Visa Exempt Entry.
The Thai Consulate in Vientiane does issue a second Tourist Visa if you can meet all the requirements.
In case of denied visa, just make your way back into Thailand, get 30 days Visa Exempt Entry and you can apply for Extension of Stay at Immigration Office.
After these 60 days do another border run for a new 30 day Visa Exempt Entry.
James ********
Good Luck
I repeat my advice to you as you state you only need 90 more days stay:
Bryan Covert if that is true ..just do 2 land border crossings...each give you 30 days plus can be extended 30 days each at Thai Immigration...1,900 Thai baht each extension.
That will give you up to 4 months in Thailand...
And NO DENIED TOURIST VISA at either Savannakhet or Vientiane.
I do believe you may be denied another tourist visa from Vientiane and Savannakhet in Laos.
Commenting closed.
@Bryan *******
...I repeat my advice to you as you state you only need 90 more days stay:
Bryan Covert if that is true ..just do 2 land border crossings...each give you 30 days plus can be extended 30 days each at Thai Immigration...1,900 Thai baht each extension.
That will give you up to 4 months in Thailand...
And NO DENIED TOURIST VISA at either Savannakhet or Vientiane.
I do believe you may be denied another tourist visa from Vientiane and Savannakhet in Laos.
Commenting closed.
James ********
@Amornrat *********
do you think Vientiane will grant the OP a tourist visa?Bryan ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI scheduled an appointment. Are they going to require the same information this time as when I applied in the US? If I remember correctly they wanted a copy of my bank statements.
Bryan ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI have proof of plenty of money. I may need to carry 20,000 baht cash upon reentry? seriously?
Bryan ********
ORIGINAL POSTERperfect. I just find a place around here to print all the info.. Thank you very much everyone for you help
Joe *********
Yes, you will need a copy of a bank statement showing at least
*****
baht equivalent.Robert *******
1. A completed and signed Visa Application Form
2. 2 passport-sized photos taken within 6 months
3. A Passport or travel documents (valid for no less than 6 months)
4. A copy of passport or travel documents
5. Evidence of adequate finance
ā¢ Single-Entry Tourist Visa: 20,000 baht per person and 40,000 baht per family
As you have been in Thailand before, they may ask for proof of accommodation and onward travel. Be prepared.
2. 2 passport-sized photos taken within 6 months
3. A Passport or travel documents (valid for no less than 6 months)
4. A copy of passport or travel documents
5. Evidence of adequate finance
ā¢ Single-Entry Tourist Visa: 20,000 baht per person and 40,000 baht per family
As you have been in Thailand before, they may ask for proof of accommodation and onward travel. Be prepared.
Reply to
Robert *******
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Gregor **********
you can get a Single Entry (stand corrected: NOT the Non-Imm-O!) Tourist Visa at the consulate in Savannakhet, giving you 60 days, extendable for 30 more days on a Thailand Immigration for 1900 THB
Gregor **********
sorry . . of course I mean the 60-days Single Entry Tourist Visa . . š
Robert *******
Relax, you mix all the visa's in name. It is the Single Entry Tourist Visa. The Non Immigrant O visa is something else.
Reply to
Robert *******
Reply
Bryan ********
ORIGINAL POSTERIm trying to stay here for 90 more days and go home
James ********
@Bryan *******
if that is true ..just do 2 land border crossings...each give you 30 days plus can be extended 30 days each at Thai Immigration...1,900 Thai baht each extension.That will give you up to 4 months in Thailand...
And NO DENIED TOURIST VISA at either Savannakhet or Vientiane.
I do believe you may be denied another tourist visa from Laos.
Reply to
James ********
Reply
Gregor **********
sure you need to stamp in into Laos, the visa-on-arrival is 30-35 crisp U.S. dollars or the equivalent in Thai Baht. Savanakhet is a bit closer to Khon Kaen than Vientiane, isn't it ? And NO appointment needed
Gregor **********
why make Vientiane Embassy the only choice, when you live in Khon Kaen ? You could apply for a Single Entry Tourist visa at the consulate of Thailand, in Savanakhet, Laos. No appointment needed. Read their rules to apply for, on their website
Bryan ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI assumed it was easier to go north. Seems like a easy and short ride?
Reply to
Bryan ********
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Robert *******
You need a Visa on Arrival to get into Laos, 35 USD in crispy new bills, or 1.500 Thb and 2 passport pictures. You get the form just before border check point, fill it in, hand it back and within minutes you get all back, then just walk into Laos.
Bryan ********
ORIGINAL POSTEREmbassy In Vientiane. I have had one 60 day visa I got before leaving the us in November
Benjamin ******
That's true. What embassy are you planning on using? Plus, I don't know your visa history, so you may not be able to get another visa in your passport.
Robert *******
For Vientiane you have to make appointment, you can use this website
*****************************
Bryan ********
ORIGINAL POSTERAwesome.
@Joe ********
Has mentioned I need an appointment. My visa expires the 9th of this month. The last time I looked at the embassy website they said I could drop off and pick up next day? Reply to
Bryan ********
Reply
Benjamin ******
1. You will need a visa to Laos. They sell them at the border. I think it's $35 USD (new crisp notes).
2. When you said you stayed four times last year, what visa status were you on? Visa exampt?
3. You will need an appointment for Vientiane. You do not need an appointment for Savannakhet.
4. You will need two passport size pictures for the application.
5. Where did you get your current visa? How long will you stay here?
2. When you said you stayed four times last year, what visa status were you on? Visa exampt?
3. You will need an appointment for Vientiane. You do not need an appointment for Savannakhet.
4. You will need two passport size pictures for the application.
5. Where did you get your current visa? How long will you stay here?
Bryan ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *******
. I did purchase an onward plane ticket already a week ago. I am staying in a house and not a hotel. Bryan ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI was stamped in 4 times 30 days each. Came back in Nov with 60 day Visa and got a 30 extension and here I am at the end of my extension. one entry stamp I left to Singapore for a week and came back to Thailand.
Bryan ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI believe so. Just a tourist single entry visa
Reply to
Bryan ********
Reply
Joe *********
You need to purchase a visa on arrival to enter Laos. You also must book an appointment with the Vientiane Thai embassy in advance. If you just show up without an appointment you will be sent away.
James ********
How many months were you in Thailand in 2019 ?
Bryan ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI entered Thailand 4 times last year. Staying only a few weeks each time
Reply to
Bryan ********
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