Do I need to obtain a visa before arriving in Laos, and will I face issues re-entering Thailand after canceling my ED visa?

Mar 10, 2023
2 years ago
Ariel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi everyone, I have 2 questions.

1) Does anyone know if it is required to obtain a visa online or elsewhere before arriving in Laos? I am doing a 2-3 day visa run from Thailand. In the past, I recall getting one on arrival but I haven't left Thailand in more than a few years (covid, then ED visa).

2) When I return to Thailand, will I have a problem receiving a 30 day tourist visa stamp (USA passport) if I have a letter stating a cancellation of my ED visa prior to my travels? My concern is that I have been in Thailand for so long without leaving that maybe it could become suspicious and I could get rejected.

Any advice or shared experience is greatly appreciated! Thank you
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user inquires about the necessity of obtaining a visa before entering Laos for a visa run from Thailand and expresses concerns regarding potential issues with re-entering Thailand after canceling their ED visa. Responses clarify that a visa for Laos can be obtained on arrival and outline the importance of having proper documentation and proof of funds, exit plans, and lodging when returning to Thailand.
Paul *******
That Steve Greir troll blocked me. What a c*nt. At least I won't have to read his drivel about how he pays for things in Phnom Penh using Baht, how Cambodians will sell their grandma's or otherwise prostitute themselves for a sale or how his wife illegally travels the country on a 3 day border pass instead of a passport.
Steve *******
You can get the Laos visa on arrival at the border or the airport on arrival in Laos. Your re-entry to Thailand is solely down to the Immigration officer.
Paul *******
@Steve ******
no need to repeat what I said. I'm an expert on Lao customs and immigration. I already mentioned that all 4 friendship bridges still offer visa on arrival. So do the 3 airports I mentioned.
Steve *******
@Paul ******
No need to repeat what you said? FFS! You asked me to define major crossing. Making your f*cking mind up
Paul *******
@Steve ******
Lao Airlines flies to Pakse.
Steve *******
@Paul ******
Yep, via Vientiane or Luang Prabang
Paul *******
@Steve ******
there is a flight from Bangkok to Savannakhet via Pakse.
Paul *******
@Steve ******
define "major crossings" at least 2 land borders with Thailand have ceased issuing visas on arrival since 2019. That's what im saying.
Steve *******
@Paul ******
Nong Khai, Mukdahan, Chong Mek all offer VOA. Currently there's no direct flight to Pakse,
Paul *******
Depends on the border crossing. These days, only the 4 friendship bridges and one or two others as well as Pakse, Luang Prabang and Vientiane airports offer visa on arrival if arriving from Thailand. Savannakhet airport ceased visa on arrival as did many of the less busy checkpoints such as Nam Ngeun and Kaenthao, while Phu Doo never offered it.
Steve *******
@Paul ******
Thanks for the heads up. All the major crossings offer VOA, I dont think there are any direct flights to Savannakhet from Thailand, you fly via Vientiane.
Brandon ************
A letter stating cancellation of your ED visa means nothing. The cancelled extension in your passport is the only that matters. You have to use that letter to cancel your ED extension before you leave.

But regardless, you're likely to face some scrutiny for having any ED visa in your passport after all the investigations after the past few months. Land border with Laos is known as one of the easier ones to cross back into Thailand though. Just make sure you have the 3 proofs so they cannot easily deny you entry.

1) Proof of funds (20,000 baht or equivalent in another major currency IN CASH ONLY)

2) Proof of leaving Thailand within the number of days you'll be stamped in for. (A ticket out of Thailand within 30 or 45 days)

3) Proof of lodging (Hotel reservation for at least the first few days of your stay)
Ariel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
this is very helpful, thank you.

The woman taking care of the visa said that I don’t need to go to immigration to cancel and that the letter would suffice for coming back in, but I wasn’t entirely sure that would be correct.
Brandon ************
@Ariel ********
are you on the initial visa you used to enter Thailand that you purchased at an embassy outside of Thailand, or are you on an extension you applied for from immigration? If you're on an extension you need to cancel it at immigration because you agreed to do so when you applied for it.

If you're on the initial visa from overseas, visas cannot be cancelled.
Ariel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
I am on a visa that I applied for while being here, so I will need to cancel at immigration. That's what I originally thought so I asked her about it and was skeptical when she said I didn't need to
Graham ******
@Ariel ********
No, you do not cancel a Visa only an extension
Ariel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graham *****
ohh okay I see, thank you
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