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Do I need to stay two nights in Laos for a visa run with a DTV?

Sep 15, 2025
a day ago
Brad **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello, I’m planning to do a visa run to Laos from Chiang Rai, I have the DTV, but I’m seeing some people saying you have to stay in Laos for two nights, but I’m not sure if that is just for visa exemption/visa on arrival. Has anybody done this before and know how it works? Thanks in advance.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The general consensus from community responses indicates that if you hold a DTV visa, you do not need to stay in Laos for two nights. Many users have reported successfully completing the visa run in one day, particularly at the Chiang Khong or Chiang Saen border crossings. It is recommended to have your visa documentation printed and to file a TDAC before re-entering Thailand.
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)

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TRUSTED TDAC LINKS:

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Anonymous ******************
Can do it in and out, pretty chill
Tod *********
At either the Chiang Khong or Chiang Saen border crossings with a DTV you'll get out and back in the same day no problem.

Have the PDF file (which is your visa) printed out..

Don't forget you need to file a TDAC before you stamp back in to Thailand
Bruna ********
@Tod ********
same experience here in and out same day with dtv
Vanessa ****
Do you need to go in person to the embassy to pay the fee in cash?
Wannikea *********
@Vanessa ***
the OP is actually doing a border bounce, not a visa run. And to answer your question, yes, you must attend the Laos consulate in person to pay for your visa.
Brandon ************
It's only for visa exempt.
Andi ***********
A recent posting show someone spending a few hrs in Laos. 2 days not needed. Check the threads for the detail
Marcopolo ******
I doo it 3 weeks a go DTM ine and out direct. 1h all good. D ont forget print your DTM and make your TDAC firts.
Brad **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Marcopolo *****
So stamped out of Thailand, and pay for visa on arrival in Laos? can you remember the price? and then back to Thailand in 1 hour?
Marcopolo ******
@Brad *********
yep is exacte i d on remembere but i think i d ont pay noting for the visa for laos i tink swiss citizen d ont paye, anyway i pay just 2 times 50 baht for the bus. 🙏 1h for go an come back.
Anonymous ******************
@Marcopolo *****
what border?
Marcopolo ******
Anonymous participant 877 chang rai Laos Chiang Khong Miamar mai sai is close
Wannikea *********
@Marcopolo *****
Mae Sai is closed to foreigners and is a crossing to Myanmar.
Marcopolo ******
@Wannikea ********
exactly, is the same y said you tell it thai and me in falang😂🤣