Answered8 months ago
Is it advisable to do a same-day border run to Laos after my DTV visa expires?
My dtv 6 months is over. Is okay to go at Laos border and return in the same date, or is better to stay in a foreign country some days before going back?
Answer summary
The conversation highlights various experiences regarding border runs to Laos for those with a DTV visa. Some users suggest that a same-day border bounce is possible without issues, while others recommend spending at least two nights in Laos to comply with Thai immigration expectations. The cost of entering Laos is mentioned as approximately $30-$50, and it is advised to fill out a digital entry form beforehand. Some expats share their personal experiences, indicating that rules can vary, and it's wise to be cautious to avoid problems at re-entry.
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Carlos *********
Laos is good, stay sometime and enjoy
Mike *******
Yes I have done a few times now on DTV, you can turn around and come straight back in, but will cost you $50US to enter Laos, never had a problem at border 👍
Greg ***********
Mike Smith I thought the Laos visa-on-arrival is $40 or 2000 THB. Well, if you hand them a $50 bill, they won't give you back any change
Terry ********
Greg Alexander Yes they will. I received $10 change when I went in January.
Steve **********
I just did a same day bounce in Laos last week. 2000tb to enter, long hot slow line getting back in. Do NOT forget to fill out your digital entry form ahead of time. It’s necessary. I had the 20ktb in pocket but wasn’t asked to show it. Pakse Laos was my closest point.
Marc ********
Steve Jacobson I did fill out the digitsl entry form and they didn't want it. They only accepted paper at Vientiane airport
Doug ********
The rule that Thai Immigration officers often apply is to stay 2 nights out. Advice here to do a border bounce does not seem to be accurate. What in tbe world is so urgent that you cant follow this simple 2- night rule and experience one other country for 48 hours? You are daring Immigration to flag you and deny your return.
Kev ********
Doug Donlas yes have a little break
Graham ******
Doug Donlas that is for visa exempt exit and re-entries ;)
Doug ********
Graham Seal you are exactly right. Thanks.
Brian *********
I was required to spend two nights by Thai immigration. This was on January 1, 2026. I crossed at Chiang Kong. This is contrary to what Jeremy Miller is saying. So I can’t tell you exactly what can happen to you, but my experience was I had to spend two nights in Laos prior to returning, no way around it. We even asked if there was an expedited fee to pay so I didn’t have to spend two nights in Laos, but they said no
Graham ******
Brian Sanders visa exempt re-entry?
Brian *********
Graham Seal yes and seeing that this fellow is doing a different type of visa, my advice and experience may not be worth a cup of bad coffee.
Greg ***********
Brian Sanders he is on a DTV, he should be able to do a same-day border bounce
Terry ********
Broaden your experience; Go and enjoy Laos for a day or two.
Steve *******
@Terry *******
Yes, Laos is great, spend at least a few days there 👍
Michael *********
@Terry *******
Highly recommendedKev ********
Don’t forget the dtac?
Wannikea *********
@Kev *******
TDAC TDAC.immigration.go.th
Nuttaporn **********
Border run is ok for one day trip 👍🏻
Jeremy ********
You can go to Laos or any other international destination
You can do a turn ahd burn border bounce or stay a day or 3
If you’re from 150+ countries you will have to pay $30-$40 fee for a visa to enter Laos
So if it’s worth it pay $40 to just go across the border for a total of 1 hour then do it…if not stay for a day or 3 to explore
The choice is yours
You can do a turn ahd burn border bounce or stay a day or 3
If you’re from 150+ countries you will have to pay $30-$40 fee for a visa to enter Laos
So if it’s worth it pay $40 to just go across the border for a total of 1 hour then do it…if not stay for a day or 3 to explore
The choice is yours
Andi ***********
Other DTVERS have had no issues with a same day border hop to Laos. Check the main DTV group on FB for their experience.
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