This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
Is it easier to get an O visa in Laos or Vietnam for expats in Thailand?
Aug 15, 2025
8 months ago
Jeff *************
ORIGINAL POSTERHi I have to go out of Thailand to get my o visa, is it easier to go to Laos or Vietnam? If you have done one of these please let me know your experience
Thanks again
Thanks again
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses whether it's easier to go to Laos or Vietnam to obtain a Non-O visa for Thailand. Many comments suggest that traveling to Laos is preferable, given the land border and visa requirements. Several users share their personal experiences, indicating that applying for the visa online is now mandatory, and there are specific financial prerequisites, such as showing ฿800,000 in a Thai bank account. While some commenters advise checking information with local embassies, others share insights on the necessity of bank documentation and application processes.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Retirement Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Graham ******
One question regarding ease is what passport you hold and whether you need a Visa to enter
Jeff *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Graham *****
US passportReply to
Jeff *************
Reply
Pete ******
I just got back from Laos and unfortunately now you have to apply for the non-O visa online they do not do it in person. There is a requirement that you must show ฿800,000 in a Thai bank, which is the problem for all of us, we can’t get the bank account without the visa. I’m back in Thailand now and trying to work this out. Good luck everybody.
Jeff *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Pete *****
so you can't show your bank account in the states to get a non o in laos, another person said you could? What did they say you have to do thenPete ******
@Jeff ************
everything might be easier with an agent, but I know even the agents in Bangkok I haven’t serious problems, opening bank accounts for their customers just last week a bank employee in Pattaya was arrested for opening bank accountsPete ******
@Jeff ************
I think the whole process is a mess. I went to Laos from Thailand to apply for the non-O visa once there I find out you have to submit the application online now there is no in person visits. You need to attach a copy of your criminal record, a health screening and a copy of your Thai bank account with ฿800,000. Philippe *********
@Pete *****
may be you apply for the non-o-a retirment visa... the requirement are not the same for non-o retirement...Reply to
Philippe *********
Reply
Kelley ******
Call Baan Immigration. They helped me with this same problem! Then go to Laos for your border run by air not by land.
Eric **********
@Kelley *****
why fly if you live near a borderKelley ******
@Eric *********
I am not quite sure. We asked and they said it was best to fly and stay atbleast one night. I didn't question as we are too far from the border to cross by land. I also heard (not sure if this is true) that there were less hassles if you flew.Jeff *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kelley *****
I'm taking the train upReply to
Jeff *************
Reply
Philippe *********
I am not sure if is requirements are up to date but on Laos embassy they ask fir 800 000 thb in a bank account...and other embassy just ask for the equivalent in your home bank account...
Is there any body here that can tell that is the case? The Laos embassy want a thai bank account for application for Non-o visa?
Is there any body here that can tell that is the case? The Laos embassy want a thai bank account for application for Non-o visa?
Jeff *************
ORIGINAL POSTERThank You, that's what I'm hoping for
Doug ********
@Philippe ********
yes did on line Sunday night. Git qr code. Went Monday and paid. Cash only in bhat 2000.Application changes on line to paid.
Got mine 48 hours later.
Back to Thailand next morning. Could have made a trip to Luang prabang , however I guess is a remote chance you may have to go back if they have any issues so I decided stay Vientiane. Obviously don't do at a weekend or during thai government holidays as they will close on thai govt holidays. Any other queries please feel free to ask. @
Philippe *********
@Doug *******
So that is what I see on their site....Since is online every thing should be on PDF except for photos.
And for bank account last 3 months of my account in canada in english with no less of the equivalent of 800 000 thaibath every month on one PDF document
Is that it?
Thanks a lot!
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
• A completed and signed Visa Application Form
• 2 passport-sized photos taken within 6 months
• An original and a copy of passport or travel document which is valid for no less than 6 months, including bio data page, immigration stamp to Lao PDR page, and Lao visa page (for applicant with no residence in Lao PDR)
• Additional requirements for specific purpose
Retirement
• At least 50 years old
• A letter from a Thai bank certifying that the applicant holds a bank account with a fund of at least 800,000 baht; or a letter issued or certified by an Embassy/Consulate that the applicant has a monthly income of at least 65,000 baht
(or equivalent in other currency)
Doug ********
@Philippe ********
you are using a bank from home country I think so no need for letter from thai bankReply to
Doug ********
Reply
Jeff *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Doug *******
so do I use copies of my home bank statement for the 800,000 or can I show 65,000 baht for 3 months, what about sponsor? Thanks a tonDoug ********
@Jeff ************
...I didn't use the 65k thing as I had an account with over 800k so I can't answer with real knowledge. I did a bank statement that showed 3 months ,not 3 x 1 month statementsDoug ********
Didn't have a sponsor and for proof of location I used the visa into laos ,as proof I was in laos
Doug ********
I had a rental agreement in place in udon thani before I went to Laos took a chance took a chance that I would get the non o
Philippe *********
@Doug *******
so you did land border crossing...on your visa application did you wrote this and did you have any onward ticket?Doug ********
@Philippe ********
I applied whilst in Vientiane, I can't honestly remember the application asking for proof of onward travel... not sure it did tbh.If you have to, get a 3 dollar train ticket nong Khai to Vientiane on 12go Asia, Bangkok immigration accepted that as proof of leaving when I first arrived in March
Philippe *********
@Doug *******
ok...thanks a lot fir all your infosReply to
Philippe *********
Reply
Greg ***********
@Philippe ********
for the application through an embassy e-visa system to the initial 90-days Non-Imm-O visa, the 800,000 THB equivalent can be in any account as long as it is in your name. Only for the application to the 12-months extension on Immigration, a minimum of 800,000 THB need have have "seasoned" in a Thai bank account in your sole name for a minimum of 2 monthsDoug ********
@Philippe ********
.. no they don't...i did it in June and my bank account was in united kingdom!!!!!!!Philippe *********
@Doug *******
So the embassy site is not accurate for the requirements if you've done it in vientiane? How long did it take?..you did it online. Go pay day after. And then could you go out... like in Luan prabang?Reply to
Philippe *********
Reply
Steve *******
Depends where you are in Thailand
Jeff *************
ORIGINAL POSTERIt asks for that or
*****
a month but I'm assuming that's my bank in the US, you can't open a bank account in Thailand without a o visaJeff *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Steve ******
nakhon Sawan north of BangkokReply to
Jeff *************
Reply
Sean ******
You can apply fornthe O-Visa using TM 86 or 87 depending on what visa you are converting from. Check with your lo al immigration office.
Graham ******
@Sean *****
only by meeting the in country requirementsMax *************
@Sean *****
He can't obviously do that, otherwise he wouldn't leave the country.Reply to
Max *************
Reply
David ******
Laos
Jeff *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@David *****
have you done a Laos run? I’m not sure if I would rather sit for 4-10 days in Laos or Vietnam, I think there’s more to do in Vietnam?Derek *****
laos is the easiest, though it’s been a few years since I’ve gone. Just take the overnight bus to mukdahan, cross the friednship bridge and chill for a few days along the river while waiting for the visa. The sandwiches there are really good.
For non-o marriage, I didn’t need to any funds to show. Only to extend after 90 days did u need to have the 400k in a Thai bank.
For non-o marriage, I didn’t need to any funds to show. Only to extend after 90 days did u need to have the 400k in a Thai bank.
Max *************
@Jeff ************
Why not simply do a visa run to Laos via an agency? It's by far the easiest way. They take care of everything. Don't make it so complicated.David ******
@Jeff ************
Not been to vietnam, But thêres no border there .id rather not step on a land mine and go to laos for 4- 10 dáyReply to
David ******
Reply
John **********
There's a border with Laos and not with Vietnam, if you plan to fly not a lot of difference
Jeff *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
have you done a border run to eitherSteve *******
@Jeff ************
You can't do a border run to Vietnam as it doesn't border ThailandJeff *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Steve ******
I consider flying still a border runGreg ***********
@Jeff ************
well, flying would be a border run if you return right after to re-enter Thailand visa exempt. However if you plan to apply for a 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa in Vietnam, it will be called a "visa run"Greg ***********
@Jeff ************
I know. You have to stay in Laos or Vietnam until the Non-Imm-O visa is approved. But this still would be a "visa run", not a border run. A "border run" is a border bounce and it means you don't apply for a visa in the country you visit and re-enter Thailand coming from itSteve *******
@Jeff ************
The clue's in the name!Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
John **********
@Jeff ************
nopeReply to
John **********
Reply
Terry ***********
Following
Reply to
Terry ***********
Reply
94 comments
9 months ago
10 comments
9 months ago
2 comments
a year ago
3 comments
a year ago
10 comments
a year ago
11 comments
2 years ago
12 comments
2 years ago
20 comments
3 years ago
24 comments
3 years ago
5 comments
3 years ago
9 comments
3 years ago
31 comments
3 years ago
22 comments
3 years ago
7 comments
3 years ago
3 comments
4 years ago
13 comments
6 years ago
13 comments
6 years ago
7 comments
6 years ago
7 comments
6 years ago
30 comments
7 years ago
4 comments
8 years ago
35 comments
8 years ago
Which is easier for getting a Non-O visa based on marriage: traveling to Ho Chi Minh or Savannakhet?
20 comments
8 years ago
4 comments
8 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.