ask
Search
Ask
Answereda year ago

Is there a minimum stay requirement in Laos for border runs at Chiang Khong/Huay Xai?

Mario *********
asked Nov 27, 2025
962
views
3
replies
1
likes
Hi to you!

Is it true that if you do a border run at the Chiang Khong/Huay Xai border you have to stay a minimum of two(2) nights in Laos?

It's suppose to be an enforcement from the Thai border dating from august 2024.

Thanks!

Further more do we still have a 60 days Thai Visa Exempt Stamp. This would be my 2nd so I should be ok.

Thanks again for your help.

A canadian.
Answer summary
The inquiry concerns the requirement of a minimum two-night stay in Laos for border runs at the Chiang Khong/Huay Xai border, suggested to be enforced from August 2024. One commenter confirmed that this requirement existed previously, although they were uncertain about current standards. Another suggested obtaining a visa to avoid complications, while a third noted that same-day returns by border run were available only for DTV and E-visa holders.
3 repliesnewest first
4

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Benjamin *********
Benjamin *********
From one of the Chiang Mai border run service providers:

Same-day return border option is currently available only for DTV visa and E-visa holders.
Ulrik *************
Ulrik *************
Why not get a visa so You don't have to worry?
Brandon ************
Brandon ************
Yes, if trying to leave and return visa exempt, this was the requirement before the new enforcement began. I don't know what it's like at those borders at the moment.

Also the news reported that if you enter via land border, you are not eligible for any extension.

Activity

4 joined
Mario *********
Mario *********
Mario *********
Mario *********
4
people
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
...members60% approval
Member 1
Member 2
Member 3
Member 4
Member 5
Member 6
Member 7
Member 8

Related

25
What is the experience and fee for a DTV visa border run from Chiang Khong to Huay Xai, Laos?
726653mo
Do I need to season 500k THB for 3 months if applying for a Thai visa through Hanoi?
236115mo
Are there any current issues reported about re-entering Thailand at Nong Khai on a DTV visa?
1k781y
How will the new rules affect my METV and can I still do a same-day border run to Malaysia?
1.6k1191y
Can I enter Thailand visa-exempt and then apply for a DTV after flying out?
563321y
What are the best options for a border run from Thailand on a DTV visa and considering current restrictions?
1.6k10161y
What are the experiences and tips for doing a border run in Laos on a DTV visa?
553311y
Can I extend my DTV visa in Thailand by crossing the border to Myanmar?
1.9k15111y
Will I face issues re-entering Thailand after a short trip to Laos on a 60-day exemption visa?
3.7k23252y
Do I need to show a TM30 and a bank statement if I leave Thailand for one day with a DTV visa?
2.5k20222y
What are the requirements for a border run from Thailand to Laos with a DTV visa?
5k28802y
Can I take a bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Khong for a border run, and what are the latest requirements?
669122y
Is it legally possible to stay in Thailand for up to 5 years on a DTV visa by extending and doing border runs?
2.1k14182y
What are the requirements for registering a TM30 and should I book a hostel for my visa extension in Thailand?
873452y
How can I extend my wife's DTV visa in Thailand before her baby is born?
2k1692y
Can my wife apply for a DTV spouse visa while in Thailand under visa exemption?
847232y
Do I need to apply for a tourist visa before my third entry into Thailand?
50112y
Do children need DTV visas in Thailand, or can they be included in parents' visa exemptions?
1.3k822y
Do children need a visa to enter Thailand if they are under 14 years old?
1.4k752y
What alternatives do I have after multiple entries and extensions on a tourist visa in Thailand?
2.8k24183y
Can I do a budget border run from Hua Hin to Laos or Malaysia within 1-2 days based on my visa history?
1.8k12143y
Can I conduct a 'border run' without entering a neighboring country and avoid needing a visa?
4.8k44314y
What experiences have others had with border runs at Chiang Khong to Laos?
447127y
What should I do after being denied a border run in Mae Sai with a Chilean passport?
1.3k1158y
Is the Chiang Khong – Huay Xai border run safe for EU citizens on visa exemption?
907638y

Resources

Need help with your DTV visa?