Answered8 years ago

What are the best options for a quick and easy visa run from Chiang Mai for South Africans?

Visa Run South Africa Chiang Mai Visa Exemption Southeast Asia Travel Vientiane

Ivor ******

asked Jun 12, 2018

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I'm currently living in Chiang Mai. I need to do a visa run.  The 20th is the last day of my already extended 30 day visa exemption. (I am from South Africa in case anyone has specific information). 

I'd like to do a quick and easy but somewhat interesting trip. Obviously the cheaper the better. Sounds like I want my bread buttered on all sides.

I can fly to KL where I get visa on arrival, but I have been there and would prefer something slightly more interesting/enjoyable. I haven't seen anything in SEA besides Malaysia, Bali and Thailand - mostly because I get visa on arrival for Bali and Malaysia. 

I'm thinking 2-3 days with the least amount of paperwork. I hope you guys have some suggestions :)

Answer summary

A South African expat living in Chiang Mai seeks advice on planning a quick visa run before their current 30-day visa exemption expires. They desire an enjoyable trip that involves minimal paperwork and they wish to explore new destinations in Southeast Asia, having previously only visited Malaysia, Bali, and Thailand. Suggestions from the community include Vientiane, Laos as an easy destination, along with recommendations for Vietnam and mentions of potential challenges in places like Hong Kong and Singapore.

14 repliesnewest first

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Sten ************

KL and hong Kong dont help south africans. Singapore is notoriously dufficult, so you would need all your papers correct. For easy options Vientiane Laos is your best bet.

8 years ago

Ivor ******

Are there visa companies you would suggest I use to get help doing this?

8 years ago

Jeremy ********

If you’re going for cheap Vietnam is your best option for a flight...unless you want to go to Burma, Laos or Cambodia

8 years ago

Jeremy ********

************************************************

8 years ago

Jeremy ********

@Ivor *****

Cambodia is always nice

8 years ago

Ivor ******

Thanks for the help btw.

8 years ago

Jeremy ********

@Ivor *****

yeah I see your point...I guess you need the old school paper visa..

8 years ago

Ivor ******

Jeremy Miller the headline of the document the gov website links to is (their caps): "LIST OF COUNTRY THAT ALLOWED E-EVISA ISSUING" does not seem to include South Africa. So, its rather the other way around.

8 years ago

Jeremy ********

@Ivor *****

it might be for a business visa not a tourist visa...but if your country is not on the list you should be good to go..

8 years ago

Ivor ******

@Jeremy *******

yes, I'll have to ask some south african friends who I know have been in Vietnam. I cannot imagine they all apply via the embassy. I have double checked. SA is definitely not in that list, but the vietnam-visa.com service seems to offer the service. This is why I go to the countries that do visa exemptinn :D

8 years ago

Jeremy ********

@Ivor *****

it’s best to know before you fly there

8 years ago

Ivor ******

Thanks Jeremy! South Africa doesn't seem to be in the list of countries though.

8 years ago

Jeremy ********

Vietnam is nice, just check to see if you need to purchase an E-visa...or try HK, Taiwan, Singapore, or Philippines

8 years ago

Mark ******