Thai Border Bounce or Thai Visa Run with Laos
Free Lao Visa Exemption, Lao eVisa (on Arrival), and Lao Visa on Arrival (VoA)–Latest Updates as of February 2023
Sabaidee Everyone!
The following countries' Ordinary passports have Free Lao Visa Exemption for entry into Laos by Duration of Stay:
30 Days
Mongolia, Russia, South Korea (RoK), 8 ASEAN countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
15 Days
Japan, Luxembourg, Switzerland
14 Days
Myanmar
Unfortunately, in the past, there were more countries who had free visa exemption for a special one-time tourism promotion back in 2018....
Lao eVisa
It is an electronic Lao Tourist Visa for a stay of = 30 Days
Lao eVisa is applied and paid for via their website ( [members only]/ ) and the approval letter is sent via email and should be printed out and taken to a Lao Border Gate that has Lao eVisa availability for a Lao eVisa sticker to be placed in the passport.
Pro's:
–Sticker to be put into Passport is much smaller than a Lao Visa on Arrival (Lao VoA) or regular Lao visa
–Processing times from online application to approval email is reported by quite a few to be 1-2 Days
Your Mileage May Vary:
–There is a separate queue and window for Lao eVisa instead of the Lao VoA and quite a few have reported that queue wait times have significantly improved since fully re-opening last year
Con's:
–Cost is more than a Lao VoA with Lao eVisa = USD $55.- Dollars vs. Lao VoA = USD $40.- Dollars
–Need to apply for and wait for approval email beforehand vs. Walk-up for Lao VoA
Locations of Lao Border Gates where Lao eVisa is currently available:
• Nong Khai–Vientiane (Friendship Bridge #1 / FB #1),
• Mukdahan–Savannakhet (FB #2),
• Nakhon Phanom–Thakhek (FB #3),
• Chiang Khong, Chiang Rai–Houayxai (FB #4),
• Wattay Airport (Vientiane),
• Luang Prabang Airport,
• Pakse Airport,
• a couple places not bordering with Thailand.
Lao Visa on Arrival (Lao VoA)
–Cost = USD $40.- Dollars, also:
Chinese and Vietnamese passports = USD $20.- Dollars
–Available for all types of Lao visas, but typically issued a Lao Tourist Visa for a stay of = 30 Days
In addition to all Border Gates where Lao eVisa is available (Friendship Bridges, Airports, etc.), Lao VoA is also available for the following Thailand–Laos Border Gates:
• Chong Mek, Ubon Ratchathani–Vang Tao, Champassak,
• Golden Triangle Boat Ferry.
Unfortunately, in the past, there were more locations with Lao VoA. Hopefully, they will have more locations with Lao VoA again in the future....
NOTE: Lao VoA nor Lao eVisa are NOT available for 27+ countries! These 27+ countries need prior Approval from the Lao PDR Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Lao PDR MoFA) ≈
Passport holders of these 27+ countries need to use a Lao 'Visa Run' Service/Company/Shop for the Approval and then Need to Apply at a Lao Embassy or Consulate for a Lao Visa in order to gain any entry into Laos!
TLDR : Answer Summary
This post provides detailed information regarding the latest visa options for entering Laos for expats looking to perform a 'visa run' from Thailand. It outlines the countries that benefit from free Lao visa exemptions, the process and requirements for obtaining a Lao eVisa, and the availability of the Lao Visa on Arrival (VoA). Current locations for processing these visas at the borders are discussed, along with considerations such as costs and queues. The author notes that certain countries are still required to obtain visas in advance, emphasizing the importance of staying updated on visa requirements when planning travel.
