What are the recent updates on visa appointment availability in Vientiane for expats?

Feb 28, 2019
6 years ago
Ron *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
FYI

Those going to Vietiane for visas.

I'm reading in other places that the booking system is full and no appointments are available until the 13th March. Some say 19th March. I've not tried the system myself.

I suggest not leaving it until the last minute.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
There are reports that the booking system for visa appointments in Vientiane is currently full, with the earliest available slots reportedly on March 13th or March 19th. Some people have experienced longer waits, with comments indicating that locals may be reselling appointment slots. Alternatives such as Savannakhet are suggested for visa processing without needing an appointment. A concern about the number of slots available daily has also been raised, hinting at changes in the handling capacities at the embassy.
Nathaniel *******
I was lucky to get appointment #1 for submission and collection when I went to VTE 2 weeks ago. There were definitely locals outside selling tickets for people who showed up and didn’t have one when I was there.
Amornrat **********
Example is here.
Nathaniel *******
@Amornrat *********
That’s good to hear.
Amornrat **********
Now only with confirmed booking against your real email.
Nathaniel *******
Mario *******
Go to savannakhet...there doesnt need the appointment
Amornrat **********
@Simon *****
no cash.
Tod *********
@Simon *****
There are two times you're likely to be asked for proof of funds and they are handled completely different.

IF you are required to show proof of funds at a thai consulate to get a VISA you show banked money.

IF you are asked to show proof of funds when entering the country at passport control you show CASH.
Charlie ********
They were asking for a copy of bank statement which they kept with form and photos
Simon *******
@Tod ********
Sorry, but does it have to be an actual bank statemenrt or is 20k Baht in cash shown accepted?
Charlie ********
I was there yesterday and today and they asked everyone for bank statement that was in queue, what I wasnt aware of is they wanted bank statement for my 9 yr old son too, i did laugh but thankfully had screenshots and bank statement printed so was sufficient for both our visas. Only 1 person was asked for onward travel and they didnt have the bank statement. It did however take over 2 hrs from mukdahan bus station to consulate (went direct once over bridge not on bus) there and 1.5 hrs back.
Tod *********
careful though, because Savannakhet can and does ask for proof of funds (20K baht or the equivalent in a bank account) and proof of onward travel.. They don't ask everyone but it's posted on their window and they do ask people
Rob **********
Was there two weeks ago. Booking system allows for 300 per day. Was talking to somebody who was number 396 ! So, not sure what's going on with it.
Ron *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Rob Phillips I'm wondering if they get a cancellation they just issue a number higher than 300 but the total they serve doesn't actually increase above 300?
Richard ***********
Think its still 300 as saw around the 20th they have 186 available.
Ron *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I can only assume they have cut the numbers on how many they can handle a day?
Stéfan ********
Probably sacked a bunch of consular staff.
Ron *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Richard **********
oh well. The scam is back on.

The online visa application system will sort that out once they implement it.😉
Richard ***********
Had a family of 4 Cambodians do it when I was there. They couldn't write English or Thai so was all done for them including the bookings. 1k each.
Ron *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Richard **********
I don't think they can by how it works?
Richard ***********
Could be locals booking slots to resell on the day. They make a phone call to inside the Embassy when they have a punter.
Robert *******
Just tried it and for Tourist Visa as well as for Non Immigrant Visa the first slots are available on the 13th of March. Friday 8 March is marked as International woman day and therefor no appointments possible, not sure if this also means closed to collect your passport and visa.
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