Answered2 years ago
What are the rules regarding the use of Lao eVisa at land borders, particularly at Friendship Bridge #3?
Not sure if relevant or not to this group however I crossed over to Lao (via the 3rd Friendship Bridge - Nakhon Phanom) today and did a visa on entry normal blah blah blah- however was an Aussie next to me who stated and demonstrated and exhibited his visa which he had bought on line - he was given short shrift that these were not allowed on land borders and must pay the fee of 40 USD or 2000 THB for a visa on entry. Just in case anyone is considering getting the evisa. Also they wouldn’t take a card payment from the poor chap. ( well apart from being an Aussie that is) so all be aware evisa is not so easy to use in Asia on land borders. I’m sure many people will correct me but I said what I saw. Have a nice day
Answer summary
Travelers should be aware that the Laos eVisa is not universally accepted at land borders, specifically noting that the eVisa can only be used at certain designated locations. At Friendship Bridge #3 (Nakhon Phanom), travelers must pay for a Visa on Arrival (VoA) with cash only, as credit cards are not accepted. The VoA costs USD 40 or 2000 THB, and those relying on the eVisa at non-designated borders may face issues, as evidenced by an Australian traveler who was denied entry using an eVisa that is restricted to specific borders.
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David ***********
That is intresting. Last year I a Loas border run from Chiang with a 60 day visa from an embassay. Initially I was told the visa did not exist and only a 30 day would be given. However they were very helpful and issued a 60 day.
Dca *****
This Post is about Lao Visa on Arrival (Lao VoA), Lao eVisa, and Lao Visas, not about Thai Visas nor Thai Visa on Arrival (Thai VoA):
1.) Lao eVisa is only available at 8 locations, of which Friendship Bridge #3 (Nakhon Phanom—Thakhek) does NOT have Lao eVisa. However, if one were to make entry into Laos at Friendship Bridge #1 (Nong Khai—Vientiane) or Friendship Bridge #2 (Mukdahan—Savannakhet), at those 2 land borders, there is Lao eVisa available
2.) As for the price of a Lao Visa on Arrival (Lao VoA), it is USD $40.- Cash, clean, crisp banknotes. If you are allowed to pay in another currency (Thai Baht), then you will not get a favorable exchange rate and the price in Thai Baht would be about ฿2,000.- Thai Baht
3.) There are no advantages to Lao eVisa, except perhaps a smaller Lao eVisa, as Lao eVisa price is more expensive than a Lao VoA ($55+ vs. $40)
>
1.) Lao eVisa is only available at 8 locations, of which Friendship Bridge #3 (Nakhon Phanom—Thakhek) does NOT have Lao eVisa. However, if one were to make entry into Laos at Friendship Bridge #1 (Nong Khai—Vientiane) or Friendship Bridge #2 (Mukdahan—Savannakhet), at those 2 land borders, there is Lao eVisa available
2.) As for the price of a Lao Visa on Arrival (Lao VoA), it is USD $40.- Cash, clean, crisp banknotes. If you are allowed to pay in another currency (Thai Baht), then you will not get a favorable exchange rate and the price in Thai Baht would be about ฿2,000.- Thai Baht
3.) There are no advantages to Lao eVisa, except perhaps a smaller Lao eVisa, as Lao eVisa price is more expensive than a Lao VoA ($55+ vs. $40)
>
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Brian *********
OP@D**
you are of course correct as is your post. I said what I saw / hey hoBrandon ************
Then that guy was an idiot. It tells you MULTIPLE times in the e-visa process that the e-visa is ONLY accepted at the specific borders that they list on the website. They also make you choose a border during your application for the visa. He clearly ignored all of that and continued on like a moron.
Also, of course they don't take credit cards at the border??
Also, of course they don't take credit cards at the border??
Brian *********
OP@Bra****
whilst your sentiments are noted I don’t really care. I’m just stating what happened. What can I say - however one will disagree with credit cards statement which is just bizarre unless of course your know something I don’t. As at the airports they do. But hey ho not worth a row over is it dear. He was an Aussie so maybe that explains it.
Jiji ***********
You stated that Evisa being "not so easy to use" was the cause of this situation.
All Brandon did was point out that the system warns you repeatedly that the EVisa cannot be used at all entry points. The overwhelming majority of people buying EVisas have no problem understanding this, and planning appropriately.
He, on the other hand, clearly did. It is, as we say in the world of gaming, a "Skill Issue".
All Brandon did was point out that the system warns you repeatedly that the EVisa cannot be used at all entry points. The overwhelming majority of people buying EVisas have no problem understanding this, and planning appropriately.
He, on the other hand, clearly did. It is, as we say in the world of gaming, a "Skill Issue".
Brian *********
OPGood for helping clarify bet that’s made your day. 😩
Paul ********
@Brian ********
Aussies are pretty Dumb. I am one so feel I can make that statement.Greg ***********
@Paul *******
oh I was waiting for such a simple and untrue generalization 😎😂 nor every Aussie is a Crocodile Dundee mate
Jared *********
@Brian ********
it's fine and quaint that you don't care but it's great that Brandon is sharing factual information to help others on this page that might want to learn the complete picture of requirements and restrictions for when they go to Laos. The information is relevant and helpful and that's what this group is all about.Thanks for sharing your experience and thanks to Brandon for sharing the broader picture that others might need to know.
Brian *********
OP@Ja***
and thank you for making a comment that wasn’t required. Move on.Greg ***********
whenever we make a trip to Laos, I pay 1900 + 100 Baht for the Laos "visa-on-arrival" in crisp Thai Baht banknotes, plus one passport size picture. I guess that's lesson learned. And as far as this relates, I don't know any Cambodian or Laotian land border that will accept credit card payment
Brian *********
OP@Gr**
same for me - my point is and I don’t know anything about the evisa for Lao but the poor lad was not happy in addition cash only wouldn’t take a cardsGreg ***********
@Brian ********
no probs . . . . there are really cool Thai Wagyu Steakhouses in Nakhon Phanom where that poor lad can chill down from this shocking experience over a few beers. And maybe even get a chance to meet a very famous You-Tuber - that's Chuck from "No Time2 be Sad"Brian *********
OP@Gr**
we use the ones in Sakon / amazing steak not always happy when I have to cook me self but I’m getting better at it. Amazing steak here
Graham ******
So the Laos border officers would not accept the Laos eVisa, sounds like a scam
Brian *********
OP@Gra***
yep he wasn’t happy - we were on a day trip so it was added entertainment for us
Brandon **********
@Brian ********
silly aussies .Greg ***********
@Graham *****
it clearly says on the online-visa application website, that the E-visa for Laos can only be used at airports and SOME (but not all!) land borders to LaosBrandon ************
@Graham *****
that border does not accept evisa. It's specifically spelled out in the e-visa website multiple timesGreg ***********
@Brian ********
AFAIK, it clearly says on the online-visa application website, that the E-visa for Laos can only be used at airports and SOME (but not all!) land borders in LaosBrian *********
OP@Gr**
I won’t dispute anything you say I’m just stating what happened ffs / get a life stop being so angry and take a chill pill. I just don’t careGreg ***********
@Brian ********
I got a life, and I am not angry in no way. What makes you assume I am? And btw, I already got my liquid chill pill in front of me - a Bourbon-Coke 😂Brandon ************
@Greg **********
you're close, but wrong. It does specifically say which borders you can use it on.Greg ***********
@Brandon ***********
yes, you are right, the website specifies which borders and airports one can useMichael ********
You mean the Loas e visa ?
Marcels *********
Michael Dawson yes thats what the post is about
Michael ********
@Marcels ********
Strange seen e visa used on land borders beforeActivity
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