Answered4 years ago

What are the steps to apply for a Thai Medical Visa in Vientiane for an Ethiopian passport holder?

Thai Medical Visa Visa Application Process Ethiopian Passport Bumrungrad Hospital Medical Treatment in Thailand Visa Requirements in Laos

Chris *****

asked Sep 28, 2022

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Hi all, has anyone got experience of applying for a Thai Medical Visa in Laos (Vientiane)?

My wife is Ethiopian so visas are harder than for most. She needs an operation, we attended the pre-op consultation at Bumrungrad today, plan to spend a month in Laos then back to Bangkok for the operation. Suspect a Medical might be easier to obtain than a Tourist visa for an Ethiopian.

Addendum - anyone know what the hospital invite letter should contain? Bumrungrad seem confused on this.

Thanks

Answer summary

A user is seeking advice on applying for a Thai Medical Visa in Vientiane, Laos for their Ethiopian wife, who needs surgery at Bumrungrad hospital. They express concern that obtaining a Medical Visa may be easier than a Tourist Visa due to her nationality, and they request information on what the invite letter from the hospital should include. Several commenters advise that the hospital typically handles the visa process and that it requires documentation from the hospital confirming the scheduled operation. They also note that as of October 1st, Ethiopian passport holders may be eligible for a 30-day visa on arrival.

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Michael *******

An Ethiopian passport holder will be eligible for a 30 day VOA from 1st of October.

4 years ago

Chris *****

Thank you very much indeed Michael, that's hugely reassuring.

4 years ago

Michael *******

I used Tourist Visa's in the past when i used to travel extensively around the region. It's harder nowadays to get them in succession, but very much possible in your wife's case.

4 years ago

Chris *****

Thanks very much Michael yeah saw that (and your comment before - very much appreciated, believe me). Seems (?) Tourist Visa is a possibility, so will try for that, so we have a week to recover from the flight (with a 6-month old), then a few weeks after the operation. But 30 day VOA a nice fallback. Have you tried for a Tourist visa yourself?

4 years ago

Kool *******

The hospital handles the visa, and it lasts through the operation, and some recovery until the doctor determines that there are no more medical restrictions on flying back home. It is not a long term visa option, or even a vacation option. It is purely for medical treatment, and recovery to the point of being healthy enough to fly home. You must have letters from the hospital confirming you are scheduled for the operation in order to get the visa at the Thai Embassy in Vientiane Laos, and also make sure you make an appointment, as they no longer accept walk-ins

4 years ago

Chris *****

The business center will only do visa extensions, nothing else, (I think also concierge, hotel, travel bookings etc) so they just sent us back to the surgery department. Other hospitals have been simpler, immediately agreeing to provide a suitable letter.

4 years ago

Chris *****

This is very, very handy to know thanks, we were hoping to do a bit of holiday after too, we will try for a tourist visa first then.

4 years ago

Kool *******

@Chris ***************

Bumrungrad has a separate department that just handles immigration needs. It is surprising Bumrungrad seemed confused.

4 years ago

Shayne **********

If she's in the hospital she shouldn't be leaving Thailand she should be getting the extension in Bangkok. The hospital should be giving her all the information she needs and taking her to Cheng watana.

4 years ago

Chris *****

It's a minor operation we've been putting off for years, today was just a 20 minute bit of planning with the surgeon.

4 years ago