I am currently in Laos with some time to kill, I submitted my visa application earlier today, so I thought I'd give an update on getting a multiple entry spousal visa at Savannakhet consulate. These were the docs they wanted:
1. my passport ID page copy (signed by me)
2. wife's passport ID page copy (signed by her)
3. wife's tabien baan copy (signed by her)
4. wife's ID card copy with address that matches her tabien baan (signed by her)
5. kor ror 2 copy (signed by both of us)
6. marriage certificate copy (signed by both of us)
7. marriage certificate
8. Laos visa copy (signed by me) (he actually gave it back at first then I asked him if he really needed it then he took it back)
9. completed visa application form, with two photos. I used a white background in my photos and a black pen ( I was advised to do it with a black pen, don't know why).
Advice:
✤ Get there EARLY. I arrived at 8.50am, they hadn't opened (they open at 9) and there was already a fairly long queue waiting outside. I only just made the cut off point - was seen at 10.55am, cut off was 11am. Was very frustrating as only one window was open and some people, who had not done any research or prep, were at the window for a long time. One Indian family were there for a good 15-20 minutes. Also many people who were sent away to get more copies or do more paperwork came back and pushed in the front after they had finished what they were asked to do - there was an altercation between a Russian man and a Chinese man because of this.
✤ THEY CHECK EVERY DOCUMENT METICULOUSLY AT THE WINDOW, so don't go in there with a "ah they won't even bother looking or notice" kind of attitude with your paperwork.
✤ I don't know if the people behind me were seen after 11 am or not but I know many of them would not have been seen for another 30 minutes. Maybe they just close the gates to the embassy at 11am?
EDIT: I found out they close the gate at 11 and process anyone left in there even after 11. So don't worry if you're in the queue and there are 16 people in front of you and it's 10.55am, as long as you're within the gates you'll be processed.
✤ I paid a taxi driver at the border 200 baht to take me to the embassy, when I tried to barter down he got angry and told me that as I was a lone traveller I'd have to pay the full price.
✤ Also try to arrive on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. My very expensive taxi driver told me there were hundreds of people at the embassy on Monday.
✤ Get a Laos e-visa, it will save you about 30 minutes of queuing at the border. There is a separate booth where they process these. However, the official charged me 100 extra baht upon stamping my passport and when I told him I already paid for the visa, he got defensive and told me to pay up or not go through - no idea why he charged me 100 baht though.
✤ Do not stay at the Avalon, the Wifi is beyond terrible, took me three attempts to upload this.
✤ There is a copy shop opposite the embassy that will copy your Laos visa + stamp for 10 baht (or was it 15?) 10 or 15.
✤ If you are going to take the bus from Mukdahan to the border, pay 50 baht, it says 45 baht on the sign but the extra 5 baht is for immigration officials who work overtime in the early morning hours (poor them).
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post outlines the required documents for applying for a multiple entry spousal visa at the Savannakhet consulate in Laos, including signed copies of passports, marriage certificates, and other specific paperwork. It emphasizes the importance of arriving early, being meticulous with documents, and offers tips on the application process, particularly the best days to visit and how to handle unexpected fees at the border. There are also comments discussing the increasing number of applicants and personal experiences with the application process.
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