Answereda year ago
What is the experience like applying for a Thai visa from Laos?
So im in vientiane, Laos. Been here since 9th. Paid money 14th....they just gave us an interview date of 1st August FFS.
This is ridiculous.
Update - they kindly moved it forwards for me following a polite request. Looks like il be out of here 9 days from payment so I take back my above comments 😂 had a whale of a time here in Laos. If you bothered to learn any Thai in Thailand youl love it too as they speak issan and a lot of Thai and youl be able to communicate with and get to know some wonderful locals.
This is ridiculous.
Update - they kindly moved it forwards for me following a polite request. Looks like il be out of here 9 days from payment so I take back my above comments 😂 had a whale of a time here in Laos. If you bothered to learn any Thai in Thailand youl love it too as they speak issan and a lot of Thai and youl be able to communicate with and get to know some wonderful locals.
Answer summary
A user shares their experience of applying for a Thai visa while in Vientiane, Laos. Initially frustrated with a long wait for their interview date, they managed to get it moved up significantly after a polite request. The community discusses the pros and cons of applying from Laos versus other countries, noting that while Laos has its challenges, many enjoy the culture and language opportunities it offers, particularly for those who speak Thai or Isaan.
24 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
John *********
Why do people apply in Laos, it’s been one of the worst places to apply imo
HCMC as an example, there are others is so much more proficient imo
HCMC as an example, there are others is so much more proficient imo
Nick *********
OP@John ********
because an interview could be the difference between you getting rejected over incorrectly understood paperwork evidence or getting the visa. It's worth the extra waitJohn *********
@Nick ********
sorry don’t agree, the process is very simple to understand if one reads all the requirements and procedures, also reading these forums and carrying out due diligence. If you carefully fill in the online forms and submit the correct paperwork etc, you should be processed within 7-10 working days approx. Who wants to waste time having an interview, they usually call people for interviews to check if they are still in the country or want to look a bit further into the applicant. Anyway up to the individual, keep it all simple.
Nick *********
OP@John ********
I paid on Monday and my interview is next Friday that's literally 9 working days. Ide rather come to a country where I can speak the language also.I don't think it's gone that badly tbh. Either way should be home Friday next week 🙏
I appreciate your insight however so thankyou.
Paul *********
Same timeframe when I did it you should have searched the recent posts I mentioned going elsewhere it’s a dump
Nick *********
OP@Paul ********
I've been to Vietnam and Malaysia etc. had way more fun here in Laos than I did there lol. Perspectives vary Tomorrow off to vang vieng for a few days while I wait. That will be even better.
I can speak near fluent Thai so being able to actually speak to people here (laotian is isaan and very similar to Thai) has made a huge difference...such as this amazing night we had two nights ago with the locals lol. I'm just super home sick and want to get back to rawai.
In high sight if ide gone to Vietnam or something for it ide probably be home by now however.
Nick *********
OPFollowing a very polite request they were able to bring the date forwards to the 25th. 😁🙏🙂 I am very grateful for this. The embassy was very helpful and responded to me very quickly. I would now recommend Laos for dtv applications. ♥️🙏 Thankyou God, Buddha and life for granting me this wish today. I am very happy right now
Nick *********
OPOne of the best things about SE Asia in the entire several years I've lived out here is politeness and good manners often go a very long way. UK would have been like "computer says no" 🤣🙏♥️
Andi ***********
@Nick ********
Very true.Andi ***********
@Nick ********
That is great, i just posted you may be lucky in getting it brought forward...AuthenticPas************
Laos is place of corruption
Anonymous ******************
AuthenticPassionfruit644 All of SEA. Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, etc. Welcome to SEA where the people you deal with on a day to day basis are the first generation to not be a rice farmer and are the first in their bloodline to have access to foreigners with money.
Nick *********
OPAuthenticPassionfruit644 I think it's a lovely place. People are amazing and living is affordable. I just miss Thailand lol 🤣
AuthenticPas************
@Nick ********
yes true i mean the department related to governmentNick *********
OPAuthenticPassionfruit644 I offered to pay for an earlier appt and they said that isn't an option and did it for free. Whereas I agree with you re: se Asia corruption my experience in Laos has been quite the opposite.
AuthenticPas************
So unfortunate
John **********
13 working days so not so bad. The day you pay doesn't count and there is one holiday in the mix. The good news is you will likely get the visa immediately after the interview
Nick *********
OP@John *********
definitely worth the wait for a 5 year validity visa. No worries :)Anonymous ******************
You've unfortunately applied to an embassy where interviews are compulsory... There are plenty of people on the waiting list and other visas/matters to be dealt with.
Nick *********
OPAnonymous participant 127 10-15 days would have been somewhat desirable lol. No worries...will go stay in vang vieng while we wait now that we know when the interview is. Was just a bit of a shock to wake up to as keen to get home and have property to maintain etc.
Is what it is, not the end of the world and understand their busy.
I've sent them an email asking if there are any fast track options I could pay for but I'm assuming the answer to that is no lol
Is what it is, not the end of the world and understand their busy.
I've sent them an email asking if there are any fast track options I could pay for but I'm assuming the answer to that is no lol
Andi ***********
@Nick ********
You may be lucky and be given an earlier date, i know some have tried that with success but in Taipei. Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang are great places. Luang Namtha is an interesting hilltribe, riverside area. The good thing with Laos is you will get your approval very quickly after the interviewNick *********
OP@Andi **********
thanks for your advice here :) you've been very helpful.Anonymous ******************
@Nick ********
I understand. Exactly, just go enjoy Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang and so ones until the interview. The train is pretty affordable.Nick *********
OPAnonymous participant 127 thankyou, you have been very helpful and I appreciate you calming me down with this advice.
🙏♥️
🙏♥️
Activity
8 joined8
people
Related
25Does the location of my bank account affect my DTV application for Thailand if my business is registered in another country?
324232mo
What is the processing time and experience for applying for a DTV visa in Laos?
253123mo
Has anyone had a Tourist Visa issued instead of a DTV after applying for a Workcation visa in Thailand?
2.1k17224mo
Can I apply for a METV while in Laos if I am a US passport holder?
5.3k121425mo
What are the financial requirements for the DTV application in Vientiane, Laos?
494425mo
What is the experience of applying for a Thai visa under the workation category from Brazil?
605145mo
What was the experience of obtaining a family visa for Thailand from Vientiane, Laos?
1.3k395mo
What are some sample interview questions for applying for a freelance workcation DTV visa in Laos?
1.6k13111y
What was the interview experience like for getting a visa in Thailand?
1.9k5371y
Do all embassies require an interview for Thai visas?
1.2k1051y
What is the process for applying for a visa in Thailand, based on personal experiences?
646261y
What are recent experiences applying for a Thai visa from France, and how long did the process take?
1.3k951y
How long does it take for visa application processing in Jakarta for Muay Thai training?
1.3k1231y
What are the steps and experiences involved in applying for a DTV visa in Vientiane, Laos?
1.3k3201y
What is the process and experience of applying for a DTV visa in Thailand?
8922122y
What do I need to know for my first visa run to Vientiane, Laos?
1.5k1432y
Can I submit my DTV application in Thailand using unverified corporate documents?
763442y
What does the switch to eVisa for Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam mean for travelers?
4.4k40242y
Which embassies in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia offer drop-in services for DTV applications, and how can I pay the fee?
1k542y
What is the experience of applying for a Thai Tourist Visa in Kota Bharu compared to Penang?
590233y
What was the experience of applying for a Thai ED visa from Vientiane, Laos like?
2.1k11297y
What can I expect during the visa application process at the Thai Embassy in Vientiane?
2.3k15267y
What should I know before applying for an ED Visa in Laos for my Thai language school?
1.3k8128y
What is the experience and process for obtaining a Thai Visa from the Consulate in Seoul?
1k769y
What is the process for obtaining a Thai ED visa from Laos?
1.6k11139y
Resources
Need help with your DTV visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served