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What is the experience like using the new online appointment system for Thai visas at the embassy in Vientiane?

Mar 22, 2019
7 years ago
Jonny *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Just back from the Thai embassy in Vientiane, Laos after receiving a visa through their new online appointment system.

A couple notes on the experience:

- The new appointment system seems to have greatly reduced the number of applicants filtering through each day. This seems to make the entire process much speedier. I was in and out of the embassy in less than 20 minutes when both dropping off my passport and picking it up the next day.

- There were touts in front of the embassy trying to sell queue booking numbers as soon as my Tuk-Tuk rolled up. There is even a sign at the restaurant adjacent to the embassy openly advertising this “service” (pictured). I didn’t check the prices of this, but I honestly don’t know how it’s legitimately possible since your queue number from the online system is cross-referenced against your name/passport number by the embassy staff on a hardcopy printout as soon as you enter the embassy. Seemed fishy to say the least.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A recent visitor to the Thai embassy in Vientiane, Laos, shared their positive experience with the new online appointment system, which significantly reduces wait times, allowing them to process their visa in under 20 minutes. However, they encountered touts selling queue numbers outside the embassy, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the service due to the strict verification process by embassy staff. The discussion includes queries about requirements for tourist visas, the status of non-immigrant visa appointments, and what documents are needed during the application process.
Reiner *********
For a tourist visa they did Not want the flight out and booking papers ?
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Reiner *********
@Tod ********
thanx for the explanation !
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Tod *********
okay, you're confusing the requirements for a tourist visa at thai consulate in Vientiane with the thai consulate in Savannakhet. :O

For Vientiane you do NOT show proof of funds, onward travel or a hotel booking.

For Savannakhet you DO show proof of funds, onward travel and can be asked for a hotel booking or lodging
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Tod *********
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Sean **********
Does anyone know if they are accepting appointments for non immigrant visas? I have checked random dates on their site till March of next year and their site keeps showing no available schedule.
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Tod *********
I think you need to look again. I just logged in and saw this as the first one available
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Tod *********
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Amornrat **********
We were told today that this service has been stopped with immediate effect. Not available anymore.
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Tod *********
@Michael ******
the appointment booking requirement hasn't stopped.

You need to book an appointment BEFORE you go to that consulate.

What has stopped is people selling the booking slips outside the gate.

book your appointment here

*************************
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Michael *******
@Amornrat *********
has the appointment bookings stopped completely for Vientiane embassy? Thanks 😁
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Michael *******
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Mark **********
This isn't relevant to me but it seems to be a good first hand experience. Thankyou.
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Thomas ********************
Thanks for the update! Yes, does seem weird they offer that "service". Wouldn't they risk having 100 angry farangs in two hours?
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Lora ****************
What documents did they ask for aside from the online appointment?
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Brooke ********
I have an appointment for May 23 to get an METV. So even though the official policy says 6 months of bank statements at 200K, they only ask to see 20K cash?
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Lora ****************
Oh okay, thank you so much
@Jonny ******
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Jonny *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lora *******
The usual.

-Passport

-Queue number

-Visa application

-Cash in THB
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Jonny *******
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