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What is the process and experience of doing a visa run to Laos from Chiang Mai for a new tourist visa post-COVID?

Aug 29, 2022
4 years ago
Mike ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi everyone, I am currently in Chiang Mai and my tourist Visa expires next month. I plan to go to Laos to get a new tourist Visa. Has anyone done that visa run to Laos recently? How was the experience, and has anything significantly changed in post COVID times?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user is seeking information on the experience of doing a visa run from Chiang Mai to Laos for a new tourist visa, particularly regarding any changes that may have occurred in post-COVID times. Comments from others include inquiries about visa extension eligibility and specific requirements for obtaining a tourist visa at the Thai consulate in Vientiane, Laos, such as financial proof and appointment bookings.
Billy *******
Please update us on your success because we have to do the same thing on November 20.
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Mike ******
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@Billy ******
due to financial reasons and logistics, I decided to fly to Malaysia for one day overnight. Then return to Thailand the next day to get a 45 day stamp. Which can be extended 1 time for 30 days.
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Mike ******
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Wannikea *********
Have you already gotten your 30 day eligible extension off that visa?
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Mike ******
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@Wannikea ********
Yes I have.
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Mike ******
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Tod *********
Go to the thai consulate in Vientiane and READ the requirements for a tourist visa. You need to show 20K baht or the equivalent in a bank account for 3 months AND you need to make an appointment to get into the consulate to apply AND they take 3 working days processing time. (apply Monday morning pick up the passport Wednesday afternoon)

Other than that, meet the requirements get the visa,

******************************
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Christopher *******
@Tod ********
I feel your the visa guru of Thailand ๐Ÿ™
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Mike ******
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@Tod ********
Thank you very much for the reply. I greatly appreciate it.
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Mike ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I saw one of the requirements is to have a travel itinerary and plane ticket back to Thailand. Just to make sure; is land crossing through Nong Khai not an option? I used to get to the friendship bridge from Udon Thani. Then cross the border to get the Laos visa, then take a van to Vientiane.
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James ********
@Mike *****
Land travel is okay
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Mike ******
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Mike ******
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