Answered3 months ago

What is the process for doing a visa run from Thailand to Laos and back?

Visa Run DTV Visa Thailand Immigration Chong Mek Border Ubon Ratchathani Laos Visa Exemption

Anonymous *************

asked Jul 18, 2026

1.1k

views

replies

likes

VISA BOUNCE UBON RATCHATHANI

A few weeks ago, I tried to extend my DTV at the Rayong Immigration Office, but the immigration officer made it clear that he wasn’t going to approve it. He kept asking for more and more documents, but in the end, he refused to process the extension 😵‍💫

So I decided to do a visa run at the Chong Mek border (Ubon Ratchathani) 🏍️🗺️📍

* Left Thailand: 1 stamp, 1 smile, 1 minute.

* Entered Laos: free 15-day visa exemption with a Swiss passport.

* Left Laos about 30 minutes later: 1 minute.

* Re-entered Thailand: one question — “DTV?” I replied “Yes.” 👍 “Welcome back.” Received a new 180-day stamp.

No questions at all about doing a visa run. It was a smooth and easy way to get another 180 days on my DTV. 👍

Just sharing my personal experience in case it helps someone. And some pictures from Rayong to Ubon 🏍️🇹🇭🇱🇦✨

Answer summary

The user shares their experience of extending their DTV visa via a visa run to Laos from Thailand. After facing difficulties at the Rayong Immigration Office where the extension was denied, they successfully completed a visa run at Chong Mek border, acquiring a new 180-day stamp upon re-entry into Thailand without complications. Comments reflect discussions about visa processing times and personal experiences with immigration applications.

9 repliesnewest first

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

PeppyChe*********

Applied on 7th July, was requested docs on 8th, on 9th it was changed to pending approval and I’ve been waiting since. I see some get theirs in 5 days and I’ve seen others wait a month and not get theirs..

3 months ago

Adventurou**********

Usually takes five days there

3 months ago

Anonymous *************

If you can count, you can see from my post it has been well over 5 days. Thank for the useless "advice".

3 months ago

James ********

Anonymous participant why the need to be critical of the replies ?

Obviously you are not 🚫 happy with the processing time. Be patient and hopefully you will get the decision in the coming days.

Anonymous participant FROM your other reply.....I assume that you GOT THE DECISION... ISSUED A DTV VISA.

3 months ago

Anonymous *************

Again, useless. My application was flawless, no additional documents were requested. I called and they approved it a few hours after my call. They said they are very busy right now.

3 months ago

James ********

3 months ago

James ********

Congratulations 👏👏👏

PRINT OUT THE EMAIL THAT HAS YOUR DTV VISA.

That's what you should do... print it out.

You may have to show PROOF of your DTV Visa to airline staff on check-in for your flight ✈️ to Thailand...even to the connecting airline staff. Or to the land border crossing entry Thai Immigration Officer.

Upon arrival into Thailand, show the DTV visa to the Thai Immigration Officer and look at the STAMP placed in your passport to be sure you are STAMPED in for 180 days.

3 months ago

James ********

Anonymous participant I assume that you GOT THE DECISION... ISSUED A DTV VISA.

3 months ago

Adventurou**********

Anonymous participant not useless means you are having problems with your application

3 months ago