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What is the process for extending my stay in Thailand by driving to Laos and back?

Thailand Laos Visa Extension Border Crossing Immigration Process UK Passport Travel Advice NON-O Visa

Jan 29, 2024

9 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi all some constructive advice please. What is the process for driving from Thailand to Laos for border immigration for another 30 days on my passport ?  I have tried several web sites but very confusing advice. Can I just drive over the border then return or is it a complicated issue. United Kingdom passport. Thanks for any advice.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

To extend your stay in Thailand by traveling to Laos, it is advisable to take a bus rather than attempt to drive, as taking a car into Laos is complicated and requires specific documentation and insurance. Travelers can park their vehicles safely near the border and cross over to Laos on foot. Visa on Arrival is available for Laos, which costs around 40 USD for a 30-day stay. Upon returning to Thailand, ensure you have at least 6 months left on your passport and prepare to pay an entry fee for a new stamp. It is recommended to use a travel agency to assist with the process, as they can streamline your border run and minimize the risk of complications.

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Bent *************

You get visa for 30 days in lao for 40 US dollars

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Mma *******

leave your bike on the Thai side and walk over and come back-

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Guy ********

I stay in Mukdahan iam from Uk if your on a tourist visa just go in to immigration on Thia side at the bridge pay 1900 baht they stamp you another days no problem.

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Doug ********

You may be required to have at least 6 months left on your passport

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Jeffrey ************

I did this last week. Park the car (undercover) on the bridge just before immigration. Cost is 250 baht per day. The lady can also arrange taxi into Lao and back. E-visa for Lao takes 3 working days.

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Augustinas ***********

Do it with agency ! Not by yourself. Immigration officers might start asking you many questions and even deny your entry.

Agency will make sure you will get your border run stamp .

I tried to do border run myself and almost got denied entry back to Thailand.

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Paul *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Ok thanks all for the information I’m thinking bus in will be better for me.

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Jack ****************

if you go solo it's not too bad they will walk you through everything and only steal a small amount of money. If you want to actually visit Laos they will be confused because 99% of people get the stamp and turn around and go back. You will be the 1 millionth customer it is very smooth.

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Jack ****************

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Steve *******

Easy if you have proof of vehicle ownership and purchase insurance at the border

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Brian ********

It wasn't my car

The second time, to Cambodia it was my car

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Steve *******

Cambodia is a different Country to Laos

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Steve *******

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Brian ********

I have done this twice in the last 18 months. The first time I drove from BKK to Mukdahan. You can't take your car into Laos, but there is a managed pay car park a short distance from the bus station. I got the bus across the bridge to Laos. I then got a taxi to immigration in Suvannakhet. {I got a non imm O, took 2 days). You will have to haggle with the taxi as they will try to overcharge. I arranged with the taxi to pick me up from the hotel the following day to take me to immigration to pick up my passport and then on to the border. Got the bus back to Thailand and picked up my car and drove back to BKK.

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Steve *******

You can take your car into Savannakhet from Mukdahan, you need proof of ownership and purchase insurance at the border

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Richard *********

of course u can take ur car to Laos,( and Cambodia) done it many times, Need temp import doc from the border, pay a small fee and buy insurance

have driven over lots of the country on 4 trips or so

You used to need the cars passport ( issued at the motor vehicle dept) but not sure about that any more

dont need change plates

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Graham ******

@Richard ********

A car passport and different plates is required, needed last year to go to Savannakhet

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Brian ********

@Richard ********

You're quite right, I didn't want the hassle of doing that for a one time trip. And didn't bother to put it in the post

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Brian ********

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Brian ********

The second time was about 6 months ago, when I drove from Kanchanaburi to Ban Laem on the Cambodia border. I drove into town parked in the main Square and walked over to immigration, about 100m. Left Thailand and returned about 30 minutes later. Easy as that, no problems at all. Ask at the Thai immigration on the way out for a new TM6, the guys in no mans land between the borders have them, but will want a huge amount of money for one (they do fill it in for you though)

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Brian ********

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Graham ******

Drive to the border and get the bus across the bridge. Visa on Arrival needed to enter Laos then get the bus back to be stamped back in to Thailand. To drive to Laos your car needs a "passport" and changed plates plus you purchase insurance at the border, easier to get the bus.

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Steve *******

No need to change the plates, just proof of ownership and buy insurance at the border

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Graham ******

The plates came with the car passport, total cost 200B

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Steve *******

Never had any plates or car passport when Ive driven to Laos.

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Steve *******

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Paul *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

that’s great thanks I will only have a couple of days left on my visa will that be acceptable?

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Graham ******

BTW if your getting a 30 day entry stamp and getting another 30 days you're not on a Visa so ignore my comment above as, if you leave on the last day of your current stamp and get delayed no harm is done.

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Graham ******

Yes, you can re-enter on the last day and it's still valid (but don't do that unless absolutely necessary)

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Paul *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

ok thank you so much for the information 🙏

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Paul *****

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