thailand
Ask question

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

ThailandLaosVisa ExtensionBorder CrossingImmigration ProcessUK PassportTravel AdviceNON-O Visa
Jan 29, 2024
a year ago
Paul *****
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.
1,703
views
4
likes
45
all likes
25
replies
1
images
12
users
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.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Bent *************
You get visa for 30 days in lao for 40 US dollars
a year ago
Like
Reply
Mma *******
leave your bike on the Thai side and walk over and come back-
a year ago
Like
Reply
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.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Doug ********
You may be required to have at least 6 months left on your passport
a year ago
Like
Reply
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.
a year ago
Like
Reply
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.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Paul *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ok thanks all for the information I’m thinking bus in will be better for me.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Jack ****************
@Paul ****
 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.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Jack ****************
Reply
Steve *******
Easy if you have proof of vehicle ownership and purchase insurance at the border
a year ago
Like
Reply
Brian ********
@Steve ******
It wasn't my car

The second time, to Cambodia it was my car
a year ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
@Brian *******
 Cambodia is a different Country to Laos
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
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.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
@Brian *******
 You can take your car into Savannakhet from Mukdahan, you need proof of ownership and purchase insurance at the border
a year ago
Like
Reply
Richard *********
@Brian *******
 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
a year ago
Like
Reply
Graham ******
@Richard ********
 A car passport and different plates is required, needed last year to go to Savannakhet
a year ago
Like
Reply
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
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Brian ********
Reply
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)
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Brian ********
Reply
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.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
@Graham *****
 No need to change the plates, just proof of ownership and buy insurance at the border
a year ago
Like
Reply
Graham ******
@Steve ******
 The plates came with the car passport, total cost 200B
a year ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
@Graham *****
 Never had any plates or car passport when Ive driven to Laos.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
Paul *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graham *****
 that’s great thanks I will only have a couple of days left on my visa will that be acceptable?
a year ago
Like
Reply
Graham ******
@Paul ****
 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.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Graham ******
@Paul ****
 Yes, you can re-enter on the last day and it's still valid (but don't do that unless absolutely necessary)
a year ago
Like
Reply
Paul *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graham *****
 ok thank you so much for the information 🙏
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Paul *****
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
What is the best way to extend my Visa on Arrival in Thailand for another 60 days?
13 comments
4 months ago
Can I pay for my Laos visa in Baht and will my return to Thailand grant me another 30 days?
5 comments
6 months ago
Can I get a free 30-day visa upon re-entering Thailand after leaving for Laos?
21 comments
8 months ago
Can I extend my 30-day tourist visa in Thailand after returning from Laos?
6 comments
9 months ago
Can I get a new 30-day visa for Thailand by briefly visiting Laos?
26 comments
10 months ago
How many days of visa will I receive if I cross back from Laos into Thailand on a 30-day visa exempt?
7 comments
a year ago
How can I extend my stay in Thailand beyond the 30-day limit on a UK passport?
44 comments
a year ago
What are the best visa options for a UK passport holder traveling to Thailand and Laos?
10 comments
a year ago
What are the steps and tips for performing a border run from Thailand to Laos with a METV?
25 comments
a year ago
What is the process for re-entering Thailand after a quick trip to Laos from Chiang Mai?
19 comments
2 years ago
Do I need to enter Laos for a border run after my visa has expired in Thailand?
6 comments
2 years ago
Can a UK passport holder enter Thailand for 45 days, extend for 30 days, and re-enter after a short trip to Laos?
18 comments
2 years ago
Can UK and Aussie passport holders get a Thai tourist visa on arrival at the Laos border?
8 comments
2 years ago
Can I extend my 30-day visa exemption in Thailand, or must I do a border run?
3 comments
3 years ago
Can I Cross into Laos and Return for Another 30 Days on a Visa Exempt Entry?
13 comments
5 years ago
Do I Need a New Visa After Visiting Laos with a US Passport?
4 comments
5 years ago
What Are My Options for Extending My Stay in Thailand After a Tourist Visa?
14 comments
5 years ago
What should my friend do to extend their 60-day Thai visa until February 18th?
10 comments
5 years ago
Can I drive to Laos or Myanmar for a visa extension in Thailand?
11 comments
6 years ago
Will my 30-day visa extension stop when I leave Thailand for Laos, and can I get a new 30-day visa on returning?
3 comments
6 years ago
Can I re-enter Thailand from Laos and get another 30-day extension on my visa?
10 comments
7 years ago
Can I extend my stay in Thailand by crossing into Laos and returning on a tourist visa?
5 comments
7 years ago
Can I extend my tourist visa in Thailand by crossing into Laos?
8 comments
7 years ago
How can I extend my 30-day stamp in Thailand without applying for a visa?
5 comments
7 years ago
Can Laos passport holders extend their 30-day stay in Thailand for another 30 days?
8 comments
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.