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What is the process for obtaining a DTV visa in Vientiane, Laos?
Digital Nomad VisaVisa ProcessVientianeThailand ImmigrationWorkcationVisa ApplicationRemote Work VisaLaos VisaEmbassy Procedures
Jan 24, 2025
a year ago
Olivia ********
ORIGINAL POSTERDTV approved in Vientiane 🎉
This group was super helpful so wanted to share my experience. Overall it a super smooth process in Vientiane, and much faster than the timeline currently on the embassy website.
* Applied online Sunday 19 January for workcation
* Paid at the embassy on Monday 20 January
* Tuesday 21 January at about 9pm received an email with an interview on Thursday 23 January.
* Went for my interview Thursday morning
* I got an email not even 10 minutes after leaving the embassy saying my visa was approved
* Back in Thailand on Friday, no issues at immigration
Total processing time: 4 business days
The interview was very straightforward, asked me about my job then made me login to my online banking to check it was my name on the account and then verified some transactions. Took less than 5 minutes.
## Documents included in application:
Passport
Photo
Current location:
Photo of Laos entry stamp and visa
Confirmation of hotel booking in Vientiane
Proof of funds:
Included three full months statements plus my January balance so far. Had over 500K each month.
Employment confirmation:
Letter from my employer confirming employment and remote work status, specifically mentioning I can work remotely from anywhere including Thailand
Employment contract
Copy of employer’s Singaporean business registration
This group was super helpful so wanted to share my experience. Overall it a super smooth process in Vientiane, and much faster than the timeline currently on the embassy website.
* Applied online Sunday 19 January for workcation
* Paid at the embassy on Monday 20 January
* Tuesday 21 January at about 9pm received an email with an interview on Thursday 23 January.
* Went for my interview Thursday morning
* I got an email not even 10 minutes after leaving the embassy saying my visa was approved
* Back in Thailand on Friday, no issues at immigration
Total processing time: 4 business days
The interview was very straightforward, asked me about my job then made me login to my online banking to check it was my name on the account and then verified some transactions. Took less than 5 minutes.
## Documents included in application:
Passport
Photo
Current location:
Photo of Laos entry stamp and visa
Confirmation of hotel booking in Vientiane
Proof of funds:
Included three full months statements plus my January balance so far. Had over 500K each month.
Employment confirmation:
Letter from my employer confirming employment and remote work status, specifically mentioning I can work remotely from anywhere including Thailand
Employment contract
Copy of employer’s Singaporean business registration
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user shares their experience obtaining a digital nomad visa (DTV) in Vientiane, Laos, highlighting a smooth process with a total processing time of 4 business days. The steps included applying online, paying at the embassy, and attending an interview which involved standard questions about employment and proof of funds. They also provided details on required documents and emphasized the importance of carrying Baht when traveling to Laos due to currency exchange regulations.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV 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.
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Paul *******
For Laos specifically you MUST pay for your visa in Baht. Unlike before Covid, it's very difficult to buy any foreign currency in Laos these days, due to government regulations. Moneychangers are not allowed to sell you foreign currency, not even at the land borders. At airports you may be able to purchase a small amount of foreign currency, by showing your passport and boarding pass, but that's it.
Banks might be able to sell you some currency as well, but may require proof of what you need it for. There may be other ways to acquire foreign currency, but it's rather tedious compared to how easy it is to purchase foreign currency with just your passport in Thailand.
Therefore, ensure you have the
Banks might be able to sell you some currency as well, but may require proof of what you need it for. There may be other ways to acquire foreign currency, but it's rather tedious compared to how easy it is to purchase foreign currency with just your passport in Thailand.
Therefore, ensure you have the
*****
Baht in cash BEFORE departing for Laos and to be safe, bring more and keep this *****
Baht separate from your spending money there. ATMs only dispense Kip (except for reportedly, one ATM up in the Golden Triangle SEZ, which dispenses both Baht and Yuan) but that's pretty far to go for a Thai Baht ATM withdrawal!Paul *******
You had an interview? I thought they were trying to make the process entirely online. That makes it difficult for those applying anywhere outside of Vientiane.
David ********
@Paul ******
sn interview is required that's why you are not suppose to leave from the country you apply but people don't they just go back to Thailand.Paul *******
@David *******
It's required? I didn't mean you can leave the country - the website clearly states you can be in another PROVINCE of Laos while applying, but if an interview is required, then what is really going on is that the old in-person process continues, in a slightly different way and instead of a visa sticker, you received an emailed letter.In other words, the Thai embassy in Vientiane needs to be more transparent and should tell applicants they need to be IN Vientiane when applying, they can't wait somewhere else, otherwise they won't be able to attend the compulsory interview, nor will they be able to make payment (although apparently payment can be made by someone else on your behalf).
David ********
@Paul ******
payment is stated that it must be made in Vientiane. But other embassies have their own way but takes much longer. Vientiane is much more stream line. If you want the DTV you do as required by the embassy l preferred Vientiane because it was quick. If you want to travel do it after you get your visa.Paul *******
@David *******
The Thai embassy Vientiane website states it takes 15 days, which is much longer than most other embassies and consulates in the region. I find that having to go into the embassy to make payment but still completing the application online as being far less convenient than doing everything, including making payment online.
Having said that, i got my DTV in person, at another embassy, paying in cash and I found this to be my preferred method of obtaining a visa.
Sadly, other than if you're called in for an interview, the old process is no longer allowed. You can't just walk in for a visa anywhere anymore as Thailand is committed to using the e-visa system from now on.
David ********
@Paul ******
they say 15 days but it's not reality. There system is much better. Look at the countries fully online the process is much longer because you submit pay online. Most will ask for more docs then you wait longer. But Vientiane solves all that with an interview and bank check which is the common question back and forth online. Who cares if you go in better to talk face to face instead of email or online your just a number. Main point is efficiencyPaul *******
@David *******
Efficiency would be doing everything in the one place, whether that is at the embassy or online. I've never applied for a Thai visa online, so I can't say what it's like. I do know from reading reports in this group, Ho Chi Minh remains quick and efficient, even under the e-visa system.I'm surprised Vientiane is so quick, but I wouldn't assume it will be like that for everyone.
David ********
@Paul ******
you have never applied you listen to reports and you assume. Come on give it a rest you know nothing be honest don't even know why people like you comment in groups you just create false informationPaul *******
@David *******
Wow, what a pompous, arrogant liar you are. I have my visa, which I obtained in Taiwan. You're just an entitled and arrogant person, I hope you are denied a boarding pass or entry to Thailand or another country. With your attitude, you don't deserve to come here.David ********
@Paul ******
haha 🤣🤣 you know nothing beggarPaul *******
@David *******
Another entitled begpacker coming to Thailand. There are way too many of your types coming here these days. Arrogant know it alls (who don't actually know anything) with an incredible sense of entitlement.David ********
@Paul ******
foolPaul *******
@David *******
Yes you areDavid ********
@Paul ******
you are a know all but know nothing have to have last word but you live in your own world do Thailand a favour go homeShai ********
@David *******
how did you guys arrived to fighting the conversation was interesting and all of a sudden cursing each otherPaul *******
@David *******
You're the arrogant, entitled jerk on here, so it's you who should go home, little offended snowflake.Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Olav *******
I did the interview the day after you. Very smooth process 😎
Shai ********
did you have to book an appointment in the embassy?
Olivia ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Shai *******
no appointment for payment. And for the interview they gave me a date and a two hour window to be thereShai ********
thank you for your replay does everyone neeed to go through an interview I laos ?
Reply to
Shai ********
Reply
James ********
@Shai *******
he applied for the DTV visa using the Evisa online application system. Then instructed to pay for the DTV visa at the Thai Embassy. Then given a time to appear for a personal interview with the Embassy Officer.Shai ********
@James *******
for the payment no need appointmentReply to
Shai ********
Reply
Paul *********
So did u come back via a land crossing or fly to bangkok. Im looking at doing Laos in early May.
Paul *******
@David *******
Yes they can. Any immigration authority can demand you prove you meet their requirements for entry. Argue it out with them, you'll be denied very quickly if you don't meet their entry criteria.David ********
@Paul ********
l did mine in laos plane in bus out it's what suits you but same result 180 day stampPaul *******
@David *******
The problem with flying on a one way ticket (into Laos for instance) without a visa is you could be refused a boarding pass. Now officially, Laos doesn't require outbound tickets, but some airlines might enforce it.You're better off flying to Udon Thani (much cheaper and with more flights), then catching a cross-border bus or minivan to the border. Doesn't take that much longer and you are free to fly one way and take a train or bus the other way or whatever you want to do, without the possibility of being asked for an outbound ticket.
David ********
@Paul ******
always travel on one way ticket never been asked for a outward ticket. If the airline sells a one way thats what it is. You are free to travel as you want. I don't listen to all this about you must have a outward ticket. You can leave as you want bus,train,boat,plane ,walk, motorcycle.why would you go to Udon Thani that's just creating problems cost and time for yourself nonsensePaul *******
@David *******
Well, you can't do what you want. If an airline wants you to have an outbound ticket, you must follow their rules or you're not getting a boarding pass.If you're lucky, they'll let you travel.
It's not about being allowed to purchase a one way ticket. You as the traveler are responsible for conforming with the rules of the country you're going to.
For Laos, like I said, the rules are a little vague. You might be lucky one time, then the next time an airline manager might insist you need an outbound ticket unless you can show them a visa in your passport.
David ********
@Paul ******
I travel for 20 years on one way please what has happened to you don't put on me. It's an airline trying to upsell you. If you go to a restaurant and they try to sell you dessert and you don't want it do they tell you to leave the restaurant. A outward ticket is not a law and immagration cannot enforce it as such. Check your law not what has maybe happened to you or what you have read on some post.Paul *******
@David *******
And yes, immigration can absolutely demand an outbound ticket and they often do.David ********
@Paul ******
noDavid ********
@Paul ******
that's not true l am sorry they cannot demand an outbound ticket. There is a law that for certain countries you get a visa on arrival if you qualify then you are allowed to enter for that period. If you overstay there are penalties but it is your responsibility to leave at this time you don't need a out ward ticket you can buy that when you like and via any means you like. You just don't like to listen it's ok like l said if you read my whole post 20 years to many countries all one way l onward travel when and how l want. You think l am only one many travelers do that. You are talking Thailand because all the westerners border bouncing living here and not on permeant visa or overstating and returning that's why they may get requested for a return ticketPaul *******
@David *******
You have to follow the law, that is the rule of the country you are going to. Your arguments don't make any sense. Airline check-in agents will routinely ask for proof of outbound travel, unless you can show a visa, when flying to Thailand.
While this won't happen at every point of departure, count yourself lucky if you haven't been affected by this yet.
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Paul *******
@Paul ********
You can cross at any international border crossing. Locals only crossings are permitted only for citizens of the two countries which share the border.Tod *********
@Paul ********
doesn't make a difference how you come back, land or air will work finePaul *********
ok thanks
Reply to
Paul *********
Reply
Terrance ********
I heard Vietnam was great I’ll check out Laos !
Andi ***********
Congrats. Very smooth process. Useful info.
Greg ********
@Andi **********
I think the Tet holiday might have speeded this up. We thought tight slowly the process down but it looks like they wanted to clear the desksAndi ***********
@Greg *******
Yeah, agreed. Hopefully applicants applying next week are aware of the Tet hols.Greg ********
@Andi **********
On another note I am now putting business plan together for BOI "S". More expensive than DTV but probably a better fit. Reached out to Director of Innovation for EEC too as I once did an Oxford PM course with him- use contacts like Asians use contacts :-)Andi ***********
@Greg *******
i think so, BOI is better, the DTV would limit your interaction in Thailand. You can meet in person with Thai firms etc. wth the boi visa. Making use of the old boy network is the right move.Greg ********
@Andi **********
Yeah. Cost is more ie 100k to join an incubator scheme but if it works the longer term options are better if serious about building something. Cost per month is the cost of a half decent night out :-)Reply to
Greg ********
Reply
Jamé *******
Congratulations!!!! 🎉 How was your interview? What were you asked?
Shay **********
@Jamé ******
inbox me! How did it go?Olivia ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jamé ******
it was very straightforward, asked a couple questions about my job and specifically asked me confirm that it’s not based in Thailand. Then I was asked to open my online banking to confirm it was my account and verified the final balance and cross checked a couple transactions. I was in and out in five minutesJamé *******
@Olivia *******
Did you need to take any of the documents with you to the interview?Olivia ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jamé ******
I brought all my documents just in case, but it was unnecessaryReply to
Olivia ********
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