What is the wait time before activating a tourist visa obtained in Laos for entry into Thailand, and how do extra days in Laos affect the visa duration?

Apr 12, 2019
6 years ago
George *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
If I get a tourist visa in Laos, how long can I wait before I need to cross the border and activate it? Also, does the number of extra days you spend in Laos after you have been granted your tourist visa get subtracted from your total days? Thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
When you obtain a tourist visa in Laos, the validity period typically allows waiting for up to six months before you must cross the border to activate it. Once you enter Thailand, a single entry tourist visa is valid for 90 days, with a stamp granting you an initial 60 days. The days spent in Laos after getting the visa do not count toward the visa duration.
Tod *********
What
@Pa**
said (y)
Paul *********
A single entry tourist visa is valid for 90 days. On entering you'll get stamped in for 60 days.

As for waiting before entering Thailand there should be no reason / benefit why you don't go straight to the border and enter Thailand.

Of course if you have an extensive history of back to back SETV / visa exempt you could be "interviewed" by the immigration officer. Although very unlikely at either the Nong khai or mukdahan crossing.
Terary **********
I think its a few months until it expires.. You get granted the visa whatever day.. but the clock doesn't start until you cross the border into Thailand.

If you look at the image on this page 'Thai Visa Advice' there is an "Enter Before" date. I think its six month - so with SETV you have a few months.
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