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What should I do if my DTV application got canceled due to a name error and I have limited time left on my visa-exempt stay in Laos?

Visa-exempt Stay DTV Application Visa Extension Immigration Issues Visa Run

May 21, 2025

3 days ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

I came to Laos on a 14-day visa-exempt after being told by the agent that I would get my DTV approved here within a week. The agent applied for my visa but filled in my name incorrectly during so my visa was cancelled. I reapplied for it myself the very day, but was only able to pay the next day. Because of this, I only have one week left on my visa-exempt stay here. I saw in this group that someone who applied on the 14th or 15th had their interview scheduled for the 28th. I don't have enough time left if the interview is going to be in 2 weeks. I was planning to do a visa run to Thailand and back into Laos, but it says online that I'm supposed to remain in Laos the whole time the visa is being processed, and that it would affect my DTV activation otherwise. What can I do? Is it possible to extend my visa-exempt stay at the immigration office? (I was reading on Google, and most said I can't, but an agent I met outside the embassy said he could do it for me, but it takes 5 days. I'm not sure if I should or could trust him.) 

P.S  I knew the name was the issue because the embassy told me the name was the problem in the cancellation email.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user originally entered Laos on a 14-day visa-exempt status with the intention of getting their DTV approved. However, due to an agent's mistake with their name, the visa was canceled. After reapplying, they learned that they may not have enough time to handle the application process before their visa expires. They are considering a visa run to Thailand but are concerned about the implications of leaving during the application process. Various comments suggest going to the immigration office in Vientiane for a possible visa extension and caution against using agents for visa matters. Another reminder is given to consider applying for longer visas in the future to avoid such issues.

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Wannikea *********

Get the agent to pay your 10,000 baht reapplication fee since they couldn't even get the most critical part of the application filled in correctly.

a day ago

Paul *******

Get an extension at the immigration office if possible. If you did go out of country, it can't be to Thailand. Has to be to another country.

2 days ago

John *******

So, for others who might see this: 1. Don’t enter a country on a 14 day visa extension (Cambodia, Laos, etc.). It isn’t practical. Just get a 30-day visa, as it gives you more flexibility. 2. Really shouldn’t use agents. Many have identified the various issues they have faced with them, first while applying and second when entering into Thailand. 3. If first application was canceled and needed to resubmit, really think through the amount of time you have left on the visa before submitting, especially when you entered on a 14 day exemption.