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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?
May 21, 2025
a year ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERI 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.
P.S I knew the name was the issue because the embassy told me the name was the problem in the cancellation email.
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.
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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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.
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.
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.
Paul *******
@John ******
Sorry, for Brunei it might indeed be 14. It's 15 for Swiss, Luxembourg and Russian citizens as well as Japanese.Siggi *******
@John ******
there is no 14 days exemption for 99% of foreigners in this countryPaul *******
@John ******
It's 15 days for citizens of Brunei, Switzerland etc. Not 14.John *******
@Paul ******
according to their website it is 14 for Myanmar and Brunei. It is most likely that the OP is from Myanmar.Paul *******
@John ******
Yes for Myanmar it's also 14 days.Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Anonymous ******************
For me I had the similar situation but for Cambodia. I did a border run to Vietnam and come back and there was no problem
Anonymous ******************
Just extend your laos visa, jumping across to Thailand is not advisable with the 2 lands entry's per year rule, you never know if might end up needing 3rd this year
**************************************************
Wannikea *********
Anonymous participant 716 there is a 2 entry rule if you land in a 🚀 spaceship, but for humanoids it doesn't apply.
Bob **********
Anonymous participant 716 there is no 2 entry rule ????
James ********
Anonymous participant 716 there is no 2 Land entries rule for Thailand any longer. That changed last July 2024. It's unlimited but subject to the Thai Immigration Officers.
John *******
Anonymous participant 716 the OP doesn’t have a visa to extend. He/she is there on a 14 day visa exemption (assuming they are from one of the ASEAN countries).
Adam *****
@John ******
14 days is only for Myanmar. Other ASEAN countries are 30 days.John *******
@Adam ****
for Laos, but Cambodia it is multiple countries. Point being, shouldn’t try to use a 14 day visa exemptReply to
John *******
Reply
Ray *****
Anonymous participant 716 2 land entries per year is no longer the law
Reply to
Ray *****
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Mike ****
I feel you, seems like the processing times are just disgraceful. You have to leave the country before it's approved then it just resets.
EmeraldEl*********
@Mike ***
why disgraceful It’s a 5 year visa
I could wait one or two months. The problem is the people already living in Thailand and want a fast turnaround
These are government agencies we should be happy they process in 2-3 weeks not months
Like John said people need to plan on 30 days then if faster great you can leave
Reply to
EmeraldEl*********
Reply
Anonymous ******************
You can go to Immigration office in Vientiane and extend the visa to stay more in Laos
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 844 Thanks I’ll be heading there tomorrow to check for extension.
Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
John **********
If your application has been cancelled it's finished, done. You can apply again making sure your details are correct this time and that you have sufficient time to reapply and remain in the country you apply from
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
I hired the agent to make sure that the details are all correct and she ended up being the reason for cancellation. I’ve reapplied myself for the third time.Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Kyle **********
hows your visa status right now? Have u sent a new application yet?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kyle *********
Yes i sent in the new application right away. It’s pending approval.Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
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