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Why is visa processing taking so long in Vientiane?
Visa ProcessingThailand VisaConsulate OperationseVisaNon-O VisaThai General ElectionsVientiane EmbassyVisa Delays
Jan 28, 2026
3 months ago
Breathtaking************
ORIGINAL POSTERHi guys. Why the visa processing takes so long in Vientiane. I have been waiting for the visa for 7 days now (5th business day). Just last year the visas were processed in 1-2 days always. Some even got the visa on the same day of the application. Is this a new change now? Is anyone else stuck waiting for the evisa in Vientiane?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The processing time for Thai visas in Vientiane has extended to 5 business days or longer recently, contrary to the previous 1-2 day norm. This delay is attributed to the Royal Thai Embassy's focus on facilitating overseas voting for Thai citizens during the upcoming general elections. The embassy has temporarily halted new visa payments on specific dates, which has caused a backlog in processing applications.
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Andy ********
BreathtakingReindeer1677 you asked why visa processing was taking so long.
It was explained with direct proof that the consultant is closed due to Thai elections.
What else can this group do for you. Consulate closed = staff not working = backlog in visa processing = delays in you getting your visa.
I can't make it clearer.
It was explained with direct proof that the consultant is closed due to Thai elections.
What else can this group do for you. Consulate closed = staff not working = backlog in visa processing = delays in you getting your visa.
I can't make it clearer.
Breathtaking************
ORIGINAL POSTERAndy Oswald the embassy announcement was about they stopping to recieve payments for visa on those days. They didn't say they stop all existing visa processing during this day. Read the message again. If they said they will close all visa related activities then it would have been clear. But that's definitely not the case.
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Breathtaking************
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David ***********
I have been waiting for 3 weeks in Australia
Cathy ********
Hazard a guess also Chinese NY will soon be used as a reason
Breathtaking************
ORIGINAL POSTERCathy Odgers maybe
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Breathtaking************
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Kurt *************
5 business days isnt long when some prople wait weeks
Breathtaking************
ORIGINAL POSTERKurt J Oldervik when they are with their parents in their hometown. Not moving between hotels for weeks with uncertainty.
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Breathtaking************
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Graham ******
Have you gone to the Embassy to pay yet?
Breathtaking************
ORIGINAL POSTERGraham Seal paid a week ago
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Breathtaking************
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Stephen *********
Non B visas now can take that long, the system changed with online applications introduced.
Dca *****
ALL Thai Embassies and Thai Consulates around the world outside Thailand are currently conducting overseas Voting of Thai Citizens for the Thai General Elections on 08 February 2026, which overseas Voting is conducted in advance of Election Day on 08 February 2026
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Royal Thai Embassy (Consular Section) will not receive visa payment on 22-23, 26-27 and 29 January as it is organizing oversea election for Thai nationals.
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Royal Thai Embassy (Consular Section) will not receive visa payment on 22-23, 26-27 and 29 January as it is organizing oversea election for Thai nationals.
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2Shane ***********
I received mine on Friday, flew back to BKK Saturday but their processing times were 5-10 business days
Breathtaking************
ORIGINAL POSTERShane Kinneally wow that's very slow. Last year i got mine in 2 days.
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Breathtaking************
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Breathtaking************
ORIGINAL POSTERDca Dca yes i have read about this. Not accepting payment is clear but what about people who paid before and under processing. Did they stop processing visas completely for those days and until when? That's very unclear. That leave people in uncertainty.
Shane ***********
BreathtakingReindeer1677 did you read the signage on the gate at the consulate, been up for 2 weeks
Breathtaking************
ORIGINAL POSTERShane Kinneally but today is 28. So seems they open and processing applications
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Breathtaking************
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Dca *****
BreathtakingReindeer1677 You are gonna have to directly contact the Thai Embassy Visa Section somehow to find out more information
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Dca *****
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Stephen ********
Which visa?
Breathtaking************
ORIGINAL POSTERStephen Howell non-o
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