Will I face issues applying for a Non-O visa after multiple trips to Laos?

Jul 30, 2019
5 years ago
Allirà ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi guys.

I have been to Laos, Savannaket, twice already. Once to do a border run and the second time was to get my tourist visa. I will be going back at the end of August to apply for my Non-O. I just wanted to know if I will have any issues going back as this will be my third time. Although, I have only been to the Thai embassy once.

Any information will be appreciated.

Thank you.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is concerned about potential issues with applying for a Non-O visa after making multiple trips to Laos for a visa run and obtaining a tourist visa. They seek clarification on any limitations on border crossings to Laos and the implications for their visa application at the Thai embassy, especially since this will be their third visit.
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Tod *********
If you're from S/A then you don't get a "visa on arrival" (which is only good for 15 days anyway) :/

IF you show up to thailand without having bought a visa from a thai consulate beforehand you get a 30 day visa exempt entry

AND

you are from a country that can only get TWO 30 day visa exempt entries in a calendar year when entering by land at ANY border.
Ramon *******
I heard that too. Limit on land border crossings at 2 per calendar year. Maybe it's purpose specific but i'd appreciate clarification on this too.
Allirà ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
South Africa
Tod *********
@Allirà **********************
what country is your passport from?
Allirà ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
30 day visa exempt entries are visas on arrival right?
Tod *********
@All***
3 times or 30 times there is NO RULE about how many times you can enter Lao. :/

Pretty much you just show up at the border, stamp out of thailand, BUY your visa on arrival to Lao, stamp in and you're good to go.

The closest REAL rule that has anything to do with what you were told is the fact that you can ONLY get TWO 30 day visa exempt entries by land in a calendar year to get IN to thailand..
Allirà ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
This would be my 3rd time time entering Laos
Tod *********
okay, you can enter any border as many times as you want with a VALID visa from a thai consulate in your passport. Meaning
@All***
will have no problem re-entering the country on a valid non-O visa from the consulate

BUT

You can only get TWO 30 day visa exempt entries by land in a calendar year.
Allirà ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I was told that you cannot go to Laos more than twice in one year. So I just wanted clarification.
Allirà ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
Good point :) Thanks for the heads up ;)
Tod *********
@Allirà **********************
and you aren't gonna be entering Lao unless you leave thailand are you? :P There is NO RULE about how many times you can enter Lao in a year.

Again, you have your wires crossed on what you heard or were told and what is really a rule.
Allirà ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
I did not ask about the number of times to leave Thailand. I asked about the number of times entering Laos
Tod *********
@All***
I think you have your wires crossed some. There is no rule about how many times you can LEAVE thailand to another country in a year at all. The rule is how many times you can come back IN to thailand without a visa from a thai consulate in your passport getting a 30 day visa exempt entry. AND for people from 51 countries that's TWO times in a calendar year (Jan 1 - Dec 31).
Benjamin ******
I think you can, it's just the tourist visas, or the ED visas where they limit them (I think)
Amornrat **********
Why you think you will have a problem ? As long as you prepared to pay for Laos visa you are fine. For the Non O at Thai Consulate it should be OK. Your Non O is based on what ?
Robert *******
Make sure you meet all the requirements to apply for the Non Immigrant O visa. As there are many reasons to apply for this visa, this is the only advice i can give you.
Allirà ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you!
Robert *******
We can not help you with Laos visa advice, as far as i know there is no limit on entries into Laos if you buy a Visa.
Benjamin ******
No, I can't see any problems, if all of the paperwork is together for the Non-O
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