@Charles *********

That's not happening. Sounds like a scam to me.

@Artur *********

They want to make sure the money wasn't just deposited there by a friend. If they can see lots of transactions, it means that you're getting paid, transferring funds into your account and using your bank account like it is intended.

@Mario ******

That's something they'll have to deal with unfortunately and while I think some consulates are speeding up processing times, Laos will likely become one of the slowest in the region and thus avoided by most applicants come January.

@Dca ****

I assume how it will work is, first you make payment, get a receipt and then you upload that or provide the receipt number, then it will let you proceed with the application (or the other way around; you upload everything, then evidence of payment in cash, at the embassy in Vientiane or consulate-general in Savannakhet).

@Mario ******

I wonder why that is? A strange and useless rule. Besides, once the Lao consulates move to the e-visa, they'll have to rethink this whole thing, regarding conversions.

Having said that, in other jurisdictions using the e-visa system, it can be quite fast. Vietnam and Cambodia (especially Ho Chi Minh) can issue e-visas in as little as 48 hours (though they state the processing time is now 5 business days).

@Dca ****

Only credit/debit card, except for Laos.

@Mario ******

Why don't those teachers apply in Cambodia or Vietnam? Quicker and easier that way. Or see if they can convert in-country

@Michael ********

What an absolute bunch of nonsense. There won't even be any enforcement. Dont believe rumors of make believe penalties.

@Lu ****

That's sufficient. There's no specific minimum salary required, but anything from around USD 800 and above seems to be fine. The most important thing is the 500,000 THB in your account though.

@Oussama *******

No, it's not linked. Immigration needs to see a print out (some people have said they presented their phones) but presenting a passport only won't work. Immigration and MOFA are two separate entities. Therefore, only extensions of stay issued by Immigration will be in their computer system. Visas have to be scanned by Immigration at the Port of entry each time you re-enter. This applies to both visa stickers and e-visas.