@Ron ******

I'm half expecting a stamp soon...maybe 3 months tops and I will have to go back to Australia for a while...I have a new passport less than a year old but those Laos visas next to Thai visas, not a good look.

@Tod ********

I've been there about 6 times now but never on a Friday....yes...never seems to be more than 50 or 60 turning up at the most at Sav.

@Ron ******

They accepted my application, but wanted a guarantee I would bring proof so I am 99% sure I can pick it (passport) on Monday afternoon.

@Ron ******

Correct Ron, there were about four people there when I arrived around 9.10 am and was told come back Monday...so Friday looks like the day to apply for Visas in Sav if you don't want crowds and don't mind relaxing for three or four days there...I like the town, not as expensive and as hectic as Vientiane.

They told me to come back Monday.

Next to no chance she will asked for funds......relax, don't panic..if they don't see any recent Thai visas in her passport they probably wouldn't even bother to ask to see her hotel booking and exit flight details....It's repeat Tourist Visa visitors they are looking out for.

They opened the gates an hour earlier (just after 7.30, so this scene is 3 hours after it opened..I don't know if all these people had their applications accepted or not, but I would guess that they would have all been accepted and the gates shut at 11 to let no more applicants in. All of this was because the consulate was closed last Thursday and Friday...don't worry, Vientiane has improved a lot...if you come midweek it shouldn't be a problem..if you come on a Monday, come in an hour before the gates open and it shouldn't take too long..I was here 3 months ago, I did that, I got there about 7.45, the gates opened at 8.30 and I was out around 9.30...bring a book and water.

This is 10.30 am (close to gate shutting time)...not at 9.00 am

There were at least a couple of notices posted up saying that they are looking out for repeat tourist visa applications and irregularities. This is my third this year at this consulate so I'm a bit concerned.

I have been there 8-10 times...this was at 10.30 when you normally wouldn't see that queue going up to the gate and u-turning back to the application area....got there at about 7.20 and the queue was already 200-250 metres long....it did help they opened up early about 7.45...tomorrow is another matter...I am not looking forward to it because around 1.00 pm it gets warm...this morning it was cool, very agreeable weather.