stephen tracy

Cheers Jack, I'm actually off to Baghdad in a month so I'm good. Probably wont see civilization again until later this year, by which time, hopefully all will be well again. Also, thanks to all who contributed here! I owe you all a drink.

Thanks Jack!

Hello all, just got through the border and now in NK. Phew! The IO asked where I was going in Thailand and how long I would stay but he didn't ask to see any proof of anything or funds. So, I spent 3 days in Laos fretting because of the IO's warning on the way into Laos. While I dont think this experience necessarily offers any clarity, it does illustrate that whatever an IO tells you may not be acted upon by a different one. In fact, the guy who warned me was there but I went in a different queue and just hoped he didn't spot me.

If I go tomorrow, it will be 3 nights in Laos by then so that should be enough. I'll try NK first for sure because the potential nightmare at the airport scares me. I don't know why the IO insisted I go back through the airport though. If he had not said that, I would not be as worried about going back via NK.

Yep

I'll update for sure. I'm pretty nervous about it. I should probably just go have a drink and relax and just deal with what ever happens tomorrow if it happens. Was hoping there'd be some reports today from someone attempting it but nothing. Checked Reddit as well. Just a lot of speculation. Que sera, sera.

Agreed. I have entered 3 times since June with no issues. This recent warning on the Thai side of the border (5 FEB) was the first time I have been questioned My initial entry in June was air, then 2 NK crossings. Last one in early NOV. Tomorrow will be my 4th entry (third NK crossing), if successful.

But they let you in again at the border 2 days later, no problem?

I've decided to wait one more day before attempting going back. I am still undecided. Does anyone know how long it generally takes for them to cancel the Laos exit visa in the event that I am denied entry at NK? Is it a lengthy process of waiting around?

I think the only difference is that I was taken to an office on the Thai - before I even entered Laos - and told not to come back again through the land border at NK. This is why I am worried about crossing back and thinking of the airport instead but that could end badly if I ger denied entry there. Anyway, thanks for you input

I live in BKK but I wouldn't mind flying into Udon Thani or something and staying a night or two there and carrying on to BKK, I wonder if Udon IOs are any more chilled than their BKK counterparts

You think I shouldn't fly back? I think I ought to cuz that's what the IO said but what do I know?

The IO actually specifically told me to fly in via Suvarnibum but he probably just meant any airport ... I assume, at least

On 5 Feb I crossed into Laos from Nong Kai and I am in Vientiane now. When I was getting stamped out on the Thai side, the IO told me to go and see his colleague in a little office, and the IO in the office was nice enough and stamped me out but asked how long I was gonna stay in Laos, and I said 2 or 3 days, and he he nodded and then said, if I go back to Thailand, not do so from the border but fly in instead. I wish I had asked him how many days I should stay out but I didn't think at the time. Now, I'm not sure whether to go back tomorrow or hang on here a while to make it look like a real tourist stay or what.

Hi all, I asked a similar question recently. On 5 Feb I crossed into Laos from Nong Kai and I am in Vientiane now. When I was getting stamped out on the Thai side, the IO told me to go and see his colleague in a little office, and the IO in the office was nice enough and stamped me out but asked how long I was gonna stay in Laos, and I said 2 or 3 days, and he he nodded and then said, if I go back to Thailand, not do so from the border but fly in instead. I wish I had asked him how many days I should stay out but I didn't think at the time. Now, I'm not sure whether to go back tomorrow or hang on here a while to make it look like a real tourist stay or what. I will update this when I attempt re-entry so we have a bit more clarity, if that is ever possible with Thai immigration rules.

Hi all, is it true that a TM30 has to be filled out in blue ink?

Yep

From what I understand, if you leave the country and enter another visa exempt, you have to do it. I have all the copies/docs from last time I did it, I just need to get the landlord to update the tenancy contract to extend from when I come back.

Thanks to all for these responses! Great, I will just go Monday and say my new tenancy began the previous day. I don't think there's any visa or immigration query that cant be answered on AN!

Hi all, I will fly to Udon tomorrow to do a visa run via Nong Khai. My landlord will not register TM30 online when I get back later Friday evening so I will have to go do it in person on Monday. Will I still pay a fine, given that the weekend gets in the way?

I wish I'd thought of that earlier. Just looked at the website and it takes 3 days to process, and I have to go on Friday so it's cutting it fine and there's no refunds.

Anyone know if this is the most up-to-date form attached? The Laos embassy doesn't seem to have a website for Thailand to download them. Application-Form-Lao-Visa.pdf

Thanks metisdead, I found that PDF one but I seem to recall the one I filled out at Vientiane airport a few months ago was a bit longer.

Hi all, does anyone have download links for the most up-to-date Laos tourist visa application form? I want to print and fill out before I get to Nong Khai.

Thanks JayClay.