Visa exempt boarder run to Laos

[Reece]

Hello, I am currently in Thailand on a Visa exempt entry which I extended and I am wanting to find out if it possible to go to Laos and come back into Thailand with a new visa exempt entry. I would be travelling by bus into Laos and back. Could anyone please elaborate on how this would work if possible?

 

Also, if this is possible, is there a cost when entering back into Thailand and could I re enter Thailand on the same day that I arrive in Laos?

 

I have already applied for my e-visa into Laos as I am planning to get a Thai tourist visa but my plans have changed and I will only be back in Thailand for less than 30 days.

 

Any advice and assistance will be much appreciated.

[tabarin]

If you didn't enter 2x via land border this calendar year yet, you are good to go.

[BritTim]

Where are you travelling from and back to in Thailand? There are a number of entry points into Laos, and the most convenient one to use depends on your starting point. You can enter Laos, and immediately turn around and reenter Thailand. There is no charge to enter Thailand. You can only get two visa exempt entries by land in a calendar year.

[Reece]

1 hour ago, tabarin said:

If you didn't enter 2x via land border this calendar year yet, you are good to go.

Amazing! Thank you

 

1 hour ago, BritTim said:

Where are you travelling from and back to in Thailand? There are a number of entry points into Laos, and the most convenient one to use depends on your starting point. You can enter Laos, and immediately turn around and reenter Thailand. There is no charge to enter Thailand. You can only get two visa exempt entries by land in a calendar year.

This info is much appreciated. I will be entering into Savannakhet

[BritTim]

There are VIP buses to Mukdahan from several points, and local buses to Mukdahan from closer towns. You also have the option (especially from Bangkok) of Fly-ride travel offered by Nok Air and Air Asia. Once in Mukdahan, you can take the international bus to the Friendship Bridge 2 where you cross to and from Laos. You do not provide enough information for me to be more specific.

 

EDIT: When not planning to apply for a Thai visa, there are usually more convenient crossings than Mukdahan/Savannakhet, but it obviously depends on your starting point.

Edited November 7, 2019 by BritTim

[Toosetinmyways]

Can Laos e-visa be used at Savannakhet? Laos embassy in Bangkok told me only Vientiane airport and Friendship bridge 1.

[Toosetinmyways]

From July 2019

Which ports in Laos provide e-Visa service?

At the moment, there are only 2 ports accepting Laos online visa applicants:

• Wattay International Airport in Vientiane.
• Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I connecting Vientiane and Nong Khai (Thailand).

Laos government will soon extend the list of e-Visa accepting port to at least 1 more international airports in Pakse, and 3 more international border checkpoints including Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge 2 in Savannakhet connecting Mukdahan in Thailand, Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge 4 in Huayxay connecting Chiang Khong in Thailand, and Boten International Border connecting Mohan in China

In the near future, all the international airports or border checkpoints will accept the e-Visa applicants.

[ubonjoe]

It appears that they are now available at the Savannakhet crossing.

This popup on the Lao e visa site comes upon now. https://laoevisa.gov.la/index

[Charles So]

Not knowing starting point, but flying out from Thailand or bangkok for example to Kuala Lumpur -Malaysia may be cheaper than border run to Laos if taking all cost incl Laos visa fee is concerned.