Need to spend two days in Laos ay at chiang saen crossing

[Nick Carter icp]

Just passing this on :" For anyone doing the border run from northern Thailand (closest land crossing to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai) you can no longer turn around and immediately get back on the bus back to Thailand after getting your Laos stamp/visa. They are now requiring a two day stay in Laos before returning. When you do come back you need to have proof of 10,000 bhat, T30 and proof of exit (flight info).

I did this run 3 months ago and it was not in effect back then. Not sure if this is just this crossing or all land crossings. I read some comments that say it’s shady and the head of the immigration here must be getting some kind of cut from the Laos side. No idea the truth of that but I do know there are signs everywhere and all the agents and peripheral businesses act like this is the new normal.

The guy that runs the daily van from Chiang Mai says he can still get you in and out the same day because he’s so connected in there and that’s his whole business but again, can’t say for sure. All I know is I’m spending an unexpected two days in Laos, which is fine, just wish I planned for it better so that’s why I’m telling you."

[Schnitzelfritz]

Does anyone know if this '2 days out' rule also applies to 12-month multiple-entry Non-O visa holders doing a border run to get another 90-day permission to stay?

[BrandonJT]

13 hours ago, Schnitzelfritz said:

Does anyone know if this '2 days out' rule also applies to 12-month multiple-entry Non-O visa holders doing a border run to get another 90-day permission to stay?

There is no 2 days out rule.  It's 1 night required in Laos, only at the Chiang Saen and Chiang Khong border.  And reports indicate it is only for those using visa exempt.  

One person reported recently that they had a multiple entry visa and were told they could not return that day, but turned around in Laos and had no problem getting back in.

[Nick Carter icp]

3 hours ago, BrandonJT said:

There is no 2 days out rule.  It's 1 night required in Laos, only at the Chiang Saen and Chiang Khong border.  And reports indicate it is only for those using visa exempt.  

One person reported recently that they had a multiple entry visa and were told they could not return that day, but turned around in Laos and had no problem getting back in.

 

  There is a two night out rule and Chiang kong . 

I was told about it yesterday at CK by immigration there 

The paper they gave me yesterday