Getting A 1 Year Non-imm B In Laos

[kopite]

whats the deal with getting a non-imm B visa in laos.

Just wondering what kind of timeframe. is it the same as a tourist visa, morning application then next day afternoon pick up, or does it take longer?

is it also possible to get one there?

many thanks in advance

Edited September 29, 2007 by kopite

[toptuan]

Yes, it's possible but highly unlikely. Out of 13 attempts, I got it ONCE. The staff seems incredibly biased against issuing Non-Imm. B's to foreigners at this office.

The clerical gods of the Ventianne Thai Embassy are notoriously capricious as compared to any other SE Asian Embassy. Once you've got all your documents together (according to THEIR published list (printed newsletter and online info.), they'll be guaranteed to come up with something new you should have had. One year, I was prepared with over 20 documents. However, I was asked for a CLASS SCHEDULE for the following year, for where I teach. No schedule? No visa! Heck, the college didn't even have one published yet! On another attempt, they decided I should present to them a letter from The Minister of Education of Thailand, no less! No letter? No visa!

You're at the mercy of their whims.

In contrast, back in the USA, I submitted THREE easily-obtained documents with my passport, via Fed Ex, and had my visa within 4 days, via return overnight Fed Ex. Don't know why the inconsistency in service, but it's a frustrating fact. Do a Google search of ThaiVisa with "visa" and "vientianne," and you'll see the ugly truth.

If you try, good luck.

Edited September 29, 2007 by toptuan

[kopite]

Yes, it's possible but highly unlikely. Out of 13 attempts, I got it ONCE.

The staff seems incredibly biased against issuing Non-Imm. B's to foreigners at this office. Once you've got all your documents together (according to THEIR published list (newsletter and online info.), they'll be guaranteed to come up with something new you should have had. One year, I was prepared with over 20 documents. However, I was asked for a CLASS SCHEDULE for the following year, for where I teach. Heck, the college didn't even have one published yet. You're at the mercy of their whims.

In contrast, back in the USA, I submitted FOUR documents with my passport, via Fed Ex, and had my visa within 4 days, via return overnight Fed Ex. Don't know why the inconsistency in service, but it's a fact.

The clerical gods of the Ventianne Thai Embassy are notoriously capricious as compared to any other SE Asian Embassy.

If you try, good luck.

yet when i went for a tourist visa they were great. wheres the best place then? its not actually for me but a friend. i can imagine his face if its the uk

[lopburi3]

There has been a complete turn around in the attitude at Vientiane this year and expect your firend will not have the troubles that were common in other years.

[kopite]

There has been a complete turn around in the attitude at Vientiane this year and expect your firend will not have the troubles that were common in other years.

thanks lopburi, do you know how the process takes for a non-imm b visa?

[lopburi3]

I don't know the required paperwork but the process would be the same as a tourist visa - apply morning and receive next workday afternoon. Not sure of the exact times.

[kopite]

I don't know the required paperwork but the process would be the same as a tourist visa - apply morning and receive next workday afternoon. Not sure of the exact times.

excellant, thanks for that fella