Visa Run Over Friendship Bridge

[JMS]

I am doing my 1st visa run and any helpful advice is needed. Is it possible to meet an agent at the bridge who does everything for you

[C-sip-degree]

I am doing my 1st visa run and any helpful advice is needed. Is it possible to meet an agent at the bridge who does everything for you

JMS

Which bridge 1or 2 Nong-khai or Mukdahan

regards

C-sip

[chownah]

If you are just leaving the country and then returning to get an entry stamp then there are people who will fill out the paperwork for you but there is really no reason to employ them as the process is simple enough to do yourself....of course if you've got money to burn then why not?

[JMS]

I am doing my 1st visa run and any helpful advice is needed. Is it possible to meet an agent at the bridge who does everything for you

JMS

Which bridge 1or 2 Nong-khai or Mukdahan

regards

C-sip

I do not know. I was told it was friendship bridge

[JMS]

If you are just leaving the country and then returning to get an entry stamp then there are people who will fill out the paperwork for you but there is really no reason to employ them as the process is simple enough to do yourself....of course if you've got money to burn then why not?

So if I turn up at the border without a visa it is not a problem

[C-sip-degree]

If you are just leaving the country and then returning to get an entry stamp then there are people who will fill out the paperwork for you but there is really no reason to employ them as the process is simple enough to do yourself....of course if you've got money to burn then why not?

So if I turn up at the border without a visa it is not a problem

JMS

You have a choice then Nong-Khai (North first bridge) or Muhdahan (N/E new bridge)

Visa on arrival in Lao @1500bht at both bridges once crossed, via bus.

Bring visa photos also x4 being on the safe side.

Plus remember that now you have too spend a night over and return the next day.

Thai Embassy in Lao is easy to find if require visa for return, try to plan it so you arrive @ Thai Embassy before lunch time pick-up will be 13:00 next day.

You can get a Lao visa @ Khon- Kaen and save 300bht if happy to wait a day or save 150bht and wait 30minutes if not to busy.

I normally don’t worry about the Lao (kip) $$ and just use the baht, taxi’s are quite a bit more expensive (due to the price of fuel in Lao) but accommodation, food, etc are similar.

There are some other small costs like bus tickets, fees, but they don’t amount to more than a few dollars either way, plus you may find there has been a price increase since I was there last 6months back, but it’s a good guide line for you.

What out for holidays being (public / Buddhist ) etc.

Regards

C-Sip

[johngooding]

Hi,

If you are just crossing the Nong Khai bridge, and coming straight back, the following is my recollection.  Quickest for me 40 minutes total, longest 1 hour.

I normally get my Laos visa at the consulate in Khon Kaen.  The cost does depend what country you come from. There is a list of prices at the consulate.

For the UK the cheapest option is 1400Baht, but they take 2 full working days, so if you leave your passport on a Monday, you can collect from Wednesday on.  If you want it straight away, then it is 1600 Baht.  Only one form and one photograph is needed.

Most people just arrive at the bridge without a Laos visa, after passing out through the Thai border, this side of the bridge, you catch a small bus, 15 Baht and arriving the other side 10 minutes later, there are 2 windows on your left where you can get your Laos visa if not got before. You need to fill in an arrival card as well, similar to the Thai one. You then go through Laos immigration, no hassle, just a bit slow if a coach has just arrived before you.  You then have to pay about 20baht entry tax at another window.

Walk ahead turn left and exit Laos immigration. (There are duty free shops across the road if required) before exiting.

Walk ahead and catch another small bus across the bridge, (15 Baht). That drops you off just before the Thai immigration windows. You need to fill in the usual arrival card and you are back.

I have a Non O multi entry, so have just done the simple run, not been to Vientiane for a new visa, so cannot comment on that.

The simple run above is fine for a 90 day Non O run or for a simple new 30 day permission to stay stamp on arrival. (only 90 days stay allowed in any 180)... but thats getting into a longer and more complex discussion.

[JMS]

Thank you all for the helpful advice