Tourist Visa Application In Laos

[tropo]

One more thing: it has been said (somewhere in this thread I think) that, in order to gain time at the Friendship Bridge, it was possible to download the visa application form from the Lao embassy website. That's BS. They don't accept it. There's no other solution than filling the form they give at the border (they are slighty different).

I thought they were talking about the tourist visa application form on the Thai Embassy (in Laos) site, not the application form for a Laos visa. I've already downloaded on of those and intend to use it when I get there.

[adjan jb]

One more thing: it has been said (somewhere in this thread I think) that, in order to gain time at the Friendship Bridge, it was possible to download the visa application form from the Lao embassy website. That's BS. They don't accept it. There's no other solution than filling the form they give at the border (they are slighty different).

I thought they were talking about the tourist visa application form on the Thai Embassy (in Laos) site, not the application form for a Laos visa. I've already downloaded on of those and intend to use it when I get there.

This one is accepted by the Thai Consulate.

[designersing]

My Update from Thai Embassy Laos:

I went and applied for a double entry tourist visa on the monday, to see if it is possible (on a monday) to obtain the double. After handing in the application form (which I marked a x2 Double next to the tourist visa box) the man at the cash counter asked for 1000b, I said excuse me it should be 2000b correct? he said no, single entry, I politely asked why I couldnt have a Single and he said "I dont know" with an emberassed look on his face.

I left and came back the next day (after 1pm for collections) to pick up the visa, and was therefore given a single entry. I have no tourist visas previous only a non-b, from my experiences other people did not also recieve the double only singles, and I would probably argue a guess that this was because of someone at the office who will not issue doubles on a Monday. The waiting time and huge ques at the Embassy on monday were frightening, I would not go back there on a monday to apply for a double, In my experience you will NOT receive the double. Hope this helps some people out.

Edit: Anyone planning to go to Laos and apply for said visa who needs any questions answering, feel free to PM me here at thaivisa.

Best

DSG

Edited November 28, 2007 by designersing

[eek]

Do you think if you had gone any other day of the week, you would have obtained a double entry TV?

Also, does anyone know if the double entries are being given only to those who have not had previous TVs?

I have had 3 TVs so far. Not back to back. Plus x2 entry stamps from Myanmar, would like to know if anyone can give an idea of what my chances are. (I'll also take copies of bank statements, in case they ask)

[designersing]

Do you think if you had gone any other day of the week, you would have obtained a double entry TV?

Also, does anyone know if the double entries are being given only to those who have not had previous TVs?

I have had 3 TVs so far. Not back to back. Plus x2 entry stamps from Myanmar, would like to know if anyone can give an idea of what my chances are. (I'll also take copies of bank statements, in case they ask)

eek, I would say your chances are better if you apply any other day than a monday, also I have never

had any tourist visa before, only a non b used up for 15 months. I would advise you to steer clear of monday applications for doubles, as I and others didnt recieve it, and also I spoke to other thaivisa members there at the consul (amazing whom you meet from tv.com) who also did not receive, put simply, you will not receive the double.

Best

DSG

[adjan jb]

My Update from Thai Embassy Laos:

I went and applied for a double entry tourist visa on the monday, to see if it is possible (on a monday) to obtain the double. After handing in the application form (which I marked a x2 Double next to the tourist visa box) the man at the cash counter asked for 1000b, I said excuse me it should be 2000b correct? he said no, single entry, I politely asked why I couldnt have a Single and he said "I dont know" with an emberassed look on his face.

I left and came back the next day (after 1pm for collections) to pick up the visa, and was therefore given a single entry. I have no tourist visas previous only a non-b, from my experiences other people did not also recieve the double only singles, and I would probably argue a guess that this was because of someone at the office who will not issue doubles on a Monday. The waiting time and huge ques at the Embassy on monday were frightening, I would not go back there on a monday to apply for a double, In my experience you will NOT receive the double. Hope this helps some people out.

Edit: Anyone planning to go to Laos and apply for said visa who needs any questions answering, feel free to PM me here at thaivisa.

Best

DSG

Strange.

Were you there monday 26/11 ?

I also marked a "x2" next to the tourist visa box and 120 days after "purposed length of stay". I also politely asked (in Thai) if I could get a double entry tourist visa and he said "yes, sure" (in English). He was very friendly. I also had no tourist visa before this trip, only two 30 day stamps and a non-b (from 2002 to 2007). I'm French. I was traveling with a German guy who also got the double entry TV. I saw 4 Americans handing 2000 bahts for the 2 entry TV. Later in the morning, I met French, Swiss and English men who were also granted the double entry TV.

Question : are you one of those two middle-aged Americans, first and third in the queue, who didn't smile and dressed quite impolitely (according to Thai standards) ?

BTW, monday morning, there was no man working at the cash counter, only two Lao women. The only man on duty that morning was working at the application counter. And he was the decider.

Edited November 28, 2007 by adjan jb

[adjan jb]

I just got back from Laos. I got my double entry tourist visa with no problem. I wrote double beside the tourist visa box, and paid the 2000 baht.

[tropo]

I just got back from Laos. I got my double entry tourist visa with no problem. I wrote double beside the tourist visa box, and paid the 2000 baht.

I hope we can sort this one out.

[designersing]

My Update from Thai Embassy Laos:

I went and applied for a double entry tourist visa on the monday, to see if it is possible (on a monday) to obtain the double. After handing in the application form (which I marked a x2 Double next to the tourist visa box) the man at the cash counter asked for 1000b, I said excuse me it should be 2000b correct? he said no, single entry, I politely asked why I couldnt have a Single and he said "I dont know" with an emberassed look on his face.

I left and came back the next day (after 1pm for collections) to pick up the visa, and was therefore given a single entry. I have no tourist visas previous only a non-b, from my experiences other people did not also recieve the double only singles, and I would probably argue a guess that this was because of someone at the office who will not issue doubles on a Monday. The waiting time and huge ques at the Embassy on monday were frightening, I would not go back there on a monday to apply for a double, In my experience you will NOT receive the double. Hope this helps some people out.

Edit: Anyone planning to go to Laos and apply for said visa who needs any questions answering, feel free to PM me here at thaivisa.

Best

DSG

Strange.

Were you there monday 26/11 ?

I also marked a "x2" next to the tourist visa box and 120 days after "purposed length of stay". I also politely asked (in Thai) if I could get a double entry tourist visa and he said "yes, sure" (in English). He was very friendly. I also had no tourist visa before this trip, only two 30 day stamps and a non-b (from 2002 to 2007). I'm French. I was traveling with a German guy who also got the double entry TV. I saw 4 Americans handing 2000 bahts for the 2 entry TV. Later in the morning, I met French, Swiss and English men who were also granted the double entry TV.

Question : are you one of those two middle-aged Americans, first and third in the queue, who didn't smile and dressed quite impolitely (according to Thai standards) ?

BTW, monday morning, there was no man working at the cash counter, only two Lao women. The only man on duty that morning was working at the application counter. And he was the decider.

Hi, Indeed strange. I marked the x2 next to the tv box, and also wrote 120 days for length of stay. I always dress very smart for Embassy/Consul visits. At the time I reached the application desk with my form there WAS a man taking in the applications, I then noticed it was HE who answered "I dont know" to my may I ask why I cannot get a double please. I also spoke to MANY others who did not recieve doubles, including an American and an Italian guy. I have no idea why they didnt accept my application other than they have a quota per day, or they just didnt like the look of me? Either way I would advise NOT to apply on a monday, but if you want to try it out go ahead, I am just posting here to let people know others experiences.

best

DSG

[tropo]

I have no idea why they didnt accept my application other than they have a quota per day, or they just didnt like the look of me?

Perhaps they do have a daily quota and it's just a case of first in, best dressed.

[waveydavey]

I've just got back from Vientiane where I obtained a double entry TV.

Applied on the Tuesday. Wasn't there early, approx 10.30 when I arrived. I wrote x2 next to the TV box and said length of stay was 120 days. I'm British, 49 years old and I've been in Thailand for 20 months with a triple entry tourist visa from Birmingham England, a single from Penang and 2 single entries from Vientiane (both in the last 10 months). Also 3 visa exempts (2 from Mesai, one from Swampy).

There was a guy checking the forms at the desk outside and 2 women at the cash desk inside. Nobody batted an eyelid at the request for a double and I wasn't asked for a bank book although I had one with me just in case. I was reasonably smart, although I'd gone straight there after a 12 hour bus trip from Chiang Mai so I wasn't in my usual Brad Pitt lookalike mode.

Not sure if this clears anything up or just adds to the confusion but I'd advise it's worth trying for a double but don't go on a Monday. If you get turned down you'll still get a single.

[tropo]

Not sure if this clears anything up or just adds to the confusion but I'd advise it's worth trying for a double but don't go on a Monday. If you get turned down you'll still get a single.

We like to hear new like this. Thanks for the report.

[Awk]

BTW, monday morning, there was no man working at the cash counter, only two Lao women. The only man on duty that morning was working at the application counter. And he was the decider.

Hmm, that was not my experience the monday before (19). There were two men accepting the applications.

The one who took mine asked me about my "double" tv request, I explained why, and that seemed to be ok.

Next I went to pay, to the two women (I don't know if they were lao or not, could be. Two fat women with

a similar appearance). The woman asked for 1000 bath, I said I had applied for a double, and the other

woman said "single only", which made me think the decission was made by the women taking the cash.

[fm2002]

This is weird. I too was there Tuesday 11/27. Arrived at 09:45am (Pic 1), turned my completed application form, copy of passport and 2 photos (glued to the form) to the small gentleman at the counter (Pic 2). On the form I had typed "X2" next to the Tourist Visa box. When I turned in my application form I requested a double entry and was told I needed a copy of my Thai bankbook. Luckily I had one and brought it with me. I needed a copy of the first page with my name and account number and a copy of the page which shows the deposited amount. He accepted it and then was told to wait at the other bldg. to pay (Pic 3). After about 45 minutes I paid 2000 baht and left with my receipt. The next day I returned after 1pm and received my Double Entry Visa. I'm a U.S. citizen under 50 with no past Visas in my passport and was dressed appropriately. Sorry the upload in Vientane is too slow to upload the pics. Frank

[Canada]

I would like to ask, "what is dressed appropriately"? Jeans, black shoes or boots and a black dress shirt? Or jeans and an "I love the King "shirt? Are you talking about not showing up in cut-offs and a t-shirt?

I am kinda fashion stupid, and stuck in jeans, but can wear something other than a t-shirt.

Sorry for the dumb question.

[lopburi3]

Having a shirt is a good start; and it not being a t-shirt would be even better I suspect. But I suspect a clean appearance is more important than the clothing itself.

[Lite Beer]

I would like to ask, "what is dressed appropriately"? Jeans, black shoes or boots and a black dress shirt? Or jeans and an "I love the King "shirt? Are you talking about not showing up in cut-offs and a t-shirt?

I am kinda fashion stupid, and stuck in jeans, but can wear something other than a t-shirt.

Sorry for the dumb question.

I think he means vest,beach shorts and flip flops.

[bangkokgas]

So - as I posted a month ago (na,na,na na neh!). Double t.v.'s are being issued in Vientiane. Yes, it could chamge tomorrow, yes, I'll probably be charged by some on this forum for being too frank with the bl#@@ng obvious because.....they are too paranoid actually! Said before, say again, if you have the money, are not breaking Thai laws (by working illegally i.e.),under 50,don't want to leave just to fly home and apply for a <deleted> visa....why not follow the rules and do as .............THE$ PERPETUAL TOURIST DOES!!!! Stay and enjoy! But behave of course.

how many you had lad?

Enough my friend!~

[adjan jb]

I have no idea why they didnt accept my application other than they have a quota per day, or they just didnt like the look of me? Either way I would advise NOT to apply on a monday

DSG

If they have a daily quota (and reading all those contradictory reports I do believe they have one), it doesn't matter if you apply on a monday or tuesday.

[fm2002]

I would like to ask, "what is dressed appropriately"? Jeans, black shoes or boots and a black dress shirt? Or jeans and an "I love the King "shirt? Are you talking about not showing up in cut-offs and a t-shirt?

I am kinda fashion stupid, and stuck in jeans, but can wear something other than a t-shirt.

Sorry for the dumb question.

Was clean shaven, had long khaki pants with a white collared shirt. That said I don't really think it matters much because the counter is high and the person accepting the application is sitting low behind it. There were others looking really bad and had there applications accepted. Not sure what they were applying for but....

[rigpigonjuice]

I really don't know if it matters what you look like or how you dress. Both my arms are fully sleaved with tattoos, and I was wearing flip flops, shorts and a wife beater. I got my double entry visa.

[Awk]

I really don't know if it matters what you look like or how you dress. Both my arms are fully sleaved with tattoos, and I was wearing flip flops, shorts and a wife beater. I got my double entry visa.

Well, you certainly present a strong candidacy for the "your appearance does not matter" group. ;-)

[notime]

Norrad, how many days was your girlfriend allowed to enter for? I'm planning on taking mine next week.

She was given a 30 day stamp. But she used her passport, I think border passes are good for a few days. (Correct me if I'm wrong).

You are right. Thais without a passport get a two day entry stamp on their Border pass paper. I just came back from Laos few days ago and had a Thai friend with me. We were trying to extend that two days to three days in couple of offices in Vientiane to match our sightseeing schedule but to no avail. The reason may be that the Lao border personal at the Friendship bridge charge a "fee" of 200THB for every day overstay .. no receipts issued .. money straight into their pockets :-) We didn't have any problem paying that on the way back and getting out.

Yan, Samui

[devaram]

I have no idea why they didnt accept my application other than they have a quota per day, or they just didnt like the look of me? Either way I would advise NOT to apply on a monday

DSG

If they have a daily quota (and reading all those contradictory reports I do believe they have one), it doesn't matter if you apply on a monday or tuesday.

I would never apply for a visa on a Monday anyway. Mondays are bad luck,Teusdays are good, Wednesdays are very good, BEWARE OF THURSDAYS!!!! FRIDAYS #1!!!

[jstumbo]

BTW, monday morning, there was no man working at the cash counter, only two Lao women. The only man on duty that morning was working at the application counter. And he was the decider.

Hmm, that was not my experience the monday before (19). There were two men accepting the applications.

The one who took mine asked me about my "double" tv request, I explained why, and that seemed to be ok.

Next I went to pay, to the two women (I don't know if they were lao or not, could be. Two fat women with

a similar appearance). The woman asked for 1000 bath, I said I had applied for a double, and the other

woman said "single only", which made me think the decission was made by the women taking the cash.

I wonder if they just did not notice that it was a double entry when they said 1000 baht. That they did not want to admit they were incorrect in asking for it, and did not want to give the power to you by saying that you were correct and you could have a double?

[Jace]

Hi, I am due a visa run to Veintine in Laos on the 9th of Dec. I am writing this from my bed in my local clinic, I had a rather nasty accident last night and obtained 16 stitches in my head and I have a monster black eye on the way. I am not allowed to go home until tomorrow as I have concussion. There is no way I will be travelling from Chumphon to Laos tomorrow. OR be able to obtain 2 recognisable passport photos for my educational visa application.

Could anyone tell me if I turn up at the border with a Doctors letter to explain why I have overstay (and ovbiously the scars to prove it) will I still be charged overstay?

Thanks.

[lopburi3]

If possible you should obtain a 7 day extension of stay from local immigration now with the doctors letter. You can not submit application for visa until next Tuesday in any case.

[Jace]

by next tuesday you mean the 11th? I am aware that the 10th is a holiday, my current visa expires on the 10th so I was going to get there a day early and wait till Tuesday anyway. I cant get an extension as I have used my 90 days of entry visas. I am now enrolled on a course hence the educational visa.

[lopburi3]

With the medical report they may provide a short extension - it is worth a try - otherwise I would try to get out by the 10th as overstay stamps are starting to be looked at a little more closely than in the past from several recent reports (although not from Vientiane yet).

[devaram]

Its a pretty bazaar and sad commentary on the situation here to think that maybe he could get a small extention if hes that badly hurt. I thiink any other country in the world would give him as much time as he needs to recover based on a doctors recommendation.

Sorry to change the subject but to get back to what days are magical double entry days, is tuesday the only proven day or has anyone gotten a double entry on a wednesday thursday or friday?

The other question I have is once the first TV is used up how much time do you get to travel outside Thailand before using the second visa ?