Marrige Visa Or Border Runs?

[Dont Panic]

I’m thinking about applying for a marriage visa at the Thai Embassy in Vientiane…..on the website it states that they need to see a copy of a Thai bank account – but it doesn’t state why……do you need to show a certain amount of money?

The situation is I’m quitting my job next week……my work permit is up for renewal next week…..so I’m going to leave the country without getting a re-entry stamp…..this way both my visa and work permit are cancelled.

I’m going back to the UK in 3 months so what do people advise?

Go to Lao and get a marriage visa (but do I need to show money) or just do Cambodian border runs?

Any help is greatly appreciated….

cheers

[MJo]

Not sure in Vientiane embassy exact practises but usually if you want to get one year multiple entry non-immigrant O visa based on marriage you need to show 400,000 thai baht in your account (thai or overseas account). And single entry O visa (get 90 days upon entering thailand) you can get without funds.

I'm sure others are soon here to update you on latest in Vientiane requirements. Or you could search the forum as there is lot of discussions and advice on this matter.

[Lite Beer]

Go to Vientienne Laos and get a Tourist Visa this gives 2 months and can be extended for a further 30 days at Immigration. If that is not long enough get a double entry Tourist Visa.

While in the UK get a Multi Entry Non O Visa from the Thai Consulate in Hull. No bank account need and it will give you up to 15 months stay.

Or if you can meet the financial requirements get a Single Non O Visa and apply for the 12 month extension in Thailand.

BTW there is no such thing as a Marriage Visa.

[ubonjoe]

All that normally is needed for a single entry non-o based upon marriage in Vientian is your marriage certificate (copy of both sides) and a copy of your wifes house book and ID.

You can take your bank book just in case but there is no minimum required.

[Lite Beer]

As you can see, you do have a few options to get you through the 3 months. Once in the UK you will find it a lot easier to sort out a Visa for a long stay.

[Dont Panic]

what is the situation at poi pet on the cambodian border.........how long do they give you when you cross and come back in? How many times can you do this.....if I'm here only another 3 months, is this an option? Do they need to see any type of onward ticket?

[ubonjoe]

You will only get 15 days per entry at any border crossing.

As of today you can do it as many times as you want.

So that would be about 6 border runs or 1 visa run to get 90 days.

[Dont Panic]

I just noticed I have only one whole page free in my passport......I have some spaces on other pages for the small stamps given at the border.......is this going to mean a new passport

[ubonjoe]

Yes you need a new passport. A visa run takes at least 2 and a half pages.

You probably have enough for a border run,

[Digitalbanana]

what is the situation at poi pet on the cambodian border.........how long do they give you when you cross and come back in? How many times can you do this.....if I'm here only another 3 months, is this an option? Do they need to see any type of onward ticket?

Another option not mentioned yet, is to border run with a 15 day or 30 day (by air) transit visa and get it extended 60 days for 1900BHT at immigration with the relevant marriage documents? There is no limit to this either is there so 3 months is achievable with up to two land border runs also?

[Dont Panic]

thanks for all the replies.....

i have decided to renew my passport and get a tourist or non-o (marriage)visa in lao

cheers

[kevkev1888]

Yes you need a new passport. A visa run takes at least 2 and a half pages.

You probably have enough for a border run,

If you apply for your cambodia visa on line evisa, they do not put the visa in your passport thus saving you a page.

http://www.mfaic.gov.kh/e-visa/index.aspx