Border Crossing Laos - Thailand

[funkytraveller]

Hi

Just about to leave for Thailand where we will spend just under a month before then going to Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos. We're planning to reenter Thailand for 3 more weeks at the end of november, however, I have read that they only issue 15 day visas at border crossings. With this in mind, would we need to get a tourist visa in vientiane to allow us more time? If so, how long does it take?

Thanks

[thaiphoon]

You will get 15 day permission to stay visa exempt entry (it is not a visa) on entering Thailand by land border. You could extend your permission to stay by 7 days at Thai immigration with airline ticket out of the country, fee 1900 baht. Or you could obtain tourist visa from Vientianne. They are currently free. Apply morning day 1 and collect in afternoon day 2.

You may also need to obtain a tourist visa for your flight to Thailand. Unless you have a flight booked out of the country within 30 days of arrival your airline may not let you board.

[funkytraveller]

You will get 15 day permission to stay visa exempt entry (it is not a visa) on entering Thailand by land border. You could extend your permission to stay by 7 days at Thai immigration with airline ticket out of the country, fee 1900 baht. Or you could obtain tourist visa from Vientianne. They are currently free. Apply morning day 1 and collect in afternoon day 2.

You may also need to obtain a tourist visa for your flight to Thailand. Unless you have a flight booked out of the country within 30 days of arrival your airline may not let you board.

Thanks, yes I'm planning to book us a flight to Cambodia (about 3.5 weeks after arriving) just before we leave, i presume that will satisfy them?

[thaiphoon]

It may not. The IATA database, which detail the immigration requirements to enter Thailand, and to which all the airlines have access, state that to obtain 30 day visa exempt entry into the Kingdom the passenger must be in possession of a ticket out of Thailand within 30 days. The reason why the airline may refuse you boarding is because if you are denied entry into the Kingdom, the airline will be responsible for paying for your flight back home. Would therefore suggest you book online now your onward flight to Cambodia so you can show flight itinerary at check-in if necessary.

[funkytraveller]

thats what i meant, planning to book online before we leave on tuesday so we can show them the itinerary

[thaiphoon]

Ok, you should be fine. I read your earlier post to mean you were booking just before you were leaving Thailand. Have a good trip.

[Maestro]

That’s OK, then. With an airline ticket (printout of electronic ticket) for a flight from Thailand to Cambodia within 30 days from your arrival in Thailand in your possession at the time you check in for your flight to Thailand you don’t need a visa for Thailand.

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Maestro