Red Stamped In Vientiane.

[dddave]

I'd have put this in the already existing "Vientiane-red stamp" thread, but that seems to have degenerated into a name calling contest.

I arrived to Vientiane on Wednesday, 28 October via Nong Khai by bus from Bangkok: (AIR UDON Bus Co. Double deck, 2&1 seating: B450. Very comfortable, no stops.)

I had decided not to take the train because I was worried the volatile railroad strike in the south could expand to other lines. Also, during rainy season delays are frequent. The 0900 arrival time in Nong Khai is tight as it is, an hours delay can mean missing the noon embassy drop off deadline and I didn't want to spend an extra day in Vientiane.

Dropped passport off at the new Consulate. My passport had 3 consecutive double entry tourist visa's, all issued in Vientiane.

Picked the Passport up Thursday, 29 Oct, got the double entry Visa but with the dreaded RED STAMP affixed, detailing 9 entries, "Next visa may be refused"

Another fellow close to me in line had two consecutive double entry tourist visa's also issued in Vientiane but he did not get the "red stamp".

Another fellow American had four Doubles from Vientiane but he had two trips to the USA and tourist visa's issued there between them. He did not receive a red stamp.

Took a "CHAN TOUR" bus from Nong Khai back to Bangkok. Same 2&1 seating, express to Mor Chit. B450

Touts will always try to grab you at Mor Chit and direct you to so called "VIP" buses that charge B750 and up. Ignore them and shop around on the third floor ticket area.

Just as a side note, the development going on around Vientiane and especially around the new consulate is amazing. Many hotels being built within walking distance. Many new restaurants and massage parlors as well.

[tropo]

I'd have put this in the already existing "Vientiane-red stamp" thread, but that seems to have degenerated into a name calling contest.

I arrived to Vientiane on Wednesday, 28 October via Nong Khai by bus from Bangkok: (AIR UDON Bus Co. Double deck, 2&1 seating: B450. Very comfortable, no stops.)

I had decided not to take the train because I was worried the volatile railroad strike in the south could expand to other lines. Also, during rainy season delays are frequent. The 0900 arrival time in Nong Khai is tight as it is, an hours delay can mean missing the noon embassy drop off deadline and I didn't want to spend an extra day in Vientiane.

Dropped passport off at the new Consulate. My passport had 3 consecutive double entry tourist visa's, all issued in Vientiane.

Picked the Passport up Thursday, 29 Oct, got the double entry Visa but with the dreaded RED STAMP affixed, detailing 9 entries, "Next visa may be refused"

Another fellow close to me in line had two consecutive double entry tourist visa's also issued in Vientiane but he did not get the "red stamp".

Another fellow American had four Doubles from Vientiane but he had two trips to the USA and tourist visa's issued there between them. He did not receive a red stamp.

Took a "CHAN TOUR" bus from Nong Khai back to Bangkok. Same 2&1 seating, express to Mor Chit. B450

Touts will always try to grab you at Mor Chit and direct you to so called "VIP" buses that charge B750 and up. Ignore them and shop around on the third floor ticket area.

Just as a side note, the development going on around Vientiane and especially around the new consulate is amazing. Many hotels being built within walking distance. Many new restaurants and massage parlors as well.

It's always a good idea to clearly indicate the nationalities when you report on tourist visas out of Vientiane. Different nationalities are treated differently.

Just to confuse the issue, I got no red warning stamp last week with one single from Penang followed by 3 double entries out of Vientiane in a New Zealand passport. All consecutive

[My Friend Same]

might be good to mention age as well

[PoorSucker]

As gender.

[dddave]

I'd have put this in the already existing "Vientiane-red stamp" thread, but that seems to have degenerated into a name calling contest.

I arrived to Vientiane on Wednesday, 28 October via Nong Khai by bus from Bangkok: (AIR UDON Bus Co. Double deck, 2&1 seating: B450. Very comfortable, no stops.)

I had decided not to take the train because I was worried the volatile railroad strike in the south could expand to other lines. Also, during rainy season delays are frequent. The 0900 arrival time in Nong Khai is tight as it is, an hours delay can mean missing the noon embassy drop off deadline and I didn't want to spend an extra day in Vientiane.

Dropped passport off at the new Consulate. My passport had 3 consecutive double entry tourist visa's, all issued in Vientiane.

Picked the Passport up Thursday, 29 Oct, got the double entry Visa but with the dreaded RED STAMP affixed, detailing 9 entries, "Next visa may be refused"

Another fellow close to me in line had two consecutive double entry tourist visa's also issued in Vientiane but he did not get the "red stamp".

Another fellow American had four Doubles from Vientiane but he had two trips to the USA and tourist visa's issued there between them. He did not receive a red stamp.

Took a "CHAN TOUR" bus from Nong Khai back to Bangkok. Same 2&1 seating, express to Mor Chit. B450

Touts will always try to grab you at Mor Chit and direct you to so called "VIP" buses that charge B750 and up. Ignore them and shop around on the third floor ticket area.

Just as a side note, the development going on around Vientiane and especially around the new consulate is amazing. Many hotels being built within walking distance. Many new restaurants and massage parlors as well.

It's always a good idea to clearly indicate the nationalities when you report on tourist visas out of Vientiane. Different nationalities are treated differently.

US citizen

might be good to mention age as well

66

As gender.

Male

[tropo]

Just a caution notice for anyone thinking about a visa run to Vientiane.

Success can be based on your nationality.

I made the mistake of thinking my Filipino Gf would get a visa based on many reports on this forum from successful applicants. I should have realized that not many Asians post on here.

I have since heard of another Asian applicant being refused this month.

The news seems to run slowly even amongst people who should know. My visa run shop guy in Pattaya didn't know about Asians being refused in Vientiane.