Savannakhet Visa Run

[mld532]

Hi All,

I have searched this very informative Board for recent 2009 related info regarding a Savannakhet TR Visa run. Most seems to be 2006 to 2008 related.

Was issued a Single Entry 60 Day TR Visa from KL Thai Consulate, and after extending for 30 days, it expires on Monday 9 November 2009.

I am currently up country in That Phanom and wish to do the cheapest Visa Run to obtain another 60 day Visa.

I could actually get away with only a 30 day Visa as I will more than likely be leaving Thailand to work outside for a while before returning, but I believe I can only obtain 15 days for a land border entry?

If I understand correctly I can go to Mukdahan Bus Station and take a bus from 0815 across the bridge and obtain a Laos Visa in my New Zealand Passport for 1500 Baht. Then enter Laos PDR and go to the Thai Consulate there, fill out the required form, give 2 Passport Photos, a photocopy of my Passport Photo page, and have a 60 Day Single Entry TR Visa issued in my Passport, which I can collect the next day. Is this correct? Or is it a 2 day wait? Also is the TR free same as in KL?

My existing TR Visa expires on 9 November 2009. Does this mean I have until midnight on 9 November to leave Thailand? I only ask as I am contemplating going to Mukdahan on Sunday 8 November and entering Laos that day so I can go to the Thai Consulate in Laos PDR early on the Monday 9 November morning.

I also wish to go to Laos PDR with my Thai girlfriend. She has never been and wishes to go with me. Maybe she doesn't trust me alone...haha. She however does not have a Passport, and insists she does not need one. She seems to think she can use her Thai ID Card to leave Thailand and enter Laos? I am not convinced. Can anyone advise?

Thank you for your time and for your usual correct information. Hope I haven't rambled too much. :-)

[lopburi3]

Have not seen any recent report on that Consulate but any tourist visa should be free. You have until midnight the 9th to leave. She should be able to get a border pass using her ID card but it may not be the same office used to cross the river so allow extra time (and office may not be open on a Sunday). Hopfully someone with experience will see this post and advise.

[Ayutthaya69]

you thai gf dont need a passport to go laos only id card buth shee have to paid 150 0r 200 baht and she can go only 2 days if you decide to stay 5 days you have to paid 200 baht for overstay per days and for your visa you go on the morning and the next day you go back after 13 oclock to pick up your passport have a nice trip

[mld532]

Have not seen any recent report on that Consulate but any tourist visa should be free. You have until midnight the 9th to leave. She should be able to get a border pass using her ID card but it may not be the same office used to cross the river so allow extra time (and office may not be open on a Sunday). Hopfully someone with experience will see this post and advise.

Hi, thanks for your reply and the info. Much appreciated. I guess not many TV BM's use Savannakhet for Visas, seems most use Vientiene as it is the main hub. Not much info on the Board about this Immigration Portal.

I look forward to any further info that members may have. Will go there Sunday.

Thanks again.

[mld532]

you thai gf dont need a passport to go laos only id card buth shee have to paid 150 0r 200 baht and she can go only 2 days if you decide to stay 5 days you have to paid 200 baht for overstay per days and for your visa you go on the morning and the next day you go back after 13 oclock to pick up your passport have a nice trip

Hi mate. Thanks for the info, much appreciated. Wasn't sure she was right, but yet again she has proven me wrong. Haha! Will enjoy the trip. Take care.

[tropo]

the bridge and obtain a Laos Visa in my New Zealand Passport for 1500 Baht.

With your New Zealand passport you can get a Laos VOA for $30 during the day, or $31 after hours. That'll save you about 500 baht. Your girlfriend will have to cross the border in the day time. I don't believe she can go through after 6pm without a passport.

[hijiji]

the bridge and obtain a Laos Visa in my New Zealand Passport for 1500 Baht.

With your New Zealand passport you can get a Laos VOA for $30 during the day, or $31 after hours. That'll save you about 500 baht. Your girlfriend will have to cross the border in the day time. I don't believe she can go through after 6pm without a passport.

Is it the same cost ($30 USD) for an Australian passport?

[tropo]

the bridge and obtain a Laos Visa in my New Zealand Passport for 1500 Baht.

With your New Zealand passport you can get a Laos VOA for $30 during the day, or $31 after hours. That'll save you about 500 baht. Your girlfriend will have to cross the border in the day time. I don't believe she can go through after 6pm without a passport.

Is it the same cost ($30 USD) for an Australian passport?

Yes, Oz and NZ passports both $30 USD. $1 more after 6pm.