Do I Need A Visa To Go To Vientiane, Laos For A Thai Visa Run?

[mark17022]

I'm about to go to Vientiane tomorrow for a thai visa run and just noticed on a site that I need a visa to go to Laos. Is this right? Can I not get one at the border when I cross?? I have an Australian and UK passport. Thanks

[lopburi3]

You need a visa and yes you can obtain them at the border. Believe you can use US or Thai baht (US normally better rate but they may not want to accept). Different rates for different folks but not sure if US and Oz is same or not but you must exit with the passport you entered Thailand on and you must enter using that also. You can not change passports at a land crossing.

[Thanyaburi Mac]

You need a visa and yes you can obtain them at the border. Believe you can use US or Thai baht (US normally better rate but they may not want to accept). Different rates for different folks but not sure if US and Oz is same or not but you must exit with the passport you entered Thailand on and you must enter using that also. You can not change passports at a land crossing.

No problem using U.S. $$$ for entry on the Lao side of the bridge, $35 for Americans. There's a list of nationalities and charges posted at the window.

Mac

[RudieTheFoodie]

I'm about to go to Vientiane tomorrow for a thai visa run and just noticed on a site that I need a visa to go to Laos. Is this right? Can I not get one at the border when I cross?? I have an Australian and UK passport. Thanks

Hi Mark.

If you get your VOA (Visa on arrival) at the border in Nong Khai, it will cost $35 (US) - Dont use an agent (there's no need - they just add on extra money) THIS IS FOR A UK PASSPORT - NOT SURE ABOUT AUSTRALIAN.

However. get your $35 before you go, as if you exchange at a bank in BKK $35 is about 1200bt. If you pay at the border the exchange rate is bad, and they will charge you 1500bt. Also make sure you have a few photos before you go.

Good luck

[mark17022]

I'm about to go to Vientiane tomorrow for a thai visa run and just noticed on a site that I need a visa to go to Laos. Is this right? Can I not get one at the border when I cross?? I have an Australian and UK passport. Thanks

Hi Mark.

If you get your VOA (Visa on arrival) at the border in Nong Khai, it will cost $35 (US) - Dont use an agent (there's no need - they just add on extra money) THIS IS FOR A UK PASSPORT - NOT SURE ABOUT AUSTRALIAN.

However. get your $35 before you go, as if you exchange at a bank in BKK $35 is about 1200bt. If you pay at the border the exchange rate is bad, and they will charge you 1500bt. Also make sure you have a few photos before you go.

Good luck

So if I pay in Baht it is always converted to US$35??

[FarangCravings]

I'm about to go to Vientiane tomorrow for a thai visa run and just noticed on a site that I need a visa to go to Laos. Is this right? Can I not get one at the border when I cross?? I have an Australian and UK passport. Thanks

Hi Mark.

If you get your VOA (Visa on arrival) at the border in Nong Khai, it will cost $35 (US) - Dont use an agent (there's no need - they just add on extra money) THIS IS FOR A UK PASSPORT - NOT SURE ABOUT AUSTRALIAN.

However. get your $35 before you go, as if you exchange at a bank in BKK $35 is about 1200bt. If you pay at the border the exchange rate is bad, and they will charge you 1500bt. Also make sure you have a few photos before you go.

Good luck

So if I pay in Baht it is always converted to US$35??

No its either $35 USD or 1500 baht so better to pay the $35 in USD which works out cheaper.

[shaunoro]

At the border US dollars are preferred. Get some before you go if possible.

Last time i went it was $50, but that was six years ago.

[Bucko]

I fronted up at the border 3 years ago--gave them the paperwork and $35us--and was informed that N.Z Passport holders was $30us----theh window then closes abrubtly--and yes---I'm still waiting for my $5 refund

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You need a visa and yes you can obtain them at the border. Believe you can use US or Thai baht (US normally better rate but they may not want to accept). Different rates for different folks but not sure if US and Oz is same or not but you must exit with the passport you entered Thailand on and you must enter using that also. You can not change passports at a land crossing.

No problem using U.S. $$$ for entry on the Lao side of the bridge, $35 for Americans. There's a list of nationalities and charges posted at the window.

Mac