Visit To Laos

[Jai Dee]

A friend and I are planning a trip through Isaan and on up to Laos, possibly Vientiane.

We both have valid multiple re-entry Thai visas so no problems exiting and re-entering Thailand.

Our Thai wives both have passports.

Question 1. Do we (as foreigners) need to apply for and obtain a Laos visa before departing, or can we obtain a tourist visa at the border?

Question 2. Do our Thai wives need to apply for and obtain a Laos visa before departing, or can they obtain a tourist visa at the border?

Question 3. My mate's wife's Thai parents often travel to/from Cambodia and Laos, and do not have passports. If they are travelling with us, are they likely to come under more scrutiny from the immigration officials and possibly need passports?

Any advice/experience would be much appreciated.

[tuky]

Jai Dee,

I have not done it to confirm but the guy sitting next to me in my office has. He tells me that he needed a visa which was arranged for him by the bellboy in the Nong Kai hotel he was satying in. His wife needed a slip of paper to accompany her ID card to get through passport control. Not sure what the slip of paper was, but I imagine it is similar to a visa.

I am sure someone could confirm this and perhaps add some more details?

[Rumpole]

You can get a visa on arrival at the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge in Nongkai. Not sure about other land-crossings, but I think some of them (Mukdahan/Suwanaket?) will also now give you a visa on arrival. The only thing to watch out for is the annual Communist Party Conference, usually held in the Autumn, (and sometimes other political meetings), when they will suddenly insist that everyone needs a visa in advance for the duration of the conference, and may even close the Friendship Bridge crossing completely.

My information may be a little out of date, but Thai citizens used to be able to get a five-day "border pass" simply by producing their ID card - this was considerably cheaper than the passport/visa option. The application had to be done at the city hall in Nongkai though (quick and easy), not at the border itself. Technically, they were restricted to within a 5 kilometre radius of Vientienne, but this could be extended for payment of a further fee (in Laos itself). I believe the duration of the border pass can also be extended beyond five days if you pay more, but am not sure quite how you go about this. May be simpler just to get a regular visa at the border-crossing.

Edited September 9, 2005 by Rumpole

[camble]

It is my understanding the visa obtained on entry for farangs is good for 15 days, and costs either 1500 baht or $30 USD.

[BCIslandGuy]

It is my understanding the visa obtained on entry for farangs is good for 15 days, and costs either 1500 baht or $30 USD.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I did the trip last march with my thai GF, took the bus from Udon Thani, got our visas at the border (visa on arrival). She didnt require a passport or extra photos, but she had them. I dont remember how long we were allowed, we stayed about 10 days.

Warning, dont try to bring a rental car across (a friend of mine got turned back), also the visa on arrival can be a bit un-reliable. Lao govt shuts it down every so often

Dont plant to spend too long in Vientienne, Luang Prabang is worth the trip for sure. We also took the 7 hour boat ride up to Nong Kiaw - a bit long but interesting in many places.. not much there unless you are into treking, but the view from the bridge is very nice.

Have a great trip.

[lungbing]

Jai Dee,

If your trip through Isaan includes a stop in Khon Kaen, then there is a Laos Consulate here where you can obtain the visa. They also produce a useful leaflet giving details of visa charges and crossing points and should know when or if the borders are closed.

For UK subjects the fee is 30 US dollars, but varies for other nationalities, depending, I suspect, on how much they charge Laos citizens!

I can't remember the exact address of the Consulate but can soon find it if required. It's on the same road as the local tourist police office, which is itself a useful stop-off point as they have loads of leaflets for places to visit in Isaan