Tourist visa at Vientiane

[lime12]

Hi all I've been doing some research on the forums to plan for my trip to get a new visa and would like to get some clarification to make sure I've got it all right.

I'm in Thailand and my triple entry tourist visa from the UK will expire soon. I'd like to just get the longest possible tourist visa without traveling further than any adjacent countries. I am looking at travelling to Vientiane as I'd really like to do a bit of touring in Laos anyway so I figured I could bus it up to Nong Khai, get a Laos tourist visa at the border, Go to Vientiane and hand in an application for a Thai tourist visa and do a bit of touring whilst waiting for it to be processed.

I just wanted to make sure what kind of Thai tourist visa I should get. As I was thinking I could get another triple entry but from what I've read here, it is pointless as the ones issued at the Thai consulates in the UK can be used within 180 days however the ones issued at Vientiane have to be used within 90 days. So does that mean I should get a double entry and just exit and entry Thailand near when its up, netting me just under 180 days in total including all the extensions etc?

I'm marrying a Thai girl before 6 months so I think should be able to apply for a Non immigrant O at that point.

Thanks for the help.

Edit: Just one other question, can I download either/both the Laos visa and Thai visa applications at home and fill them out ready so I don't have to mess about at the border? Also I'll be taking my Thai fiance and will probably tour around Laos for about 4 days so any idea if she needs a visa? Thanks!

[lopburi3]

Do not believe you can do much touring around the country without a passport. As long as wife has passport believe she is visa exempt. It is only an overnight in Vientiane to get passport back so I would plan to stay in city for that and then head to Luang Prabang (or where you want). Yes a two entry visa appears to be your best option.

[Thanyaburi Mac]

At Thannaleng, the Lao border point opposite Nong Khai, they required the visa form with their red stamp. This was in late January on my last trip. I tried with the same form with no stamp, no joy.

You'll also need to fill out their Arrival/Departure form.

Get both at Window #1, fill them in, hand in with your $35 (Americans), wait a bit, then start looking at Window #3 for someone waving passports. Pick out yours and proceed on to the exit gate, show your passport to the guy/gal there, and grab a taxi into town.

Thai get 30 days visa free with a passport, no need to fill in the visa from, just the Arrival/Departure form. I think that's right, my wife hasn't been up there for a bit over a year now.

Mac

[ubonjoe]

You can download visa app on embassy website.

[ttwitt]

there is beautiful big new buses that go into town frequently from the bridge. look around ask. as anywhere in this region steer clear of taxi as best you possibly can. the people you meet will then be so much nicer.

[Maestro]

Links to the visa application forms of Thai consulates in the region are in this post in the linked topic Latest Reports Of Getting A Visa In The Region.

[lime12]

Thanks everyone for all the help

[JJJIIIMMM]

if you fly into vientienne from bkk, is it still 35 dollars for visa on arrival?

[ubonjoe]

Yes dependent on your nationality.

[lopburi3]

It depends on your nationality but you will have to pay for the visa.