Please explain to me the best way to do a visa run

[RaysFan]

So Ive run into problems with extending my visa here in Thailand, dont really want to get into the details... but my visa expiers in 3 days. Ive never done a "visa run" before. Can someone please explain to me like I'm 5 years old the best combination of cheap and easy way to get the best possible tourist visa? I'm guessing either Burma or Laos... Someone told me I have to fly because if you cross the boarder by bus or car you can get only a 15 day visa.

Can you also tell me what I need to get done today in preparation to leave as far as any documents, copies, pictures, ect.... I really do appreciate it.

Oh, I am American.

[yingyo]

What is your purpose in Thailand?

Working, studying, retiring, volunteering, tourism?

[RaysFan]

My goal here is to get a tourist visa... From what Ive read I think I can get a 60 day multi entry? I'm sure half of the people on this board are doing tourist visa runs to live here. I just want to know how they do it. I am getting this tourist visa to give me time to work out my business visa problems.

I just want to know the easiest/best/cheapest/most convenient way to do this departing from Chiang Mai. Do I need to fly? Can I take a bus? What city? What documents do I need? What kind of tourist visa should I request? Hotel recommendations? Airline recommendations? Bus recommendations? Bar recommendations? Sight seeing recommendations?

I have never done this before... no experience.... I just need one of the vets to walk me through the process.

[Greenwich Boy]

Vientiane in Laos. Double entry tourist visa will get you up to six months. From CM fly to Udon Thani then bus.

If you go to the visa section of this forum there is all the info you need in terms of paperwork required, cost of visas, time needed, address of consulate etc

[Gonzo the Face]

Best advice I could give you is whatever you do just don't try and wing it. You may upset some of your future plans.

If you are or in process of settingup a company , I would strongly seek advice from a knowledgeable attorny. If you get your t*t in the wringer and get a mark on your passport, you may find it very difficult getting a business visa and WP, which I would say is what you should be looking into, based on your past posts.

While the info you may get from this forum and its posters could be considered, I strongly suggest doing it the proper way with an attorney. Putting off or shortcutting will just lead to problems for your and your plans.

Mae Sai is very cheap to do but you only get 15 days and is limited in the number of times you can do that. A business visa is not difficult to get, but takes more effort than a tourist visa. A non imm B Visa can be good for 12 -15 months. Believe it getting caught trying to set up a business on a tourist visa can mean nothing but problems.

F W I W

[onthedarkside]

Unhelpful post removed.

[Baloo22]

To get an actual visa; Probably your best bet is to go to Vientiane, Lao. As Greenwich Boy stated you can fly to Udon Thani and take a bus from there to Nong Khai on the border. Nok Air also has a package deal where they fly you to from Chiang Mai to Udon Thani, then van to the border, and then van to Vientiane.

Here is the website for the Thai Embassy in Vientiane. Note that you submit your visa application and fee in the morning and pick up your visa the next day in the afternoon. The Thai Consular Section where you do this is located here.

Alternately, you could also to a "border run" up to Mae Sai and get another 15 days. IMO, the Green Bus is the best way to get up there. They have a good reputation for safety and good driving. There are several different classes of tickets with VIP being the best seats. If you want to travel in northern Thailand, I recommend Green Bus. Their website is mostly in Thai. Here are the Green Bus schedules. They depart and arrive from the Arcade Bus Station here (the green arrow).

You can buy tickets from the Green Bus counter at the Arcade Bus Station or you can buy tickets from several different travel agencies. There is one here in the Old City on Intrawarorot Road (the green arrow). The lady at this one told me that they do charge an extra 20baht per ticket. IMO, it's worth it since it would cost more than that to get out to the Arcade Bus Station.

I did a "border run" to Mae Sai last year. Trip report here.

[elektrified]

My goal here is to get a tourist visa... From what Ive read I think I can get a 60 day multi entry? I'm sure half of the people on this board are doing tourist visa runs to live here. I just want to know how they do it. I am getting this tourist visa to give me time to work out my business visa problems.

I just want to know the easiest/best/cheapest/most convenient way to do this departing from Chiang Mai. Do I need to fly? Can I take a bus? What city? What documents do I need? What kind of tourist visa should I request? Hotel recommendations? Airline recommendations? Bus recommendations? Bar recommendations? Sight seeing recommendations?

I have never done this before... no experience.... I just need one of the vets to walk me through the process.

Half the people here are not doing tourist visa runs to live here. If you have a business, you need to sort out your problems.

[Sparkles]

My goal here is to get a tourist visa... From what Ive read I think I can get a 60 day multi entry? I'm sure half of the people on this board are doing tourist visa runs to live here. I just want to know how they do it. I am getting this tourist visa to give me time to work out my business visa problems.

I just want to know the easiest/best/cheapest/most convenient way to do this departing from Chiang Mai. Do I need to fly? Can I take a bus? What city? What documents do I need? What kind of tourist visa should I request? Hotel recommendations? Airline recommendations? Bus recommendations? Bar recommendations? Sight seeing recommendations?

I have never done this before... no experience.... I just need one of the vets to walk me through the process.

Kenny. Hope you take note of what advice is being given you here and suggest also you put sightseeing and bar recommendations on the back burner.

If you are serious about a business operation and at your age,with what you describe yourself as no experience, you are heading down a dead end soi the way you are prioritising matters.

You "goal" might be admirable but spend some time researching the process.

[RaysFan]

I made it sound completely like I dont know what I'm doing because I wanted to hear from people how THEY do it. Ive done my research, I just dont want to run into stupid third world things and be unprepared for it like needing a bank statement for a tourist visa as some people mentioned in the visa forum or stupid things like this. I already have a flight and a bus, I have a hotel and the embassy location, my pictures and the application. I have everything "required" on the embassy website which only includes....I will copy and paste directly from the website:

1. Fill in the application form and affix 2 colour photographs (3.5 x 4.5 cm.)
2. Visa fee is 1,000 baht per entry

According to the website THIS IS ALL YOU NEED. I am positive that this is incorrect.

This is the exact reason I'm asking you guys for your experiences. I am 100% sure its not as easy as dropping off an application with 2 photos and giving them 2000 baht. I hope you guys are following me. I know getting a multi entry visa isnt this easy.

I just wanted the "insider tips" so I wont be caught off guard on anything.

[elektrified]

Just so you know, if you have a recent business visa in your passport and you show up applying for a tourist visa, they may deny you a tourist visa. I was in Laos about a year ago with a friend who was trying to do the same thing you are. He hadn't paid his taxes, WP expired, etc., etc. The Immigration Officer studied his passport for a long time and told him he was not a tourist but an ex-pat who lived here for years looking for a way to stay in Thailand. He was denied.

[hellodolly]

To get an actual visa; Probably your best bet is to go to Vientiane, Lao. As Greenwich Boy stated you can fly to Udon Thani and take a bus from there to Nong Khai on the border. Nok Air also has a package deal where they fly you to from Chiang Mai to Udon Thani, then van to the border, and then van to Vientiane.

Here is the website for the Thai Embassy in Vientiane. Note that you submit your visa application and fee in the morning and pick up your visa the next day in the afternoon. The Thai Consular Section where you do this is located here.

Alternately, you could also to a "border run" up to Mae Sai and get another 15 days. IMO, the Green Bus is the best way to get up there. They have a good reputation for safety and good driving. There are several different classes of tickets with VIP being the best seats. If you want to travel in northern Thailand, I recommend Green Bus. Their website is mostly in Thai. Here are the Green Bus schedules. They depart and arrive from the Arcade Bus Station here (the green arrow).

You can buy tickets from the Green Bus counter at the Arcade Bus Station or you can buy tickets from several different travel agencies. There is one here in the Old City on Intrawarorot Road (the green arrow). The lady at this one told me that they do charge an extra 20baht per ticket. IMO, it's worth it since it would cost more than that to get out to the Arcade Bus Station.

I did a "border run" to Mae Sai last year. Trip report here.

I agree take the green bus to Mai Sai and get 15 days. That will give you time to sort out what you want to do. As Gonzo said you might want to talk with an attorney. Don't put undue pressure on your self two weeks will give you time to make the proper decision. Take a new US $10 bill or one in good condition or 500 baht. They do change their mind occasionally on which they will take.

[Greenwich Boy]

I made it sound completely like I dont know what I'm doing because I wanted to hear from people how THEY do it. Ive done my research, I just dont want to run into stupid third world things and be unprepared for it like needing a bank statement for a tourist visa as some people mentioned in the visa forum or stupid things like this. I already have a flight and a bus, I have a hotel and the embassy location, my pictures and the application. I have everything "required" on the embassy website which only includes....I will copy and paste directly from the website:

1. Fill in the application form and affix 2 colour photographs (3.5 x 4.5 cm.)
2. Visa fee is 1,000 baht per entry

According to the website THIS IS ALL YOU NEED. I am positive that this is incorrect.

This is the exact reason I'm asking you guys for your experiences. I am 100% sure its not as easy as dropping off an application with 2 photos and giving them 2000 baht. I hope you guys are following me. I know getting a multi entry visa isnt this easy.

I just wanted the "insider tips" so I wont be caught off guard on anything.

If, as you say, you have done your research then you should know that you can not get a 'multi entry' tourist visa - such a thing does not exist.

They are issued in multiples - 2 is the most you can get in Laos.

If you are getting the early flight to Udon Thani it is touch and go if you will be in time to drop off your application that day - be prepared for the possibility of 2 nights in Vientiane.

There is an embassy and a consulate in Vientiane - only one of these issues visas - can not remember which but best not to turn up at the wrong one.

pay for your Laos visa in US Dollars or you will get shafted on the exchange rate.

Financial info is not needed for a tourist visa but all consulates worldwide make up their own rules, and change them at a whim. If you do not want to run in to 'stupid third world things' perhaps the USA is the place to apply for your visa.

[elektrified]

Thailand is not a 3rd world country.

[ataloss]

Seems you should think this through more deeply; more than say your goings-on re the parking issues with the restaurant you 'own'. How is a tourist visa going to remedy that?

[elektrified]

If you get caught working and running a business with a tourist visa you will be in very big trouble. Why are you opposed to getting some advice from an attorney and getting a proper visa?

[Paangjang]

Do not take the minibus option. I just had a very bad experience with AYA sevice. I'm not going to defame them by telling the whole of the hoffific story. It involves the driver physically assaulting a passanger, threats that he had a gun in his bag plus other general BS. Check their tripadvisor reviews, all the same... Stay away from this company landies and gents...

[Paangjang]

I made it sound completely like I dont know what I'm doing because I wanted to hear from people how THEY do it. Ive done my research, I just dont want to run into stupid third world things and be unprepared for it like needing a bank statement for a tourist visa as some people mentioned in the visa forum or stupid things like this. I already have a flight and a bus, I have a hotel and the embassy location, my pictures and the application. I have everything "required" on the embassy website which only includes....I will copy and paste directly from the website:

1. Fill in the application form and affix 2 colour photographs (3.5 x 4.5 cm.)
2. Visa fee is 1,000 baht per entry

According to the website THIS IS ALL YOU NEED. I am positive that this is incorrect.

This is the exact reason I'm asking you guys for your experiences. I am 100% sure its not as easy as dropping off an application with 2 photos and giving them 2000 baht. I hope you guys are following me. I know getting a multi entry visa isnt this easy.

I just wanted the "insider tips" so I wont be caught off guard on anything.

If, as you say, you have done your research then you should know that you can not get a 'multi entry' tourist visa - such a thing does not exist.

They are issued in multiples - 2 is the most you can get in Laos.

If you are getting the early flight to Udon Thani it is touch and go if you will be in time to drop off your application that day - be prepared for the possibility of 2 nights in Vientiane.

There is an embassy and a consulate in Vientiane - only one of these issues visas - can not remember which but best not to turn up at the wrong one.

pay for your Laos visa in US Dollars or you will get shafted on the exchange rate.

Financial info is not needed for a tourist visa but all consulates worldwide make up their own rules, and change them at a whim. If you do not want to run in to 'stupid third world things' perhaps the USA is the place to apply for your visa.

Laos visa is $20 (฿600) or ฿1500 in THB!

[mizztraveller]

I too would like to know the process for a visa run. We have a Multi-Entry Non-Immigrant Visa Cat '0' (Visiting Thailand as a Retired Person aged 50 and over). This is not a retirement visa as many expats we've spoken to presume it to be. We have to leave the country every 90 days and we know that we can do this by land rather than air. We plan to make a bit of a trip of it and book a couple of nights in a hotel in Chiang Rai, travel there by Green bus and arrange a driver to take us to Mae Sai the following day. A couple of questions:

About how much should we expect to pay for the car and driver from Chiang Rai to Mae Sai?

I understand that the stamp costs 500 baht. Do we have to provide photos?

Anything else we should be aware of?

The only thing that was stamped when we entered Thailand was our entry date on our departure card. What should we expect to be stamped on this first visa run?

Many thanks.

[Greenwich Boy]

I too would like to know the process for a visa run. We have a Multi-Entry Non-Immigrant Visa Cat '0' (Visiting Thailand as a Retired Person aged 50 and over). This is not a retirement visa as many expats we've spoken to presume it to be. We have to leave the country every 90 days and we know that we can do this by land rather than air. We plan to make a bit of a trip of it and book a couple of nights in a hotel in Chiang Rai, travel there by Green bus and arrange a driver to take us to Mae Sai the following day. A couple of questions:

About how much should we expect to pay for the car and driver from Chiang Rai to Mae Sai?

I understand that the stamp costs 500 baht. Do we have to provide photos?

Anything else we should be aware of?

The only thing that was stamped when we entered Thailand was our entry date on our departure card. What should we expect to be stamped on this first visa run?

Many thanks.

Book your seats on the bus at least a couple of days in advance if possible. If you are on the bus that continues to Mae Sai then you have the option of seat types.

Rows 1 through to 4 are VIP class with 1A being a single seat and 1B and 1C are together.

After that is First Class - I paid 234B each way to Mae Sai last week in First Class - a bit less for Chiang Rai maybe?

On previous trips the bus has stopped twice in Chiang Rai, firstly at the new station outside of town and then at the old station in town. Last week it only stopped at the new station but transport from either is not a problem.

If you want a driver and get no answers on transport from Chiang Rai to Mae Sai suggest you post in the Chiang Rai forum.

The must see in Chiang Rai is Wat Rong Khun - The White Temple.

Across the border in Tachilek is a bit of an experience for the first time!

I am on a different visa to you so do not wish to give incorrect information out - sure somebody will help

[Baloo22]

I too would like to know the process for a visa run. We have a Multi-Entry Non-Immigrant Visa Cat '0' (Visiting Thailand as a Retired Person aged 50 and over). This is not a retirement visa as many expats we've spoken to presume it to be. We have to leave the country every 90 days and we know that we can do this by land rather than air. We plan to make a bit of a trip of it and book a couple of nights in a hotel in Chiang Rai, travel there by Green bus and arrange a driver to take us to Mae Sai the following day. A couple of questions:

About how much should we expect to pay for the car and driver from Chiang Rai to Mae Sai?

I understand that the stamp costs 500 baht. Do we have to provide photos?

Anything else we should be aware of?

The only thing that was stamped when we entered Thailand was our entry date on our departure card. What should we expect to be stamped on this first visa run?

Many thanks.

Since you use the term "visa run" and then talk about Mae Sai, I first want to make sure that we are on "the same page" so to speak. Also, for others that may read this topic for their needed info.

A "visa run" is when someone travels to a location outside of Thailand that has a Thai Embassy or Thai Consulate so that they can apply for and receive an actual visa (of one type or another). Said visa then allows them to enter Thailand. The Burmese city of Tachileik just across the river from Mae Sai does not have a Thai Consulate so one cannot get a visa there.

A "border run" is when someone travels to a location outside of Thailand so that they can exit Thailand and then enter Thailand again. They do this to receive a new stamp (from Thai Immigration) in their passport. The duration of stay that said stamp will allow depends on if the person has a visa (or not) and the specific type of visa. A "border run" is something that you can do by traveling to Mae Sai.

You say " The only thing that was stamped when we entered Thailand was our entry date on our departure card. "

Are you positive of this? Please check your passport again and look on every page. Sometimes the immigration officer will put the entry stamp several pages away from the visa. Every time I have entered Thailand they put an entry stamp in my passport.

[Dante99]

Thank you Brian

[mizztraveller]

Now I'm really confused! I don't want a resident's permit as we're going home in April. The facy that our non-immigrant type O is multi entry, I gathered (from various other posts on this forum) that we had to do a border run every 90 days.

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Baloo22]

Now I'm really confused! I don't want a resident's permit as we're going home in April. The facy that our non-immigrant type O is multi entry, I gathered (from various other posts on this forum) that we had to do a border run every 90 days.

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Ok. To clear up some confusion and ensure that we have the correct information so that people here can provide you with accurate answers; Please look in your passport and and give us the following data from your current visa. Please read it right off of the visa. (We don't need your name, visa number, or any personal data).

TYPE OF VISA:

CATEGORY:

NO. OF ENTRY:

DATE OF ISSUE:

ENTER BEFORE:

REMARKS:

Also, in a previous comment, you said " The only thing that was stamped when we entered Thailand was our entry date on our departure card. "

Are you positive of this? Please check your passport again and look on every page. Sometimes the immigration officer will put the entry stamp several pages away from the visa. Every time I have entered Thailand they put an entry stamp in my passport. The stamp will usually have the date that the stamp was made and another " Admitted Until " date.

[mizztraveller]

OK - issue resolved and many thanks.

It's non-immigrant type O - Entry M. I've found the stamp which is dated 9th September which is valid till 7th December.

I should have spent more time looking through my passport before posting questions, but thanks for bearing with me!

Do we need to take photos with us for the border run?

Edited October 31, 2013 by mizztraveller

[Baloo22]

OK - issue resolved and many thanks.

It's non-immigrant type O - Entry M. I've found the stamp which is dated 9th September which is valid till 7th December.

I should have spent more time looking through my passport before posting questions, but thanks for bearing with me!

Do we need to take photos with us for the border run?

And on your visa, the date under ENTER BEFORE: _____________________ ??

If you are using that visa to enter Thailand, you need to do it before the ENTER BEFORE date.

As far as photos, when I did a "border run" to Mae Sai / Techileik last year I did not need any photos. After exiting Thailand you walk to the Burmese Immigration. At Burmese Immigration you hand them your passport and you sit in front of a computer with a camera, they scan/copy your passport and take your picture. The fee is either US$50 or 500baht. (See here for some details on that.) Then they hand you a brown card good for Tachileik and the local vicinity.

That being said; IMO, it's not a bad idea to carry some visa size photos when traveling between countries. You never know when your plans may change and you need to get a visa for somewhere else. Or the rules changed "yesterday" and now you need them.

I did a "border run" to Mae Sai last year. Trip report here.

[Gonzo the Face]

I Think you meant to type US $5.00 or 500 Baht, not US $50.

[Baloo22]

I Think you meant to type US $5.00 or 500 Baht, not US $50.

Yes, my mistake. It's US$10 or 500baht.