Lao re-entry permit

[Tomtomtom69]

Is there such a thing as a re-entry permit for Laos? Leaving Thailand, entering Laos then exiting Laos again, then stamping in of Thailand, then out again, often on the same day has been something I've done a few times but unless I'm traveling on my Swiss passport it costs a lot of money to travel back to Laos to get a new visa (in my Australian passport). If someone knows if there is a re-entry permit for Laos, I'd appreciate it. If it exists, how long does it take to apply, and where do I apply for it (I'm assuming not at the border as I haven't seen any office that could do it there)? I know that only single entry visas are issued at the border, unless you come with paperwork to apply for another type of visa.

Another option would be a multiple entry Lao visa as I am based in Thailand with all my documentation in my Australian passport, including extension of stay and work permit. Therefore, for overland travel, I can't use my Swiss passport as I need to use the same passport enter Laos as I used to exit Thailand and vice versa. Using my Swiss passport is therefore only an option for air entry and exit if coming from Thailand. By using my Swiss passport, I would never need a visa for Laos as 15 days visa-free is more than enough for each stay in Laos and even if it wasn't I could just exit and re-enter to get a new 15-day stay. However, as mentioned I wouldn't be able do this if I wanted to come back to Thailand as I am living in Thailand with documents issued on my Australian passport.

Anyone know how to easily apply for a 1-year multiple entry Lao visa? I need to travel to Laos quite often and at times need to travel back and forth overland between Thailand and Laos. I understand a Lao sponsoring company could send me the paperwork to apply for a business visa. How long does it take to apply, costs, paperwork required?

[Jay Sata]

I've done it as a pilot and I see no reason why not as a regular traveller or business person.

I use the Laos Consulate in Khon Kaen.

19/1-3 Phothisarn Road
Khonkaen District 4000
Thailand

PHONE (043) 223.698
+66.43.223.698

[Tomtomtom69]

Yes, I've been to the Lao consulate in Khon Kaen. It's fast, efficient and never has anybody inside.

[Thanyaburi Mac]

"Nobody inside"?? Doesn't that make it a wee bit difficult to apply for a visa????

Mac

[JamieP]

I've done it as a pilot and I see no reason why not as a regular traveller or business person.

I use the Laos Consulate in Khon Kaen.

19/1-3 Phothisarn Road

Khonkaen District 4000

Thailand

PHONE (043) 223.698

+66.43.223.698

The Laos consulate has moved. It is now on the main Mittraphap highway north of the city near Tesco Lotus Extra but on the opposite side of the highway.

[Thanyaburi Mac]

Was just up that way last week, but gotta say it, kind of typical Lao deal, put the consulate on the southbound lane of the highway so you have to make two U-turns if heading to Nong Khai and want a visa ahead of time.

Thanks for the info, tho, just might try it next time.

Ah, do they take the $35 price for AmCits, or do they insist on baht, perhaps the 1,400 rate as at Thannaleng?

Mac

[Tomtomtom69]

"Nobody inside"?? Doesn't that make it a wee bit difficult to apply for a visa????

Mac

I did mean that there are no applicants inside once you get there. Of course staff are working during opening hours. So that makes the consulate very fast and convenient for visa issuing. However, nobody has answered my questions about re-entry permits but don't worry, I'll ask Lao immigration myself as no one on TV seems to know.