The recent crackdown by the authorities on perennial border runners is causing a mass influx of "tourists" at the Vientiane Consulate. Someone posted today on the Bangkok Expats page on Facebook that there were more than 600 people at the consulate this morning ... a 5 hour wait, even for those who arrived before 8:30.

1. Avoid Mondays and Thursdays at the consulates/embassies. That's when the visa tour agencies arrive.

2. Go to Savannakhet. It's quieter and less hassle.

I understand Cambodia is up and running now.

600 that's a lot of people - was this an estimate or actual count? "someone posted" is not too reliable - perhaps a reverse flash mob - if one doesn't want a crowd start a rumor of a crowd.

1. That sounds logical.

2. How do you know?

600 that's a lot of people - was this an estimate or actual count? "someone posted" is not too reliable - perhaps a reverse flash mob - if one doesn't want a crowd start a rumor of a crowd.

1. That sounds logical.

2. How do you know?

Here it is then, a first-hand account: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bkexpats.kc/permalink/886804004680189/

How do you know?

Wake up and smell the coffee

When I was there around may 13 there was 700 people. I know because they give queue numbers and the highest number was around 700

Actually that you got ticket number 700 means nothing. The visa agents outside get a lot of numbers.and then try to sell them to people outside.

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So it begins...

When I was there around may 13 there was 700 people. I know because they give queue numbers and the highest number was around 700

So you rolled up on a Thurday or Friday and you were seeing the weekly numbers figure ?

I was at the Vientiane Consulate yesterday. The ticket numbers went over 700 (I think the last ones were in the 720-730 range). This was on Monday, so it was not the "weekly numbers". The place was jammed with people, and the majority were waiting for 4-5 hours.

The touts do get hold of some numbers, but not that many. You don't go to a machine and get a number, you have to approach the visa application counter and get a number from a member of staff.

Just from a visual estimate, there must have been 500 people there. The non-believers are welcome to go on a Monday and experience the 5 hour waiting time for yourselves.

When I was there around may 13 there was 700 people. I know because they give queue numbers and the highest number was around 700

So you rolled up on a Thurday or Friday and you were seeing the weekly numbers figure ?

Or they just let the queue numbers run to 999 before going back to 001 even if it takes a few weeks.

Or they just let the queue numbers run to 999 before going back to 001 even if it takes a few weeks.

That's an interesting theory, but I do not think it is correct. The numbers are given out on laminated pieces of card - I could see people queueing up with their nice official-looking laminated numbers early on in the day.

I was given a ticket where the number had been hand-written onto some paper. The laminated numbers only went up to about 400. If you were right, they would have laminated numbers all the way up to 999.

The consulate says that they stop accepting applications after 11.30AM, but everybody who got a ticket was served, some people after 2PM. So if you do decide to go, don't panic about the 11.30AM cutoff time. You still have to deal with a long, long wait though.

Quickest service is Friday but of course you have to wait until Monday for your stamp.

Yes the OP is right. It was horrendous yesterday. Was there at 8.45am and didn't hand in my passport until just before 1.30pm.

Was a living hell in that heat. Avoid Mondays that's all I can say.

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It is all worth it...just think of how much fun you will have when you reenter the Land of Thais...

Anyone know how busy they are on Tuesdays or Wednesdays since the crackdown?

Anyone know how busy they are on Tuesdays or Wednesdays since the crackdown?

I was there on the 20th of May (Tuesday) 7.45 am and the queue was already snaking to about 150 people.

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I was there too on Tuesday 20 May, but at 10am and most of the crowds had left by then. I was done in 20 minutes.

Mondays and Thursdays are the days to avoid.

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Was in Savannakhet about 10 days ago. It was a "walk in the park". I can't say how it is today but it's probably better than Vientiane and I was there on a Thursday.

So, it seems that tourists visits have not fell yet :-)

Last Wednesday arrived at about 09:30 not busy. All done and back out onto the street within 15 mins. Same with the pick up at 13:30 the next day. 15 mins.

Some people have posted in the past to arrive near the 11:30 time, the rush is over. Everyone says get there early when it opens, 1 hour before, get a number... Seems like everyone does this and thats the peak busy time. I think its a valid point.

Last Wednesday arrived at about 09:30 not busy. All done and back out onto the street within 15 mins. Same with the pick up at 13:30 the next day. 15 mins.

Some people have posted in the past to arrive near the 11:30 time, the rush is over. Everyone says get there early when it opens, 1 hour before, get a number... Seems like everyone does this and thats the peak busy time. I think its a valid point.

I've been hearing this 'get there early' thing for years and I've noticed that it's often the worst thing you can do unless you like standing around for hours.

When going to immigration, the electric company, the driving license place, checking in for a flight, etc I've found that turning up about 1 hour before they close / your departure time often gets you processed / checked in with the shortest wait possible. There's no standing around and you're on your way very quickly.

I've never missed a flight nor been turned away from any of these kind of places and I've been doing it this way for well over ten years.

For visas I will always send an agent whenever possible.

I was there Monday 26th. 6am - 8:30am queue at Laos border. 9:30 - 2pm at Thai consulate. Hot as hell.

I was in Vientiane and at Thai consulate 28.5.2014 at around 11 AM, I was nearly alone, 2-4 people with me applying for Visa.

Made a Non Immigrant O for staying with my children in TH, never in a queue!

Picked up my visa next day, 1:50 PM easy!

I was, until now only at Savannaketh for border runs, so never at the Thai Consulate,

but the border there is worth the longer trip, if you do not want shopping special things in the big Duty Free style Vientiane border.

Border Savannaketh, has only one, small market style sales booth with limited offerings.

Cheap Cigarettes, alcohol, playing cards-Thais like! ect.

Border in Mukdahan-Savannaketh is a quiet relief to the often hectic Nong Khai-Vientiane border!

Edited June 3, 201412 yr by ALFREDO

May 20th, Vientiane, no problem, moderately busy.

I was there Monday 26th. 6am - 8:30am queue at Laos border. 9:30 - 2pm at Thai consulate. Hot as hell.

You must be insane to go through that, I would have turned back and worried about it later.

So, it seems that tourists visits have not fell yet :-)

A lot of those guys are probably former border runners caught out by the recent crackdown. To work or reside in Thailand for longer, they are now queueing up for double entry tourist visas.

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Another question about crossing border into Vientiane/laos

Has anyone flown into Udon on the 6am Nok Air flight and travelled upto Nong Khai border?

If yes, how long is it taking to get issued the visa on arrival into laos?

Are the queues long for people all filling out applications and waiting to get passport back with laos visa?

Any time estimates would be appreciated

Thanks in advance

LL

I was there yesterday. Number 593.. It.was indeed very busy and chaotic.

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Removed an off-topic post.

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Any refused tourist visas? Or any refused double entry? Any red stamps given? Read in past Savannakhet is limited to issuing two visas per person wheras Vientiane can issue many more. Can a genius please confirm

Edited July 13, 201411 yr by ilocos