Expert Visa Advice Needed: Which Visa To Obtain

[fanof3d]

Hello,

First post but an avid reader of the TV newsletter to keep me posted on various topics. I need to make my first border run in a couple of weeks and need some expert advice on a few topics. While my wife and I have researched this for countless hours, I thought it best to ask a few questions so that we get this right the first time and also because things seem to change all the time.

Background: Under 40: Here on a 60 day tourist visa from the U.S. that has been extended 30 days and then another 60 days to visit my wife. It will expire early Feb. My two options as I understand it are:

1. Fly to another country for another "Tourist Visa" or 1 Year "Non Immigrant O Visa" based on marriage to a Thai National.

Current Destination: Chiang Rai

Visa Destination: Vientiane (unless someone recommends another place). Also is it true that to get to Vientiane via air from Thailand, the only option is Don Mueang?

Questions.

1. I know that getting a visa typically takes 3 days but is there any way to expedite the visa process? If so, how do you go about doing it and how do you book your flight knowing that you might be able to get a visa in less than 3 days. Do you just book a one way and head to the airport once you have visa in hand? Which is the best day to go?

2. My wife and I both have passports but will I need a visa to travel to Laos BEFORE I arrive or can I get one on arrival?

3. I know the 400k rule that states 400k in Thai bank for 2 months before applying. I've also read where some people have gotten a 1 year visa in Vientiane without having to show financials. Is this true or has it changed now and what happens if they do ask? Do you just try to get a tourist visa instead or are there other complications? I haven't had my bank account open for 2 months which is my fault because I was refused at a couple of banks which told me they aren't allowing Americans to open up accounts anymore--can anyone recommend a bank that will? I've surely given them a few thousand baht in ATM fee's that they don't mind taking.

4. As far the tourist visa. I know I need passport, $1,900 baht, entry stamp, 2 photo's and 20k baht. To show the 20k baht, does it have to be U.S, bank statement or can it be Thai or can I have the cash in baht on me?

I think that is all for now. Thank you in advance for those that take time to help me and my wife out. I'm hoping others can use the info as well. Happy holidays for those that celebrate and if I left something out or need to answer additional questions, just let me know. Thanks a ton.

[ubonjoe]

You don't have to fly to get the visa. Overland is possible.

You can get a 2 entry tourist visa Vientiane or a single entry non-o visa. They do not do multiple entry non-o visas. It is next afternoon service after you apply in the morning of day one.

Savannakhet does multiple entry non-o visa based upon marriage with no financial proof needed. They do visas on the same day you apply. Apply by 11 am and pick-up your passport a 3:30 pm.

The financial proof you mentioned is to get a one year extension of stay based upon marriage at immigration. You will need the 400k baht in the bank for 60 days when you apply. You could go to Vientiane to get a single entry non-o and apply for the extension during the last 30 days of the 90 day entry the visa allows.

Nok Air has flights form Chiang Mai to Vientiane that are a fly/ride service via Udon Thani. They offer the same service from Don Mueang.

For Savannakhet you can fly from Don Mueang to Mukdahan that is a fly/ride service via Nakhon Phanom. Nok Air and Air Asia both offer this service.

You can fly direct from Suv (bkk) to Vientiane or Savannakhet.

[Lite Beer]

Savannakhet Laos will issue a Multi Entry Non Imm O Visa with no money in the bank.

This will give you almost 15 months but means a border run every 90 days.

A 12 month extension from Immigration does require 400,000 in the bank for 2 months or 40,000 monthly income.

You could always get a singles entry Non Imm O Visa.

Then apply for the extension in a couple of months.

[fanof3d]

You don't have to fly to get the visa. Overland is possible.

You can get a 2 entry tourist visa Vientiane or a single entry non-o visa. They do not do multiple entry non-o visas. It is next afternoon service after you apply in the morning of day one.

Savannakhet does multiple entry non-o visa based upon marriage with no financial proof needed. They do visas on the same day you apply. Apply by 11 am and pick-up your passport a 3:30 pm.

The financial proof you mentioned is to get a one year extension of stay based upon marriage at immigration. You will need the 400k baht in the bank for 60 days when you apply. You could go to Vientiane to get a single entry non-o and apply for the extension during the last 30 days of the 90 day entry the visa allows.

Nok Air has flights form Chiang Mai to Vientiane that are a fly/ride service via Udon Thani. They offer the same service from Don Mueang.

For Savannakhet you can fly from Don Mueang to Mukdahan that is a fly/ride service via Nakhon Phanom. Nok Air and Air Asia both offer this service.

You can fly direct from Suv (bkk) to Vientiane or Savannakhet.

Thank you UbonJoe. I know that you answer a lot of visa questions.

On the non-o visa and the tourist, are those both 90 days? If so does it matter which one I get? Thanks again for your help.

[ubonjoe]

If you want to apply for the extension of stay you have to have the non-o visa. No financial proof is needed to get it.

If all you want is a 90 day stay the non-o works out to be 900 baht cheaper and does not require a trip to immigration for a 30 day extension. A non-o costs 2000 baht. A tourist visa costs 1000 baht plus 1900 baht for an extension.

You can get a 2 entry tourist visa that would give almost 6 months of stay. A tourist visa gives a 60 day entry that can be extended for 30 days.

[fanof3d]

If you want to apply for the extension of stay you have to have the non-o visa. No financial proof is needed to get it.

If all you want is a 90 day stay the non-o works out to be 900 baht cheaper and does not require a trip to immigration for a 30 day extension. A non-o costs 2000 baht. A tourist visa costs 1000 baht plus 1900 baht for an extension.

You can get a 2 entry tourist visa that would give almost 6 months of stay. A tourist visa gives a 60 day entry that can be extended for 30 days.

LiteBeer and Ubonjoe,

Thank you both for the helpful information. Just so that I understand this 100%.

I can get a 1 year non-o-visa in Savannakhet without financials correct? But will have to make border runs every 90 days?

or

I can get a 90 day tourist visa or 90 day non-o visa and then extend for 30 days. I guess my other concern was getting too many tourist visas, although I only have one.

Also, what about the 20k baht needed. I have it in my U.S. account, Thai account and on me in cash....what is preferable? Thanks again. I'll shortly become a visa expert, lol.

[ubonjoe]

There is no 90 day tourist visa. You extend the 60 days for 30 that gives you a total stay of 90 days.

You can only get a 60 day or one year extension of a non-o visa.

Your best option is to go to Savannakhet and get the multiple entry non-o visa. Then you could get the one year extension if you get the funds for it during the last 30 days of any of the 90 day entries it gives. You can also get the 60 day extension for each entry if you want to.

You will not need to show 20k baht to get a tourist or non-o visa. No nearby embassy or consulate asks for it.

[mahjongguy]

If you have the money and you want a reasonably simple life, you should take the main option: go to Laos, get a single-entry non-O, enter Thailand and get stamped in for 90 days. Make sure your 400,000 is deposited in a normal savings account under your name only. Wait until 60 days have passed. Your money will be seasoned and you can go to your local Immigration office and apply for a one-year extension. Make note of the pinned posts as to the documentation you will need. Immigration will tell you to come back in 30 days for the final approval.

Go to Immigration every time you spend 90 days in-country and file a simple report. No fee, no hassle. Go to Immigration during the last several weeks of your one year Permission To Stay and apply for another year's extension.

[fanof3d]

Awesome info. Thanks mahjongguy for your post. A multiple non-o entry it is and when I get the 400k in the account, I will apply for the 1 year extension. Appreciate the help.