I am currently working as a teacher and got my work permit last week. I have a new job starting at the end of October that I haven't been able to tell my current employer about due to them having a past record of withholding peoples final pay check, and I cant really afford to lose an entire months wage. I have to go sign my new contract at the start of next month, and I have been told by the people at my new school that I'll need to leave Thailand by flight to Laos, get a 30 day tourist visa at the Laos consulate/embassy, and that I can return to Thailand via bus. They will then process my non-b paperwork over the 30 days and I will be able to get a new non B in Bangkok. Is this correct, or will I only receive 15 days in the country if I return from Laos via bus? My question is - how do I get a 30 day tourist visa without having to book a return flight, do I have to leave or enter via air?

You will only get a 15 day visa exempt entry at a border crossing unless you are from a G7 country.

You will get 60 days on entry if you apply for a tourist visa at an embassy or consulate.

It think they are telling you to fly out to avoid needing a termination letter that you would need if you leave at a border crossing.

What period of time a visa exempt entry provides depends on Nationality.

Those holding passports from G7 countries receive 30 days

You will only get a 15 day visa exempt entry at a border crossing unless you are from a G7 country.

You will get 60 days on entry if you apply for a tourist visa at an embassy or consulate.

It think they are telling you to fly out to avoid needing a termination letter that you would need if you leave at a border crossing.

I have a UK passport. Does that mean I can fly out, obtain a visa at the Vientiane embassy for 30 days and travel back via bus?

You will only get a 15 day visa exempt entry at a border crossing unless you are from a G7 country.

You will get 60 days on entry if you apply for a tourist visa at an embassy or consulate.

It think they are telling you to fly out to avoid needing a termination letter that you would need if you leave at a border crossing.

I have a UK passport. Does that mean I can fly out, obtain a visa at the Vientiane embassy for 30 days and travel back via bus?

No there are no 30 day "Visas" only thirty day visa exempt entries which cannot be obtained other than at a border.

If a Tourist Visa is required which provides a 60 day entry application must be made at a Thai Embassy/Consulate.

You can return from Laos by bus.

Okay, thats great. Thanks for all of your help.

Best thing would be that the new school give you the required paperwork to get a non B in Laos. You are aware that unless you have an education degree you've just wasted one of your teaching licence waivers (presuming it actually says teacher on the WP) you only get maximum 3 x two year waivers!

Visa's in Ventiene take two working days: first day present. Second day collect.

Edited September 19, 201510 yr by casualbiker