Efficient Vientiane

[justaphase]

I thought I'd post just to give everyone the heads-up on the Thai embassy's new efficient system in Vientiane. I was there last Thursday and it was the fastest and easiest time i have had there in 15 years.

On arrival there our group was one of the last to join the queue inside, which now snakes around the chairs. This is because Filipino nationals don't have to wait for a Laos visa. We were expecting a good two hour wait, but instead of ending at the windows, the queue, just for tourist visas, moved quickly to a table where one simply handed the application in and left. We were in our tour guest house by 9.30.

Amazing.

Also cleared a 5 month overstay at the border. Not a word said, again.

[darrendsd]

You was there the same day as me, probably at the Embassy a hour or so in all, good thing was no need to go back the next day to pick Passports up as the Visa Run Company collected them and gave them out to everyone at the border

[justaphase]

Yes, the visa company have always done that, but the submitting visa part was unprecedented.

[jacksam]

How much does the visa run company charge?

[justaphase]

5,500 all in. That includes transport, Laos visa, Thai tourist visa, accommodation and food. Really all you need is a bit of cash for the 2 stops on the way and beer money.

The hotel they stay in is great. They stayed up until 3am to serve us lovely beer Laos at 50baht a biggie.

[feelitwell]

and what company does that exactly?

[justaphase]

Can i say on here?

Google "thai visa service"

[SailingHome]

Can i say on here?

Google "thai visa service"

Add my vote. He is the best.

I noticed at the desk they did not do as comprehensive of a scan of my passport as usual. Last time, she spent 10 minutes and finally told me I was not elegible. Crossing my fingers I get one today.

[jspill]

To use thai visa service do you still have to get in the Van for the long ride to the border? That's a deal breaker for me. Everything else was great though when I used them

[SailingHome]

To use thai visa service do you still have to get in the Van for the long ride to the border? That's a deal breaker for me. Everything else was great though when I used them

Deal breaker for me too as I have Parkinsons. I take the 2nd class aircon sleeper bed train overnight, continue bybtrain in to Laos avoiding the 2 hours at the friendship bridge, go to my hotel, have breakfast, bicycle to the embassy with about an hour to spare before the cutoff time, then kick back all day. Costs me as much or as little as I want.

[justaphase]

There's no way you can do it cheaper than with them, I admit the van is a nightmare, but the hotel is unbelievable value. As it the 'not pick your passport up yourself' thing.

And if youve got overstay or other issues its better.

[SailingHome]

I dunno. Picking up my passport took as long to walk from gate to window and back to gate. And against all odds, I got a tourist visa which we thought I would be denied. Woot!

[justaphase]

Last time my friend waited an hour in the mad crowd with no numbers given out, just shouting names, And like i said, relaxing by the hotel pool until 12 noon then going straight back to the border is ok.

[SailingHome]

I see it like this... when I was a nube to Thailand, I needed the extra service. Now, and mainly because I can't do the van with Parkinson's, I do it more leisurely spending a few days holiday. If I didn't have Parkinson's, I would use the service every time. He is, without doubt or arguement, the best in the industry here and that is why HE stayed open and almost all the others have shut down since the rule changes.

[justaphase]

I agree, the only reason i went in the van is because of my 5 month overstay. My ideal trip is on the big 21 seat wide seat buses. Go on a tuesday so its not busy. Stay 2 days and get the train at 6;20pm from nong khai to bkk.

[darrendsd]

Very long and tiring trip but if you don't want that there is always the Plane option

Certainly can't argue with the service they provide for the price, hotel is decent also