Doing the visa run myself

[Franky Bear]

I have a Type O multi through marriage.

I am not that far from Cambodia and can do the visa run myself on the bike. I reckon it would take me an hour and a half to get there. I assume i just get stamped out then walk over the boarder, get my visa, buy something to eat etc over the boarder then walk back in half an hour later?

Or do i need to speak to one of the girls that collect the passports from the Visa run buses?

[ubonjoe]

You can do it yourself.

[visarunner]

you can do yourself, but expect to pay, at every step, a small fee.

In case you use the staff of the agencies they will quote you a price and do all for you.

[Chapelroad]

you can do yourself, but expect to pay, at every step, a small fee.

In case you use the staff of the agencies they will quote you a price and do all for you.

How many steps are there ?

1- Obtain a Cambodian visa - same charge as anyone else.

2- Get stamped out of Thailand - Free.

3- Enter Cambodia - Free, visa already paid for.

4- Turn around - Free

5- Get stamped out of Cambodia - Free

6 - Re enter Thailand.

Job done.

[IMA_FARANG]

You can do it yourself.

------------------------------

You can do it yourself, but having done the run to the Cambodian border in a 16 passenger van from Bangkok, I can tell you that it took us more than a 12 hour trip from Bangkok and return.

We left Bangkok at 6 a.m. and returned about 6:30 that afternoon.

Yes, it can be done.... but are you really sure you know the way, and how to do it.

That included two "comfort stops" on the way there and on return.

About a 1 hour stop at the border for lunch and actually getting the Thai visa.

As a novice I highly recommend you consider using one of the visa run services from Bangkok, at least the first time.

Not only do they know the way, as they do it at least a few times each week, but they have "friends" at the Cambodian border who provide a Cambodian visa as part of the package trip.

Yes, it costs around 2300 Baht for a run, but it is worth it, if just for the convenience the first time.

Once you have done a border run, and know the procedure, maybe then you can handle it all yourself the next time.

However, I would use one of the established 'visa run" services the fist time, even if it costs more, just until you learn how it is done by the 'experts" who do it for a living.

Seriously, it is your choice, but do you really know what you are getting into?

Edited July 22, 2016 by IMA_FARANG

[Franky Bear]

you can do yourself, but expect to pay, at every step, a small fee.

In case you use the staff of the agencies they will quote you a price and do all for you.

How many steps are there ?

1- Obtain a Cambodian visa - same charge as anyone else.

2- Get stamped out of Thailand - Free.

3- Enter Cambodia - Free, visa already paid for.

4- Turn around - Free

5- Get stamped out of Cambodia - Free

6 - Re enter Thailand.

Job done.

Cheers. I LOVE Laymens terms.

Cheers Joe and Visarunner for your advice too.

[BuckBee]

At poipet you can do a deal with guys at army hut & they can stamp evisa also, if go through to main Cambo immigration building they also will want a fee because you just border hopping, It normally a one off fee between 200 & 500Bt pending on your luck & haggling, just stay clear of touts as they become a pain, check visa services before the border as you may find something cheap enough not want hassle through on own.

I done it many times on my own & it easy enough but first time you likely get stung more unless really read up on options . Just be aware of real visa cost for cambodia & potential tip for immigration & work out what option best for you .

[Franky Bear]

You can do it yourself.

------------------------------

You can do it yourself, but having the run to the Cambodian border in a 16 passenger van, I can tell you that it took us about a 12 hour trip from Bangkok and return.

We left Bangkok at 6 a.m. and returned about 6:30 that afternoon.

Yes, it can be done.... but are you really sure you know the way, and how to do it.

That included wo "comfort stops" on the ay there and on return.

About a 1 hour stop at the border for lunch and actually getting the Thai visa.

As a novice I highly recommend you consider using one of the visa run services from Bangkok, at least the first time.

Not only do they know the way, as they do it at least a few times each week, but they have "friends" at the Cambodian border who provide a Cambodian visa as part of the package trip there.

Yes, it costs around 2300 Baht for a run, but it is worth it, if just for the convenience the first time.

Once you have done a border run, and know the procedure, maybe then you can handle it all yourself the next time.

However, I would use one of the established 'visa run" services the fist time, even if it costs more, just until you learn how it is done by the 'experts" who do it for a living.

Seriously, it is your choice, but do you really know what you are getting into?

I trust Joe 10000%>

i have done the visa run many times. But i lived Near Pattaya or Ban Phae where they had visa run agencies. I am 90 mins drive on a bike (max) from the boarder. All i wanted to know if there was any "hidden" extras when doing it. There isn't.

that's all i needed to know.

[Jackie66]

I have done this probably 6-7 times in the last few years and first time i did myself also.

I leave Bangkok around 3am and there around 6am and usually back in Bangkok by noon. But that is with my own car.

If you can get there early so you don't get stuck waiting to exit Thailand and Enter Cambodia.

Not sure what small fees other mentioned. Other then the Cambodian visa there are no other fees you need to pay unless you don't want to wait on the exit from Cambodia then usually a 100 or 200 fee will get you stamped right back after entering Cambodia. I usually just put in my earphones and open music and ignore everyone around me asking stuff and just keep walking.

It isn't difficult but very annoying and always a long wait when entering Thailand. Usually about an hour waiting in line but that can't be avoided.

If it is Poipet there are few steps.

1. Exit Thailand

2. Walk across the bridge and cross the street to the right and enter the building where you get the visa. I believe latest is 1000-1200 or something. I forgot exact amount.

3. Stay on that side of the road and keep walking until you get to the Cambodian entry point. Fill in the form they give you there and wait in line.

4. Once exit you have to cross the street but last time there was some big construction site so you have to walk about 200-300m then cross the street and then walk back on the other side of the road.

5. Wait to get stamped out

6. Go the way you came from if the construction site is still same as before. If not then just walk back in to the no man's land and past the casinos. Once again cross the street to the left and just follow everyone.

7. Get you immigration form outside the Thai border building and walk up the stairs. Fill in and wait.

8. Get stamped back in and take a deep breath because it is over

9. Go back wherever you came from

This was last time i went which was probably 7-8 months ago. These days i just fly to Hong Kong

[whatproblem]

It's easy do alone just watch the guys who want to help you because after they will want money from you ,best just not talk to them at all

[whatproblem]

Not forget passport size picture

[darrendsd]

You can do it yourself.

------------------------------

You can do it yourself, but having done the run to the Cambodian border in a 16 passenger van from Bangkok, I can tell you that it took us more than a 12 hour trip from Bangkok and return.

We left Bangkok at 6 a.m. and returned about 6:30 that afternoon.

Yes, it can be done.... but are you really sure you know the way, and how to do it.

That included two "comfort stops" on the way there and on return.

About a 1 hour stop at the border for lunch and actually getting the Thai visa.

As a novice I highly recommend you consider using one of the visa run services from Bangkok, at least the first time.

Not only do they know the way, as they do it at least a few times each week, but they have "friends" at the Cambodian border who provide a Cambodian visa as part of the package trip.

Yes, it costs around 2300 Baht for a run, but it is worth it, if just for the convenience the first time.

Once you have done a border run, and know the procedure, maybe then you can handle it all yourself the next time.

However, I would use one of the established 'visa run" services the fist time, even if it costs more, just until you learn how it is done by the 'experts" who do it for a living.

Seriously, it is your choice, but do you really know what you are getting into?

The OP clearly states that he lives 1.5 hours from the border, why would he need to join a visa trip that would add countless hours to his trip?

As for what he is getting into, you leave then re enter, I don't see anything remotely difficult about that?

[JackThompson]

I have done this probably 6-7 times in the last few years and first time i did myself also.

I leave Bangkok around 3am and there around 6am and usually back in Bangkok by noon. But that is with my own car.

If you can get there early so you don't get stuck waiting to exit Thailand and Enter Cambodia.

Not sure what small fees other mentioned. Other then the Cambodian visa there are no other fees you need to pay unless you don't want to wait on the exit from Cambodia then usually a 100 or 200 fee will get you stamped right back after entering Cambodia. I usually just put in my earphones and open music and ignore everyone around me asking stuff and just keep walking.

It isn't difficult but very annoying and always a long wait when entering Thailand. Usually about an hour waiting in line but that can't be avoided.

If it is Poipet there are few steps.

1. Exit Thailand

2. Walk across the bridge and cross the street to the right and enter the building where you get the visa. I believe latest is 1000-1200 or something. I forgot exact amount.

3. Stay on that side of the road and keep walking until you get to the Cambodian entry point. Fill in the form they give you there and wait in line.

4. Once exit you have to cross the street but last time there was some big construction site so you have to walk about 200-300m then cross the street and then walk back on the other side of the road.

5. Wait to get stamped out

6. Go the way you came from if the construction site is still same as before. If not then just walk back in to the no man's land and past the casinos. Once again cross the street to the left and just follow everyone.

7. Get you immigration form outside the Thai border building and walk up the stairs. Fill in and wait.

8. Get stamped back in and take a deep breath because it is over

9. Go back wherever you came from

This was last time i went which was probably 7-8 months ago. These days i just fly to Hong Kong

I also would not pay an 'agent' type for any part of this. If going to Aranya / Poipet, I agree with the above, but would add this to the list:

Before leaving Thailand, get dollars for your Cambodian VOA. Sometimes the banks on the Thai side of the border have dollars, sometimes not - or only large bills. You want to have exact change for the VOA.

2. ... When you go to Visa On Arrival office, pay the VOA fee in Dollars plus 100-Baht 'extra fee'** (**unless you want to be a 'tough guy' - good luck with that). If you changed to USD, you saved far more than 100 Baht over what they would charge you in Baht for the VOA.

The Ban Packard crossing should be a lot less busy. Since you are using your own transportation, maybe better to avoid the possibly long lines at the Aranya/Poipet crossing and head there.

[Franky Bear]

I have done this probably 6-7 times in the last few years and first time i did myself also.

I leave Bangkok around 3am and there around 6am and usually back in Bangkok by noon. But that is with my own car.

If you can get there early so you don't get stuck waiting to exit Thailand and Enter Cambodia.

Not sure what small fees other mentioned. Other then the Cambodian visa there are no other fees you need to pay unless you don't want to wait on the exit from Cambodia then usually a 100 or 200 fee will get you stamped right back after entering Cambodia. I usually just put in my earphones and open music and ignore everyone around me asking stuff and just keep walking.

It isn't difficult but very annoying and always a long wait when entering Thailand. Usually about an hour waiting in line but that can't be avoided.

If it is Poipet there are few steps.

1. Exit Thailand

2. Walk across the bridge and cross the street to the right and enter the building where you get the visa. I believe latest is 1000-1200 or something. I forgot exact amount.

3. Stay on that side of the road and keep walking until you get to the Cambodian entry point. Fill in the form they give you there and wait in line.

4. Once exit you have to cross the street but last time there was some big construction site so you have to walk about 200-300m then cross the street and then walk back on the other side of the road.

5. Wait to get stamped out

6. Go the way you came from if the construction site is still same as before. If not then just walk back in to the no man's land and past the casinos. Once again cross the street to the left and just follow everyone.

7. Get you immigration form outside the Thai border building and walk up the stairs. Fill in and wait.

8. Get stamped back in and take a deep breath because it is over

9. Go back wherever you came from

This was last time i went which was probably 7-8 months ago. These days i just fly to Hong Kong

I emigrate to Hong Kong soon. Hopefully our Visas and work permits for HK are ready before i need to do a visa run.

Thanks for the info

[Franky Bear]

I have done this probably 6-7 times in the last few years and first time i did myself also.

I leave Bangkok around 3am and there around 6am and usually back in Bangkok by noon. But that is with my own car.

If you can get there early so you don't get stuck waiting to exit Thailand and Enter Cambodia.

Not sure what small fees other mentioned. Other then the Cambodian visa there are no other fees you need to pay unless you don't want to wait on the exit from Cambodia then usually a 100 or 200 fee will get you stamped right back after entering Cambodia. I usually just put in my earphones and open music and ignore everyone around me asking stuff and just keep walking.

It isn't difficult but very annoying and always a long wait when entering Thailand. Usually about an hour waiting in line but that can't be avoided.

If it is Poipet there are few steps.

1. Exit Thailand

2. Walk across the bridge and cross the street to the right and enter the building where you get the visa. I believe latest is 1000-1200 or something. I forgot exact amount.

3. Stay on that side of the road and keep walking until you get to the Cambodian entry point. Fill in the form they give you there and wait in line.

4. Once exit you have to cross the street but last time there was some big construction site so you have to walk about 200-300m then cross the street and then walk back on the other side of the road.

5. Wait to get stamped out

6. Go the way you came from if the construction site is still same as before. If not then just walk back in to the no man's land and past the casinos. Once again cross the street to the left and just follow everyone.

7. Get you immigration form outside the Thai border building and walk up the stairs. Fill in and wait.

8. Get stamped back in and take a deep breath because it is over

9. Go back wherever you came from

This was last time i went which was probably 7-8 months ago. These days i just fly to Hong Kong

I also would not pay an 'agent' type for any part of this. If going to Aranya / Poipet, I agree with the above, but would add this to the list:

Before leaving Thailand, get dollars for your Cambodian VOA. Sometimes the banks on the Thai side of the border have dollars, sometimes not - or only large bills. You want to have exact change for the VOA.

2. ... When you go to Visa On Arrival office, pay the VOA fee in Dollars plus 100-Baht 'extra fee'** (**unless you want to be a 'tough guy' - good luck with that). If you changed to USD, you saved far more than 100 Baht over what they would charge you in Baht for the VOA.

The Ban Packard crossing should be a lot less busy. Since you are using your own transportation, maybe better to avoid the possibly long lines at the Aranya/Poipet crossing and head there.

Have to admit i don't know the name of the place i go. it's the same one i have always went to from pattaya the last 11 years haha. It's stamped on my Google maps so easy to get to.

[crazyk]

You can do it yourself.

------------------------------

You can do it yourself, but having done the run to the Cambodian border in a 16 passenger van from Bangkok, I can tell you that it took us more than a 12 hour trip from Bangkok and return.

We left Bangkok at 6 a.m. and returned about 6:30 that afternoon.

Yes, it can be done.... but are you really sure you know the way, and how to do it.

That included two "comfort stops" on the way there and on return.

About a 1 hour stop at the border for lunch and actually getting the Thai visa.

As a novice I highly recommend you consider using one of the visa run services from Bangkok, at least the first time.

Not only do they know the way, as they do it at least a few times each week, but they have "friends" at the Cambodian border who provide a Cambodian visa as part of the package trip.

Yes, it costs around 2300 Baht for a run, but it is worth it, if just for the convenience the first time.

Once you have done a border run, and know the procedure, maybe then you can handle it all yourself the next time.

However, I would use one of the established 'visa run" services the fist time, even if it costs more, just until you learn how it is done by the 'experts" who do it for a living.

Seriously, it is your choice, but do you really know what you are getting into?

I think he can work it out.like he says he's over 1hr away.if goes to bangkok will put at least 6hrs return &hopefully he's got a bit of savvy unlike you unless you work for a visa run company.i been coming to thailand since 1997 on 6 month visa with 3 entrys & staying 5 month until 3 years ago i semi retired with 12 month visa & i have never used a visa run company ever.i re ew visa every 15 month.......work it out

Edited July 22, 2016 by ubonjoe
Moved reply to quoted text

[Franky Bear]

I think he can work it out.like he says he's over 1hr away.if goes to bangkok will put at least 6hrs return &hopefully he's got a bit of savvy unlike you unless you work for a visa run company.i been coming to thailand since 1997 on 6 month visa with 3 entrys & staying 5 month until 3 years ago i semi retired with 12 month visa & i have never used a visa run company ever.i re ew visa every 15 month.......work it out

if i was to go to BKK it's an over night stop in Bkk. I'm 4-6 hours away from Bkk

[rapom]

I have entered at the Chong Chom crossing 2 times. Before you get out of the exit point, people are asking "where you go" and want to take you to get your visa. The first time through, I followed a man and when we got to the entry building he started filling out the arrival card, then wanted my passport. He handed everything to window staff and left. The man at the window wanted 1400 baht for the visa for which I asked for a receipt. His reply "no receipt". As I had not given him the money yet, I told him "no receipt, no 1400 baht". He then refused to take the correct visa charge posted on the website. Well, I then played my hole card. A couple of years prior I had a long distance relationship with a Cambodian women that lived in Houston Texas. During this time she asked me to be her guest at an upcoming friends wedding. So I flew to Houston for the weekend. This friend was also Cambodian, who lived with her mother and brother in North Houston. The father worked in Cambodia and had moved the family to the states several years prior and flew home regulary to be with the family. This gentleman was a secretary for the King of Cambodia. He gave me a card with the royal seal, his name, title and contact information. I opened my wallet and pulled out this card and showed it to the visa staffer. He looked at it, then spoke with the ranking officer. Shortly, my passport was handed back with the visa stamp and I paid the normal charge. My second visit went smoother. I did all the paperwork myself, handed it in with the correct US dollars. The same Captain that had been in charge my first visit even gave me a smile and nod. But I must say, when I went to be stamped out, they asked for 200 baht. I just smiled and said no. Took my passport and re-entered Thailand.

[overherebc]

Before you go to poipet do a search on Thaivisa ref' e visa.

Check the threads so you get the correct e visa.

About 40 dollars. Any more than that is an agent rip off.

Print of 3 copies, one to show when after you stamp out of Thailand and go straight to the stamp in post, ignore the visa office on the right hand side.

Cross the road to stamp out side and then walk back to stamp into Thailand.

Done it many times, no agents no extras.

Just do a search on TV for Cambodia e visa.

Edit to say again search for the official site for e visa.

Edited July 22, 2016 by overherebc

[ericthai]

You can do it yourself.

------------------------------

You can do it yourself, but having the run to the Cambodian border in a 16 passenger van, I can tell you that it took us about a 12 hour trip from Bangkok and return.

We left Bangkok at 6 a.m. and returned about 6:30 that afternoon.

Yes, it can be done.... but are you really sure you know the way, and how to do it.

That included wo "comfort stops" on the ay there and on return.

About a 1 hour stop at the border for lunch and actually getting the Thai visa.

As a novice I highly recommend you consider using one of the visa run services from Bangkok, at least the first time.

Not only do they know the way, as they do it at least a few times each week, but they have "friends" at the Cambodian border who provide a Cambodian visa as part of the package trip there.

Yes, it costs around 2300 Baht for a run, but it is worth it, if just for the convenience the first time.

Once you have done a border run, and know the procedure, maybe then you can handle it all yourself the next time.

However, I would use one of the established 'visa run" services the fist time, even if it costs more, just until you learn how it is done by the 'experts" who do it for a living.

Seriously, it is your choice, but do you really know what you are getting into?

I trust Joe 10000%>

i have done the visa run many times. But i lived Near Pattaya or Ban Phae where they had visa run agencies. I am 90 mins drive on a bike (max) from the boarder. All i wanted to know if there was any "hidden" extras when doing it. There isn't.

that's all i needed to know.

correct there should not be any hidden costs, but has others have posted Cambodian officials will try and get you to pay a fee for not staying 24hrs. Law in Cambodia when entering you need to stay 24hrs. However just tell them no.. They will look at you and you just say I never pay, stand your ground and they will give in.

[Altalake]

UbonJoe is - IMHO - the Guru and Oracle of visas and so on, but ImaFarang also has sensible and practical advice.

[BritTim]

Before you go to poipet do a search on Thaivisa ref' e visa.

Check the threads so you get the correct e visa.

About 40 dollars. Any more than that is an agent rip off.

Print of 3 copies, one to show when after you stamp out of Thailand and go straight to the stamp in post, ignore the visa office on the right hand side.

Cross the road to stamp out side and then walk back to stamp into Thailand.

Done it many times, no agents no extras.

Just do a search on TV for Cambodia e visa.

Edit to say again search for the official site for e visa.

About 40 dollars. Any more than that is an agent rip off.

With respect, that is also a scam (US$10 extra over the normal visa cost). For those who do not know how to deal with Cambodian immigration, it may be worth it. It also saves space in the passport (useful for frequent travelers). However, I have never paid more than the official price for a Cambodian visa. At Poipet, if handled correctly, the conversation over price takes about 20 seconds. I admit it is much more difficult at Hat Lek/Koh Kong, but we are not discussing that border.

[wump]

There is usually an extra fee involved in getting the Cambodian visa, even when paying in dollars. Sometimes they just won't back off and you'll be forced to pay around 5$ or 150 Baht extra. Add 50-100 Baht for not having a photograph. Apart from that, doing the visa run yourself is very easy and convenient as you don't have to wait for all the other guys to get their visas. Only downside is that you actually have to go into Cambodia whereas the visa run companies usually have their customers wait at the Thai side for the paperwork to be ready.

[Franky Bear]

I know this won;t sit well with some. But i have never been one to really bother about an extra 150 baht "tip". If it means a smoother pass through a gate....so be it. My family will still eat tonight and we will have a roof over our head.

it's not as if they are taking my life savings.

[ubonjoe]

A inflammatory post with profanities and a reply to it has been removed.

[BritTim]

I know this won;t sit well with some. But i have never been one to really bother about an extra 150 baht "tip". If it means a smoother pass through a gate....so be it. My family will still eat tonight and we will have a roof over our head.

it's not as if they are taking my life savings.

Your point is fair enough. They will never ask for your life savings, as they know you would not give it to them. They choose an amount that they judge most will willingly give them. By all means give them 100, 200, 300 baht. It is not my money. I am never upset at those who choose to pay. However, it would do a lot more good in human terms if you gave that money to one of the beggars (away from the mafia controlled areas) instead.

[Franky Bear]

Your point is fair enough. They will never ask for your life savings, as they know you would not give it to them. They choose an amount that they judge most will willingly give them. By all means give them 100, 200, 300 baht. It is not my money. I am never upset at those who choose to pay. However, it would do a lot more good in human terms if you gave that money to one of the beggars (away from the mafia controlled areas) instead.

I do give to street kids....most of who are controlled by some criminal in in way or another a lot of the time. It's a vicious circle that i'm ore than aware of.

I like an easy life, handing a few baht to a bent cop, makes my life easy, great.

[BuckBee]

Handing over tip at army hut gets you stamped in & out in under 10 minutes & you cross road & straight in thai immi for re-entry.

I do it from BKK, 50Bt on train, use cambo e-visa, come straight back thailand & either grab a van back if price good & ready leave or walk to bus station .

It not hard but 200Bt makes it super easy & 10minute job .

[Franky Bear]

Handing over tip at army hut gets you stamped in & out in under 10 minutes & you cross road & straight in thai immi for re-entry.

I do it from BKK, 50Bt on train, use cambo e-visa, come straight back thailand & either grab a van back if price good & ready leave or walk to bus station .

It not hard but 200Bt makes it super easy & 10minute job .

Cheers mate. I'll be driving myself. it will take around 70 minutes from my door to the boarder.

[Franky Bear]

Thanks to everyone that has commented. One thing is 100% set on stone with TV no matter who you like or dislike is when you ask a question like this you do get a straight forwards answer.

I appreciate it all, even the replies that are a bit OTT for what i need, but that's the way Z'Interbewbz works. I'd buy you all a Pint in a heart beat