Visa Runs to Vientiane, Laos

Vientiane, Laos is a hub for all kinds of travellers, from upmarket vacationers to backpackers to volunteers. One kind of visitor to Vientiane is the 'visa runner'. Thai visas don’t last forever and expats and other longer-term visitors to Thailand extend that by renewing their visas on a border run across into Vientiane, Laos.

Friendship Bridge Laos Thailand Photo: The Friendship Bridge runs across the border of Thailand and Laos

Are you thinking of doing a visa run from Thailand to Vientiane?

Here are a few tips to help you along the way:

From March 2009 until March 31 2011, there was a 'free tourist visa' promotion in Vientiane. This promotion has now ended, so expect to pay a fee of THB1,000 to THB6,000 depending on what kind of visa you're after

For a Lao visa to enter Laos, you will need to present your passport, two passport sized photos, and a fee depending upon your nationality. We have plenty of information on Laos visas at http://www.vientiane-hotel-link.com/travel-info/lao-visa-information

Have at least one photocopied version of your passport with you. As long as you’re photocopying your passport, make another copy to keep somewhere safe back in Thailand or online

The Thai Embassy only receives visa applications between the hours of 8:30am & 12pm daily, Monday through Saturday

At the Thai embassy in Laos, you can use Lao kip, Thai baht, and US dollars interchangeably. If you pay in Thai baht, you get change in Thai baht. If you pay in US dollars, you get change in Lao kip

bus stop in Vientiane Photo: Vientiane bus station. Don't spend all your time in Vientiane waiting for buses, bureaucrats, and border crossings. Stay a few days to see the sights in and around the city.

It might be difficult to get your Thai visa processed in one day. Those who have done this visa run a number of times will that it’s a much more enjoyable experience to actually stay in Vientiane for a few days and take a look around.

Once you get to Vientiane, you may have some rough overnight travel behind you. Don't head straight back to Thailand. Explore Vientiane a bit. First, get comfortable in Vientiane at a good guesthouse

Once you've found a place to stay, check out the tours and sights while you're in town.

The bottom line: Vientiane is more than just a capital city or a place to take care of Thai visa business. While you're here, explore Vientiane! You'll have a better visa run if you decide to stay for a few days. Looking for something different - then try flying through the jungle!

Here are some other resources online to read more about visa runs from Thailand to Vientiane, Laos:

http://thailandlandofsmiles.com/2010/12/03/visa-run-thailand-vientiane-laos/

http://www.grumpyexpat.com/blog/2008/12/visa-run---vientiane-laos.html

http://www.pattaya-funtown.com/visa_run_laos.html

http://www.bangkokdiaries.com/2009/05/14/visa_run_to_vientiane_laos/

flags on the friendship bridge between Laos and Thailand Photo: border crossers on the Friendship Bridge see exactly where Laos (left flag) ends and Thailand (right flag) begins

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