I normally use Vientiane for my Thai Visa and the process is usually painless and swift. Of course, every year the systems change and become slightly more complex. But when they do, I just imagine the hoops a Thai needs to jump through in order to gain a visa to UK or USA,..... and it all feels painless again.
I've previously flown Don Meuang to Udon Thani, taken the minivan to Friendship Bridge and then gone directly to the Thai Embassy to apply for the new visa. Collect the visa the next afternoon and then take a bus of minivan back to Udon Thani for the flight home.
Thank you @poorcirculation for your advice. We thought everything would be done at the border regarding the visa. Didn't know you had to go to the Thai embassy. Good to know.
Yes, that's what we are hoping - smooth and swift process within 24 hours in and out! It is less painless than Thais getting any visa outside ASEAN region. Sam's mum has finally received a five year 'visiting' UK visa, but still has to go to the visa offices every year for a Schnegen one as she often does trips to Europe once she's in England.
At the Thai/Lao border, you should get visa on entry (30 days). Just need 1 passport photo and $35 cash. When arrive at Lao Immigration, window on Left will give you the forms: 1 Application Form + 1 Exit ReEntry form (like your TM7 for Thailand). Fill in the forms, pass them back trhough the same window with $35 – they will give change – then your passport with new Lao 30 day visa will be given to you at Window #3.
For Thai Tourist Visa, visit Thai Embassy in Vientiane (Mon-Fri 8am to 1pm) and make the visa application. (You’ll need 2 x passport photo, copy of passport pages 1: main page 2: Thai entry/exit stamp 3: Lao entry visa.
The following day (1pm to 3pm) you collect the tourist visa and pay 1,900 Bt.
Your tourist visa will be for 60 days, single entry. But, they might ask for 1: Proof of onward journey out of Thailand. 2: Proof of address in Thailand. 3: Proof of resources of $1,000 of 30,000Bt.
Ask me more as you get closer …… happy to help.
Thank you very much @poorcirculation for this information. We will need to take a screenshot of this and remember to bring all of what is needed and know the ins and outs. We'll surely be in touch if we have any issues. :)
So we opted for a visa run to Singapore (slightly more expensive) as Becca does not want to rush her first time in Laos and would prefer a week exploring. She will only be given two days off, so it made sense. KL was cheaper to fly and stay, but we were there in August. Thanks for the information again and we will be sure to use it within the year (Sam is sure of it).
No problem .. hope it all goes smoothly for Becca