What is a Visa Run, and Why Might You Need One?

A visa run is essential for people who need to extend or change their visa status in Thailand. This guide will cover making a visa run from the Thai consulate in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos.

Timing Your Visit: Before planning your visit, the first thing to do is book an appointment at the Embassy by visiting this link. Appointments must be made in advance via the Visa Application Appointment System. The visa process takes three days. If you submit it on Monday morning, your passport will be returned Wednesday afternoon. You must be in Laos for the weekend if you submit on a Thursday or Friday.

The Journey: Getting to Vientiane

Traveling by Bus

Bus travel is a reasonably priced option and a popular way to reach Vientiane anywhere in Thailand. If there is no direct bus from your Thai Province, the journey usually involves two bus rides: first to Udon Thani and then from Udon Thani to Nong Khai.

Traveling by Plane to Udon Thani

Your best bet is a 90-minute flight from Chiang Mai or Bangkok to Udon Thani.

Upon landing at Udon Thani Airport, various transportation options are available. The fastest way to do this is to utilize a minivan directly from the airport to Nong Khai or Vientiane. Various companies drive minivans on this route, and you can find their booths at the airport when you land. The ride to Nong Khai typically takes around an hour and costs around 200 THB.

Crossing the Border: Nong Khai to Vientiane

Next is crossing the Friendship Bridge to Laos. This famous landmark spans the Mekong River, which separates Thailand and Laos. Once you're at the Thai-Laos border, hand your passport into the Thai immigration checkpoints to get stamped out of Thailand.

Once you've crossed the bridge into Laos, head to the Laos immigration checkpoint to fill out a form for a visa on arrival, the fee varies based on nationality but usually falls between 30 and 42 USD.

Getting to Vientiane from the Friendship Bridge

There are many options available, from the Friendship Bridge to Vientiane. The cheapest option is a green and white air-conditioned bus, with tickets costing 40 baht.

The fastest option is to take a taxi or a tuk-tuk. The fare may vary depending on your bargaining skills but ranges from 100 to 200 baht.

NOTE: You will have an appointment at the Embassy, and we recommend taking a taxi to ensure you arrive on time to submit your paperwork to the Embassy.

Arrival: The Thai Embassy in Vientiane

Having arrived in Laos and made your way to Vientiane, your next stop is the Thai Embassy. The Embassy is open from Monday to Friday and is an appointment-only facility; no walk-in applications are accepted. Ensure that you arrive in time for your appointment.

The Visa Application Process at the Thai Embassy in Vientiane

Before your appointment at the Embassy, ensure you have all the required documents. These include a valid passport with at least six months remaining and two blank pages, passport-sized photos (4×6 cm), a completed visa application form, and additional documents based on your visa type. Finally, arrive at least 30 minutes early with all required documents and your appointment confirmation. Submit your paperwork, passport, and money for the visa fee.

Cost Breakdown: Understanding the Visa Application Fee

When budgeting for your visa run, include the visa application fee. This must be paid in cash, in Thai Baht. The costs vary depending on the type of visa, so check the current rates on the Thai Embassy's official website or by contacting the Embassy directly. Currently, the visa fee for a single entry tourist visa is 1000THB. A non-immigrant-B single entry visa will cost you 2000THB. After paying your visa fee, ensure you receive a receipt. Keep this safe, as it's routinely needed when you collect your visa.

Suggestions of places to stay in Vientiane while you wait for your visa:

Being close to the Thai consulate will make your life easier. Depending on your budget, here are a few options on Agoda or Booking.com that are within walking distance of the Embassy and reasonably priced:

• Grand Hotel Vientiane, Vientiane, Laos (3 minutes away on foot).

• Douangpraseuth Hotel  (3 minutes away on foot and often fully booked).

• Lao Golden Hotel (7 minutes away on foot)

Visa Collection at the Thai Embassy

Your visa will typically be ready for collection on the third day after submission. On the designated day, arrive at the Thai Embassy on time with your receipt. You'll exchange your receipt for your passport, now with the new visa inside. Double-check the visa details to ensure everything is as it should be.

The Return Journey

With your new visa, it's time to return to Thailand. You can travel back by bus or plane, depending on your preference and time constraints.

• By Bus: If you're not in a rush and are keen on a cost-effective option, take the same route back through Nong Khai and Udon Thani, and then catch a bus or a minivan back to Chiang Mai. The travel time can be long, so brace yourself for a long journey.

• By Plane: Catch a flight from Udon Thani to Chiang Mai or Bangkok for a quicker return. Remember to account for travel time from Vientiane to Udon Thani and waiting times at the airport.

Final Checklist:

Double-check

Before your trip, double-check the visa requirements and appointment details on the Thai Consulate's official website. 

Stay Organized

Keep a digital and physical copy of all your important documents, including your passport, current visa, appointment confirmation, and visa application form. Remember that you will not have your passport, as it will be at the Embassy, so having copies of your passport is essential.

Keep Track of Holidays

Both Thai and Lao official holidays can affect the operation hours of the Thai Embassy in Vientiane, so plan your trip accordingly.

Plan for Unforeseen Circumstances

Life happens, and sometimes, things don't go as planned. Bring along some extra cash in case of emergencies, and always have a backup plan.

Stay Respectful and Patient

Remember to respect local customs, keep a positive attitude, and be patient throughout your visa process, particularly with the officers at the Thai Immigration and Embassy.

Checklist for a Thai Visa Run to Vientiane, Laos.​

Check Passport Validity

• Valid for at least six months

• When applying for a visa at the Embassy, you must have at least two blank pages (Reminder: You will lose one page at least when entering Laos). Only travel with a passport that has pages.

Book an Appointment

• Schedule your appointment at

• www.thaivisavientiane.com

• Book an appointment for a day that you can attend

• Note the cancellation policy: cancel no less than 24 hours before the appointment

Prepare Visa Application Form

• Completed and signed

Gather Supporting Documents (if applicable)

• Proof of employment or financial means is not necessary for Non-B.

• Proof of address in Thailand

• Flight itinerary or travel plans

• Marriage or birth certificates (for family visa applications)

• Any other required documents for specific visa types

Prepare Passport-sized Photos

• Two recent photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm)

• White background and neutral facial expression

Arrange Transportation

• Book a flight, bus, or minivan to Vientiane

• Confirm departure and return dates

• Check visa and passport requirements for transit countries (if applicable)

Book Accommodation

• Book a hotel or guesthouse in Vientiane

• Confirm check-in and check-out dates

• Keep hotel contact information handy

Prepare for Appointment Day

• Organize Thai visa fee in cash (Thai Baht) only

• Bring appointment confirmation (printed or screenshot on smartphone)

• Plan to arrive 30 minutes before appointment time

Know the Consular Section's Schedule

• Submission of applications: 9.00 a.m. – 12.00 a.m.

• Payment and collection: 1.30 p.m. – 4.00 p.m.

• Business hours: Monday – Friday, closed on Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays

Familiarize Yourself with Visa Processing Time

• Three working/business days for processing

• Collection 2 days after submission (approved or not approved)

Additional Preparations

• Research local customs and etiquette

• Familiarize yourself with the location of the Thai Embassy in Vientiane

• Plan leisure activities or sightseeing during your stay

• Keep emergency contact information handy