Laos forum

Visas for Laos

tomboreynol-
ds

longtail driver
Posts: 5

Hi,

Could anyone please advise on the speed and ease of getting a visa for Laos if you are in the North of Thailand. Our present plans, as part of a big gap year trip, mean we will be in the Chiang Mai /Chiang Rai region but will not have the opportunity to get the Laos visa in advance of our arrival. We want to cross the border and head for Luang Prabang. Any thoughts much appreciated as well as any views or tips on treks in Northern Thailand.
Regrds
Tom R

#1 Posted: 27/10/2006 - 01:21
somtam2000

admin
mahout
Posts: 5884
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Hi Tom R,

Welcome to Travelfish!

Depending on your nationality, you can get a visa on arrival when you get to the Lao border crossing at Huay Xai/Chiang Khong. The visa is good for 30 days.

#2 Posted: 27/10/2006 - 08:39

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tomboreynol-
ds

longtail driver
Posts: 5

Hi Somtam2000,

Many thanks for the speedy response. We all have UK passports so will these be okay for a visa at the border crossing. On a related point, we are heading to Hanoi from Luang Prabang. I have seen suggestions there are now flights out of LP to Hanoi. Can you confirm this and do you have any ideas on frequency and cost. I am assuming that there are no land crossing that take you close to Hanoi .

Regards

Tom R

#3 Posted: 27/10/2006 - 15:30
somtam2000

admin
mahout
Posts: 5884
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Hi Tom,

Lao Airlines are scheduled to start flying that route from October 29 -- you can see the Lao Airlines schedule here. Fare is USD115 one way (not sure if that includes taxes or not).

The closest land crossings still leave you quite a way short of Hanoi... see the SE Asia border crossings section for more info.

#4 Posted: 27/10/2006 - 19:14

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tomboreynol-
ds

longtail driver
Posts: 5

Hi Somtam2000

Thanks again - especially for the Lao Airlines link. Had never heard of Travelfish until I stumbled on it during a google search. What a great site!

Regards

Tom R

#5 Posted: 28/10/2006 - 05:58
somtam2000

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mahout
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You're welcome -- glad you're finding the site helpful!

#6 Posted: 28/10/2006 - 09:47

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tennie

backpacker
Posts: 17

Hi Somtam!

I have an Australian Passport would you happen to know whether I can do the same thing and get a visa at the Huay Xai/Chiang Khong crossing too?
Do I need anything for the visa - I've heard that you might need passport photos and things.. Is that true?

I've been looking on the internet but haven't yet been able to get any "official" information on how to obtain a Visa to Laos from Australia - so I thought maybe getting on when I am there is the way to go?

Cheers,
Tennie.

#7 Posted: 3/11/2006 - 07:43

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marianwarren

adventurer
Posts: 270

Hi Tennie

I've just received my Laos visa from Canberra. I posted off my application form (download from Lao Embassy: laoemb@bigpond.net.au - ask them to send you the form), 1 passport photo and AUD$45 (for 30 day, single entry tourist visa) on Oct 30 and received it back today Nov 3. Very good service and a very pretty visa. Valid for 2 months from date of entry.

Kind regards

Marian

#8 Posted: 3/11/2006 - 08:38
marianwarren

adventurer
Posts: 270

Tennie

I realised what I wrote maybe confusing so clarifying it a little. On the application form you state what date you intend to enter Laos on. My visa is valid from 27/11/06 until 26/01/07 so I have a month leeway to use it.

One traveller on this site quoted 1500THB (US$40) for 30 day visa at border so getting your visa in oz is a cheaper option.

Hope this is useful

Marian

#9 Posted: 3/11/2006 - 13:02
fondo

traveller
Posts: 93

A 30 day visa on arrival is certainly available for Aussies. When I did it in September it cost 30USD or 1500 baht.

1 passport photo required.

45AUD today is about 35USD

#10 Posted: 3/11/2006 - 14:23
cysl

newbie
Posts: 1

hi, I would like to check whether do Malaysian passport holder require visa to enter Laos.

Entering via border crossing from Frinedship Bridge.

Christina

#11 Posted: 3/11/2006 - 15:11
marianwarren

adventurer
Posts: 270

Hey fondo

Sorry to be picky but according to oanda.com 1500 TBH today is worth US$40.91.. and AUD$52.91.. I don't think the exchange rates have changed that much... I've been watching them closely.

Regards

Marian

#12 Posted: 3/11/2006 - 15:22
tennie

backpacker
Posts: 17

Hi Marian and Fondo
Thanks for your help!

Marian I'll be in Laos around 28 Dec so maybe I will bump into you!

Cheers,
Tennie.

#13 Posted: 3/11/2006 - 17:18

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