Visas and border crossings forum

Bus from Vientiane to Bangkok - Visa on arrival?

zilpah

newbie
Posts: 2

Hi,
I'm am American in Laos right now, thinking about taking a bus from Vientiane to Bangkok next week. My question is about the Thailand visa. I know I get a free 15-day visa for arriving overland, but where will that happen? Will the bus stop for visas as we cross the border? Should I try to go to the embassy and get a visa beforehand? Any info would be really appreciated.
Thanks!

#1 Posted: 21/2/2011 - 17:29
svendj

tuk tuk driver
Posts: 180

you just get the visa at the border. if you booked a bus from Vientiane to Bangkok I don't know how that actually works. I always get to the border myself as it isn't that far, cross it and then catch a bus in Nong Khai to Bangkok, or even the train would be a better option.

#2 Posted: 21/2/2011 - 19:44
idreamofdur-
ian

som tam seller
Posts: 561
Located in:

Private message

Yes, the bus stops at the border. You need to stamp out of Laos and then get a Thai visa. The bus to Bangkok is usually full of foreigners, so it'll wait for everyone to get their visas done!

#3 Posted: 22/2/2011 - 09:39

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Captain_Bob

under-employed
Posts: 950
Located in:

Private message

If you still have time go to the Thai consulate in Vientiane and get a proper tourist visa. Apply 830am and pickup next day at 1pm (M-F only). Sure it's a small hassle but will permit you a 60-day entry extendable 30 more. But if you just need the 15 day visa exemption, go ahead and just take the bus and yes they have to stop and process everyone's passports on departure from the Laos side of the bridge and on arrival on the Thai side.

#4 Posted: 26/2/2011 - 18:31