Thailand Visa Run to Laos: My Step-by-Step Experience + 2026 Updates

Last updated: May 2026

Updated with current Thai e-Visa requirements and Laos visa run changes.

If you’re ready to do a visa run from Thailand, this post will show you how to do a cheap and easy Thailand visa run to Laos. 

A Thailand visa run to Laos is the most common visa run used by tourists and expats wanting to extend their time in Thailand.

As this is based on my own personal experience, this guide focuses on doing this Thailand visa run from Bangkok, although it’s just as easy to make this a Chiang Mai visa run or a Phuket visa run to Laos too.

2026 Update: What Has Changed With Thailand Visa Runs to Laos?

Since I originally did this Thailand visa run to Laos, some visa procedures have changed. Here’s what you need to know before following the same process today.

The biggest change is that many Thai visa applications in Laos are now processed through Thailand’s e-Visa system rather than the old walk-in application process.

Before travelling to Laos for a Thai visa run, always check the current requirements with the Royal Thai Embassy in Vientiane and Thailand’s official e-Visa website.

Currently the process looks like this:

• Travel to Laos (get Lao entry stamp)
• Submit an online application with document uploads at Thai e-Visa 
• Pay the visa fee in person at the Royal Thai Embassy
• Receive visa result via email

Appointment requirements, processing times, and visa rules can also change frequently, so always verify details first.

Quick Summary on Visa Runs to Laos

What’s the Difference Between a Visa Run and a Border Run?

Many travellers use the terms visa run and border run interchangeably, but they’re actually different.

A BORDER RUN involves leaving Thailand and immediately re-entering to receive a new visa-exempt entry stamp.

A VISA RUN involves leaving Thailand and applying for a new Thai visa through a Thai Embassy or Consulate in another country.

This guide covers a genuine visa run to Laos, where you’ll apply for a Thai tourist visa before returning to Thailand.

👉 If you’re looking for a same-day border run instead, read my guide to the Mae Sai border run to Myanmar.

Also, if it’s your first time in Thailand, check out my post on the best Thailand Travel Tips for first-timers.

Is This Thailand Visa Run Right for You?

This visa run may be suitable if you:

• have already used your visa-exempt entry and need a longer stay in Thailand
• want to apply for a Thai Single Entry Tourist Visa (SETV)
• are travelling in Northern Thailand and looking for a straightforward visa-run route
• are happy to spend a few days in Laos while your application is processed

This guide may not be suitable if you:

• only need a quick border run for a new visa-exempt entry 
• have already spent long periods in Thailand on back-to-back tourist visas
• are unsure which visa type you need

This guide is based on my personal experience applying for a Thai tourist visa through the Thai Embassy in Vientiane, Laos.

Thailand Visa Run to Laos: Before You Go Checklist

Before setting off on your Thailand visa run to Laos, make sure you have everything you need organised in advance.

This checklist is based on the exact visa run I personally completed, but visa requirements and embassy procedures can change over time, so always double-check the latest requirements before travelling.

Travel Documents

• Passport
• Thailand departure card (if applicable)
• Pen for completing forms
• At least two spare blank pages in your passport

Border Crossing Costs

• 200 THB for the minibus from Udon Thani Airport to the Thai–Laos border
• 30 THB for the bus across the Friendship Bridge (15 THB each way)
• USD $30–35 for the Laos Visa on Arrival (varies by nationality)
• 12,000 Kip border exit token fee

Thai Visa Application Requirements

• 2 passport photos (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm) for the Thai Single Entry Tourist Visa (SETV)
• Photocopies of passport pages showing:
  • your bio page
  • Thailand exit stamp
  • Laos entry stamp
• 1,500 THB for the Thai Single Entry Tourist Visa (SETV) fee (Thai Baht only)

Accommodation & Transport

• 2 nights of accommodation in Vientiane
• Some Laotian Kip for taxis, tuk-tuks, and small purchases
• Food and snacks for travel days

This was the exact checklist I used for my own Thailand visa run to Laos, and having everything prepared beforehand made the process much smoother.

Passport Page Warning

TOP TIP: Make sure you have enough free pages in your passport.

Both the Laos visa and Thai tourist visa traditionally use full-page visa stickers, so you’ll need sufficient blank pages available in your passport before starting your visa run.

Important Change: The Thai Embassy in Vientiane Now Uses an e-Visa System

Since I originally completed this Thailand visa run to Laos, one of the biggest changes is that the Thai Embassy in Vientiane now uses Thailand’s e-Visa system for many visa applications.

In the past, travellers would typically arrive at the embassy, submit their documents in person, and follow the standard application process.

Now, parts of the process may need to be completed online before visiting the embassy, depending on your nationality, visa type, and the requirements in effect at the time of application.

Visa processing times can vary depending on application volume, embassy workload, and visa type.

Always allow extra days in Laos in case your application takes longer than expected.

Because Thailand’s visa procedures continue to change, it’s extremely important to check the latest information before travelling to Laos for a visa run.

What This Means for Travellers

Before heading to Vientiane, make sure you:

• Check the current visa requirements
• Confirm whether your visa type requires an online application
• Review the latest appointment procedures
• Allow extra time in Laos in case processing times change
• Check for any embassy closures or public holidays

Even if you’re following the exact visa run route I personally used, the application process at the embassy may not be identical today.

Visa Rules Can Change Quickly

Thailand regularly updates immigration and visa policies, and procedures can sometimes change with little notice.

For that reason, I strongly recommend checking:

• the official Thai e-Visa website
• the Royal Thai Embassy in Vientiane website

Check these before booking transport, accommodation, or making firm travel plans.

Important Update: Visa Processing Times Can Change

When I completed this Thailand visa run to Laos, the visa process was fairly straightforward, and the timing was predictable.

However, now, processing times can vary depending on:

• Embassy workload
• Public holidays in Thailand or Laos
• Visa type
• Changes to embassy procedures

For this reason, I recommend allowing a little extra flexibility in your travel plans rather than assuming you’ll receive your visa on a specific day.

If you’re booking flights, accommodation, house sits, or onward travel in Thailand, it’s wise to leave yourself a buffer in case there are unexpected delays.

My advice for your return journey

Don’t plan your return journey around the absolute earliest possible collection date.

Staying a couple of extra days in Vientiane is far less stressful than worrying about missing flights, checking into accommodation, or keeping to travel commitments if processing takes longer than expected.

As always, check the latest information from the Royal Thai Embassy in Vientiane before travelling, as visa procedures and processing times can change.

Is a Thailand Visa Run to Laos Still Worth It in 2026?

In short: yes, for many travellers, a Thailand visa run to Laos is still one of the most practical ways to apply for a Thai tourist visa.

Laos has long been a popular destination for Thailand visa runs thanks to its convenient location, straightforward border crossings, and the presence of the Thai Embassy in Vientiane.

However, a few things have changed in the last couple of years:

Thailand Is Stricter About Repeated Entries

Thailand immigration has become more cautious about travellers who repeatedly use visa exemptions, border runs, or back-to-back tourist visas to stay in the country long term.

That doesn’t mean visa runs no longer work.

It simply means immigration officers are paying closer attention to:

• Your travel history
• How long you’ve been staying in Thailand
• How frequently you’re entering and exiting the country
• Whether your travel plans appear genuine

The phrase ‘visa run’ is not a legal term, so your entry back into Thailand is at the discretion of the Thai immigration officer that you encounter.

So if they’re having a bad day, it means you might have one too.

Some people doing first-time visa runs can get questioned heavily, whilst others with a history of back-to-back entries can sail through. There’s no exact science to it.

For Genuine Travellers, Visa Runs Are Still Common

If you’re applying for the correct visa, have the required documentation, and genuinely intend to travel or stay in Thailand as a tourist, a visa run to Laos is still a common and legitimate option.

Many travellers continue to use Vientiane for Thai visa applications each year.

Expect More Planning Than Before

One difference compared to when I completed this visa run is that the process now requires a little more planning.

With the introduction of Thailand’s e-Visa system and occasional changes to embassy procedures, it’s more important than ever to:

• Check the latest requirements before travelling
• Allow flexibility for processing times
• Make sure your paperwork is complete

My Experience

The visa run described in this guide is the exact process I personally followed, and it worked smoothly for me at the time.

While some procedures may have changed since then, the overall route, border crossing, and visa-run concept remain largely the same.

If you’re looking for a reliable way to apply for a Thai tourist visa from a neighbouring country, Laos is still one of the most popular options available in 2026.

This step by step guide below is based on my own personal experience and explains the exact process I personally followed during my Thailand visa run to Laos.

⚠️ Visa rules can change quickly.

This guide is based on my personal experience completing a Thailand visa run to Laos.

Procedures, processing times, fees, and visa requirements may change.

Always verify current requirements before travelling.

Our Thailand Visa Run to Laos

We were just finishing up a house sit in Bangkok when we decided to do a Visa Run to get a two-month (60-day) Thai single-entry tourist visa (SETV). 

After researching many visa run options to different countries, we felt Laos would probably be the cheapest option.

On our Thailand Visa Run to Laos, it went like this:

• We took an internal flight from Bangkok to Udon Thani (which is the nearest Thai airport to the Thai/Laos border)
• Then got a minibus from Udon Thani airport to Nong Khai (the Thai border town)
• Got a Laos Visa on Arrival
• Crossed the Thai/Lao border on foot
• Then got a ride to Vientiane in Laos, where we stayed two nights.

Within those two days, we applied for a Thai Single Entry Tourist Visa (SETV) at the Thai Consulate in Vientiane, which got us another 60 days in Thailand (plus a 30-day extension if needed).

This Thailand Visa Run took three days, leaving on a Tuesday and returning on a Thursday, and we stayed two nights in Vientiane. 

So now I’ll walk you through a detailed step-by-step guide on how to do this easy Thailand Visa Run to Laos and back again, independently without using a minibus service or agent. 

Visa Run route from Bangkok to Vientiane, Laos

Route from Udon Thani airport over the border and into Vientiane, Laos

Quick Cost Overview of our Laos Visa Run

Step 1: Thailand Visa Run to Laos | Day 1: Flight from Bangkok to Udon Thani

DAY 1 – TUESDAY

For most travellers, the easiest and cheapest way to start a Thailand visa run to Laos is by flying to Udon Thani, travelling to the border town of Nong Khai, and then crossing by land border into Vientiane, Laos.

This is one of the most popular routes for a Thailand tourist visa Laos application because it’s affordable, straightforward, and well-established.

Laos is also incredibly affordable and consistently ranks as one of the cheapest Asian countries to visit, making it a great place to spend a few days while waiting for your visa to be processed.

Flying to Udon Thani

You can fly to Udon Thani from several airports around Thailand.

We were staying in Bangkok, so we flew from Don Mueang Airport.

Most domestic airlines operate flights to Udon Thani, but at the time, Nok Air offered the cheapest fares for our dates. They’re often one of the cheapest options for internal flights, although it’s always worth comparing prices before booking.

We booked a Tuesday flight because we’d heard that Mondays were often the busiest days at the Thai Consulate in Vientiane, and we wanted to avoid the crowds.

Our flight departed from Don Mueang Airport at 5:00 PM.

Flight cost: 750 THB per person, each way.

Leaving Our Backpacks in Bangkok

On the day of departure, we checked out of our accommodation and took a Grab taxi to Don Mueang Airport.

Because we were only heading to Laos for a couple of days, we decided not to take our large backpacks with us.

Instead, we left them at the airport luggage storage facility at Don Mueang.

The luggage storage is:

• Open 24 hours
• Located on Level 2, between Terminals 1 and 2
• 75 THB per bag, per 24 hours

This meant our flight was much cheaper as we could fly ‘seat only’ and didn’t have to pay baggage fees for two people. And it meant we didn’t have to drag everything we owned across an international border just for a short Vientiane visa run.

Our Flight to Udon Thani

We checked in with only light hand luggage (bliss!) and boarded our Nok Air flight.

The flight was slightly delayed, so we didn’t actually take off from Bangkok until 5:35 PM.

We arrived at Udon Thani Airport later that evening and continued the next stage of our Laos visa run journey from there.

What You Need for This Step

• Passport
• Flight booking confirmation
• Hand luggage or small backpack
• Grab app (or cash for a taxi)
• Travel insurance documents (optional)
• Airport luggage storage funds if leaving larger bags behind

Costs for This Step

Step 2: Udon Thani airport to Nong Khai border town

After landing in Udon Thani, we were able to head straight out of the airport because we only had hand luggage.

Udon Thani Airport is relatively small, so it’s easy to find your way around, and you won’t need much time to locate onward transport.

Booking the Minibus to Nong Khai

As you exit into the arrivals area, you’ll see a row of transport desks near the exit doors.

Look for signs that say:

• “Limousine Service”
• “Minibus Nong Khai”

Head over to one of the desks and ask for a ticket to the Nong Khai border.

This is the most common route used by travellers doing a Thailand visa run from Chiang Mai, Bangkok, or elsewhere in Thailand before crossing into Laos.

The minibus ticket cost us:

• 200 THB per person

What the Minibus Journey Was Like

The minibus was air-conditioned, but it was a little cramped.

One thing to be aware of is that the driver usually waits until the vehicle is full before departing.

If you’re waiting around for additional passengers, it’s a good opportunity to:

• use the bathroom
• buy snacks or drinks
• organise your documents for the border crossing

This is a long transit day with lots of moving between airports, buses, borders, and accommodation, so it’s worth taking breaks whenever you get the chance.

As with any solo transit, keep your valuables close. Read my quick guide to staying safe when travelling for more tips on keeping your passport and gear secure during transit.

Journey to Nong Khai

For us, the journey from Udon Thani Airport to Nong Khai took around 50 minutes.

There were multiple drop-offs along the way, so your travel time may vary slightly depending on traffic and passenger destinations.

We arrived at the Thai side of the border at approximately 8:00 PM.

This is where the next stage of the Nong Khai visa run begins.

What You Need for This Step

• Passport
• 200 THB cash for the minibus
• Snacks and bottled water
• Phone charger or power bank
• Any border crossing documents you’ll need later

Costs for This Step

Step 3: Crossing the Friendship Bridge at Nong Khai 

After arriving at the Nong Khai border, the minibus drops you off directly outside the border crossing.

From here, begin the immigration process by walking into the Thai Immigration Border Control building.

Exiting Thailand

Once inside, hand over:

• your passport
• your completed Thailand departure card

An Immigration Officer will then stamp you out of Thailand.

Because we arrived just after 8:00 PM, the border was relatively quiet and the process was quick and straightforward.

This is one of the reasons many travellers choose the Nong Khai visa run route when doing a Thailand tourist visa Laos application.

Buying Your Friendship Bridge Bus Ticket

After receiving your Thailand exit stamp, continue walking straight ahead and exit the building.

Immediately on your right-hand side, you’ll see:

• a ticket booth
• a small waiting area

This is where you buy your ticket to cross the Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge.

The bridge itself cannot be crossed on foot, so all passengers must use the shuttle bus service.

Friendship Bridge Ticket Cost

When we crossed, the ticket cost:

• 20 THB per person

The standard fare is usually 15 THB, but an additional 5 THB surcharge applies outside normal operating hours.

Once you’ve purchased your ticket, simply wait in the designated area for the next bus to arrive.

Crossing Into Laos

The bus journey across the Friendship Bridge only takes a few minutes.

Once you arrive on the Laos side, you’ll continue with the next stage of this Laos visa run guide and begin the process of entering Laos.

What You Need for This Step

• Passport
• Completed Thailand departure card
• Friendship Bridge bus fare (cash)
• Pen (always useful for border paperwork)

Costs for This Step

The buses going over the Friendship Bridge are quite regular, and we were only waiting 10 mins for a bus. When it arrives, check with the driver that it is the bus that takes you over the Friendship Bridge – it probably will be – but it’s always best to check before you get on.

If it’s busy, don’t worry about getting a seat; you won’t be on it for long as the bus journey over the Mekong River is only 10 mins.

The bus will drop you off right at the Laos Border Control crossing.

Desk to buy tickets for Friendship Bridge bus and waiting area at Thai border

Step 4: Crossing the Border and Getting a Laos Visa on Arrival

Once you’ve crossed the Friendship Bridge, the next step is entering Laos and getting your Laos Visa on Arrival.

This is a key part of the Thailand visa run to Laos route and one of the reasons this border crossing remains popular with travellers heading to Vientiane.

Check Your Visa Eligibility First

Not all nationalities are eligible for a Laos Visa on Arrival.

Before travelling, make sure:

• your passport is eligible for a Laos Visa on Arrival
• you have at least 6 months of validity remaining on your passport

If your nationality is not eligible, you’ll need to obtain a Laos visa from a Lao Embassy or Consulate before travelling.

Laos Visa on Arrival Costs

The Laos Visa on Arrival is a tourist visa that is valid for 30 days.

The visa fee depends on your nationality.

At the time of our trip, the prices displayed at the visa counter were:

Additional Fee Outside Normal Hours

There is usually an additional USD $1 surcharge if you arrive:

• Before 8:00 AM
• After 4:00 PM
• On weekends or public holidays

Completing the Visa on Arrival Forms

When you get off the Friendship Bridge shuttle bus, head straight to:

Window 1 – “Visas”

Laos immigration can be extremely busy, so it’s worth getting into the queue quickly.

Ask for:

• a Visa on Arrival application form
• a Laos Arrival/Departure card

Find somewhere to sit and complete both forms.

Keep the departure section of the Arrival/Departure card somewhere safe, as you’ll need it later when leaving Laos.

Important Tip

There are often touts around the immigration area offering:

• Help completing forms
• Transport to Vientiane
• Currency exchange services

Because you’ll be focused on filling out paperwork, make sure you keep an eye on your passport, bags, and valuables at all times.

Submitting Your Visa Application

Once you’ve completed the Visa on Arrival form:

Step 1

Return to Window 1 (or Window 2 if it’s open).

Hand over:

• your passport
• your completed Visa on Arrival application form

Step 2

Pay the visa fee.

For us:

• UK passport holder: USD $35
• New Zealand passport holder: USD $30

We were able to pay together.

Step 3

Move around to Window 3 and wait for your passport to be processed.

Receiving Your Laos Visa

When your application is ready, immigration staff will return:

• your passport
• your Laos Visa on Arrival (already attached to your passport)
• any change owed to you in USD

At this point, you’ve officially entered Laos and can continue the next stage of this Vientiane visa run.

What You Need for This Step

• Passport with at least 6 months’ validity
• One passport photo
• Completed Laos Visa on Arrival application form
• Completed Laos Arrival card
• USD cash for the visa fee
• Pen

Costs for This Step

Step 5: Getting from the Laos Border to Vientiane

Once your Laos Visa on Arrival has been issued, there’s one final checkpoint before you’re officially through border control.

Exiting Laos Border Control

To leave the immigration area, walk through the exit gate and follow the path out of the border complex.

Before you’re fully outside, you’ll be stopped twice for passport checks at separate desks.

This is completely normal.

For us, the entire process—from arriving at the Laos side of the border to clearing immigration—took until approximately 9:10 PM.

And after that, we were officially in Laos.

Finding Transport to Vientiane

Once outside border control, you’ll find plenty of transport options waiting.

Even arriving at night, it wasn’t difficult to find a driver willing to take us into Vientiane. We found a minibus taxi and agreed on a fare into the city.

The journey from the Laos border to Vientiane took around 30 minutes, and we arrived at our accommodation, Souphaphone Guesthouse, at approximately 9:40 PM.

This is a common route for travellers doing a Thailand visa run to Laos, as most people stay in Vientiane while waiting for their Thai visa application to be processed.

Our Currency Mistake

We made one mistake that I’d definitely avoid if you’re following this Laos visa run guide.

We completely forgot to exchange any money into Laotian Kip before leaving Thailand.

Big mistake.

We’d assumed there would be plenty of opportunities along the way to get local currency, but there hadn’t really been one.

We still had Thai Baht with us, but our taxi driver was understandably reluctant to accept it because he would need to exchange it himself.

In the end, we managed to work something out.

We paid using:

• some of the USD change we received from the Laos Visa on Arrival
• a portion of our remaining Thai Baht

Thankfully, the driver was happy with that arrangement.

Tip

Exchange some Thai Baht into Laotian Kip before you travel. It will make your arrival in Laos much easier.

Checking Into Our Accommodation

We stayed at Souphaphone Guesthouse in Vientiane.

For the price ($20 USD per night), it was excellent.

The room was spacious, clean, air-conditioned, equipped with a TV, and even had a window. WIN!

It’s also located close to:

• the Mekong River
• five-minute walk from the Vientiane Night Market

which made it a convenient base for our Vientiane visa run.

Even though we didn’t arrive until around 9:40 PM, there were still plenty of places open nearby.

After checking in, we dropped our bags and headed straight out to grab some food at the night market.

What You Need for This Step

• Passport
• Cash for transport to Vientiane
• Accommodation booking details
• Some Laotian Kip (recommended)
• Thai Baht or USD as backup

Costs for This Step

Our room at Souphaphone Guesthouse in Vientiane.

Step 6: Applying for a Thai Tourist Visa at the Thai Consulate in Vientiane

Day 2 – WEDNESDAY

Important 2026 Update

This is the step in the guide that has changed the most since I completed this Thailand visa run to Laos.

When I did this trip, the process involved visiting the Thai Consulate in person, submitting paperwork, paying the visa fee, and returning the next day to collect the visa.

Today, many visa applications are processed through the Thai Embassy Vientiane e-Visa system, and application procedures may differ depending on your nationality and visa type.

The experience below is the exact process I personally followed at the time, but make sure you check the latest requirements before travelling.

Thai Consulate Opening Hours

Monday to Friday

08:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Tourist visa applications

01:30 PM – 04:00 PM
Passport and visa collection

Getting Ready for the Visa Application

The next morning, we grabbed breakfast and an iced latte from a nearby café before heading out to organise some money.

We needed:

• Laotian Kip for food and day-to-day spending
• Thai Baht for our visa application fees

Our guesthouse was located on Francois Night Road near Ban Wat Chan.

If you turned right out of the street and then left at the corner, there was a bank and a currency exchange booth nearby.

Exchanging Money for the Visa Fee

By this point we’d spent most of our Thai Baht in Laos, as many businesses in Vientiane accepted both Kip and Thai Baht.

We quickly discovered that we couldn’t simply buy Thai Baht using our UK or New Zealand debit cards.

Instead, the currency exchange staff told us we had to:

1. Withdraw 340,000 Lao Kip from the ATM next door
2. Exchange that Kip for 3,000 THB

TIP

Another lesson learned – bring enough Thai Baht to Laos to cover your Thai visa fee, because ATM withdrawal fees SUCK!

To avoid getting stung by unexpected ATM fees in the future, check out my guide on money transfer during travel for the best ways to access your cash abroad.

Getting to the Thai Consulate

Once we had sorted out our money, we found a tuk-tuk to take us to the Thai Consulate.

This was incredibly easy.

Tuk-tuk drivers in Vientiane are very familiar with the Thailand tourist visa Laos process and all know where the Thai Consulate is located.

We paid:

50,000 Kip for two people

And the journey from our guesthouse to the Thai Consulate took approximately 15 minutes.

Many drivers are also happy to wait while you complete the application process, as ours did.

Arriving at the Thai Consulate

We arrived at 9:45 AM.

To our surprise, it wasn’t busy at all.

Before the trip, I’d read plenty of stories about hundreds of people queuing for visas, but that wasn’t our experience.

The consulate was set up like an open-air waiting area with:

• numbered service windows
• an electronic queue system
• a small snack and drink cart

We headed straight to the application area.

Getting the Visa Application Form

The first step was to visit Window 1 and collect a Thai visa application form.

Make sure you choose the correct form for the visa you’re applying for.

At the time, applicants could choose between:

• Single Entry Tourist Visa (SETV)
• Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV)

For this Vientiane visa run, we were applying for a Single Entry Tourist Visa.

Photos, Copies and Supporting Documents

After completing the application form, head to the building on the left-hand side of the waiting area.

There is a sign outside advertising:

• Photocopy services
• Passport photos
• Photo trimming and form filling

If you haven’t brought photos with you, you can have them taken here.

Staff can also:

• Trim your photos and attach them to the application form
• Make the required photocopies
• Help you fill in the forms

Important Tip

When completing your visa application, make sure you provide a full address in Thailand.

Don’t simply write the hotel/guesthouse name and the city; use the complete address.

If you’re unsure, find it on Google Maps.

Applications without a full Thai address may not be accepted.

Passport Copies Required

At the time of our application, we needed photocopies of:

• Passport bio/data page
• Thailand exit stamp page
• Laos Visa on Arrival page

The staff knew exactly which pages were required and handled the photocopying for us.

Photocopy cost: 5 THB per page

Submitting the Visa Application

Once everything was ready, we took the following to the staffed table at the front of the waiting area:

• Completed application form
• Passport photos
• Passport photocopies
• Your passport
• 1,500 THB visa fee

The staff:

• Checked the paperwork and accepted the visa fee
• Kept our passports and issued a receipt and collection number

We were then instructed to return the following day between 1:30 PM and 4:00 PM to collect our passports and new Thai visas.

Application Complete

From arrival to submission, the entire visa application process took approximately two hours.

With the paperwork complete, our part of the process was done for the day. All that remained was to wait until collection day.

And true to his word, our superstar tuk-tuk driver was still waiting outside to take us back to the guesthouse.

What You Need for This Step

• Passport
• Passport photos (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm)
• Full address of accommodation in Thailand
• Photocopies of required passport pages
• Thai Baht for the visa fee
• Pen
• Collection receipt (you receive this after submission – keep it safe)

Costs for This Step

Filling out the Thai 60-day Single Entry Tourist Visa (SETV) application form

Services for photocopying and photo taking are available here.

Our Collection Ticket number

Step 7: Thailand Visa Run to Laos | Day 3 – Collecting Your Thai Tourist Visa in Vientiane

Day 3 – THURSDAY

The third and final day of our Thailand visa run to Laos was all about collecting our passports, receiving our Thai tourist visas, and beginning the journey back to Thailand.

Checking Out of Our Accommodation

We checked out of Souphaphone Guesthouse at around 11:00 AM.

Thankfully, they were happy to store our bags for the day, as our flight from Udon Thani wasn’t scheduled to depart until 6:30 PM.

This gave us enough time to collect our visas, cross the border again, and make our way to Udon Thani airport.

Important Tip About Flights

⚠️ Do not book flights immediately after your expected visa collection time.

Processing delays can happen.

Even if everything goes smoothly with your application, you’ll still need to:

• Collect your passport
• Travel back to the border
• Cross back into Thailand
• Travel to Udon Thani Airport

Leaving yourself some extra buffer time can save a lot of stress.

Bonus Tip

If you plan to fly out of Udon Thani on the same day you collect your passport and Thai SETV visa, make sure you leave plenty of time for:

• Passport collection queues
• Border crossing delays
• Transport back to the airport

It’s always better to have too much time than not enough.

Returning to the Thai Consulate

The day before, our loyal tuk-tuk driver had offered to collect us from the guesthouse at 12:30 PM and take us back to the Thai Consulate to collect our visas.

So, after spending the morning walking around Vientiane and grabbing some lunch, we climbed back into our chariot and headed off.

We arrived at the Thai Consulate shortly after 1:00 PM.

This time it was significantly busier than when we submitted our application.

Waiting for Our Collection Number

When we arrived, we approached one of the service windows and asked what we needed to do.

They told us to wait for our collection number to be called, so…we waited.

As mentioned in the previous step, the waiting area is open-air and only cooled by fans. With lots of people waiting and the Laos heat in full force, it was a very hot and humid experience.

Once the ticket counter starts rolling and calling out numbers, things ran pretty quickly and smoothly. 

Collecting the Passport and Thai SETV Visa

The collection counter started calling ticket numbers at 1:30 PM.

Our number was called at approximately 2:15 PM.

When your number is called, you’ll go to the collection window where staff will:

• hand back your passport
• show you the visa page
• ask you to sign to confirm everything is correct

Before leaving the counter, take a moment to check:

• the visa type is correct
• the visa validity is correct
• all details match your application

Tip

Passport collection is done according to ticket number.

If you need to finish by a certain time, it’s worth arriving early on Day 2 when submitting your application so you receive an earlier collection number.

Visa Collected — Time to Head Home

Once you’ve checked your visa and signed the paperwork, you’re all done!

Your Thailand tourist visa application is complete, and you’re ready to begin the return journey to Thailand. For us, this marked the successful end of the visa application portion of our Vientiane visa run.

Now all we had to do was get back across the border and head home.

What You Need for This Step

• Passport collection receipt
• Passport (once returned)
• Transport back to the Thai Consulate
• Water and snacks (recommended during the wait)
• Flight details if travelling onward the same day

Costs for This Step

Step 8: Thailand Visa Run to Laos | Returning to Thailand on Your New Tourist Visa

After collecting our passports and visas, there were plenty of touts waiting outside the Consulate offering transport straight back to the border.

We weren’t quite ready to leave yet.

Since we had a little extra time, we headed back into Vientiane town for one last wander, grabbed some snacks for the journey home, and returned to Souphaphone Guesthouse to collect our bags.

Before Leaving Laos

Important Tip

Now is a good time to exchange any remaining Laotian Kip.

Unlike major currencies, Kip is generally very difficult to exchange outside Laos because of its low value. You may struggle to convert it back into Thai Baht once you’ve crossed the border back into Thailand.

That said, don’t exchange all of it.

Make sure you keep enough Kip for:

• a tuk-tuk back to the border
• the Laos border exit fee

If you’re crossing outside normal operating hours, you’ll need:

12,000 Kip for the border exit token

Returning to the Laos–Thailand Border

We found another tuk-tuk driver willing to take us back to the Laos- Thailand border and settled in for the journey.

The drive took around 30 minutes.

As we made our way through Vientiane, I found myself wishing we’d spent a little more time exploring Laos.

Apart from a small part of Vientiane, we really hadn’t seen much of the country.

Tuk-tuk pride

Exiting Laos at Border Control

We arrived at Laos Border Control at approximately 4:30 PM.

It was MUCH busier than it had been when we’d arrived a couple of days earlier.

At first, it wasn’t immediately obvious where we were supposed to go, and we eventually figured it out by asking another traveller.

To exit Laos, you’ll need to:

1. Queue at the border booth
2. Show your passport
3. Hand over your Laos Departure card
4. Buy a border exit token

The border exit token costs:

12,000 Kip

Once you receive the token, you’ll use it to pass through the electronic exit gate.

Crossing the Friendship Bridge Back to Thailand

After clearing Laos Border Control, continue outside and jump on the shuttle bus waiting to take passengers back across the Lao/Thai Friendship Bridge.

The bus crosses the bridge and drops everyone at the Thai side of the border.

From here, walk into the Thai Immigration building and join the queue.

Re-entering Thailand

When it’s your turn, hand over:

• your passport
• your completed Thai Arrival card

You will now enter Thailand using your newly approved:

• 60-day Single Entry Tourist Visa (SETV).

Once your passport is stamped, you’re officially back in Thailand!

Getting from Nong Khai Border to Udon Thani Airport

After exiting Thai Immigration, you’ll immediately encounter plenty of drivers offering transport to Udon Thani Airport.

Many of the quoted prices were extremely high.

One driver offered us a ride for 900 THB

“umm…NO”

Money-Saving Tip

Instead of accepting one of the first offers you see, walk through the Nong Khai boundary post and keep walking for approximately 100 metres further down the road.

On the left-hand side, you’ll find a small travel agency with a desk outside.

This is where we booked our transport to the airport for only 200 THB.

Minibus to Udon Thani Airport

We paid:

• 200 THB per person for a minibus from Nong Khai to Udon Thani Airport.

The only downside is that the minibus doesn’t leave until it’s full.

The wait made things feel a little tight for our 6:30 PM flight back to Bangkok, but fortunately everything worked out.

The journey to the airport took just under an hour.

Once we arrived, we headed straight for check-in and prepared for the final flight home.

Was the Thailand Visa Run Worth It?

Yes definitely. The whole process involved a lot of moving parts:

• flights
• buses
• border crossings
• visa applications
• tuk-tuks
• waiting around

But because it was spread across three days, it never felt too overwhelming.

We also got the opportunity to spend a few days in another country, which made the experience more fun than a simple border crossing.

For us, this Vientiane visa run was absolutely worth it.

Not only did it give us another 60 days in Thailand, but the visa could also be extended for an additional 30 days at a Thai Immigration Office.

And that meant more time enjoying Thailand without having to leave again anytime soon.

What You Need for This Step

• Passport with your newly issued Thai visa
• Thai Arrival card (completed)
• Laos Departure card
• 12,000 Kip for the border exit token
• Money for transport to Udon Thani Airport
• Flight details and boarding information

Costs for This Step

Total Cost Breakdown – 3 Days & 2 Nights Thailand Visa Run to Laos 

Here’s a clean breakdown of what we spent during our Thailand visa run to Laos. Prices are per person unless stated otherwise, and converted where helpful for clarity.

🧾 Quick Notes

• Paying the Laos Visa on Arrival in Thai Baht is possible, but usually more expensive than paying in USD.
• Costs can vary slightly depending on exchange rates and transport availability.
• Food costs are based on budget travel (street food + occasional café stops).

That completes this guide on How to do a Cheap and Easy Thailand Visa Run to Laos.

I hope it helps you with your trip planning and makes doing a Thailand Visa Run much easier for you.

Happy and Safe Travels 🙂

Alial

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