Just Get Your Laos Visa At The Border
Laos People’s Democratic Republic requires that travellers hold a visa for entry into the country. This is simply a formality as the process is very easy.
There are many land borders where travelers can enter into Laos. I’m in Thailand now and heading to Luang Namtha (in the North of Laos on the popular land route into China) – so I will be crossing the Friendship Bridge at Huay Xai (near Chiang Rai).
Just get your Laos Visa at the border.
For Australians, the visa costs A$45 and can be obtained on arrival (using US dollars, $30). I reccommend this option at the border, but here’s how I got mine in Bangkok.
The address is: 520, 502/1-3 Soi Sana Han Pramun, Pracha Uthit Road, Wang Thonglang khet Wang Thonglang, Bangkok, 10310, 10310, Thailand
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The Laos Embassy is not located conveniently and can take up to an hour and 100 Baht to get there (depending on where you are).
The nearest MRT is Thailand Cultural Centre, however its still another 3.9km from there. From the MRT, I took a taxi to the embassy which cost 55 Baht.
Opting for the same day service can save you time and money. (Better still, get the visa on arrival).
When you arrive at the building, the gates at the front are always closed shut, giving the impression that the Embassy is closed. The Embassy is OPEN, just walk around the corner, there’s a smaller gate by which you can enter.
There’s a simple form to fill out to which you need to attach a passport sized photo. Pay the visa fee – for Australians, its 1400 Baht. This is for a same-day service, which saves you from coming back (and spending more money for transport).
The visa takes 20 minutes to process and they will stick the visa into your passport on the spot. The day I went in there were no queues at all. The visa is valid from the day they stick it into your passport, but its valid for 60 days, so you’ll be fine to get into Laos when you need to.
In Summary
Just get your Laos visa at the border
You need US$30 to pay for the visa at the border
You need a passport sized photo
If you get the visa in Bangkok, opt for the same-day service
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