The Thailand to Laos visa run via Vientiane, crossing from Nong Khai, is the most important visa run for anyone who needs to apply for a new Thai visa rather than simply reset a visa-exempt stamp. The Royal Thai Embassy in Vientiane, Laos, has long been one of the most-used Thai missions for foreigners applying from outside Thailand, because it sits a short bridge crossing from the Thai border. This guide covers both the simple border-crossing visa run and the e-Visa application process the embassy uses since 2025. For background on visa runs in general, see our what is a visa run overview.
Why Vientiane?
The Thai Embassy in Vientiane is the go-to destination for several reasons:
- Proximity to Thailand — Vientiane is directly across the Mekong River from Nong Khai, connected by the First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge
- High approval rate — The embassy is accustomed to processing visas for foreigners living in Thailand
- Multiple visa types available — Tourist visas, Non-Immigrant B (business), Non-Immigrant O (retirement/marriage), Non-Immigrant ED (education), and more
- e-Visa while you are there — Since 1 January 2025, foreigners who are in Vientiane or the northern Lao provinces can file a Thai e-Visa handled by this embassy; processing takes about 5–10 working days
- Established infrastructure — Hotels, visa agents, and services catering to visa applicants are everywhere in Vientiane
Two Types of Visa Runs to Laos
Type 1: Simple Border Crossing (Stamp Reset)
Exit Thailand at Nong Khai, cross into Laos, and return the same day or next day to get a fresh Thai entry stamp. No embassy visit needed.
Best for: People who only need a new visa-exempt stamp and do not need a specific Thai visa.
Since 15 September 2026, the exempt stamp is 30 days for nationalities on Thailand's 30-day list, and entries on the exemption by land are capped at two per calendar year (TAT Newsroom). Nationals of Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Singapore are not subject to the land cap. For everyone else, a Nong Khai run uses one of those two entries. You can extend the 30 days once by 30 days at an immigration office for 1,900 THB.
Type 2: Thai e-Visa Application from Vientiane
Travel to Vientiane, file a Thai e-Visa application online while you are there, pay the fee in cash at the embassy's consular section, wait about 5–10 working days for approval by email, and return to Thailand.
Best for: Anyone who needs a Tourist Visa, Non-Immigrant visa, or any other Thai visa that cannot be obtained inside Thailand.
Getting to Nong Khai
Nong Khai is a Thai province on the Mekong River, directly across from Vientiane. It is well-connected to the rest of Thailand. For the provincial immigration office (extensions, 90-day reports) and the Friendship Bridge checkpoint, see our Nong Khai Immigration page.
From Bangkok
| Transport | Duration | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight (to Udon Thani) | 1 hour + 1 hour transfer to Nong Khai | 1,500–4,000 THB | AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air fly to Udon Thani |
| Train | 9–11 hours | 250–1,800 THB (depending on class) | Overnight sleeper recommended; departs Krung Thep Aphiwat Station |
| Bus | 9–10 hours | 400–700 THB | Multiple departures from Mo Chit Terminal |
| Private car | 7–8 hours | 5,000–8,000 THB | Fastest road option |
From Chiang Mai
| Transport | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Flight (via Bangkok or direct to Udon Thani) | 2–4 hours | 2,000–5,000 THB |
| Bus | 12–14 hours | 500–800 THB |
From Udon Thani to Nong Khai
Udon Thani is the nearest airport city, about 55 km from Nong Khai.
| Transport | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bus/minivan | 45–60 minutes | 50–80 THB |
| Taxi/Grab | 40–50 minutes | 400–700 THB |
| Train | 30 minutes | 11–20 THB |
Crossing the Border: Nong Khai to Vientiane
The First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge
This is the main crossing point. The process is straightforward:
Step 1: Get to the Nong Khai Border Checkpoint
The checkpoint is about 3 km west of Nong Khai town center. A tuk-tuk from town costs 50–100 THB.
Step 2: Thai Exit
- Enter the Thai immigration building
- Queue at the departure counter
- Present your passport; receive your Thai exit stamp
- Walk through to the bridge shuttle bus area
Step 3: Cross the Bridge
You cannot walk across the Friendship Bridge. You must take the shuttle bus, which runs regularly from 06:00 to 22:00.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Bridge shuttle bus | 20 THB per person |
The ride takes about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Lao Entry
Upon arrival at the Lao side:
- Fill out the Lao arrival/departure card
- Queue at the visa-on-arrival counter (if your nationality requires one) or the immigration counter
- Pay for your Lao visa on arrival if applicable:
| Lao Visa on Arrival | Cost |
|---|---|
| Most nationalities | $30–$42 USD (varies by nationality) |
| Passport photo required | 1 photo (or $1–$2 extra without photo) |
| ASEAN nationals | Often visa-exempt |
- Get your Lao entry stamp
- Exit the immigration building into Vientiane
Step 5: Transport to Vientiane City Center
The Lao border checkpoint is about 20 km from central Vientiane.
| Transport | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Shared taxi/van | 30–40 minutes | 300–400 THB equivalent |
| Private taxi | 20–30 minutes | 200,000–300,000 LAK (~600–900 THB) |
| Bus (No. 14) | 45–60 minutes | 8,000 LAK (~25 THB) |
Applying for a Thai e-Visa Through the Vientiane Embassy
The counter queues, appointment slots and next-day sticker collection are gone. Since 1 January 2025, the Royal Thai Embassy in Vientiane handles visa applications only through the e-Visa system at thaievisa.go.th, and you no longer hand in your passport (Royal Thai Embassy, Vientiane: Applying for a Visa). For the address, contact details and full rules, see our Royal Thai Embassy Vientiane page.
Who Can Apply Here
The embassy takes e-Visa applications from non-Thai nationals who are currently in Vientiane Capital or one of eleven other provinces: Vientiane Province, Bolikhamxay, Xayaboury, Xaysomboun, Luang Prabang, Bokeo, Luang Namtha, Oudomxay, Phongsaly, Xieng Khouang and Houaphan. You do not need to live in Laos for a single-entry tourist visa, but you must be physically there when you apply, so cross the bridge first. If you are in southern Laos, your application goes to the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Savannakhet instead.
Two visas are off-limits to visitors:
- Multiple-entry tourist visa: only for Lao nationals or people with proof of permanent residence in Laos (Royal Thai Embassy, Vientiane: Tourist Visa).
- DTV: from 31 August 2026, the embassy only accepts DTV applications from Lao nationals or permanent residents of Laos, with a criminal record certificate. The embassy says the new DTV requirements take effect worldwide. Apply for a DTV from your country of nationality or permanent residence instead.
Office Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Embassy address | Kaysone Phomvihane Avenue, Sibounheuang Village, Chanthabouly District, Vientiane Capital |
| Consular Section (where you pay) | 15 Bourichan Road (Rue Bourichane), Ban Phonsinuan, Sisattanak District, Vientiane Capital. This is a different building from the embassy. Tel. +856 21 453 916 |
| Visa fee payment | Cash, Thai baht only, at the Consular Section, 09:00–12:00, Monday–Friday (except embassy holidays) |
| Processing time | About 5–10 working days from the date you pay, if your documents are complete |
| Result | Approval sent by email; print it and show it to the airline or Thai immigration |
How the Process Works
- Cross into Laos and keep your Lao entry stamp page handy.
- Apply online at thaievisa.go.th: create an account, fill in the form, choose the Royal Thai Embassy in Vientiane, and upload your documents.
- Pay the fee in cash (Thai baht) at the embassy's Consular Section, 09:00–12:00 on a weekday. Online payment is not available at this location, and the processing clock starts from the payment date.
- Wait about 5–10 working days. The approval comes by email.
- Print the approval and carry it with your passport when you re-enter Thailand.
The embassy says it does not accept any extra fee to speed up or influence an application.
Documents for a Single-Entry Tourist Visa (TR)
Uploaded as scans, per the embassy's tourist visa page:
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Passport | Valid at least 6 months; bio page plus the page with your Lao entry stamp (and Lao visa, if you have one) |
| Photo | Recent passport-style photo |
| Proof of funds | 3 months of statements with an average balance of 20,000 THB per person (40,000 THB per family) |
| Travel plans | Tickets to and from Thailand, and a hotel booking or a letter from your host with a signed ID copy |
Fees and Stays
| Visa | Fee (cash, THB) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (TR), single entry | 1,000 | Up to 60 days per entry |
| Tourist Visa (TR), multiple entry | 5,000 | Lao nationals and permanent residents only |
| Non-Immigrant (B, O, ED and others), single entry | 2,000 | See the embassy's page for each category's documents |
| DTV | 10,000 | Lao nationals and permanent residents only, from 31 August 2026 |
The portal shows the current fee for each visa type before you pay. For retirement applications, see the financial proof for retirement (800,000 THB or 65,000 THB/month income).
What If Your Application Is Denied?
Denials happen, though they are not common for straightforward tourist visa applications. Common reasons for denial:
- Incomplete or inconsistent documents
- Insufficient financial proof
- Suspected intent to work illegally in Thailand
- Too many previous Thai entries suggesting long-term unofficial residence
- Missing or expired passport validity
With the e-Visa system, the decision comes through the portal and your passport never leaves your hands. The visa fee is non-refundable. For tips on presenting a strong application, see our Thailand visa interview tips. You can reapply (potentially with stronger documentation) but may need to wait before doing so.
Returning to Thailand
Once your e-Visa approval arrives, return to Thailand via the same Friendship Bridge route:
- Before you cross: Complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online at tdac.immigration.go.th within 3 days before arrival. It is free and has replaced the paper TM.6 card since 1 May 2025 (Tourism Authority of Thailand).
- Lao Exit: Go to the Lao immigration counter at the bridge, get your exit stamp
- Bridge Shuttle: Take the shuttle bus back across (20 THB)
- Thai Entry: Queue at Thai immigration and present your passport with your printed e-Visa approval
- New Stamp: Receive your Thai entry stamp according to your visa type
If you re-enter on the visa exemption instead of a new visa, you get 30 days and the crossing counts toward your two exempt land entries for the calendar year.
Where to Stay in Vientiane
Vientiane has abundant accommodation near the embassy and in the city center. Budget to mid-range options are plentiful.
| Area | Distance to Embassy | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Near the Consular Section (Sisattanak, Bourichan Road) | Walking distance | 400–2,000 THB/night | Convenient for paying the fee in cash |
| City center / riverside | 2–4 km by tuk-tuk | 300–3,000 THB/night | More restaurants and nightlife |
| Budget guesthouses (various) | Varies | 200–500 THB/night | Backpacker-friendly |
Popular hotels among visa applicants include those along the Mekong riverfront and near the Morning Market area. Many have experience with the visa-run clientele and can help with logistics.
Typical Trip Timeline
Stamp Reset Only: Same Day
Cross to Laos and back in 3–4 hours from Nong Khai. You get a 30-day exempt stamp, which counts toward your two land entries for the calendar year.
e-Visa Trip: Budget One to Two Weeks
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Travel from Bangkok/Chiang Mai to Nong Khai. Cross to Vientiane. File your e-Visa application online. |
| Day 2 | Pay the visa fee in cash at the embassy's Consular Section (09:00–12:00). The 5–10 working day processing time starts now. |
| Days 3–14 | Wait for the approval email. Ten working days is two calendar weeks, longer across Thai or Lao holidays. |
| Approval day | Print the approval, file your TDAC, and cross back to Thailand. |
You cannot enter Thailand on the new visa until the approval email arrives, so do not book a fixed return date.
Costs Summary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Bangkok–Udon Thani flight (round trip) | 3,000–7,000 THB |
| OR Bangkok–Nong Khai train (round trip, sleeper) | 1,000–3,600 THB |
| OR Bangkok–Nong Khai bus (round trip) | 800–1,400 THB |
| Bridge shuttle (round trip) | 40 THB |
| Lao visa on arrival | $30–$42 USD (~1,100–1,500 THB) |
| Transport to/from Vientiane center | 600–1,800 THB total |
| Hotel in Vientiane (per night) | 200–2,000 THB |
| Thai visa fee (tourist, single entry) | 1,000 THB (cash) |
| Food (per day) | 200–500 THB |
An e-Visa trip now means one to two weeks in Vientiane, so accommodation and food are the biggest costs. At 7–14 nights, the hotel alone runs roughly 1,400–28,000 THB depending on where you stay. A stamp-reset run needs only the transport, bridge shuttle and Lao visa costs.
Tips for Success
- Apply only once you are in Laos. The embassy considers applicants who are currently in its provinces, so file after you have crossed.
- Have scans ready. The e-Visa portal needs digital copies of your passport pages (including the Lao entry stamp), photo, bank statements and travel bookings.
- Carry both USD and THB. Lao kip is the local currency, but USD and THB are widely accepted in Vientiane.
- Do not overstay in Laos. Your Lao visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. If you stay longer, you will face an overstay fine at the Lao border.
- Check the embassy holiday schedule. The embassy closes for both Thai and Lao public holidays, which can extend your required stay.
- Keep your Lao departure card safe. You will need it when leaving Laos. Losing it can cause delays at the border.
- Try the food. Vientiane has excellent French-Lao cuisine and fantastic street food. The city is genuinely worth exploring beyond the embassy visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a Thai visa at the Thai consulate in another Lao city?
Yes, if you are in southern Laos. The Royal Thai Consulate-General in Savannakhet covers the six southern provinces (Savannakhet, Khammouane, Saravanh, Champasak, Sekong and Attapeu). The Vientiane embassy covers Vientiane and the northern provinces. Either way, you apply online at thaievisa.go.th while you are in that area.
How long does a Thai e-Visa from Vientiane take?
About 5–10 working days from the day you pay the fee in cash at the Consular Section, if your documents are complete. The approval arrives by email. There are no appointments or next-day collections any more.
Can I get a DTV in Vientiane?
Not as a visitor. From 31 August 2026 the embassy only accepts DTV applications from Lao nationals and permanent residents of Laos, and it describes the new DTV rule as worldwide. See our DTV guide.
Can I do a same-day border run without visiting the embassy?
Yes. If you only need to reset your visa-exempt stamp, you can cross into Laos and return the same day without visiting the embassy. However, Nong Khai to Vientiane and back takes at least 3–4 hours even without an embassy visit. You get a 30-day stamp, and the run uses one of your two exempt land entries for the calendar year (unless you are a Malaysian, Bruneian, Indonesian or Singaporean national).
Is Vientiane safe?
Yes. Vientiane is one of the safest capital cities in Southeast Asia. Petty theft exists but violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. Exercise normal precautions.
What currency should I bring?
Thai baht and US dollars are the most useful. You can exchange at the border or in Vientiane at banks and exchange booths. Lao kip is needed for some local transactions but most tourist-facing businesses accept THB or USD.
Summary
The Nong Khai–Vientiane route is still a practical way to get a new Thai visa from outside the country, but it now works through the e-Visa system. File online once you are in Laos, pay the fee in cash at the embassy's Consular Section on Bourichan Road, and allow one to two weeks for approval. A plain stamp reset still takes just a few hours, within the two-per-year land cap. The multiple-entry tourist visa and the DTV are no longer available to visitors here.
