Good News: As Laos border opens, Visa run is back!

The good news came as the land border in Laos opens for travellers. Does this mean that foreigners in Thailand can now do visa runs just like during the old days?

I’ve been following the situation in Thailand about Visa renewal since the news about the stricter Immigration guidelines regarding the renewal of Covid-19 visa came out. According to the news they will still issue Covid-19 visa until March 31, 2022; however, they will be following strict guidelines. According to the rules, they will not issue Covid-19 visa to those who previously hold Non B visa. If you lost your job because your contract ended, you will not be given Covid-19 visa and you have to leave the country. For most teachers here in Thailand like us who are on a one-year non immigrant visa, this has been a problem specially for those whose contracts were not renewed by their schools or those teachers who will be changing schools because they have no choice but to leave the country in a time where international travel is very difficult and expensive.

One solution some people see is to fly to Cambodia and apply for the visa there. It is the cheapest compared to going back to your home country and battle for some entry restrictions along the airports. Some people suggest to try all possible solutions inside Thailand before receiving the “you have 7 days to leave Thailand” sort of stamp. I’ve heared from some friends that they were still able to get Covid-19 visa stamp, although they’ve given only one month instead of the two months Covid -19 visa that they’ve issued before, still it’s better and one month is enough to buy time to get the right long term visa done.

so, all of these strict guidelines and travel restrictions here comes the good news. Land borders were opened for travellers which means they can now get into Thailand through these entry points. Although this news was released a couple of weeks ago it is only “confirmed” now as travel agencies start to accept bookings for visa runs in Laos.

There are a couple of travel agencies that can help you do visa runs in Laos. I saw Meesuk Travel agency posted on facebook that they are already accepting bookings for visa runs in Laos. I’m not in anyway connected to this travel agency, just a disclaimer, but this is one of the few agencies that I have personally tried to do business with before the pandemic and so far their service is good. I have posted here below the annoucement from Meesuk Travel Agency, I would reccommend that you book with them in advanced if you want to be accomodated earlier as they have a lot of customers.

This poster was owned by Meesuk Travel Agency and was posted on facebook announcing that they’re back to business again.

There is another travel agency that I have tried and experienced the service before that also have good service but I haven’t seen them post their announcement yet. Perhaps, I will just post another picture when they do.

So, that’s it for now, I hope I was able to give you an update regarding the visa run situation here in Thailand. Thank you!