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  1. #1
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    Phuketrichard's Avatar
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    Nine Border Checkpoints to Discontinue Visa On Arrival Services

    ?? this cant possible help tourism,so why?

    According to a notice issued by the Prime Minister’s Office on Wednesday, nine of Laos’s border checkpoints will discontinue providing visa on arrival services to tourists.

    The notice orders the closure of visa on arrival units at nine border checkpoints:
    – Pang Hok (Phongsaly Province) bordering China

    – Nam Soy (Huaphanh Province) bordering Vietnam
    – Nam Kan (Xieng Khouang Province) bordering Vietnam

    – Nam Ngeun (Xayaboury Province) bordering Thailand

    – Nam Heuang (Xayaboury Province) bordering Thailand
    – Nam Phao (Khammouane Province) bordering Vietnam
    – Na Phao (Khammouane Province) bordering Vietnam

    – Savannakhet International Airport

    – Phou Keua (Attapeu Province) bordering Vietnam
    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been tasked with coordinating the closure of the visa units and is to ensure that no disruptions are caused at border checkpoints.


    Laos launched an e-visa service earlier this year, but so far this is only available for use at three checkpoints; Wattay International Airport, The First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, and Luang Prabang International Airport.
    https://laotiantimes.com/2019/10/18/...xU4leB0v8O7ecw

  2. #2
    R.I.P. Luigi's Avatar
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    Dunno, but bet the border officers with their, err, creative exchange-rates when selling the VOA's aren't best pleased.


    Doesn't look like it will affect many round-eyes doing VR's from Thailand.

    Probably a petty Lao/Chin/VC dispute we don't know about.

  3. #3
    กงเกวียนกำเกวียน HuangLao's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Luigi View Post
    Dunno, but bet the border officers with their, err, creative exchange-rates when selling the VOA's aren't best pleased.


    Doesn't look like it will affect many round-eyes doing VR's from Thailand.

    Probably a petty Lao/Chin/VC dispute we don't know about.

    This sounds more rational. A political/diplomatic variance of some nature.
    Naturally, we never hear of the true reasoning behind such notions.
    As it's a lose-lose proposition for all.

  4. #4
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    Something odd about this story, or more to it.
    Not issuing Visa on arrival is not going to effect ASEAN passport holders, they get something similar to a visa exempt.

    Never heard of some of these border crossing, so doubt they are on the tourist trail, does Savanhket airport have international flights, or just local.

    Much ado about nothing otherwise.

  5. #5
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    Nam Ngeun (Xayaboury Province) bordering Thailand
    ^ They just spent a couple years and millions of dollars upgrading the 4B from a dirt track to a nice road from Luang Prabang to Nan. Now the quickest easiest route from North Thailand to LP. Why would they cancel the VOA?
    A few years back this was also the first border to close itself to motorcycle and bicycle(!) entry. Bizarre ...

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by Phuketrichard View Post
    ?? this cant possible help tourism,so why?


    https://laotiantimes.com/2019/10/18/...xU4leB0v8O7ecw
    I doubt many tourists or visa runners use most of those crossings but i would of thought that savanakhet airport would be a popular entry point. Seems strange that you cant get a visa on arrival there now. No mention of if you can get a visa on arrival at the bridge in savan?

  7. #7
    Hangin' Around cyrille's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by marcusb View Post
    A few years back this was also the first border to close itself to motorcycle and bicycle(!) entry. Bizarre ...

    Bordering on 'Stranger Things'.

    Any bicycles swallowed?

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    Quote Originally Posted by marcusb View Post
    Nam Ngeun (Xayaboury Province) bordering Thailand
    ^ They just spent a couple years and millions of dollars upgrading the 4B from a dirt track to a nice road from Luang Prabang to Nan. Now the quickest easiest route from North Thailand to LP. Why would they cancel the VOA?
    A few years back this was also the first border to close itself to motorcycle and bicycle(!) entry. Bizarre ...
    It is indeed baffling. Im sure a lot of thais enter lao via xayaboury to trade or perhaps to visit LP for tourism so they remain unaffected. Farangs cruising around northern thailand wishing to enter via xayaboury to either visit LP and Laos for tourism or for a visa run can still do it but will require more planning and $ the Lao govt just recently introduced an electronic visa it is however $15 more expensive than VOA .perhaps the govt are seeking to get get the visa dollars directly into the coffers? Dunno. But if so seems daft

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by cyrille View Post
    Bordering on 'Stranger Things'.

    Any bicycles swallowed?
    It is quite a scenic and challenging ride cyrille many cyclists up that way.. not my cup of tea at all. A bike ride like that would likely kill me. But why make it harder for bicycle and motorbike tourists?

  10. #10
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    [QUOTE=beerlaodrinker;4015694 just recently introduced an electronic visa it is however $15 more expensive than VOA .perhaps the govt are seeking to get get the visa dollars directly into the coffers? Dunno. But if so seems daft[/QUOTE]


    And thats strange too, says the electronic visas are only good at a few entry points.

    ""Laos launched an e-visa service earlier this year, but so far this is only available for use at three checkpoints; Wattay International Airport, The First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, and Luang Prabang International Airport.""


    Bicycle swallowing, Cyrille?..... no idea what you're talking about.



  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by beerlaodrinker View Post
    I doubt many tourists or visa runners use most of those crossings but i would of thought that savanakhet airport would be a popular entry point. Seems strange that you cant get a visa on arrival there now. No mention of if you can get a visa on arrival at the bridge in savan?
    Just did a google, seems no international flights land in Sav.
    BKK to Savanhket, stops in Pakse, so guessing you get your VOA there.

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by jamescollister View Post
    Just did a google, seems no international flights land in Sav.
    BKK to Savanhket, stops in Pakse, so guessing you get your VOA there.
    I flew from ZVK to BKK yesterday via Pakse.

  13. #13
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    15 dollars more! That's a whole case of BeerLao. I feel your pain. Sadly I almost miss the place. Konglor cave is calling my name....


    fish, come in fish.

  14. #14
    I'm not in jail...3-2-1. Jack meoff's Avatar
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    This thread needs pics fish



    And vids

  15. #15
    R.I.P. Luigi's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by beerlaodrinker View Post
    the Lao govt just recently introduced an electronic visa it is however $15 more expensive than VOA
    I dare say you've cracked it ol' chap.

  16. #16
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    Quote Originally Posted by CSFFan View Post
    I flew from ZVK to BKK yesterday via Pakse.
    Guess it depends if the passengers flying to Sav are made to get off at Pakse and get their Laos visas there.

    I vaguely remember Manny starting a thread about something like that.

  17. #17
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    VTE and Pakse are the only places I've flown in and yes it was VOA.
    I forgot the amount but recall in Pakse the guy scanning the luggage wanted something cause he said I had things I shouldn't. No big deal but the items passed every other airport. Whatever.

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