Visa Run Savannakhet, Laos

[navara]

Dear visa runners,

I went to Savannakhet Loas for a single entry 90 days O. I used the visa run service of the Savan Vegas Hotel. The service pick you up at the Thai boarder, arrange all visa there and bring you to the hotel. The next day you need to see the Thai Embassy yourself. I brought ALL possible copies to the immigration at Savannakhet and my apply for a 90 days O was rejected. because they could not see the original marriage paper.

Lucky my wife and some help, were able to convince the officer that we are legally married. I had my old passport with me which was full with type O visa and my wife brought her passport too. It would be a disaster if I could not have my normal visa. Thank you Savan Vegas Hotel for your efforts.

We went by car, damned what a trip. In total for us around 750km and 12 hours plus one hour to pass the boarder. I advise visarunners to take the bus, what cost you around 400 bath depending from where you travel.

BRING ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS TOO! Every Thai Embassy have there own rules.

Good luck, Mr. J

[Mario2008]

1 commercial post deleted.

[SavanVegas]

Dear Mr. J,

Please note that the ORIGINAL marriage certificate is a requirement for the non-O marriage visa. This is specified as one of the requirements for this type of visa on our visa run website. I also mentioned this to you in our email correspondence when you enquired about the marriage visa.

I am however glad that we were able to talk to the consulate and assist you in getting your visa despite this missing documentation. You are more than welcome and we are very pleased that it all worked out!

Thank you and best regards,

Savan Vegas Hotel & Entertainment Complex.

[Danielsiam]

With only a birth certificate of Thai child as father, can apply for a visa O ?

[zoolander]

Dear Mr. J,

Please note that the ORIGINAL marriage certificate is a requirement for the non-O marriage visa. This is specified as one of the requirements for this type of visa on our visa run website. I also mentioned this to you in our email correspondence when you enquired about the marriage visa.

I am however glad that we were able to talk to the consulate and assist you in getting your visa despite this missing documentation. You are more than welcome and we are very pleased that it all worked out!

Thank you and best regards,

Savan Vegas Hotel & Entertainment Complex.

How much is it a night at Savan Vegas Hotel...............

[SavanVegas]

With only a birth certificate of Thai child as father, can apply for a visa O ?

Dear Danielsiam,

The following are the documentation requirements to get a non-O marriage visa at Savannakhet (Lao PDR) Thai Consulate - Please note that some people may have obtained visas from this or another consulate without some of the following documents, but the consulate may ask you for all of these and may reject your visa application if any are missing:

• NON-IMMIGRANT 'O' VISA (for marriage)
  Requirements are: Completed application form, 2x colour passport size (4x6cm) photos – per person, original marriage certificate, house certificate, Spouse Thai ID card, Thai bank book with proof of sufficient funds and visa application fee as below.
  
  • 3 months = 2,000 THB (single entry)
    
  • 1 year = 5,000 THB (multiple entry)
    

[SavanVegas]

Dear Mr. J,

Please note that the ORIGINAL marriage certificate is a requirement for the non-O marriage visa. This is specified as one of the requirements for this type of visa on our visa run website. I also mentioned this to you in our email correspondence when you enquired about the marriage visa.

I am however glad that we were able to talk to the consulate and assist you in getting your visa despite this missing documentation. You are more than welcome and we are very pleased that it all worked out!

Thank you and best regards,

Savan Vegas Hotel & Entertainment Complex.

How much is it a night at Savan Vegas Hotel...............

Dear Zoolander,

Thank you for your interest in Savan Vegas Hotel & Entertainment Complex. We are currently offering a visa run promotion with introductory pricing starting from THB 999 for 1N/2D (please note that visa run needs to be scheduled accordingly for early morning arrival for this package to work - visa application times from 9-11AM). We also offer a 2N/3D package at 1,499 THB and a 3N/4D package at 1,999 THB. These all include accommodation, VIP assistance with visa application and many other benefits - Please see www.savanvegas.com/visarun for a full list of inclusions. You will also be able to contact me from there should you need any further assistance or wish to make a booking. Please note that this does not include visa fees or transportation to get to our pick-up location at Mukdahan (Thailand).

At regular pricing, a room starts from 1,000 THB per night for our VIP members (VIP membership is free of charge and can be obtained and used immediately upon arrival to the casino).

Please let me know if you have any more questions. Thanks in advance.

Savan Vegas Hotel & Entertainment Complex.

[ubonjoe]

With only a birth certificate of Thai child as father, can apply for a visa O ?

Were you involved with the child's birth registration, meaning you singed on documents at the Amphoe?

From info available you can get one but it will probably only be a single entry. If you are living with the child's mother it would help if she and the child went along with you. If not then some kind of proof that you are supporting the child and a letter (I suggest it be notarized if possible) from the mother requesting you get the extension and stating that you are supporting the child. After getting the single entry non-o dependent on the immigration office you are required to use you could get an extension of stay if you can prove income of 40.000 baht or have 400,000 baht in a Thai bank.

[Mario2008]

Some consulates now have a stricter policy and will not issue a visa based on the birth certificate alone. A note from the mother asking for a visa and stating that you take care of the child is very much advised, together with signed copy of ID-card

Immigration will only grant an extension if you are the legal fahter and did legitimize the child through the court (unless the child is 7 years or older).

[ubonjoe]

Some consulates now have a stricter policy and will not issue a visa based on the birth certificate alone. A note from the mother asking for a visa and stating that you take care of the child is very much advised, together with signed copy of ID-card

Immigration will only grant an extension if you are the legal fahter and did legitimize the child through the court (unless the child is 7 years or older).

I think that is at only at certain immigration offices from recent reports I have read. Some are still accepting just a birth certificate. If the OP would tell us where his current residence is we might be able to give a better answer.

Edited May 18, 2012 by ubonjoe

[motorcrazy]

Dear Mr. J,

Please note that the ORIGINAL marriage certificate is a requirement for the non-O marriage visa. This is specified as one of the requirements for this type of visa on our visa run website. I also mentioned this to you in our email correspondence when you enquired about the marriage visa.

I am however glad that we were able to talk to the consulate and assist you in getting your visa despite this missing documentation. You are more than welcome and we are very pleased that it all worked out!

Thank you and best regards,

Savan Vegas Hotel & Entertainment Complex.

How much is it a night at Savan Vegas Hotel...............

I think that 1000 bhat deal its not so wrong,if i go to viantiane than i have to pay 600 bhat for hotel and all paper work must do for yor own.

That and that for 400 bhat extra,plus i talk alrady with the savan vegas team ,really quick response .And one night in a 5 stars hotel .

[navara]

Dear Mr. J,

Please note that the ORIGINAL marriage certificate is a requirement for the non-O marriage visa. This is specified as one of the requirements for this type of visa on our visa run website. I also mentioned this to you in our email correspondence when you enquired about the marriage visa.

I am however glad that we were able to talk to the consulate and assist you in getting your visa despite this missing documentation. You are more than welcome and we are very pleased that it all worked out!

Thank you and best regards,

Savan Vegas Hotel & Entertainment Complex.

Indeed Mr. M, it was my mistake to pass this advise, because my friend just went out to Laos for the same thing and brought only copies. Beside that, I have my type O visa for many years with only copies at several Thai Embassy all over the world. I did not aspect that Savannakhet would be different of the rest. Again, many thanks for the help!

Mr. J

[bottledwater]

Non O multi-entry question: I have the original marriage certificate but it was issued in the United Sates. Anyone think this will be an issue in Savannakhet? (not sure why it would be a problem but it never hurts to ask) Also, can the wife's ID card and house registration be copies or do I have to bring those originals as well. (Won't be traveling with the Missus).

So basically for supporting documentation is my marriage cert. the only original I need to carry with me? And will an original marriage certificate issued in the USA do the trick?

Thanks

[lopburi3]

That should be fine and copies are all that is required but be sure signed and dated. I would also have her write a short note asking that the visa be issued and that you will be together - that can help if there is any question about current relationship.

[TravisB]

Just returned using the Savan Vegas Visa run package. Successfully obtained Spouse O, 1 year Multiple Entry Visa; didn't even have to visit the embassy once! What a dream!

I provided copies of passport, marriage certificate, wife ID card, House registration and Thai bank book.

The staff of the Casino take care you like a VIP handling all formalities border and visa formalities. I stayed at the hotel on a 2 night package (2,199) which includes all meals, internet, a free massage 90mins, and some gaming vouchers.

Van pick up from Nakhon Phanom airport is only 1000 return. I managed to book an Air Asia flight to there for only 900baht!

I would recommend using this service, its excellent value for money.

[Ackybang]

Will remain impartial, but any sponsor of a forum is bound to be self promoting to some degree...

After twenty Years in Asia, I would personally never give anyone my passport, unless they were storing it in a safe for me - just for the sake of being too lazy to walk over a border checkpoint. As far as staying in Savannakhet goes, I have stayed three times already, and really like the place, not too much to do except relax - very genuinely nice locals, and chilled out. Very nice embassy staff, compared to Vientienne. Some great ex-pats living there. Not trying to tell anyone what to do, obviously, and from what I've experienced myself, none of the rooms I've stayed in have been great in SVK - but the last time I stayed for two weeks, I stayed in Leena guesthouse, due to a recommendation on this forum. Rooms range from 200 for fan, cold water, and no t.v. - upto 360 baht for aircon / hot water / tv. I took the aircon room, and it was acceptably, not spotlessly clean, and to say the room was tired would be an understatement, and yes, it did smell of stale cigarette smoke, but that's a normal thing for a non smoker to pick up on, and it's very rarely that I don't find a room that smells like that, especially aircon, and no amount of air freshener can cover it up. You are quite entitled to ask for another room, if you're not happy, wherever you are staying. Most people are obliging, if you're polite. Very nice family owners, and the food was o.k - but I would say watered down for the Western palette, and mainly Thai - not authentic Laos. Each to their own, I got a free map, and walked a good deal every day, took in what sites and points of local interest there were, and mixed with the locals, ate the local food, and drank the very cheap local beer. Speaking fluent Laos helps. If you like to eat touristy food, because Thai, and western food will cost you roughly twice the price of here, then the casino is probably a good deal for a four day package, at five hundred baht a day, as it includes as much as you can eat buffet three times a day, amongst other things. They will also transfer you into town and back for free, if you want to have a look around. I will be heading back in a couple of weeks - thought I might stay in Leena again, and then finish off in the casino, as I'd like to have a look for myself - certainly juxtaposed by the rest of its surroundings. Had a mate stay there with his wife and kid recently, and he said it was fine, and indeed can save a lot of hassle if you've been travelling all day, and can't be arsed finding a room, etc, as he couldn't. If anyone has any other recommendations for accomodation there, I would be interested to hear.

[Ackybang]

Hello, Asiantravel, I do hope that my message reaches you in the best of health and spirits.

I must apologise for my ramblings, but I was lead to believe that this was a public forum, open to all opinion and input from anyone that thought that they might have something constructive to share, from personal experience, to maybe guide, or assist another, pertaining to the topic involved - perhaps I was wrong ?

Please do bear with me while I explain - you see, I clicked on the original topic at hand, and after reading through the whole thing, from the original context, right through to the detracting posts at the end, I thought I might offer my own two pence worth, in an impartial, good spirited way, with no agenda whatsoever, aside from that of the truth of my own experience. Now, it's all subjective of course, and I am far from saying I didn't enjoy my stay at Leena - but what I wrote about was my true, personal experience, and that is all I offered an insight into. The original room I was shown to actually smelled so strongly of cigarette smoke, that as soon as the door was opened, I politely asked for another one, which in turn, was not as offensive, but still did have an old, lingering, stale odour of cigarette smoke, which in fact, as I said, any non-smoker will pick up on, if they walk into a room that has had a smoker staying in it, especially one that has had the smoke circulating through its' aircon. The room was acceptably clean, and as equally acceptably run down. As for the food in SVK in general, not specific to Leena - most Asian cooks, when they see a Westerner, will automatically tone the food down, (unless you catagorically tell them not to), to allow for a perceived unacclimated palette - this is something I feel I have come to know through experience, after living permanently in Thailand for seventeen Years so far, and predominantly eating 'authentic' Thai food. As far as the food goes at any other establishment (sorry, call me ignorant, but I don't know what 'haupt' cuisine is, with a childish emoticon attached - and to be honest, how ever much you bet me - I really couldn't give too much of a toss what it's like at the casino, unless I happen to stay there) - well I'll be the judge of that for myself, as I would encourage anyone else to do - but please be assured that my judgment is just that - My unbiased judgement. If you want real Laos food - cheap and delicious, eat in the small Laos cubbyholes, or down on the river front, and know what, and how to order. Vietnamese there too. If I experience anything else noteworthy, or potentially helpful to another on my next trip there, I will endeavour to post about it, without prejudice. Like I said, regardless of yours, or anyone elses report, or comments, I will be going for a look at the casino for myself, as I have never been, and if I like it, then I will stay, if that's okay with you ? Actually, I will say, because I just remembered - if you drive upto Mukdahan yourself, like I do, park at the border and walk through, the casino car park will try and charge you 150 baht a day to park, and try to make you believe your car won't be safe otherwise - but if you drive around 30 yards past them, just before immigration, there is a free car park that has a night guard on duty also. My truck was fine, and still there after two weeks - not a scratch.

If you read through my original post, and comprehended the context that it was written in, then I'm sure you will see, I didn't write it to vilify another, nor as a vindicative lodestone for the precepts of the pedantic. Just trying to write a real post, from real experience. In this case, the bottom line, as it were, is that due to both perception, and preconception - I don't believe your experience is necessarily representative of what I feel, or experienced, and, if you don't mind me asking - how on Earth would you know of any representations, except those of your own, and how and why would you have a knowledge, or clue, or concern about what is representative, or what isn't, pertaining to most guests staying at Leena guesthouse, unless there was, or even if there wasn't an underlying premise ? I will afford you your opinion of Leena from your own perspective of staying there, but that's as far as it goes - it doesn't invalidate anyone elses.

In somewhat of a contradiction to your non sequitur, the shallow doesn't allow for in depth analysis, and your comments do nothing to belie a certain sense of latent agenda, and ulterior motive, by both your very tone, and, to be quite frank, strange attitude. It almost reminds me of why I came to live in Asia in the first place. You would do well to be more welcoming, and afford others their opinion for what they are - they all have their place, and context, and are just as valid as anyone elses, and must be allowed to be so, and afforded an arena broad and open to interpretation - because isn't the very proposition of a forum to be constructive, and help one another ? I certainly didn't graciously take the time to write a contributive, and conducive post to cause affront, find issue, or preemption with another, or to have my true perception of personal experience subjugated, and so with that, I'll wish you, and everyone else on this forum a pleasant evening, and perhaps, more appropriately, a pleasant stay in Savannakhet, should you find yourself visiting. Laos, in my opinion, is lovely.

[Asiantravel]

Hello, Asiantravel, I do hope that my message reaches you in the best of health and spirits.

I must apologise for my ramblings, but I was lead to believe that this was a public forum, open to all opinion and input from anyone that thought that they might have something constructive to share, from personal experience, to maybe guide, or assist another, pertaining to the topic involved - perhaps I was wrong ?

Please do bear with me while I explain - you see, I clicked on the original topic at hand, and after reading through the whole thing, from the original context, right through to the detracting posts at the end, I thought I might offer my own two pence worth, in an impartial, good spirited way, with no agenda whatsoever, aside from that of the truth of my own experience. Now, it's all subjective of course, and I am far from saying I didn't enjoy my stay at Leena - but what I wrote about was my true, personal experience, and that is all I offered an insight into. The original room I was shown to actually smelled so strongly of cigarette smoke, that as soon as the door was opened, I politely asked for another one, which in turn, was not as offensive, but still did have an old, lingering, stale odour of cigarette smoke, which in fact, as I said, any non-smoker will pick up on, if they walk into a room that has had a smoker staying in it, especially one that has had the smoke circulating through its' aircon. The room was acceptably clean, and as equally acceptably run down. As for the food in SVK in general, not specific to Leena - most Asian cooks, when they see a Westerner, will automatically tone the food down, (unless you catagorically tell them not to), to allow for a perceived unacclimated palette - this is something I feel I have come to know through experience, after living permanently in Thailand for seventeen Years so far, and predominantly eating 'authentic' Thai food. As far as the food goes at any other establishment (sorry, call me ignorant, but I don't know what 'haupt' cuisine is, with a childish emoticon attached - and to be honest, how ever much you bet me - I really couldn't give too much of a toss what it's like at the casino, unless I happen to stay there) - well I'll be the judge of that for myself, as I would encourage anyone else to do - but please be assured that my judgment is just that - My unbiased judgement. If you want real Laos food - cheap and delicious, eat in the small Laos cubbyholes, or down on the river front, and know what, and how to order. Vietnamese there too. If I experience anything else noteworthy, or potentially helpful to another on my next trip there, I will endeavour to post about it, without prejudice. Like I said, regardless of yours, or anyone elses report, or comments, I will be going for a look at the casino for myself, as I have never been, and if I like it, then I will stay, if that's okay with you ? Actually, I will say, because I just remembered - if you drive upto Mukdahan yourself, like I do, park at the border and walk through, the casino car park will try and charge you 150 baht a day to park, and try to make you believe your car won't be safe otherwise - but if you drive around 30 yards past them, just before immigration, there is a free car park that has a night guard on duty also. My truck was fine, and still there after two weeks - not a scratch.

If you read through my original post, and comprehended the context that it was written in, then I'm sure you will see, I didn't write it to vilify another, nor as a vindicative lodestone for the precepts of the pedantic. Just trying to write a real post, from real experience. In this case, the bottom line, as it were, is that due to both perception, and preconception - I don't believe your experience is necessarily representative of what I feel, or experienced, and, if you don't mind me asking - how on Earth would you know of any representations, except those of your own, and how and why would you have a knowledge, or clue, or concern about what is representative, or what isn't, pertaining to most guests staying at Leena guesthouse, unless there was, or even if there wasn't an underlying premise ? I will afford you your opinion of Leena from your own perspective of staying there, but that's as far as it goes - it doesn't invalidate anyone elses.

In somewhat of a contradiction to your non sequitur, the shallow doesn't allow for in depth analysis, and your comments do nothing to belie a certain sense of latent agenda, and ulterior motive, by both your very tone, and, to be quite frank, strange attitude. It almost reminds me of why I came to live in Asia in the first place. You would do well to be more welcoming, and afford others their opinion for what they are - they all have their place, and context, and are just as valid as anyone elses, and must be allowed to be so, and afforded an arena broad and open to interpretation - because isn't the very proposition of a forum to be constructive, and help one another ? I certainly didn't graciously take the time to write a contributive, and conducive post to cause affront, find issue, or preemption with another, or to have my true perception of personal experience subjugated, and so with that, I'll wish you, and everyone else on this forum a pleasant evening, and perhaps, more appropriately, a pleasant stay in Savannakhet, should you find yourself visiting. Laos, in my opinion, is lovely.

Ackybang I guess my “ strange attitude “ as you put it was partly because of post number 18 by bangkokburning was still resonating with the opening line “Shameless self promotion. “

Maybe I was also just a little cynical because of the fact you said you've been in Asia for 20 years and you have visited Savannakhet three times already and yet you only joined this forum on 27 September - less than three weeks ago?

And coincidentally this is just after the “ detracting posts “ as you described them began to appear in this thread?......mmmm

You are of course welcome to stay anywhere you like but I would just point out to other would-be travelers to Savannakhet whether they stay at Leena Guesthouse or any other guest house ( of which there are many to choose from ) I think their stay would be more enjoyable in a local establishment near the city than being taken 10 km out of town to the casino where obviously the staff now will have even less incentive to please their guests if they know the Sword of Damocles is hanging over them?

Edited October 16, 2012 by Asiantravel

[carbon]

hi,

I will do my visa run to Savannakhet for a multiple non o ( based on marriage ) this December,

How much money is required in the bank ?

Would be nice if someone could give me correct infos !

Thx

[Monkeypants]

no money in the bank, I got a non O a week or so ago, they did not ask for bank statements

[Orac]

^ I did a O (marriage) through the casino a couple of months ago and they advised to provide bank book with 30k baht showing though it was unusual to need to show this.

Regarding the casino, I was very happy with the service as per thread here where I commented:

[canuckamuck]

They really like originals in Savan, I got myself in trouble this time because I did not have the original translation of my marriage certificate. They relented after a while. I thought that the original certificate with copies of the translation would have been fine. Never assume anything I guess. Bring originals of everything you copy.

Edited October 18, 2012 by canuckamuck

[carbon]

hi

ths guys for the quick response.

One more question ! Did u ask for a multiple or single enrty non o visa ? I need a multiple!!

Thx

[Monkeypants]

I got multiple based on marriage, no bank statements asked for

[canuckamuck]

You need to say multiple, you will know if you are getting a multiple if they charge you 5000. The first time they asked me for 2000 so I knew they were going to give me a single. I reminded them then that it was a multiple I needed..

[vtjforyou]

555 by car and without original marriage certificate :-)

[swissie]

If arriving with the night bus from BKK, will the casino-minivan pick me up at the Mukhadan bus-terminal? If not, where is the casino-bus or casino-office to be found in Mukhadan?

Thanks & cheers.

[swissie]

Sorry folks, got the answer already. Pick-up time is 7:30 AM at the Mukhadan bus-terminal by the casino-van.

[dereko169]

How far is immigration from the bus station in Mukdahan?

[aussieexpat1068]

Can anyone help? I have read a lot of posts and have become somewhat confused. I am 45 and I have a multiple entry non-o visa which was issued in Sydney Australia that is due to expire in September 2013.This was issued with no bank account funds being requested but my original marriage certificate from a Bangkok Amphur was plus a few other requirements. ( I believe I can do one more visa run just prior to its expiration date in September and get another 90 days? ) As I now live here with my wife in Pattaya what am I to do to ensure that I can continue to stay? I would like to arrange everything from here without returning to Australia if possible. Do I get another multiple entry non-imm "O" visa from a suggested Suvankhet in Loas as I do not want to deposit 400k into a bank account plus it wouldn't be there for the required two months and we happily live on 25k per month not 40k or as some have suggested an extensiion of stay based on marriage? We can supply my passport and photo's, original marriage certificate, wife's ID and house book along with a map and house photos of us with our clothes and furniture etc. I also have the books in my name of our car and motorbike. Someone suggested an ED-visa. Would this be easier?

Thanks in advance.