If you’re enjoying life in Pattaya, Thailand, but your visa is about to expire, you might be searching for a way to legally extend your stay without hassle. For many foreigners, the solution is a visa run.
What is a Visa Run?
A visa run is when a foreign national leaves Thailand, crosses into a neighboring country, and then returns to Thailand to obtain a fresh entry stamp or a new visa. This move allows travelers to extend their stay in Thailand. Whether you’re on a tourist visa, a visa exemption, or waiting for a long-term visa, a visa run is a fast, legal, and often affordable way to keep living your awesome Pattaya life.
Popular Visa Run Destinations from Pattaya
-
Cambodia (Ban Pakkad and Aranyaprathet Borders)
- Border Run (Stamp on Arrival): Suitable for those seeking a quick turnaround for a new entry stamp. No visit to a consulate is needed.
- Timeline: Same-day trip; leave early morning, return late afternoon.
- Cost: Around 2,500–6,500 THB depending on nationality and service options (VIP, regular van, etc.)
- Process: Bring your passport (six months validity with spare pages). Pattaya Service Market handles paperwork.
- Why Cambodia? Fast, convenient, and available if you need a new entry stamp.
- Cambodia visa runs are currently not available due to border issues.
-
Laos (Vientiane or Savannakhet)
- Visa Run (Consular Visa or Entry Stamp): Ideal for acquiring a new tourist visa, Non-O, Non-B or other long-stay visas.
- Timeline: 2-3 day trip with overnight stays; depart evenings, return late night.
- Cost: 7,500–11,500 THB (includes transport, accommodation, and visa fees; varies by service and nationality)
- Process: Bring your passport (six months validity with spare pages). Pattaya Service Market handles paperwork.
- Why Laos? Consulates in Laos are popular for full tourist and longer-term visas.
Requirements & What to Bring
- Passport with at least 6 months validity and spare pages
- 3 recent passport-size photos (for embassy applications)
- Proof of funds (bank statements, sometimes 20,000 THB+ for tourist visas)
- Proof of accommodation (rental agreement or hotel booking)
- Return travel ticket (for tourist visa applications)
- Personal items: snacks, entertainment, and overnight essentials (for Laos runs)
How Visa Run Services Work in Pattaya
- Pickup/Dropoff: We offer direct pickup from your accommodation and dropoff upon return.
- All-inclusive Packages: Transport, border assistance, some meals, and hotel (for Laos).
- Paperwork Help: Our staff help you navigate paperwork at the border and embassies.
- Booking: Reserve in advance online or in-person; bring required documents and payment.
Why Use a Visa Run Service?
- Convenience: Avoid language barriers and bureaucracy by letting professionals manage logistics and paperwork.
- Expertise: Up-to-date knowledge of changing border rules and visa requirements.
- Safety: Comfortable, licensed vans and clear instructions.
Whether it’s a quick trip to the Cambodian border for a new stamp or a few days in Laos for a fresh visa, visa runs from Pattaya remain the most reliable way to keep your Thailand adventure going strong.
Book Your Laos Border Run
Need a fresh entry stamp, tourist, or long-stay Thai visa?
Join our comfortable, all-inclusive border run to Laos for a fast, legal visa solution.
✅ Hassle-free process
✅ All paperwork handled
✅ Experienced team
FAQs
How often can I do a visa run from Pattaya?
Most nationalities can do visa runs several times. However, repeated runs may eventually draw scrutiny from immigration officers, and policies can change at any time. Please consult with the Pattaya Service Market team to check your specific case and ensure compliance with the latest regulations.
Can I extend my stay for longer visas during a run?
Yes, you can apply for different types of visas such as double-entry tourist, education (ED), or retirement visas during longer Laos visa runs, provided you meet all the required criteria and documentation.
Do prices vary by nationality and service?
Yes, fees depend on your nationality, the type of visa you’re applying for, and the specific service package you choose. Reach out to us for a tailored quote and the most current pricing based on your circumstances.
Is the Cambodia visa run available?
No, Cambodia visa runs are currently unavailable due to temporary issues at the borders. Please ask us for the latest updates or alternatives.
What should I bring on my visa run?
Bring a passport with at least 6 months validity and spare pages, 3 passport-size photos, proof of funds and accommodation (if needed), a return travel ticket (for tourist visa applications), and any personal items for overnight stays (especially for Laos runs).
Why should I use a visa run service?
Using a reputable visa run service means you don’t have to worry about transport, navigating immigration bureaucracy, or language barriers. Our team stays up-to-date with changing rules and can handle your paperwork for a smooth, stress-free experience.