Agreement on Cross-Border Traffic between Thailand and Laos

Agreement on Cross-Border Traffic between Thailand and Laos 

     Thailand and Laos are like nations of siblings, since they share similarities in language, food, and culture and have created friendly bridges for cross-border travel across the Mekong River in several provinces. Given that the geographical situation of the two countries is contiguous, the land route has become another popular choice for people on both sides of the border to travel across. Therefore, an agreement was made for border crossings between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

     The agreement on cross-border travel between the government of the Kingdom of Thailand and the government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic was signed on 20 June 1997 (B.E. 2540).

The documents required for crossing the border consist of one of the following:

1. A passport;
2. A border pass;
3. A temporary border pass.

     The authorized person to issue border passes is the governor of the province or the border district chief designated in the agreement. Those Thai and Lao citizens residing in the border areas identified in the agreement have the right to apply for border passes.

Conditions for Border Crossing

1. Border crossing cards are valid for up to 3 days and 2 nights per trip;
2. Temporary border crossing cards are valid for up to 3 days and 2 nights per trip. (Note that passports are required to enter and exit the country at permanent border crossings and can be used to travel throughout the country for a period of time specified by each country.)

Age/Renewal of Border Crossing Card:

     The card is valid for up to 1 year and can be renewed for up to 1 year at a time.

Authorized Areas:

     The following provinces and border areas are included in the agreement (in Nong Khai Province only, travel is allowed up to the Udon Thani District of Udon Thani Province):

Thai Border Area (Province) - Lao Border Area (District)

1. Ubon Ratchathani - Champasak, Salawan;
2. Amnat Charoen – Savannakhet;
3. Mukdahan – Savannakhet;
4. Nakhon Phanom - Kham Muang;
5. Nong Khai - Nakhon Luang Viengjan (Kamphaeng Nakhon) – Bolikhamxai;
6. Bueng Kan – Bolikhamxai;
7. Loei – Vientiane, Sainyabuli;
8. Phitsanulok, Uttaradit, Nan, Phayao – Sainyabuli;
9. Chiang Rai - Bokeo.

Source: Foreign Affairs Division, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Asadang Road, Wat Ratchabophit Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok 10200.

Tel. +66 2224 6190 /1
This information was issued on January 28, 2022.
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