Another Question About The Visa On Entry Rules

[megan]

Hi all -

I hope this isn't a repost, but I couldn't find this specifically in the forums anywhere, so...

I am 34/US citizen. I am traveling to Thailand and am planning on staying for three months, however during that time I will also be traveling to Laos and Vietnam and do not expect to be in Thailand for more than 30 days at any point of the trip. That said, I understand that the visa on entry for 30 days could be applicable (by getting a new visa on re-entry), however, after looking at the consulate website, I am concerned about initially trying to enter the country on this 30 'non visa entry' as my return flight is 90 days from my arrival. (see copy and pasted info below from consulate website - particularly the 'requirements' section)).

Has anyone had any experience with this? Any idea if I will have probelms trying to enter Thailand? (i.e. should I buy a onward ticket to Laos or Vietnam prior to my entry into Thailand to present to immigration). I am supposed to leave next week (I know, poor planning on my part!) so I don't have time to go through the consulate for a 60 day tourist visa and am debating as to whether or not I should look at rescheduling my flight until after I can get a visa through the consulate.

Thanks in advance for any input!

Passport holders from the countries below can visit Thailand without a visa for the maximum of 30 days stay per entry with a total peroid of stay not exceeding 90 days within 6 months from the date of first entry into the kingdom. To enter the kingdom using 30-DAY STAY WITHOUT VISA again, this can be done after the first 6 months ( from the first date you enter thailand).

Requirements :

- A valid passport (6-month validity with empty visa pages)

- A proof of confirmed air tickets showing 30 days or less in Thailand.

Edited January 31, 2007 by megan

[lopburi3]

Entering Thailand, with a US passport, should not be a problem without return ticket within 30 days. The problem, if you have any, will be at your airport trying to check-in. Airlines can require the ticket to be within the 30 day allowed stay. If you have time get a tourist visa (as this will also remove/lessen any possible problem over the 90 day total stay in Thailand during any six month period problem). If not go early enough to buy an onward confirmed ticket if airline requires it.

Your entry is not visa on arrival (VOA) but visa free entry and there is a limit of 90 day in any six month period for that type of entry. So if you total time were to extend a bit you might have a problem (would require you obtain a tourist visa to return).