How to stay in Thailand for 3 to 6 months? Trying to make sense of all the requirements.

[Mike J Burns]

Hey Everyone, 

 

Long time lurker, just trying to get a plan together.

 

I'm 40, American and living in the Philippines. I'm going to go the USA soon to get my Pfizer jabs but wont be able to return to my home in the Philippines because they are putting restrictions on my retirement visa in that they require an entry exemption document that takes months and months to get, if it comes at all. I need to stay out of the USA for tax purposes so I need another destination so I figure I will head to Thailand as its been a while since I've been there. I need a simple place to just work indoors with decent internet, but not the purpose of this post. 

 

A lot has changed regarding visas since my last stay. Can someone please help me make a plan? 

 

What is the best way to stay 90 days and perhaps again for another 90 days? 

 

Correct me if I'm wrong:

 

If I enter with out a visa, I'll need a COE (can you get this online?), and get only 45 days on entry and can extend once for 30 days only? Total 75 days.

 

If I get a visa before hand (can this be done online?) I can enter for 60 days, and extend 30 days? Total 90 days.

 

A land based visa run can get me another 30 days, but can only be done twice a year?

 

A air based re-entry can be done 6 times a year? 

 

Any other options? 

 

Thanks for your assistance.

 

 

 

 

[RAZZELL]

Land borders closed so no "border runs".

 

Have to quarantine every time you enter..

 

RAZZ 

[gearbox]

With STV visa you can stay up to 270 days.  Technically you can do something like "visa run", but will cost you a lot in airfare and quarantine costs.

[Mike J Burns]

1 minute ago, gearbox said:

With STV visa you can stay up to 270 days.  Technically you can do something like "visa run", but will cost you a lot in airfare and quarantine costs.

 

This sounds perfect, I will look in to a STV, hopefully I can get this in Los Angeles.

[gearbox]

BTW Phuket and Samui are supposedly opening next month with quarantine only 7 days,  and both places have plenty of cheap accommodation now with good Internet.

[Mike J Burns]

Just now, gearbox said:

BTW Phuket and Samui are supposedly opening next month with quarantine only 7 days,  and both places have plenty of cheap accommodation now with good Internet.

 

Thank you.

 

This is great news, do you think this will still be the case around July 20th?

 

I had wondered if Phuket would have good net.

[gearbox]

Just now, Mike J Burns said:

 

Thank you.

 

This is great news, do you think this will still be the case around July 20th?

 

I had wondered if Phuket would have good net.

Supposed to start from 1st of July, but the Thai government has backtracked a number of times before. I'm planning myself to go to Europe and come back after 1st of October, when according to the plan there would be no quarantine for vaccinated people coming to Samui. You do need to be vaccinated to get shorter quarantine from 1st of July.

 

I would choose Samui or Koh Phangan, Phuket is now in the low "wet" season until early December.

[Mike J Burns]

26 minutes ago, gearbox said:

Supposed to start from 1st of July, but the Thai government has backtracked a number of times before. I'm planning myself to go to Europe and come back after 1st of October, when according to the plan there would be no quarantine for vaccinated people coming to Samui. You do need to be vaccinated to get shorter quarantine from 1st of July.

 

I would choose Samui or Koh Phangan, Phuket is now in the low "wet" season until early December.

 

Do you know if the STV can be done all online? (California, USA). It would be really great if I never had to go up to the location. 

[gearbox]

Just now, Mike J Burns said:

 

Do you know if the STV can be done all online? (California, USA). It would be really great if I never had to go up to the location. 

Email there and ask:

 

https://thaiconsulatela.org/

 

There are plenty of Americans in this forum, I think some went through the actual process in LA, hopefully they can provide more info. However things change all the time, the LA consulate probably can give you up to date info.

I see no reason why you won't be able to send them your paperwork and get the visa back via the post.

 

There are a few requirements to satisfy for STV and generally Thai visas now, all covered in many threads in this forum.

[Mike J Burns]

1 minute ago, gearbox said:

Email there and ask:

 

https://thaiconsulatela.org/

 

There are plenty of Americans in this forum, I think some went through the actual process in LA, hopefully they can provide more info. However things change all the time, the LA consulate probably can give you up to date info.

I see no reason why you won't be able to send them your paperwork and get the visa back via the post.

 

There are a few requirements to satisfy for STV and generally Thai visas now, all covered in many threads in this forum.

just found it it's by mail only, other parts of the site made me excited thinking that it was an e-visa on arrival. 

 

[Greenwich Boy]

11 minutes ago, Mike J Burns said:

 

Do you know if the STV can be done all online? (California, USA). It would be really great if I never had to go up to the location. 

I have just arrived in Bangkok on a STV. My understanding is that the scheme will finish on 30th September so 270 days is not possible. The last extension must be done before 30th Sep.

 

Say I arrived 1st June and got 90 days. I extend 1st Sept (ish) and get stamped in to 1st Dec. but that is it. I will try for an additional extension just before 30th Sept but not hopeful.

If this is correct there is no value in STV if you intend to arrive after 30th June.

 

Definitely check before you apply. Apologies if I made my reply more complicated than needed!

 

[Mike J Burns]

3 minutes ago, Greenwich Boy said:

I have just arrived in Bangkok on a STV. My understanding is that the scheme will finish on 30th September so 270 days is not possible. The last extension must be done before 30th Sep.

 

Say I arrived 1st June and got 90 days. I extend 1st Sept (ish) and get stamped in to 1st Dec. but that is it. I will try for an additional extension just before 30th Sept but not hopeful.

If this is correct there is no value in STV if you intend to arrive after 30th June.

 

Definitely check before you apply. Apologies if I made my reply more complicated than needed!

 

 

If true, thats very important information. It's going to be a big hassle for me to get this STV by mail (I'll be in Mexico between doses and will need my passport, and dont have the passport card). May just be easier for me to do the voa and extend , and then round trip some where. 

[gearbox]

1 hour ago, Greenwich Boy said:

I have just arrived in Bangkok on a STV. My understanding is that the scheme will finish on 30th September so 270 days is not possible. The last extension must be done before 30th Sep.

 

Say I arrived 1st June and got 90 days. I extend 1st Sept (ish) and get stamped in to 1st Dec. but that is it. I will try for an additional extension just before 30th Sept but not hopeful.

If this is correct there is no value in STV if you intend to arrive after 30th June.

 

Definitely check before you apply. Apologies if I made my reply more complicated than needed!

 

You seem to be right, the STV issuance will finish soon. I think it would be still good for the OP for 6 months:

 

https://hague.thaiembassy.org/th/publicservice/special-tourist-visa-stv

 

SPECIAL TOURIST VISA - STV (single entry only)

• This type of visa is issued to applicants who wish to enter Thailand for tourism purposes.
• STV visa holders will initially be permitted to stay in Thailand up to 90 days including the quarantine period.
• The extension of stay can be requested at the Immigration Bureau in Thailand up to 2 times at the maximum of 90 days per each extension.
• The maximum stay in total, therefore, shall NOT exceed 270 days including the quarantine period.
• The Extension cannot be requested after 29 September 2021.
• The current end date of the STV scheme is 30 September 2021

 

The extension before 29th September would give him around 6 months stay.

[Greenwich Boy]

1 hour ago, gearbox said:

You seem to be right, the STV issuance will finish soon. I think it would be still good for the OP for 6 months:

 

https://hague.thaiembassy.org/th/publicservice/special-tourist-visa-stv

 

SPECIAL TOURIST VISA - STV (single entry only)

• This type of visa is issued to applicants who wish to enter Thailand for tourism purposes.
• STV visa holders will initially be permitted to stay in Thailand up to 90 days including the quarantine period.
• The extension of stay can be requested at the Immigration Bureau in Thailand up to 2 times at the maximum of 90 days per each extension.
• The maximum stay in total, therefore, shall NOT exceed 270 days including the quarantine period.
• The Extension cannot be requested after 29 September 2021.
• The current end date of the STV scheme is 30 September 2021

 

The extension before 29th September would give him around 6 months stay.

 

That is my understanding. Thanks for providing the link, not my strong point. 

[Mike J Burns]

I think he thought the extensions have a hard end date no matter when issued. Kinda like the covid extensions?

[gearbox]

2 minutes ago, Mike J Burns said:

I think he thought the extensions have a hard end date no matter when issued. Kinda like the covid extensions?

https://royalvacationdmc.com/blog/stv-visa-will-not-be-extendable-after-30-sep-2021/

 

The Latest announcement states that the last possible extension that can be made for Special Tourist Visa Holders will be on the 30th of September, Therefore, The latest that a Special Tourist visa Holder can Stay in Thailand will be 90 days after the 30th of September which is the 28th of December.

The Below Message was also Stated on the Thai Embassy website in London:

“Please do not apply for STV after 30 JUNE 2021 and applicants must arrive in Thailand before 3July 2021 if they wish to extend their Stay after 90 days. Application to extend their Stay in Thailand must be submitted before 30 September 2021.**”

 

Sorry, looks like the STV is not good for you anymore...at least according to this source. Anyone entering after 3rd of July won't  be able to extend it.

 

https://london.thaiembassy.org/en/publicservice/special-tourist-visa-stv-will-not-be-extended-after-30-september-2021?cate=5d6636c215e39c3bd0006c8d

 

 

 

 

[Mike J Burns]

3 minutes ago, gearbox said:

https://royalvacationdmc.com/blog/stv-visa-will-not-be-extendable-after-30-sep-2021/

 

The Latest announcement states that the last possible extension that can be made for Special Tourist Visa Holders will be on the 30th of September, Therefore, The latest that a Special Tourist visa Holder can Stay in Thailand will be 90 days after the 30th of September which is the 28th of December.

The Below Message was also Stated on the Thai Embassy website in London:

“Please do not apply for STV after 30 JUNE 2021 and applicants must arrive in Thailand before 3July 2021 if they wish to extend their Stay after 90 days. Application to extend their Stay in Thailand must be submitted before 30 September 2021.**”

 

Sorry, looks like the STV is not good for you anymore...at least according to this source. Anyone entering after 3rd of July won't  be able to extend it.

 

https://london.thaiembassy.org/en/publicservice/special-tourist-visa-stv-will-not-be-extended-after-30-september-2021?cate=5d6636c215e39c3bd0006c8d

 

 

 

 

Blessing in disguise , kinda makes it easier for me, cuz it was going to be hard to get this visa. I think enter for 45 days, extend 30 days, and if needed (maybe I can get back in to PH by then) fly somewhere else and back.

[gearbox]

Just now, Mike J Burns said:

Blessing in disguise , kinda makes it easier for me, cuz it was going to be hard to get this visa. I think enter for 45 days, extend 30 days, and if needed (maybe I can get back in to PH by then) fly somewhere else and back.

 

I came to Thailand mid January, but my plan B was Bali.  You can get 6 months business visa there for around 10K baht,  with much less hassle and paperwork. If you don't have anything here in Thailand, Bali IMO is a very good option too. Good weather from now until beginning to mid November.

[Mike J Burns]

Just now, gearbox said:

 

I came to Thailand mid January, but my plan B was Bali.  You can get 6 months business visa there for around 10K baht,  with much less hassle and paperwork. If you don't have anything here in Thailand, Bali IMO is a very good option too. Good weather from now until beginning to mid November.

 

Oh thats something to think about for sure!

[Tanoshi]

@Mike J Burns

Just to correct some of misinformation about the STV.

The STV grants a stay of 90 days. The current cut of date for applying for a further 90 day extension is September 30th, however you cannot extend if you enter the Country on an STV on or later than July 3rd.

With your plan to return to the USA for Covid vaccinations your timeframe isn't workable.

The US now use the E-Visa online application system.

 

Thailand doesn't ideally cater for long term foreigners under the age of 50.

Currently entry requirements require 14 days quarantine in an ASQ (hotel) facility and Covid Insurance for 100,000 USD and a COE (certificate of entry) certificate. This applies to each and every entry.

 

As your 40 years of age you could apply for a Tourist Visa, grants 60 days + a 30 day extension = 90 days. Currently Immigration also offer 60 day Covid extensions, but these will cease at some point in the future.

Your other option is opt for the Elite Visa - expensive, but available to the under 50 age group.

[Mike J Burns]

16 minutes ago, Tanoshi said:

@Mike J Burns

Just to correct some of misinformation about the STV.

The STV grants a stay of 90 days. The current cut of date for applying for a further 90 day extension is September 30th, however you cannot extend if you enter the Country on an STV on or later than July 3rd.

With your plan to return to the USA for Covid vaccinations your timeframe isn't workable.

The US now use the E-Visa online application system.

 

Thailand doesn't ideally cater for long term foreigners under the age of 50.

Currently entry requirements require 14 days quarantine in an ASQ (hotel) facility and Covid Insurance for 100,000 USD and a COE (certificate of entry) certificate. This applies to each and every entry.

 

As your 40 years of age you could apply for a Tourist Visa, grants 60 days + a 30 day extension = 90 days. Currently Immigration also offer 60 day Covid extensions, but these will cease at some point in the future.

Your other option is opt for the Elite Visa - expensive, but available to the under 50 age group.

 

Yeah looks like the visa done by mail, thats going to be too hard for me to coordinate, I'll just enter like normal, and extend once, or perhaps a covid extension if available and then head to bali either for a long stay or just to reset my thai entry.

 

But who knows, maybe the consulate will be ready for in person visa processing of just a few days in a few weeks. 

 

I'll figure something out. 

 

[Mike J Burns]

It's one of things to look forward to getting older, finally being able to get that retirement extension, lol. Thai Elite seems nice but a bit too pricey for me, if I were more desperate to stay in Thailand tho I would consider it. The original TEV deal was great in retrospect. I already have one overpriced visa for another country that is essentially worthless right now.

 

The STV was amazing, wish they would make the permanent, even if they more for it.

[Tanoshi]

Just now, Mike J Burns said:

The STV was amazing, wish they would make the permanent, even if they more for it.

 

The STV was introduced as a temporary 'gap filler' when borders closed.

Prior to that, you could cross borders to obtain further Visas locally or obtain a further 30 day VE entry.

 

They ceased offering the METV (multi entry Tourist Visa) when borders closed as you couldn't cross by land to get a further 60 day entry. The STV was a temporary solution to the Tourist, who could stay for a possible 9 months without having to leave the Country.

 

If/when, they reopen land borders and offer the METV again, this would allow you to stay for almost 9 months with only 2 border runs.

 

In my opinion land borders will not reopen before next year, which means the 60 day Covid extensions could continue until they do.

[DrJack54]

Enter visa exempt. Use an agent to obtain non O (volunteering) gives you ~ 15 months all up.  Not cheap.

 

Or enter visa exempt (45 days) and prior to expiry of permit to stay obtain a 30 day extension. Prior to that ending obtain a covid extension 60 days.

Don't think they will end untill borders open. That's so far off. Read Vietnamese news as just one example.

Edited June 1, 2021 by DrJack54

[howlee101]

If you only need to stay outside of the US, then I suggest trying Ecuador.  The immigration rules are very lax for US citizens.  

[Mike J Burns]

18 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Enter visa exempt. Use an agent to obtain non O (volunteering) gives you ~ 15 months all up.  Not cheap.

 

Or enter visa exempt (45 days) and prior to expiry of permit to stay obtain a 30 day extension. Prior to that ending obtain a covid extension 60 days.

Don't think they will end untill borders open. That's so far off. Read Vietnamese news as just one example.

 

2nd option problem best since I don't know how long I'll actually be staying. Thanks for the input every one. 

[khunPer]

On 6/1/2021 at 8:40 AM, Mike J Burns said:

 

If true, thats very important information. It's going to be a big hassle for me to get this STV by mail (I'll be in Mexico between doses and will need my passport, and dont have the passport card). May just be easier for me to do the voa and extend , and then round trip some where. 

I've read the same, somebody replied before I seek out ref and commented.

 

Edit: I think your best option is back to 60-days TV and 30-days extension; i.e. 90 days in total.

 

Phuket opens July 1 without quarantine if your are fully vaccinated, Koh Samui something almost similar, but something like stay inside resort area the first 3 days, and limited movements the next 4 days. Both islands need entry by direct flight from abroad; you can transit in foreign airport, fx. HKG.

Edited June 2, 2021 by khunPer

[asiam110]

6 hours ago, khunPer said:

I've read the same, somebody replied before I seek out ref and commented.

 

Edit: I think your best option is back to 60-days TV and 30-days extension; i.e. 90 days in total.

 

Phuket opens July 1 without quarantine if your are fully vaccinated, Koh Samui something almost similar, but something like stay inside resort area the first 3 days, and limited movements the next 4 days. Both islands need entry by direct flight from abroad; you can transit in foreign airport, fx. HKG.

The last point about no transit - if we follow the barstool rumor mill there is a special transit zone in BKK to facilitate onwards to Phuket, do you have a credible non barstool source that it is direct only? that would be poor for samui given the limited options think at present kl and hkg and china charter

[Mike J Burns]

Damn was hoping to connect in BKK. 

[khunPer]

13 hours ago, asiam110 said:

The last point about no transit - if we follow the barstool rumor mill there is a special transit zone in BKK to facilitate onwards to Phuket, do you have a credible non barstool source that it is direct only? that would be poor for samui given the limited options think at present kl and hkg and china charter

There are many barstool rumors, however based on some news stories from March that transit would open. At the moment transit is unfortunately only allowed for between foreign countries, not from foreign arrival and to another domestic airport. Quarantine is still at the place of arrival, but some ALSQ is permitted to fx. Chonburi-area when arriving in BKK.

 

Samui has international arrivals from China, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore; you can do foreign transit in airports abroad for international arrivals on both Phuket and Samui...????

 

Quote

Lufthansa customers can now transfer through Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport between international flights only. It is currently not allowed to transfer onto domestic flights.

Source link HERE.

 

Quote

In addition, Thailand has also extended its state of emergency until 31 July which means all services to Phuket have to be conducted as semi-commercial flights and all passengers are required to present a certificate of entry before arrival as part of Covid-19 containment measures.

Read more HERE.