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So you want to travel abroad with your Thai partner. Maybe you’d like to introduce the family or give a tour of your hometown. Perhaps you just want a romantic getaway. But there’s one problem: You’ve discovered gaining entry to many countries on a Thai passport is much more difficult than the passport you’re holding. What can you do? Should you change your destination or is there still hope?

 

Securing a visa to almost any country in the world is possible, even on a Thai passport, but you have to be a bit strategic. Here are some ideas to help you travel abroad more easily with your Thai partner.

 

The path of least resistance: 10 popular countries Thais can travel to easily

If you just want to go on a holiday for a couple weeks, there are dozens of countries with little red tape. Below are 10 popular destinations that are visa-free or offer visa-on-arrival for Thai passport holders: 

 

1. Maldives

2. Hong Kong

3. South Korea

4. Jordan

5. Solomon Islands

6. Fiji

7. Madagascar

8. Kenya

9. Argentina

10. Brazil

 

For a more comprehensive list of easy-to-travel-to countries for Thais, check out this forum post.

 

The 5 most difficult countries/regions for Thais to visit

If you’d like your Thai partner to visit one of the more popular western destinations, you’ll likely encounter more strict immigration requirements. Below are five countries or regions that present the most difficulty for Thai passport holders:

 

1. United States

2. United Kingdom

3. European Union

4. Australia

5. Canada

 

Without proper preparation, rejection is likely. You may need to book all your flights and hotels in advance, show your financial records, and provide a criminal background check.

 

Why are visas more difficult to obtain for Thais?

Discovering the additional hurdles Thais must overcome when traveling abroad can be surprising (and disappointing). It may also seem unfair given you and your partner’s good intentions. The truth is that people from Southeast Asia and other regions have a historic pattern of overstaying tourist visas and unlawfully working.

 

The immigration officers aren’t bad people. But their job is to make applicants prove why they won’t violate the terms of the visa. Some country’s officers even go as far as to presume an intent to overstay. In other words, you’re guilty until you can prove your innocence.

 

Despite the challenges, there are ways to overcome them.

 

How to travel to popular western countries: 4 ways to improve your odds

Traveling to the five challenging countries/regions above is still possible for Thai passport holders. You just need to know what immigration officers are looking for. Here are four key criteria:

 

1. Attachment to Thailand: The stronger your partner’s reasons to return to Thailand, the better your chances of approval. A career, house, or other significant property shows your partner’s life is rooted in the Kingdom and there’s an intention to return.
 

2. No criminal record: It goes without saying that a criminal record can hurt your chances for nearly any application, whether a job or college admission. Visas are no different, and if your partner has a clean record, approval is more likely.
 

3. Financial security: As popular western countries are significantly more expensive than Thailand, does your partner have the financial means to travel there? Immigration officers want to see proof of savings and predictable income.
 

4. International travel history: If your Thai partner has previously traveled abroad and honored the terms of the visa, his or her chances of approval improve. Immigration officers want to see a history of traveling to and timely leaving countries, as it means your partner is more likely to return to Thailand.

 

While satisfying the four criteria above can help your chances to secure a visa, each application is assessed against a presumption of bad intentions. Getting a visa to visit a country is a privilege after all. The more complete and thorough a picture you can assemble about the intention to return to Thailand, the better your chances. 

 

 

Already decided on your destination?

If you’re set on a specific country or region, here’s some destination-specific information that will set you up for success.

 

United States

All US visas (including tourist visas) require an interview at the US embassy in Bangkok, and wait times can be substantial. The visa applicant must attend the interview on their own so it’s important to be properly prepared.

 

For serious couples, you may find it easier to obtain a US K-1 Fiancé(e) visa than a tourist visa. Check out our FREE  US K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa Interview Guide or US CR1 & IR1 Spouse Visa Interview Guide for additional details and sample interview questions.

 

Learn more about your US visa options here.

 

United Kingdom

There are three types of UK visas available for your Thai partner: the standard visitor visa, marriage visitor visa, and family visa. If you’re just looking to holiday in the UK, choose the standard visa. You’ll need to apply online and book an appointment at a visa application center. Unlike the US, visas for the UK do not require an interview. 

Free Download: UK Visa Guide for Thai & British Couples

 

Canada

If your purpose is tourism, visitor visas are your best option. Canadian immigration places a higher emphasis on your Thai partner’s relationships with Canadians and who you will see while visiting (Canadian friends or family). Assuming you are Canadian, your partner's chances of a successful application improve if he or she mentions your relationship. 

Learn more about your Canada visa options here.

 

Australia

For couples, there are four core types of Australian visas: a visitor visa, work and holiday visa, prospective marriage visa, or a partner visa. If your primary objective is tourism or to introduce your partner to your family, the visitor visa is your best choice. A work and holiday visa may also be a good option if you’d like to take an extended holiday with brief stints of working. 

Learn more about your Australia visa options here.

 

European Union

To travel to the EU, your partner will need a Schengen visa. There are a wide variety of Schengen visa options available. Couples will want a tourist, spouse, or visitor visa. While you can travel throughout the EU once you get the visa, you will need to apply at the embassy of the country where you plan to spend most of your time. 

Learn more about your Schengen visa options here.

 

Your journey ahead

 

I’m sure you’re excited and want to begin preparing for your trip, but perhaps you still have questions. If you’re looking for more personalized guidance for your unique situation, contact us for a free consultation. We’d be happy to help.

 

Book a free no-obligation consultation

 

We look forward to speaking with you soon.

 

Best Regards,

 

Mark Friedman

Managing Director

Baan Thai Immigration Solutions

 

 

About Baan Thai Immigration Solutions 

 

We are an immigration-focused international law firm based in Bangkok with over 70 years of combined legal experience. Our team of bilingual counselors are experts at facilitating visas and permits for the US, UK, Australia, EU, and Canada. If you’re in need of friendly, professional advice, don’t hesitate to contact us.

 

Phone: +66-93-498-5955

Website: https://btisolutions.co
Email: [email protected]

 

 

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