Thailand Visa Exemption (60 days) and Visa On Arrival (VOA) (15 days)

[daeumtnaot]

On 12/2/2024 at 6:47 PM, VBF said:

Bear in mind that one can no longer apply in person  at all

Look at the link I posted - the e-Visa is the only way to apply now (at least in UK)

OK, thanks that's interesting.  I'm not sure if Bangladesh will move entirely to e-visa but that's worth looking out for.

[Caldera]

3 hours ago, daeumtnaot said:

OK, thanks that's interesting.  I'm not sure if Bangladesh will move entirely to e-visa but that's worth looking out for.

 

If or when they move to eVisa, they will definitely move "entirely", there hasn't been any case where you had the choice once eVisa was rolled out.

[daeumtnaot]

20 hours ago, Caldera said:

 

If or when they move to eVisa, they will definitely move "entirely", there hasn't been any case where you had the choice once eVisa was rolled out.

OK, so referring back to what my friend was saying originally, it probably won't make any difference.  Seemingly the requirements for tourist visa would be the same whether online or in person.

[Rob Browder]

On 12/4/2024 at 9:16 AM, rrroberts said:

I will probably not stay more than 60 days in Thailand total.

If you stay a shorter period on your first VE-entry, your 2nd entry is less-likely to trigger an interrogation or denied-entry.

[VBF]

On 12/5/2024 at 7:13 AM, daeumtnaot said:

OK, so referring back to what my friend was saying originally, it probably won't make any difference.  Seemingly the requirements for tourist visa would be the same whether online or in person.

Probably!  The reason I say that is because, from what I've read on AN, different country's embassies set their own requirements.

EG, I've only ever applied from UK which has the London embassy and no Consulates (any more) and I can tell you immediately what the London embassy requires, but I've read here that (for example) Germany might differ from UK as might Sweden etc.

 

In fact I seem to recall posts saying that in the US, if you apply in person, whether to the embassy or one of the Consulates, it depends from which state one is applying. Seems strange to me but "it is what it is" 

 

My suggestion is to look at the first page of the site I posted earlier https://www.thaievisa.go.th/ This leads you to answer questions about your "Country or territory of passport/travel document" and your "Current location". I therefore assume that the content of the following pages will depend on those answers.

[daeumtnaot]

2 minutes ago, VBF said:

Probably!  The reason I say that is because, from what I've read on AN, different country's embassies set their own requirements.

EG, I've only ever applied from UK and I can tell you immediately what the London embassy requires, but I've read here that (for example) Germany might differ from UK as might Sweden etc.

 

In fact I seem to recall posts saying that in the US, if you apply in person, it depends from which state one is applying. Seems strange to me but "it is what it is" 

 

My suggestion is to look at the first page of the site I posted earlier https://www.thaievisa.go.th/ This leads you to answer questions about your "Country or territory of passport/travel document" and your "Current location". I therefore assume that the content of the following pages will depend on those answers.

Hmmm, that's interesting, I agree that I've heard that different embassies have different requirements.  Which makes you wonder if shifting to an e-visa would lead to a change in the requirements.

 

I just checked and it appears that in the region, Cambodia and Malaysia are countries that allow you to apply for e-visa.  I'd have to sign up for a profile in order to start to check the requirements.

[chubby]

is the 60d exemption opened ended, or is there some anticipated end date?

 

might it still make any sense to obtain at TR60 +30d extension for a visit in mid 2025 ?

[Caldera]

39 minutes ago, chubby said:

is the 60d exemption opened ended, or is there some anticipated end date?

 

might it still make any sense to obtain at TR60 +30d extension for a visit in mid 2025 ?

 

No end date has been announced. Check again a bit closer to your trip, chances are the 60-day visa exempt entries will still be in place but who knows!

[Maestro]

On 12/15/2024 at 9:28 AM, chubby said:

...might it still make any sense to obtain at TR60 +30d extension for a visit in mid 2025 ?

 

Yes, it might.

[Maestro]

3 hours ago, chubby said:

is the 60d exemption opened ended, or is there some anticipated end date?...

 

There is no anticipated end date for the visa-exempt entry for 60 days.

[chubby]

14 hours ago, Maestro said:

 

Yes, you might.

could you please elaborate the reasons?  I've had many TR60s in the past, with the 30d extensions; perhaps the 30d extension is an easier process on a TR60 or ?   maybe its takes out any uncertainty if the Exemption of 60days is reversed close to a departure date?

[PattayaParent]

Arriving Bangkok next week with an Asean passport so visa-exempt.

 

Is it necessary to get an eVisa online before arrival? Or just rock up to airline and immigration with said passport and all will be OK?

 

I ask because it was necessary to get one to enter Indonesia even though visa exempt.

[Maestro]

On 12/16/2024 at 2:37 AM, chubby said:

could you please elaborate the reasons? ...

 

Section 12 of the Immigration Act

https://aseannow.com/applications/core/interface/file/attachment.php?id=991237&key=afcda8a9154676f45da42331902f33c8

 

Every application for permission to enter Thailand, ie presentation of one's passport to an immigration official at a border checkpoint, is subject to vetting under this section of the Immigration Act and thus any application might be refused.

[transam]

Though I have posted here that I will go to Chong Mek again to get another 60 day VE, because they told me I can, I have had a change of plan, I have been told here that an immigration office out in the sticks which is on my route to Chong Mek do give 60 day marriage extension on a VE entry.

 

Reason, it will look better in my PP, but the main reason is, I will save a page in my passport, that's if they put the stamp in the right place on the page...

 

Chong Mek, Laos full page visa thingy plus 4 stamps, Thai immigration office, hopefully half a page stamp. Also get me over the new year period with no possible hassles....😋

[CallumWK]

18 minutes ago, transam said:

Though I have posted here that I will go to Chong Mek again to get another 60 day VE, because they told me I can, I have had a change of plan, I have been told here that an immigration office out in the sticks which is on my route to Chong Mek do give 60 day marriage extension on a VE entry.

 

Reason, it will look better in my PP, but the main reason is, I will save a page in my passport, that's if they put the stamp in the right place on the page...

 

Chong Mek, Laos full page visa thingy plus 4 stamps, Thai immigration office, hopefully half a page stamp. Also get me over the new year period with no possible hassles....😋

 

To save the most pages in your passport would be a 1 year extension based on marriage, but you probably ran out of money?

[transam]

3 minutes ago, CallumWK said:

 

To save the most pages in your passport would be a 1 year extension based on marriage, but you probably ran out of money?

Really, I never knew that, thanks for the heads-up....................🤣

[KevinLed]

I was applying for the 60 day multiple entry visa but at the end found there is a $200 fee.  Is there any advantage to that visa?  It appears that I can do multiple entries (US passport) without paying for the multiple entry visa.

[BrandonJT]

17 hours ago, KevinLed said:

I was applying for the 60 day multiple entry visa but at the end found there is a $200 fee.  Is there any advantage to that visa?  It appears that I can do multiple entries (US passport) without paying for the multiple entry visa.

With an METV you should be able to get about 9 months in Thailand if you maximize the use of it.

In today's environment, you are unlikely to get 9 months in Thailand using visa exempt entries on your own without encountering issues or using workarounds.

 

Did you not look at your embassy's website before you started applying for the visa? It has all of the fees and requirements for the various visas and should be the first place to consult before anything else.

[Rob Browder]

On 1/22/2025 at 12:40 PM, KevinLed said:

I was applying for the 60 day multiple entry visa but at the end found there is a $200 fee.  Is there any advantage to that visa?  It appears that I can do multiple entries (US passport) without paying for the multiple entry visa.

Were you planning on using land-borders or an airport for additional visa-exempt entries?  Even with an METV, you could be hassled, depending on where you use it.  If going the visa-exempt route ...

 

If land-entries, you will need to stay out a night or two when bouncing to Laos, possibly showing a ticket to your home-country (figure fully refundable one), hotel-booking in Thailand, and 10K Baht cash, upon return.  Alternatively, pay an agent/van service to do same-day returns via Cambodia - possibly also same-day via agent at one location near Chiang Mai to Laos.

 

If bouncing by air, on the 2nd entry you would need to have a flight-out + hotel booking + 10K Baht to show.  Starting with the 3rd entry, you would need to start paying an agent for "pre-cleared entry" to return without risk of being rejected-entry. 

[daeumtnaot]

On 1/25/2025 at 7:15 PM, Rob Browder said:

Were you planning on using land-borders or an airport for additional visa-exempt entries?  Even with an METV, you could be hassled, depending on where you use it.  If going the visa-exempt route ...

 

If land-entries, you will need to stay out a night or two when bouncing to Laos, possibly showing a ticket to your home-country (figure fully refundable one), hotel-booking in Thailand, and 10K Baht cash, upon return.  Alternatively, pay an agent/van service to do same-day returns via Cambodia - possibly also same-day via agent at one location near Chiang Mai to Laos.

 

If bouncing by air, on the 2nd entry you would need to have a flight-out + hotel booking + 10K Baht to show.  Starting with the 3rd entry, you would need to start paying an agent for "pre-cleared entry" to return without risk of being rejected-entry. 

Can anyone advise or provide their input.  My wife and two children are coming up to the end of their extension from a visa exemption (VE).  Now they are on their second consecutive VE.  After the previous one they went to Huay Xai and spent two days on the other side, came back with no problem, only asked for TM30.

 

Actually we are planning to leave Thailand soon, but may need a few more days since our rental is til the end of the month and need time to pack, make some arrangements, etc.

 

Our options are:

-They try to go to the Huay Xai border and cross back over by themselves.  Try to cover all the usual things like having cash, having TM 30, having a flight out, etc., and hope for the best.  We heard from an agent that people are allowed 2 land crossings VE per calendar year, but of course also that it's up to the Immigration officer on duty and they may give you a hard time or reject you outright.

 

-We go with an agent to the border.  They seem to have arranged it all but it's very expensive.  Like 12,000 baht for same day.

 

-They could overstay for 8-9 days.  I read somewhere that they don't charge overstay for children.  If that's true, it would be 4-5,000.  I have no idea how this can affect you in the future if they see that you have an overstay on your record.

 

Can anyone advise on which one is the best? Especially if they may have any problems returning to get a third VE, or what are the pitfalls of overstaying?  Thanks for your help

 

 

[Briggsy]

If 7000 Baht is an issue, wife does visa run to Huay Xai, you look after the kids. 4000 Baht for agent-controlled border bounce. No overstay charge for kids. Again, if 7000 Baht is really an issue.

 

If I remember rightly, wife and kids are on Cambodian passports? Make sure you all fly out and don't try to leave by land border. There are more problems with overstays at land borders.

 

Also if remember rightly, you constantly change your plans. Since this is likely to happen again, I think the best plan would be to pay the 12000 Baht to let the agent do a border bounce for all 3 now so you can relax a little.

 

Wish you all the best.

[Maestro]

15 hours ago, daeumtnaot said:

...After the previous one they went to Huay Xai and spent two days on the other side, came back with no problem, only asked for TM30...

 

That's the first time I hear about a Thai immigration official asking for the TM.30 upon entry into Thailand.

[daeumtnaot]

4 hours ago, Maestro said:

 

That's the first time I hear about a Thai immigration official asking for the TM.30 upon entry into Thailand.

I was in contact with another person who posted on Reddit.  They said they were asked for the same thing.  Maybe don't need TM30 specifically but need proof of having a place to stay.

[billy100]

Hello all, just joined this forum having recently returned from 6 weeks in Thailand with a start date of 01/01/2025 using the tourism visa.

It’s possible that the answer to my questions may be within the numerous pages of this site but anyway, I will ask here. My questions are:

1.       I intend to visit Thailand twice each calendar year. Is this permissible via the tourism visa exempt allowance? The Thai embassy in London suggests that repeat visits entry will be at the discretion of the officer on duty at passport control (not exactly reassuring).

2.       I have looked at the multi-entry visa but this is only valid for 6 months from issue. Does anybody know if the METV can be applied for more than once?

My situation is: 74 years of age, no criminal convictions, wish to spend January + February in Thailand each year plus a 3-week period every June/July. Most importantly, I don’t want to risk being denied entry once I arrive at BKK.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated,

[Rob Browder]

14 minutes ago, billy100 said:

wish to spend January + February in Thailand each year plus a 3-week period every June/July.

For these durations, with your several months of "out of Thailand" space between visits, you can do it Visa-exempt without worry. 

[daeumtnaot]

7 hours ago, Briggsy said:

If 7000 Baht is an issue, wife does visa run to Huay Xai, you look after the kids. 4000 Baht for agent-controlled border bounce. No overstay charge for kids. Again, if 7000 Baht is really an issue.

 

If I remember rightly, wife and kids are on Cambodian passports? Make sure you all fly out and don't try to leave by land border. There are more problems with overstays at land borders.

 

Also if remember rightly, you constantly change your plans. Since this is likely to happen again, I think the best plan would be to pay the 12000 Baht to let the agent do a border bounce for all 3 now so you can relax a little.

 

Wish you all the best.

I won't be here as I have to leave the country (more on my visa exmeption issue later ; ) ) but we have a helper who may be able to help out.

 

We were actually planning to leave Thailand by going overland because we want to live somewhere right on the Thai border, and its out of the way to fly in.  Although flying is a possibility. 

 

Apprecaite your thought about the visa agent. 

 

If they go to Laos to wait two nights, based on previously having two VEs already, do you think they will have any problem on re-entry?  

[billy100]

23 minutes ago, Rob Browder said:

For these durations, with your several months of "out of Thailand" space between visits, you can do it Visa-exempt without worry. 

Many thanks Rob

 

[Maestro]

1 hour ago, billy100 said:

wish to spend January + February in Thailand each year plus a 3-week period every June/July. Most importantly, I don’t want to risk being denied entry once I arrive at BKK.

 

I agree with Rob Bowder. You are the ideal candidate for visa-exempt entries.

[billy100]

2 hours ago, Maestro said:

 

I agree with Rob Bowder. You are the ideal candidate for visa-exempt entries.

Just one further thought, is the 60 days cumulative during a calendar year i.e. if I have used 40 already in 2025 can I only visit for another 20 days during the remainder of 2025?

[Briggsy]

15 hours ago, daeumtnaot said:

I won't be here as I have to leave the country (more on my visa exmeption issue later ; ) ) but we have a helper who may be able to help out.

 

We were actually planning to leave Thailand by going overland because we want to live somewhere right on the Thai border, and its out of the way to fly in.  Although flying is a possibility. 

 

Apprecaite your thought about the visa agent. 

 

If they go to Laos to wait two nights, based on previously having two VEs already, do you think they will have any problem on re-entry?  

Ok since you plan to have your wife and kids leave by land, do not leave with an overstay. This can become a serious issue. 

 

So have them all go to Laos to get another 60 days VE. Since you do not want to pay for an agent, they will need to stay in Laos for 2 nights. In addition on return they will probably be asked for flights out and confirmation of accommodation booking in Thailand. So make sure they have that. Your wife will also probably get a scolding or stern talking to or some fearmongering from the IO.