Visa Extension Advice Needed

[Alfunkdup]

Hello,

I'll be flying into Bangkok July 9, 2009 and plan to get a Visa On Arrival that lasts 30 days. I want to stay about 50 days in Thailand, so i'll need an extension. At that time I'll be at Samui Island, question is,

if i do a visa run from Samui can I only get a 15 day extension instead of a 30 day which would be much more convenient?

to get the 15 day extension do i need to have a booked return trip airplane ticket?

Who and where are the best people and places to do visa runs from on Samui?

Looks like going to an embassy and getting a tourist visa would be a better option than two visa runs...but hope to hear of some advice from members here anyway.

with much Thanks in advance,

Alfunkdup

[Lite Beer]

A Visa On Arival gives 15 days and is only available to certain nationalities. Chinese being one of them.

If you are talking about a Visa Exempt Entry which does give 30 days to certain Nationalities

You may not be allowed on the flight without a Visa if you do not have a ticket leaving Thailand within 30 days.

You need a Tourist Visa. This will give 60 days.

A border run by land will give 15 days entry.

[Alfunkdup]

Thanks Lite Beer,

I'm American, and I always get a 30 day visa on arrival whenever entering thailand, which must be the Visa Exempt Entry visa you mentioned.

Thanks again, any idea how long it takes to get a tourist visa? more than one day?

peace,

Alfunkdup

[lopburi3]

Normal tourist visa issue from a Consulate is next workday.

[JimGant]

Thanks again, any idea how long it takes to get a tourist visa? more than one day?.....I'll be flying into Bangkok July 9, 2009

Well, a single tourist visa is good for 3-months (i.e., gives you a 3-month window from issue date to enter Thailand). Assuming July 9th is a 'hard' date for entering Thailand, you could apply now for the visa -- so turnaround time wouldn't be a problem. And unless you live reasonably close to a consulate/embassy, the mail route is the easiest (and takes about a week, at least with honorary consulates). So, how long it takes shouldn't be of any concern.

The new twist with tourist visas is they like to see a bank statement (about $500) and an onward ticket. If this would be a problem, you could ask if exceptions are made... The honorary consulates are the most flexible, have email addresses and phone numbers published on the web, and speak American like natives ('cause they are). I'd check this out.

[lopburi3]

I would not get the visa until June (not now) as they are only valid for 90 days from issue date - any delay in your departure would result in not having a valid visa.

I do not believe most Consulates ask for money or ticket for US nationals (although they may have it listed). It has always been a requirement but normally only asked of third country nationals.

[Alfunkdup]

Many many thanks, I'll start looking into these options you've both spoken about as soon as i can. Will then try to get back here to let you know how things worked out.

Thanks again,

peace,

Alfunkdup