Visa Question

[kevbomac05]

im coming here in march and gonna stay for a month

now i got my passport and will they give me a visa and let me stay for a month

Thanks

im from chicago,united states

[Jingthing]

Yes when you arrive in Thailand by air immigration will stamp your passport allowing you to stay exactly 30 days from when you arrive. Sometimes if you arrive late at night, they will count from the next day, not the same day. It may be safer to simply add 29 days to your departure date and return no later than that. The 30 day stamp is not a visa. If you want to stay longer (for example more like 60 days) apply for a tourist visa in Chicago at the Thai consulate. Those are good for a 60 day stay.

[kevbomac05]

Yes when you arrive in Thailand by air immigration will stamp your passport allowing you to stay exactly 30 days from when you arrive. Sometimes if you arrive late at night, they will count from the next day, not the same day. It may be safer to simply add 29 days to your departure date and return no later than that. The 30 day stamp is not a visa. If you want to stay longer (for example more like 60 days) apply for a tourist visa in Chicago at the Thai consulate. Those are good for a 60 day stay.

ya but say i stay for 36 days

that wouldent be a problem, if i dont want to get the 60 day visa

[Jingthing]

If you wish to stay 36 days you must obtain a tourist visa before arriving in Thailand. Otherwise, you are asking for trouble. For example, your airline in the US probably won't even let you on the plane if they notice your return ticket is 36 days later and you have no visa or proof of air travel out of Thailand within 30 days.

Chicago has a consulate. This isn't a big deal to get a tourist visa. It may even be free (not sure about that)

http://www.thaichicago.net/clate/visa.html

[Lite Beer]

Yep. Get a Visa. Tourist Visas are free until 4th March.

[kevbomac05]

If you wish to stay 36 days you must obtain a tourist visa before arriving in Thailand. Otherwise, you are asking for trouble. For example, your airline in the US probably won't even let you on the plane if they notice your return ticket is 36 days later and you have no visa or proof of air travel out of Thailand within 30 days.

Chicago has a consulate. This isn't a big deal to get a tourist visa. It may even be free (not sure about that)

http://www.thaichicago.net/clate/visa.html

how much would a 60 day tourist visa be

i dont feel like doing paperwork

[Lite Beer]

how much would a 60 day tourist visa be

Apply before 5th March and it is free.

After 5th March $35.

[mtone9317]

Here is my experience, I hope it is helpful.

You have plenty of time. Send your passport with a return envelope to the nearest consulate, Wash DC if you like. I sent mine by Express Mail with Express return. I think it was 12 each way. Request a multiple entry visa. You can stay 6 months if you like. Your first visa (free) will get you 60 days. You must show $500 in a US bank account. I bought a one-way ticket. Stupid. I could have saved $250 if I had bought a round trip ticket, but I didn't know how long I was going to stay. If you like big, crowded, dirty cities then spend some time in BKK, otherwise head north to Chiang Mai. It will be hot, but you can find an air conditioned room here for 12 a night, lot's of places. Start with the Chiang Mai Inn or nearby places, many of them. Not only is it safe here, but lot's of fun. South of BKK it will be more expensive.

[kevbomac05]

Here is my experience, I hope it is helpful.

You have plenty of time. Send your passport with a return envelope to the nearest consulate, Wash DC if you like. I sent mine by Express Mail with Express return. I think it was 12 each way. Request a multiple entry visa. You can stay 6 months if you like. Your first visa (free) will get you 60 days. You must show $500 in a US bank account. I bought a one-way ticket. Stupid. I could have saved $250 if I had bought a round trip ticket, but I didn't know how long I was going to stay. If you like big, crowded, dirty cities then spend some time in BKK, otherwise head north to Chiang Mai. It will be hot, but you can find an air conditioned room here for 12 a night, lot's of places. Start with the Chiang Mai Inn or nearby places, many of them. Not only is it safe here, but lot's of fun. South of BKK it will be more expensive.

i cant spend 12 a night

my budget will be really low

im looking at staying at the cheapest possible places

[kevbomac05]

Here is my experience, I hope it is helpful.

You have plenty of time. Send your passport with a return envelope to the nearest consulate, Wash DC if you like. I sent mine by Express Mail with Express return. I think it was 12 each way. Request a multiple entry visa. You can stay 6 months if you like. Your first visa (free) will get you 60 days. You must show $500 in a US bank account. I bought a one-way ticket. Stupid. I could have saved $250 if I had bought a round trip ticket, but I didn't know how long I was going to stay. If you like big, crowded, dirty cities then spend some time in BKK, otherwise head north to Chiang Mai. It will be hot, but you can find an air conditioned room here for 12 a night, lot's of places. Start with the Chiang Mai Inn or nearby places, many of them. Not only is it safe here, but lot's of fun. South of BKK it will be more expensive.

i cant spend 12 a night

my budget will be really low

im looking at staying at the cheapest possible places

will they really check my bank account?

[Jingthing]

Showing funds in a bank account is not listed as a requirement at the Chicago consulate for the FREE tourist visas good for a 60 day stay:

http://www.thaichicago.net/clate/tourist.html

Royal Thai Consulate-General

700 North Rush Street,

Chicago, IL 60611-2504

Telephone: (1-312) 664-3129 Facsimile: (1-312) 664-3230

E-mail: [email protected]

Office-Hours : 09.00 hrs. - 12.00 hrs. and 13.00 hrs. - 16.30 hrs. (Monday - Friday)

Consular Services Hours : 09.00 hrs. - 12.00 hrs. and 13.00 hrs. - 14.00 hrs. (Monday - Friday)

(You can lead a horse to water ...)