Tourist Visa Help

[Canadian-Jesse]

Hi I'm a 19 year old male from Canada that's leaving for Thailand November 4th from Vancouver and my return date on my ticket is Feb 5th.

I take I need a tourist visa, correct? My plane ticket also will let me change my return date up to 6 months.

So what do I need to do to get into Thailand and stay for 90 days? I'll arrive on the 5th of November so my stay will be for exactly 90 days.

Any help is really appreciated because I've been scanning the forums for answers and have not found any.

So what are my options here? I could get a tourist visa for 60 days right? But, I can only apply for the extra 30 days while in Thailand? So will they let me into the country on my 60 day visa when my airline ticket shows my return date as 90 days?

I'm at a loss here and have been trying to reach someone to talk to all day but, no one answers their phones!

Also I might want to stay longer then 90 days because I can change my ticket return date so to do that would I need a double entry visa and how does that work?

Much appreciated,

Jesse

[lopburi3]

You have not even added up the days right. Nov 5 is day one so Feb 5 will be 92 days. That is overstay.

You do not have a problem with entry as long as you have some type of visa when you travel but you would need to make a border crossing sometime during the 30 day extension to obtain a new 30 day stay. Getting another tourist entry would not change the requirement for another entry so if you do not plan a stay of more than a week or two more than now it would not be cost effective as you can do the same without visa (30 day entry visa free).

[chico]

Hi I'm a 19 year old male from Canada that's leaving for Thailand November 4th from Vancouver and my return date on my ticket is Feb 5th.

I take I need a tourist visa, correct? My plane ticket also will let me change my return date up to 6 months.

So what do I need to do to get into Thailand and stay for 90 days? I'll arrive on the 5th of November so my stay will be for exactly 90 days.

Any help is really appreciated because I've been scanning the forums for answers and have not found any.

So what are my options here? I could get a tourist visa for 60 days right? But, I can only apply for the extra 30 days while in Thailand? So will they let me into the country on my 60 day visa when my airline ticket shows my return date as 90 days?

I'm at a loss here and have been trying to reach someone to talk to all day but, no one answers their phones!

Also I might want to stay longer then 90 days because I can change my ticket return date so to do that would I need a double entry visa and how does that work?

Much appreciated,

Jesse

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

two possibilities :

tourist visa, preferably with multiple entry, valid one year, make "visa runs" every 60 days, and change the return flight date to 60 or less days, if you can change it later anyway!

no visa : "visaruns" every 30 days, change ticket to 30 days return, although this option is not very advisable for two reasons : costly, and Thai Immi might not let you do too many reentries.

[lopburi3]

I do not know of any tourist visa valid for one year that allows unlimited 60 day stays.

As for the flight there should be no problem as long as he has some type of visa.

[Maestro]

I do not know of any tourist visa valid for one year that allows unlimited 60 day stays.

I believe to have read on this forum about a multiple non-O visa for the purpose of “extensive travel in Thailand” but I also got the impression that Thai consulates are reluctant to issue it. To a 19-year old lad? Does he have enough money? It’s all at the discretion of the consulate, isn’t it?

Edited September 2, 2005 by maestro

[lopburi3]

I do not know of any tourist visa valid for one year that allows unlimited 60 day stays.

I believe to have read on this forum about a multiple non-O visa for the purpose of “extensive travel in Thailand” but I also got the impression that Thai consulates are reluctant to issue it. To a 19-year old lad? Does he have enough money? It’s all at the discretion of the consulate, isn’t it?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

As you say that is a non immigrant visa and is not designed for normal tourists and does not provide 60 day stays.

[chico]

I do not know of any tourist visa valid for one year that allows unlimited 60 day stays.

I believe to have read on this forum about a multiple non-O visa for the purpose of “extensive travel in Thailand” but I also got the impression that Thai consulates are reluctant to issue it. To a 19-year old lad? Does he have enough money? It’s all at the discretion of the consulate, isn’t it?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

As you say that is a non immigrant visa and is not designed for normal tourists and does not provide 60 day stays.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

sorry. lop, didn't see your reply when I made my first one, if not, would have stayed away.

as to one year multiple entry tourist visa :

yes, some european embassies (rather consulates), as Munich f.e., did used to issue this, but as they gave "one year multiple entry non immigrant o" to everybody as well, not many people used the tourist visa.

to my understanding, this has been stopped now too.

[Canadian-Jesse]

I'm just going to get a double entry tourist visa. Does that mean I can get into Thailand with my plane ticket return date at Feb 5th?

I'm going to maybe even stay for 6 months.

[lopburi3]

Getting into Thailand is not problem with or without a visa. Only the airlines are likely to check those from Canada and with any kind of visa your return date is not a factor. You will be fine.

What you should remember to have 20,000 baht (US$500) in some type of currency when you enter - but even that is not likely to be checked if you are not dressed as a refugee.

[thaiflyer1]

If your thinking about a 6 month stay the double is the way to go.

Enter 60 day stay then extend in country 30 days nip out the country and back in for new 60 day stay then extend final time 30 days.

[Canadian-Jesse]

Alright, right on! Thanks a lot.

From what all of the people I've talked to in person have said I was under the assumption that it'd be hard getting into Thailand and someone at the airport when I land would check my ticket and visa and see that my return flight is 90 days and my visa is 60 days.

So the airline (JAL) I'm travelling with will be the ones making sure I have a visa? Also, how do I get the 30 day extension while in Thailand?

I'm going to apply for my visa in about 10 minutes.

P.S. I won't be dressed like a refugee haha I don't think I have any refugee clothes. I'll make sure to dress a little overly nice because from what I've heard is that if you dress like a hippy they will treat you like a hippy and if you dress like a wealthy Canadian you won't get harassed!

Also I'll have around $4,000 Canadian for my trip. Do you think that could last 6 months?

[Canadian-Jesse]

Oh hey I forgot to ask.

How do I get the other 60 days? I know I make a visa run to Cambodia but where do I go to get my passport stamped again or how does this work? I've never been travelling where I needed a visa before. Heck, I've never even travelled where I needed a passport! Don't need one anywhere in North America.

This is my first big trip!

[dr_Pat_Pong]

The 60 day tourist visa can be extended by a further 30 days in Thailand. If you want a longer stay get two tourist visa entries. ie. 2 x 60 days plus 2 x 30 days extensions. You'll need to cross a border once.

[thaiflyer1]

The 30 day extension is available at the nearest Immigration office to where you are based...............simply go along fill the form in, the fee is 1900 baht and you/ll need copies of the photo and visa pages of your passport .........hand it all in together with your passport (oh.......a passport photo as well)

Regards the 60 day extension you mentioned Cambodia if you are going to be based in Bangkok or Pattaya there are mini-bus trips to the border and back specifically for "visa" runs cost approx 2000 baht including visa to enter Cambodia. All you do is exit Thailand cross into Cambodia obtain your entry stamp then turn back round and re-enter Thailand (not forgetting your Cambodian exit stamp of course)..............when you re-enter Thailand you/ll fill in a new Arrivals card and Immigration will stamp a further 60 day stay in your passport.

If you are going to change your flight and stay 6 months plan ahead when booking your return flight so you dont end up overstaying by a couple of days.

4000 Can$=140000 baht or 23000 baht/month...........its going to be tight for a 6 month stay if you dont drink alcohol, eat local and dont bother with the ladies then ok...............if your going to be based in Pattaya and do all the above forget it...........you/d need 2-3 times that amount.

Edited September 3, 2005 by thaiflyer1

[sriracha john]

Alright, right on! Thanks a lot.

P.S. I won't be dressed like a refugee haha I don't think I have any refugee clothes. I'll make sure to dress a little overly nice because from what I've heard is that if you dress like a hippy they will treat you like a hippy and if you dress like a wealthy Canadian you won't get harassed!

Also I'll have around $4,000 Canadian for my trip. Do you think that could last 6 months?

Sep 2

Exchange Rate: 34.531

Candian dollar: 4000.00

Thai baht: 138,125.50

divided by 6 months= 23,020 baht per month....

Hmmm.... good luck... you'll need it.

*edit*... that will be extremely difficult given your "First Time" status as well assuming you'll be spending your time travelling around and staying in hotels as opposed to staying put in a single location with lower-priced permanent housing. Not to mention visa run expenses.

As a repeat... good luck.

Edited September 4, 2005 by sriracha john

[Canadian-Jesse]

Haha well I'm planning for 3 months but, if I still have enough money by the end of the three months I'll stay longer and if not I'll leave after the three months is up.

I figure that after three months I'll have figured out around how much I'll need each month.

[sriracha john]

Even with halving the time (and thus doubling your monthly totals), if you're travelling around for most of the time, you'll still need to be frugal in your spending to last the 3 months.

[Canadian-Jesse]

Even with halving the time (and thus doubling your monthly totals), if you're travelling around for most of the time, you'll still need to be frugal in your spending to last the 3 months.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

So $4000 Canadian isn't all that much for three months is what you're saying...? From the prices I've seen listed that seems like more then enough. People I've talked to, family and friends, that have been there said that should be way more then enough.

A mate of mine from work brought with him only 400 pounds for two months! Now that's cutting it slim but, he made it.

I don't plan on staying at any 5 star hotels or probally not even at any hotels for that matter. Guesthouses for 200-300 baht a night sound fine to me.

I'm not really a big drinker and the only drug I do is weed but, I'm going to steer clear of drugs while I'm there because I really don't want to end up in a Thai jail.

Also a question I have is how do people usually travel around Thailand? Trains? Bus from city to city?

[thaiflyer1]

Also a question I have is how do people usually travel around Thailand? Trains? Bus from city to city?

Both buses and trains are plentiful............buses tend to be quicker while trains are more comfortable (IMO)

Heres a link with regard to the train services (its set up for the run down to Singapore from Thailand but you can have a rummage about easy enough)

http://www.seat61.com/Thailand.htm#Singapore

Edited September 4, 2005 by thaiflyer1

[lopburi3]

Official rail link http://www.railway.co.th/

Official bus link http://www.transport.co.th/Eng/HomeEnglish.htm

In both cases there is more service than listed but they are the main and best choice.

A guide like Lonely Planet will have detailed listings from most locations and would be well worth the price for a budget type trip. Don't treat it as a bible but for general information it can be very handy. But for eating I would go where you see many Thai go rather than blindly follow the banana pancake crowd (as good as they may taste at times). You are on a low budget so talking with others is likely to be cheap and useful.

Edited September 4, 2005 by lopburi3

[Canadian-Jesse]

Alright, I'll for sure try that out.

So 46,108.61 baht a month is low budget? I know it's far from money-to-burn type trip but, from what I've heard I didn't think I'd be having to scrounge around and cut corners...

[lopburi3]

Alright, I'll for sure try that out.

So 46,108.61 baht a month is low budget? I know it's far from money-to-burn type trip but, from what I've heard I didn't think I'd be having to scrounge around and cut corners...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You were talking about trying to make it last six months and that would not be 43 per month. So it is up to your how much you want to spend but to last the six months it will have to be a lot less and that will get you well into the budget class. Travel of any kind is not free and you seem to be planning to do a bit.

What you will not be able to do is ignore price; so having a guide book will help.

[Canadian-Jesse]

Alright, I'll for sure try that out.

So 46,108.61 baht a month is low budget? I know it's far from money-to-burn type trip but, from what I've heard I didn't think I'd be having to scrounge around and cut corners...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You were talking about trying to make it last six months and that would not be 43 per month. So it is up to your how much you want to spend but to last the six months it will have to be a lot less and that will get you well into the budget class. Travel of any kind is not free and you seem to be planning to do a bit.

What you will not be able to do is ignore price; so having a guide book will help.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes, I was talking about 6 months. But I meant that as a possibility. For now I'm planning for 3 and depending on how much money I have left I'll base how many more months I'll stay. So 3-6 months is my plan.

But, 46,108.61 bhat a month is a nice amount for three months?

[lopburi3]

You should not have a problem for 3 months if you stay in tourist class hotels and guest houses. The thing is you could spend it in a day so it greatly depends on how you live. If you eat at the fast food place it is going to cost almost as much as at home. If you buy a plate of noodles/soda from a street vender it may be only about $1 CDN.

The thing is few people are happy to remain at the low end of expense while on vacation so the low prices you may see are often not what you will be paying after you get here.

Edited September 4, 2005 by lopburi3

[Canadian-Jesse]

Yeah I hear you. I don't eat at fast food joints here so I probally won't over there and I think that the only way to really experience a countries culture is to eat their food.

Part of my trip is to experience Thailand. If I wanted North American food I'd stay at home hehe

I'll probally try out some restaurants once or twice while I'm there though, why not? I really really want to go to some full moon parties too! I've heard a lot about those.

[sriracha john]

I didn't mean it was impossible to stay for that amount of money...just that it was difficult if you didn't travel and live in the manner in which you later detailed, such as low priced guesthouses and local foods only.

A lot of people do tire of that existence after several weeks of cold, splash showers and street food, but if you have the gumption to have a go at it for the time here, hats off to you.

Your friend who spent 15,000 baht a month is definitely cutting it about as low as you can go. Even if he stayed at 300baht/night guesthouses... that's still way over half the total amount just to secure lodging.

A good guidebook can prove immeasureably helpful in finding those places you'll need and the transportation information.

Good luck to you... and enjoy.

[Canadian-Jesse]

Hehe I'll give it my best shot to see how long I can last I guess.

I want to spend sometime in Bangkok trying out Muay Thai at Sor. Vorapin and then make my way down South to Phuket and around those areas, I guess this might sound touristy but I really want to check out the national park beach that was featured in "The Beach", and check Koh Pha-ngan. I've checked some prices on beach bungalows at Koh Pha-ngan and think I'll stay in one of those while I'm there.

I want to check out the North a bit too perhaps. Hah I guess if I'll be travelling like this I'll only be able to stay 3 months. Well, only one way to find out! :D

I'm extremelly excited to visit because I've heard so much great stuff and I'm in dire need of a break from work, I work high rise construction (carpenter), and well that kind of work can really start to burn you out.

Thanks to everyone and how helpfull you've all been, you've given me information I wouldn't have been able to find otherwise and I really appreciate it.

-Jesse

[Canadian-Jesse]

Hey a question regarding baggage!

I was wondering what type of baggage/luggage I should take. I do plan to travel around the country a bit. Phuket/Koh Pha-ngan and perhaps other places. I'm not too sure about my travel plans except that those two are definately on my list.

So anyone have any advice here? A travel backpack with another bag? I dunno! haha

[thaiflyer1]

In your case C.J a backpack.

[cooL_guY_corY]

Also I'll have around $4,000 Canadian for my trip. Do you think that could last 6 months?

hey thats more then enough. i went a year with 5 or 6 grand CA. Eat local food (way better then any guesthouse or hotel food anyway) or just buy your self a rice cooker and a cooker and then food is bascially 1/3 price. And just drink Sangsom that way you can still be drunk all the time with out having to waste baHtZ on stuff like beer (gross).