Tourist Visas After March 31St

[wynzlo]

Tourist visas have been free for the past year. Recently there have been reports of some consulates charging for them, many issuing only single entries, and some flat out denying people.

Do you think consulates in neighboring countries will be more relaxed about tourist visas once they're making money again? Will they likely be more liberal about single vs double entry since they charge per-entry?

Obviously only time will truly tell, but I'm curious what the more experienced members here predict.

[lopburi3]

They were not providing multi entry and they were providing red stamps to not come again before the free visa period so do not expect any change in policy - other than the normal changes we are used to seeing so often.

[ckee]

They were not providing multi entry and they were providing red stamps to not come again before the free visa period so do not expect any change in policy - other than the normal changes we are used to seeing so often.

Yes, I agree with you Lopburi3.

I usually stay for about 6 months each year in Thailand and a double-entry Tourist Visa with 6 months validity worked fine in the past.

So I received a nasty surprise when I applied last month for same from the Consulate in Melbourne and was given a double entry Tourist Visa but with 3 months validity (between 31/3 and 30/6) . What this means is that the second entry is effectively rendered useless as I leave for Thailand mid-May and the "must be utilised before 30/6" is only 45 days away. When I queried, I was told that they now issue Tourist Visa (even those with 2 entries) with 3 months validity because of the fee waiver (presumably, in other words, you get what you "pay" for) although I got a 6 months validity last year when it was also free. So ad-hoc policy changes it seems.

It only costs AUD $45 per entry which I would happily pay, that is, for a double entry with 6 months validity instead of having to fly out-side Thailand to get the second entry after my 90 days expire (60 + 30 extension).

I wonder if they would provide me with the second entry for $45 or ask them to cancel the emancipated visa I now have (if that is possible) and issue me with a new double entry (fully paid of course),

I would appreciate your comments. Thanks.