Visiting Thailand For 34 Days

[katnipdreams]

Hi,

My friend and I are both 21 and American and are visiting Thailand starting May 3rd to June 6th.

I know we get an automatic 30 day tourist visa when we arrive in the country

But in order to extend our visa should we just wait till we get there?

Will it be a big problem to get it extended while there?

Also, My friend only got her passport a couple of weeks ago and a lot of things keep saying the passport needs a 4-6 month validity?

We are also going to Cambodia for a week at the end of the trip. Will the fact that her passport only be 3 months old matter for a cambodia tourist visa?

Will the days we spend in Cambodia still be taken off our thailand visa? Or does the thai visa stop once you leave a country and then start up again when you reenter?

thank you! have read everything over and over but im still kind of confused

i dont want to end up stranded there because we werent prepared

[britmaveric]

You must have a tourist visa prior to leaving or proof of onward travel. You won't even be able to board the flight since you are over the 30day status if you don't take care of this, either of the options above will suffice.

Edited February 20, 2006 by britmaveric

[suneeoki]

Also, My friend only got her passport a couple of weeks ago and a lot of things keep saying the passport needs a 4-6 month validity?

I may be wrong, but my understanding is that the 4-6 month validity was for the expiry date of the passport, as an example you would not be able to enter Thailand now if your passport expires in May.

[lopburi3]

1. You should both obtain a single entry tourist visa from a Royal Thai Consulate or travel agency prior to travel as you do not meet the requirements for a 30 day entry without visa (confirmed onward tickets out of Thailand within 30 days). Although this is unlikely to case a problem in Thailand the airline could refuse to allow you to board the aircraft (and that would not be pleasant).

2. Validity of passport is based on expiration date. Your passport should be valid for at least six months longer than any planned visit. Thailand does not require this of US passports but it is always a good idea to renew your passport when it gets down to a year or so remaining in validity.

3. When you leave your Thai visa stay ends. On your return from Cambodia you will receive the 30 day entry without visa stamp; which should provide plenty of time until your departure home.