Potential Tourist Visa Problem :(

[Neo6]

Hi,

So I'm from the UK and my GF is from Romania... As far as I know I can enter Thailand for 30 days without a visa, however my GF (being from Romania), needs to either get a crappy 14 day one upon entry, or apply for one at the local embassey in Bucharest.

We went today and applied, but apparently the woman there dealing with visas gives people a lot of problems and has a high refusal rate. According to this woman because my GF is self employed, this could be grounds for rejection (even though she gave them a recent bank statement showing over $20,000 USD in her account)...

I'm really worried because our flights are booked (non refundable, they cost me $6,000) and we are suppose to leave on the 1st August to Thailand. The embassay says the visa will be accepted or rejected by Thursday (25th July).

So my question is... Would it be possible for us to fly to another EU country that isn't handicapped and get a visa? I read that in Germany they give out tourist visas very fast (same day). Are there any other countries with fast approvals?

Any help is most appreciated

Thank you

[ChinChanGamble]

Wikipedia states that since July 2013 for Romanians it's visa on arrival!

Sent from my LT26i using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Neo6]

Yes but for just 2 weeks:

"15 days (visa on arrival for 1.000 Thai Baht, in designated checkpoints)"

Wikipedia states that since July 2013 for Romanians it's visa on arrival!

Sent from my LT26i using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[tropo]

How long do you need to stay?

Most nationalities can get double entry tourist visas in Vientiane. Laos. You could plan a side trip there within the 2 weeks to get one. You can normally get double entry tourist visas which will allow up to 6 months with extensions.

Also.. why can't she apply for a tourist visa in the UK?

[Neo6]

Thank you for the reply

We are staying (or were) 1 month.

Yes we were looking at the option of doing a visa run before the 2 week period expired. How long do you usually have to stay out the country before coming back in? Just a day or so?

I suppose she could apply for one in the UK, but it would mean us flying to the UK before we go which would cost a load of additional money and make thing rather tight and unpleasant time wise

How long do you need to stay?

Most nationalities can get double entry tourist visas in Vientiane. Laos. You could plan a side trip there within the 2 weeks to get one. You can normally get double entry tourist visas which will allow up to 6 months with extensions.

Also.. why can't she apply for a tourist visa in the UK?

[Neo6]

The Thai embassay in Romania offers tourist visas that last 60 or 90 days... That is what she applied for today

Also.. why can't she apply for a tourist visa in the UK?

She can apply for a Tourist Visa at any Thai Embassy/Consulate in any Country, or on entry to Thailand, but the fact of the matter is that she is a Romanian citizen and is only allowed a 15 day stay regardless of where she applies.

[tropo]

Thank you for the reply

We are staying (or were) 1 month.

Yes we were looking at the option of doing a visa run before the 2 week period expired. How long do you usually have to stay out the country before coming back in? Just a day or so?

I suppose she could apply for one in the UK, but it would mean us flying to the UK before we go which would cost a load of additional money and make thing rather tight and unpleasant time wise

You can apply the day you arrive in Vientiane and leave the next day in the afternoon after you receive it. Do a search for tourist visas in Vientiane. There's many threads covering the procedure. At this consulate they don't ask for proof of money or to see return tickets.

You can also apply for single entry tourist visas (all you need for 30 days) in Cambodia or Malaysia.

If she only need a month, couldn't she do a land visa run to Cambodia (or Laos, Malaysia, Burma) after 2 weeks? Can she get a 15 day VOA arriving by land? I'm not sure about VOA (visa on arrival) regulations.

In a while you'll probably hear from more knowledgeable forum members.

Edited July 19, 2013 by tropo

[Neo6]

Appreciate the info

The problem with Laos is that it's way off our scheduled route. When we arrived in Thailand we were going to spend 4 days in Bangkok then travel South. I was thinking maybe to do a visa run to Malaysia as it's very close to the area we would be in. Also Romanians can travel to Malaysia for 3 months without a visa.

God knows why Thailand is so special for visas. Are they suggesting a European can make more money in Thailand than in Europe? Totally stupid rules!

You can apply the day you arrive in Vientiane and leave the next day in the afternoon after you receive it. Do a search for tourist visas in Vientiane. There's many threads covering the procedure. At this consulate they don't ask for proof of money or to see return tickets.

You can also apply for single entry tourist visas (all you need for 30 days) in Cambodia or Malaysia.

If she only need a month, couldn't she do a land visa run to Cambodia (or Laos, Malaysia, Burma) after 2 weeks? Can she get a 15 day VOA arriving by land? I'm not sure about VOA (visa on arrival) regulations.

In a while you'll probably hear from more knowledgeable forum members.

[keeniau96]

OK, so travel South then have many options. From Samui is a bit of pain but from Phuket is very simple. Can cross to Malaysia at Satun (take a bus south then nice ferry ride), get 15-day land arrival visa on returning. Even simpler to do visa run with visa company to Ranong and then crossing to Burma, do quick turnaround and back into Thailand for 15-day stamp. Note if the two 15-days don't add up to your trip timing then get 7-day extension at Thai immigration, simple procedure.

[lopburi3]

One post removed.

Tourist visas allow a stay of 30 or 60 days. Only the Visa on Arrival or visa exempt entry (by land for some countries) are limited to 15 days.

[ubonjoe]

Crossing border to get a visa on arrival is very limited as to where you can do it. See: http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/services/123/15393-Visa-on-Arrival.html

A visa on arrival at airport also requires a ticket out within the 15 days it is granted for.

As far as getting a tourist visa at a nearby country you would have to check to see if they will do a visa for a Romanian.

I think she will probably get her tourist visa from the embassy. Rumors are often generated by people who were declined a visa for obvious reasons.

If denied It is possible that she could get a visa in Europe at one of the honorary Thai consulates there on same day applied for but you would have to contact one of them to confirm. Contact info here: http://www.guidetothailand.com/thailand-travel-information/honcon-europe.php

[LuckyLew]

How long are you coming for?

If only 30 days then she can just do a cambodia visa run

If longer it might be easier to apply for a tourist visa in Laos or Cambodia

[ubonjoe]

She cannot do it at Cambodia because she does not qualify for a visa exempt entry and there is no visa on arrival available at the border there.

[Trentham]

If they refuse the visa in Romania and then you go to another country to apply one of the questions you might be asked is "have you ever been refused a visa?" Just something to think about.

[captnhoy]

Since you are going south I second the Ranong suggestion. Once in Ranong the actual visa run can be completed in 2 or 3 hours.

[ubonjoe]

There is no visa on arrival facility at Ranong border crossing.

[Cuban]

When you submitted her application where you able to show your passport along side hers with matching boarder crossing stamps proving an establish history of travelling together?

Something I did with my GF that became my wife, so we have an established documented history of travelling together.

[monty]

Be careful with the planning, and also with the advice members are giving as certain nationalities have totally different treatment visa wise then the majority of us Westerners! Many of our members might not be aware of those special immigration rules!

The 28 countries who need a visa on arrival are as follows (includes Romania).

1. Bhutan : Kingdom of Bhutan
2. China : People’s Republic of China
3. Cyprus : Republic of Cyprus
4. Czech : Czech Republic
5. Estonia : Republic of Estonia
6. Hungary : Republic of Hungary
7. India : Republic of India
8. Kazakhstan : Republic of Kazakhstan
9. Latvia : Republic of Latvia
10. Liechtenstein : Principality of Liechtenstein
11. Lithuania : Republic of Lithuania
12. Maldives : Republic of Maldives
13. Mauritius : Republic of Mauritius
14. Oman : Sultanate of Oman
15. Poland : Republic of Poland
16. Russian Federation
17. Saudi Arabia : Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
18. Slovakia : Slovak Republic
19. Slovenia : Republic of Slovenia
20. Uzbekistan
21. Ukraine
22. Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
23. Taiwan
24. Bulgaria
25. Andorra
26. Malta
27. Romania
28. San Marino

Nationals from those countries can get a 15 day VOA at the major entry points into Thailand.

They need to pay 1000 Baht, and supply a recent 4cmX6cm photo. They also need an outbound flight for departure within those 15 days.

​Passport has to valid 6 months and they can be asked to show finances of 10,000 Baht (single traveller) or 20,000 Baht (family).

Also important to note that those nationals, when holding a valid tourist visa issued at a Thai embassy/consulate, will only be allowed a stay of 30 days in Thailand, and not 60 days like the majority of nationalities get.

The 24 entry points where a VOA can be obtained are as follows:

1. Suvarnabhumi Airport
2. Don Muang International Airport , Bangkok
3. Chiangmai International Airport , Chiangmai
4. Phuket International Airport , Phuket
5. Hatyai International Airport , Songkhla
6. U Tapao Airport , Rayong
7. Mae Sai Immigration Checkpoint , Chiengrai
8. Chieng Saen Immigration Checkpoint , Chiengrai
9. Chieng Khong Immigration Checkpoint , Chiengrai
10. Betong Immigration Checkpoint , Yala
11. Sadoa Immigration Checkpoint , Songkhla
12. Samui Airport , Surat Thani
13. Sukhothai International Airport, Tak Immigration Checkpoint
14. Bangkok Harbour Immigration Checkpoint, Bangkok
15. Sri Racha Immigration Checkpoint , Chonburi
16. Mabtaput Immigration Checkpoint , Rayong
17. Nong Khai Immigration Checkpoint, Nong Khai
18. Samui Immigration Checkpoint , Surat Thani
19. Phuket Immigration Checkpoint , Phuket
20. Satun Immigration Checkpoint , Satun
21. Krabi Immigration Checkpoint , Krabi
22. Songkhla Harbour Immigraion Checkpoint , Songkhla
23. Chiangrai Airport Immigration Checkpoint, Chiangrai
24. Surat Thani Airport Immigration Checkpoint , Surat Thani

[lopburi3]

They do not require a visa on arrival - it is an option rather than having a visa issued by a Consulate prior to arrival - just as a visa exempt stamp is an option for other countries.

At least some of the VOA allowed countries now get a 60 day stay on tourist visa entry.

[Malthus101]

What would happen if she just over-stayed by 2 weeks? She would have to pay 500 baht a day for each day over-stayed? 7000 baht - 172 euros.

Wouldn't that be easier?

I dunno.

[UbonOz]

What would happen if she just over-stayed by 2 weeks? She would have to pay 500 baht a day for each day over-stayed? 7000 baht - 172 euros.

Wouldn't that be easier?

I dunno.

Would she get locked up if caught on the streets as an overstay? A little risky.

[hellodolly]

One post removed.

Tourist visas allow a stay of 30 or 60 days. Only the Visa on Arrival or visa exempt entry (by land for some countries) are limited to 15 days.

That is pretty much my understanding also. Visa's to arrivals by air are good for 30 days no matter what country you are coming from.

If for some reason a Visa run is needed I would suggest a trip to Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

I know they are going south but if they were going North I know a visa run to Mai Sai only takes the time to walk across the border pay the visa to Burma turn around and cross back intio Mai Sai.

[nosatisfaction]

Appreciate the info

The problem with Laos is that it's way off our scheduled route. When we arrived in Thailand we were going to spend 4 days in Bangkok then travel South. I was thinking maybe to do a visa run to Malaysia as it's very close to the area we would be in. Also Romanians can travel to Malaysia for 3 months without a visa.

God knows why Thailand is so special for visas. Are they suggesting a European can make more money in Thailand than in Europe? Totally stupid rules!

You can apply the day you arrive in Vientiane and leave the next day in the afternoon after you receive it. Do a search for tourist visas in Vientiane. There's many threads covering the procedure. At this consulate they don't ask for proof of money or to see return tickets.

You can also apply for single entry tourist visas (all you need for 30 days) in Cambodia or Malaysia.

If she only need a month, couldn't she do a land visa run to Cambodia (or Laos, Malaysia, Burma) after 2 weeks? Can she get a 15 day VOA arriving by land? I'm not sure about VOA (visa on arrival) regulations.

In a while you'll probably hear from more knowledgeable forum members.

No they don't suggest this, but they consider they have anough foreigners here without any "legal" income

[nosatisfaction]

Be careful with the planning, and also with the advice members are giving as certain nationalities have totally different treatment visa wise then the majority of us Westerners! Many of our members might not be aware of those special immigration rules!

The 28 countries who need a visa on arrival are as follows (includes Romania).

1. Bhutan : Kingdom of Bhutan

2. China : People’s Republic of China

3. Cyprus : Republic of Cyprus

4. Czech : Czech Republic

5. Estonia : Republic of Estonia

6. Hungary : Republic of Hungary

7. India : Republic of India

8. Kazakhstan : Republic of Kazakhstan

9. Latvia : Republic of Latvia

10. Liechtenstein : Principality of Liechtenstein

11. Lithuania : Republic of Lithuania

12. Maldives : Republic of Maldives

13. Mauritius : Republic of Mauritius

14. Oman : Sultanate of Oman

15. Poland : Republic of Poland

16. Russian Federation

17. Saudi Arabia : Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

18. Slovakia : Slovak Republic

19. Slovenia : Republic of Slovenia

20. Uzbekistan

21. Ukraine

22. Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

23. Taiwan

24. Bulgaria

25. Andorra

26. Malta

27. Romania

28. San Marino

Nationals from those countries can get a 15 day VOA at the major entry points into Thailand.

They need to pay 1000 Baht, and supply a recent 4cmX6cm photo. They also need an outbound flight for departure within those 15 days.

​Passport has to valid 6 months and they can be asked to show finances of 10,000 Baht (single traveller) or 20,000 Baht (family).

Also important to note that those nationals, when holding a valid tourist visa issued at a Thai embassy/consulate, will only be allowed a stay of 30 days in Thailand, and not 60 days like the majority of nationalities get.

The 24 entry points where a VOA can be obtained are as follows:

1. Suvarnabhumi Airport

2. Don Muang International Airport , Bangkok

3. Chiangmai International Airport , Chiangmai

4. Phuket International Airport , Phuket

5. Hatyai International Airport , Songkhla

6. U Tapao Airport , Rayong

7. Mae Sai Immigration Checkpoint , Chiengrai

8. Chieng Saen Immigration Checkpoint , Chiengrai

9. Chieng Khong Immigration Checkpoint , Chiengrai

10. Betong Immigration Checkpoint , Yala

11. Sadoa Immigration Checkpoint , Songkhla

12. Samui Airport , Surat Thani

13. Sukhothai International Airport, Tak Immigration Checkpoint

14. Bangkok Harbour Immigration Checkpoint, Bangkok

15. Sri Racha Immigration Checkpoint , Chonburi

16. Mabtaput Immigration Checkpoint , Rayong

17. Nong Khai Immigration Checkpoint, Nong Khai

18. Samui Immigration Checkpoint , Surat Thani

19. Phuket Immigration Checkpoint , Phuket

20. Satun Immigration Checkpoint , Satun

21. Krabi Immigration Checkpoint , Krabi

22. Songkhla Harbour Immigraion Checkpoint , Songkhla

23. Chiangrai Airport Immigration Checkpoint, Chiangrai

24. Surat Thani Airport Immigration Checkpoint , Surat Thani

Absolutely correct, maybe one piece of advise to all these people, get some info before booking trip or ticket

[SICHONSTEVE]

One post removed.

Tourist visas allow a stay of 30 or 60 days. Only the Visa on Arrival or visa exempt entry (by land for some countries) are limited to 15 days.

Hi Lopburi3,

My friend is married to a Chinese national who has gained British residency now and they both live in England.

They want to come to visit me in Thailand and stay for longer than the 15 days she is allowed under the current rules for Chinese nationals (as we understand it).

Are you saying that she can apply for a 30 day tourist visa at the Royal Thai consulate in Hull and come for 30 days?

I would very much appreciate it you could set me straight on this as I didn't realise that this option was a possibility and it would be great if that is the case!!

[lopburi3]

Unless Hull is restricted for issue to Chinese that should be an option (and as resident most nationalities can obtain anywhere). Should be able to confirm with a phone call or email. Even when coming from China directly most Chinese are actually required to obtain a visa prior to travel rather than take advantage of VOA as airlines inside China will not transport without from the reports I have seen.

[SICHONSTEVE]

Unless Hull is restricted for issue to Chinese that should be an option (and as resident most nationalities can obtain anywhere). Should be able to confirm with a phone call or email. Even when coming from China directly most Chinese are actually required to obtain a visa prior to travel rather than take advantage of VOA as airlines inside China will not transport without from the reports I have seen.

Thanks for that!!

I will get them to e-mail the consulate to find out whether this is an option. It certainly seems to be the case from how you've explained it to me.

[CaitlinHappyMeal]

If you are only staying a month and your first 14 is visa upon arrival then you only need another 14 days which you can get at any border crossing, no need to stay out of the country for a day or so (which soon adds up financially), just cross to the other side and come straight back and you'll get another 14 days, much cheaper and quicker.

Hope this helps

Emma

[monty]

If you are only staying a month and your first 14 is visa upon arrival then you only need another 14 days which you can get at any border crossing, no need to stay out of the country for a day or so (which soon adds up financially), just cross to the other side and come straight back and you'll get another 14 days, much cheaper and quicker.

Hope this helps

Emma

Wrong advice.

The people who need a visa on arrival (15 days, 1,000 Baht), can only get this at the main immigration points. I have listed them in a post above, and the majority are the airports, the harbour immigration points (only if arriving by sea) and a few land border points with Malaysia and Myanmar.

None of the border checkpoints with Cambodia can process VOA, so Nationals from the countries requiring a VOA can only enter through those check points if already holding a valid tourist visa.

[Neo6]

Thank you, that sounds like a great plan

OK, so travel South then have many options. From Samui is a bit of pain but from Phuket is very simple. Can cross to Malaysia at Satun (take a bus south then nice ferry ride), get 15-day land arrival visa on returning. Even simpler to do visa run with visa company to Ranong and then crossing to Burma, do quick turnaround and back into Thailand for 15-day stamp. Note if the two 15-days don't add up to your trip timing then get 7-day extension at Thai immigration, simple procedure.