Visa on arrival procedure?

[alt]

Folks,

Last time the GF and I were in Thailand we applied for a double-entry visa (as we'd be entering twice) well in advance.

This time round we're just going for 1 month and staying in Thailand, so visa-on-arrival will do us fine.

My question is;

Is there a charge for this?

What's the procedure, are we given a form to fill out when we land in the airport (or can I get one online and have it printed off?)

Finally, the way dates are looking, we may actually be there for 33 days. Is the only legit way around this to get a longer visa before arriving? (I have no issue with this, just want to know if it's the way to go)

Many thanks

-EDIT- Managed to get all the info instantly on http://www.thaiconsulateireland.com/#home

[alt]

Sorry, forgot to mention we're both Irish

[alt]

While i'm throwing random questions about the place. Query re. 'proof of finances' mentions cash equiv of 10,000 baht per person. Obviously not a problem only that we weren't planning on getting Baht until we got to the ATM at the airport.

Would a copy of balance in a bank statement do? Or any alternative way?

[ukrules]

While i'm throwing random questions about the place. Query re. 'proof of finances' mentions cash equiv of 10,000 baht per person. Obviously not a problem only that we weren't planning on getting Baht until we got to the ATM at the airport.

Would a copy of balance in a bank statement do? Or any alternative way?

They almost never ask for this if you're from Europe but it's 20,000 Baht per person, not 10,000.

I you really want to cover yourself just bring 500 Euro each in cash.

I suspect you would only get hassled if you have been into Thailand many times recently.

Also as you're planning on staying longer than the permitted 30 days you should be aware that the airline probably won't allow you to board without a visa as an onward flight ticket is required to enter 'visa exempt'.

My conclusion is : Get a tourist visa and you should have no problems.

[alt]

Cheers for the info. We've agreed that if under 30 days = visa on arrival. If 30+ days = tourist visa (ie. keeping it legal and no BS)

[ukrules]

Cheers for the info. We've agreed that if under 30 days = visa on arrival. If 30+ days = tourist visa (ie. keeping it legal and no BS)

It's the best way

[The Man Who Sold the World]

No charge for visa exempt stamp however, there is a 30 day limit for the visa exempt stamp so you will need a visa to stay legal.

You will receive and complete (fill out) both an arrival and a departure card before you land in Thailand.

I've never had to show proof of funds. (American)

I've never been questioned concerning my return flight.

Good Luck

[alt]

30 day limit for the visa exempt stamp so you will need a visa to stay legal.

You will receive and complete (fill out) both an arrival and a departure card before you land in Thailand.

I've never had to show proof of funds. (American)

I've never been questioned concerning my return flight.

Good Luck

Great. The GF said she wants a few days in another country regardless, so looks like our issue is resolved as we'll be a max of 33 days away so 2 visa on arrivals will do fine for us (we'll be flying into LOS both times)

[The Man Who Sold the World]

Advise you to keep copy of itinerary and hotel reservations. A great deal of concern concerning a "crackdown" on back-to-back visa exempt stamps. You need to provide proof you are a tourist.

Not meant to alarm you, however, a new crackdown is in progress and the real details are unknown at this point in time.

[theoldgit]

Cheers for the info. We've agreed that if under 30 days = visa on arrival. If 30+ days = tourist visa (ie. keeping it legal and no BS)

Not wishing to be pernickety, but it's not a Visa on Arrival, as an Irish National you can be stamped in for 30 days on arrival, ie you don't need to stop off at the Visa on Arrival desk.

However, UK Rules makes the valid point that an airline probably wont allow you board the flight if your return ticket is more than 30 days after your arrival in Thailand.

If you have confirmed flight details to a third country to hand before the 30 days are up, you may be able to board the flight to Thailand.

[alt]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Advise you to keep copy of itinerary and hotel reservations. A great deal of concern concerning a "crackdown" on back-to-back visa exempt stamps. You need to provide proof you are a tourist.

Not meant to alarm you, however, a new crackdown is in progress and the real details are unknown at this point in time.

I have been reading the threads with great interest, you raise a valid point. However we'll have our return flights / hotels printed off so shouldn't be an issue

Cheers for the info. We've agreed that if under 30 days = visa on arrival. If 30+ days = tourist visa (ie. keeping it legal and no BS)

Not wishing to be pernickety, but it's not a Visa on Arrival, as an Irish National you can be stamped in for 30 days on arrival, ie you don't need to stop off at the Visa on Arrival desk.

However, UK Rules makes the valid point that an airline probably wont allow you board the flight if your return ticket is more than 30 days after your arrival in Thailand.

If you have confirmed flight details to a third country to hand before the 30 days are up, you may be able to board the flight to Thailand.

Now this has certainly made me cock an eyebrow. I am going to contact my consulate and ask them what the story is re. more than 30 days, but proof we'll be flying out and flying back in those 33 days

[lopburi3]

Consulate has information for visas - they often know nothing about visa exempt (30 day) entry. You do need to know the difference between visa exempt and visa on arrival or you will queue in the wrong line - you want to go to same line as those with visas process (90% or more on most flights).

[Lite Beer]

Irish citizens are not eligible to apply for a Visa on Arrival

A Visa on Arrival costs 1,000 Baht and gives a stay of 15 days.

Irish citizens are eligible for a Visa Exempt Entry of 30 days providing you have a ticket leaving within 30 days.

[thehelmsman]

I'm used to flying in with a one way ticket and getting the 30 day stamp, never a problem in the past. I hold a US passport but fly in from various places, wherever I leave a ship.

[JDGRUEN]

If it were me ... as you were advised previously by others - get tourist visas (unless getting one is an extreme hassle)

A tourist visa in hand gives you flexibility - and no question about onward or return flights.

I advise my friends - even if inconvenienced - get the visa (whatever you qualify for) before you depart.

A tourist visa is good for 60 days before extension. After arriving - if you decide to stay the full 33 days spoken of and not make the side trip ... then you won't have to change your status in Thailand. If you decide to make the side trip at the 30 day mark - that works too...

Edited to remove unneeded information/

[Thongkorn]

your arrival Visa which you get on the plane last for 31 days, or it did the last time i looked it is free.

[alt]

Thanks for the info everyone.

If we're going to be more than 30 days, we'll get a tourist visa. If less than 30 days, we'll do the Visa Exempt.

Right now, it's looking like we're going to get a double-entry visa. It only costs 35 euro and we'll have plenty of time to get it.