I have 2.9 empty pages in my passport: Should I choose a visa exempt entry or apply for a visa?

[hermesalpha]

The stamps I have in my current passport are these:

7: almost empty (2 small stamps)
8: almost full (room for 1 small stamp)
9: almost full (room for 1 small stamp)
10: full (Chinese visa)
11: completely full
12: completely full
13: more than half page left
14: full (Chinese visa)
15: completely full
16: empty (whole page)
17: almost full (room for 2 small stamps)
18: almost full (room for 1 small stamp)
19: full (Chinese visa)
20: half page empty
21: almost full (room for 1 small stamp)
22: almost full (room for 1 small stamp)
23: full (Thai visa)
24: completely full
25: full (Thai visa)
26: completely full
27: full (Thai visa)
28: full (Indonesian visa)
29: 1/3 of page left
30: empty (whole page)
31: full (Thai visa)
32: almost full (room for 1 small stamp)
33: full (Chinese visa)

So if I don't get a tourist visa but enter with a 30-day visa exempt entry, I would have these empty pages left in my passport:

2 empty pages (not after each other, but on page 16 and page 30)
1 almost empty page
1 more than half page left
1 half page empty
1 one third of page left

If I, on the other hand, apply for a visa that means I will have 1.9 empty pages left when I enter Thailand. In that case, is there any risk the immigration would deny me entry because I have less than 2 empty pages in my passport? (I will fly to Phuket.)

I've been outside of Thailand now for about 2 months, but have already been in Thailand a total of 7 months this year. Can this be any reason for immigration to deny me entry into Thailand?

[hereforgood]

If an American get pages added

Sent from my GT-I9200 using Tapatalk

[ubonjoe]

They will not deny you entry for a shortage of empty pages.

Since you have been out for 2 months you should not have a problem doing a visa exempt entry.

Whether you get a tourist visa or not depends upon how long you plan on staying.

[ALFREDO]

-Visa exempt entry- is 30 days + 30 days extension (new possibility) at Thai Immigration for 1.900 Baht, = 60 days

Passport = one entry stamp and extension = together 1/2 page

-Tourist Visa entry- is 60 days + 30 days extension at Thai Immigration for 1.900 Baht = 90 days

Passport = one entry stamp and Visa sticker=1 page and extension = together 1,5 pages

So you choose,

[hermesalpha]

That sounds like the best option, fly direct and get a visa exempt entry + 30 days extension. I have never done an extension before, how is it done in Phuket? Just to visit immigration office in Phuket Town or Patong and they do it on the spot? Or will they ask for reasons why I want extension, so I need to be prepared with proof like itinerary etc.?

[ubonjoe]

That sounds like the best option, fly direct and get a visa exempt entry + 30 days extension. I have never done an extension before, how is it done in Phuket? Just to visit immigration office in Phuket Town or Patong and they do it on the spot? Or will they ask for reasons why I want extension, so I need to be prepared with proof like itinerary etc.?

Either office can do it.

You will need copies of your passport photo page, entry/permit to stay stamp and TM6 departure card. Completed TM7 application form with a photo attached and 1900 baht for the fee.

[ALFREDO]

That sounds like the best option, fly direct and get a visa exempt entry + 30 days extension. I have never done an extension before, how is it done in Phuket? Just to visit immigration office in Phuket Town or Patong and they do it on the spot? Or will they ask for reasons why I want extension, so I need to be prepared with proof like itinerary etc.?

Yes, same -Ubonjoe- wrote,

you have to do the extension in Phuket town Immigration, in the southern part of town.

Patong, to my knowledge, does not do such extensions.

http://phuketdir.com/pktimmigration/

"The Immigration office in Patong is only for information, If you need services you must come to Phuket town."

BUT, you never know

http://www.phuketimmigration.go.th/main.php

"Patong Immigration Service Center, .....Extension for Tourist and Re Entry Visa, 90 day report."

Normally no hassle,

reason, -you want to stay longer and enjoy Thailand.

Bring Passport sized photo and the copies Ubonjoe mentioned,

you can make there next to the Immigration (Phuket town) also, for a small price.

Fill out the form and pay the fee. Done.

[chrisinth]

Might also be a good time to think about getting a new passport...................

[hermesalpha]

This is great info, thanks!

I already had my new passport sent to my embassy in Hanoi, was planning to take bus from there to Vientiane and get visa for Thailand there. But suddenly got a lot of work, so I just want to avoid that long bus journey again. And the embassy can re-send my new passport to my consulate in Phuket.

[hermesalpha]

So if I apply for an extension on 30 days of my already granted 30 day visa exemption stay, how long before my visa exemption stay here should I apply for the extension?

And will my extension be valid from the date I apply for it, or from the date my visa exemption stay expires? If the first would be true, it should be best to apply as late as possible, shouldn't it?

[ubonjoe]

You can apply for the extension a couple of weeks early.

The extension starts at the end of your current permit to stay.