I'm confused about the "validity" of a Thai visa.

I'm applying for a double entry tourist visa this week, but I don't actually enter Thailand until 12 Jan 2016. Does that mean I will have less than the full 60 days left on my first visa when I arrive? Or does the 60 days activate once I get there?

On the American Thai Embassy websites, they say each visa is valid for 3 months, and that visas are effective from date of issuance. What happens if I don't get to Thailand until month 3 of that validity timeframe? Will I only get a couple of weeks before I have to activate the second visa?

Edited October 28, 201510 yr by JohnFrum

Do NOT apply for your visa yet. Most consulates only take a few days to issue so you should apply as close to your travel date as possible.

All your entries must be made before the 'enter before' date on your visa.

Do NOT apply for your visa yet. Most consulates only take a few days to issue so you should apply as close to your travel date as possible.

All your entries must be made before the 'enter before' date on your visa.

Thanks Crossy. Since the double entry TR visa is going away, does that leave me with the mysterious new 6-month visa as my best option?

I'd like to get something longer than the single entry or visa-exempt stamp.

Suppose you apply for the Visa today (28/10/2015).

Your Enter Before date will be around Monday 25 January 2016 (Around 3 months after applying for the VISA)

So if you arrive in Thailand on 12 January 2016, you first Entry will only be good for 10+ days as you need to leave Thailand and come back again BEFORE the "Enter Before Date" to activate the 2nd Entry.

So as Crossy said, apply as close to your travel date as possible

Edited October 28, 201510 yr by MJCM

I agree with Crossy it's to early to apply for a TR Visa yet.

Yes, the new 6 month METV Visa is an option.

It's due to be launched and available from Nov (13th?)

Another option would be to get the single entry TR which can be extended at Immigration by 30 days. (total 90 days)

Hop across the border for another TR and extend again for 30 days, giving a total of 180 days.

I'd sit tight and review your options later next month.

Personally if I was coming on 12th Jan, I'd apply the week between Xmas and New Year.

Edited October 28, 201510 yr by Faz

Suppose you apply for the Visa today (28/10/2015).

Your Enter Before date will be around Monday 25 January 2016 (Around 3 months after applying for the VISA)

So if you arrive in Thailand on 12 January 2016, you first Entry will only be good for 10+ days as you need to leave Thailand and come back again BEFORE the "Enter Before Date" to activate the 2nd Entry.

So as Crossy said, apply as close to your travel date as possible

Thanks MJCM. Are the double entry visas not going away in a couple of weeks, though?

If you are applying in the states for the visa you would only be able to get the new multiple entry tourist visa. The fee will be $200.

It certainly would not be practical to get a 2 entry visa now that you will not be using until January.

Thanks for your insight everyone, this forum is a valuable resource.

Do NOT apply for your visa yet. Most consulates only take a few days to issue so you should apply as close to your travel date as possible.

All your entries must be made before the 'enter before' date on your visa.

Thanks Crossy. Since the double entry TR visa is going away, does that leave me with the mysterious new 6-month visa as my best option?

I'd like to get something longer than the single entry or visa-exempt stamp.

It would help if you could let us know long are you planning to stay.

Do you have a fixed or approximate return date?

I plan to stay for at least 4 months, maximum of 6.

I plan to stay for at least 4 months, maximum of 6.

1. You could get the new 6 month METV available from Nov 13th.
2. You could get a single entry TR anytime. When you enter on Jan 12th you'll be given 60 days. At the end of 60 days you could extend your stay by 30 days for 1,900 baht at immigration. At the end of that 30 days you could exit at a land border and on return be granted a 30 day visa exempt entry. At the end of that 30 day visa exempt entry you could extend your stay by another 30 days for 1,900 baht at immigration Max stay approx. 5 months
3. You could get a single entry TR anytime. When you enter on Jan 12th you'll be given 60 days. At the end of 60 days you could extend your stay by 30 days for 1,900 baht at immigration. At the end of that 30 days you could go to an embassy/consulate in a neighbouring country and get another single entry visa that will give another 60 days on entry, that could also be extended by 30 days. Max stay approx, 6 months.

Edited November 3, 201510 yr by elviajero