Should I get a Thai tourist e-visa, a visa-on arrival, or a visa exemption?
Note: In the video, I say that a visa-on-arrival can be extended by 30 days. This is incorrect. It can be extended by 7 days.
CAUTION! CAUTION! CAUTION! READ THIS EMAIL BEFORE ENTERING ON A VISA EXEMPTION:
THIS IS A COMMENT I GOT FROM A SUBSCRIBER: visa exemption is not without it's problems.. JAL would not allow me to check in / board because my onward outbound flight was in excess of the 45 days allowed for Visa exemption. Fortunately I had enough time to go to Travelocity and buy a round trip to Cambodia @ a cost of $50 cancellation fee. The first 10 hits were non refundable
So beware of , at least of JAL's policy, for 45 day travel. Your airline may vary.
I am in Seattle BA lounge, next is Immigration at Bangkok 🛃
SO, WHILE THAI IMMIGRATION MAY ACCEPT RETURN/ONWARD TICKETS LATER THAN 45 DAYS, YOUR AIRLINE MAY NOT! SO, CHECK WITH YOUR AIRLINE, AND MAYBE PLAY IT SAFE BY BUYING A CHEAP ONWARD TICKET FOR WITHIN 45 DAYS AS SHASTADAD DID AT THE AIRPORT.
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With the end of covid restrictions on entering Thailand, it's now possible to enter again with a visa exemption or a visa on arrival, as an alternative to getting a tourist visa in advance using the e-visa process. This video is intended to help you decide which to choose.
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IMPORTANT: One of my viewers, MBK Landmark, made the following comment: It doesn't matter what Chaeng Wattana might state. As you probably know by now, in Thailand, rules are up to different interpretations office to office and IO to IO. It just depends who you get and how they feel that day. BKK being notorious for the issue is well known in the expat community and often discussed in various forums. CNX is known to be the most hassle-free, followed by HKT, for those interested.
I put MBK's comment in the description because it might be a factor in your choice of visa exemption vs. tourist visa. If it's true that immigration officials at BKK give people a hard time about visa exemptions, then you might lean more towards getting a visa ahead of time. I, personally, haven't had a problem with this, but it sounds like others have. Just another data point to consider in your decision.
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Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get a tourist evisa: • Your Absolutely Comple...
And a similar guide on how to get a visa extension: • The Absolutely Complet...
This is a list of countries were the evisa process is supported: Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, China, Denmark, United Arab Emirates, Spain, United States, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hungary, Indonesia, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Laos, Malaysia, Morocco, Mexico, Mozambique, Nigeria, Norway, New Zealand, Netherlands, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Czech Republic, Romania, United Kingdom, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan (Chinese Taipei), Timor Leste, Turkey, Vietnam
Here's a link to an official chart describing countries for which visa on arrival and visa exemption are supported: image.mfa.go.t... Note that there are a few countries that have special rules affecting the length of stay.
Пікірлер: 177
Excellent video, just like all the previous ones! It’s so nice if somebody else wades through all these rules and regulations and then just spoon-feeds me the essentials. Thank you. Got my tickets and initial hotel reservation - see you in November... or December...
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hey Renee, thanks for watching. And I'm looking forward to your visit!
Thanks for this video! You've earned a new subscriber sir!
I like your clear explanation of Thailand visa, especially not to follow visa on arrival line and go straight to Immigration counter for visa exemption.
Great Explanation. Just what I was wanting to know
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hey Wayne, thanks!!!
Hey Robert. This is the best video available for a US resident filling out a Thai e-Visa. Thank you! I am filing out the e-Visa for a long-stay visa which is asking for some items which you do not cover in your video, and I cannot find any clarification anywhere for what it is they are actually asking for. The six items in question follow. Can you provide me any guidance on what the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actually asking for with these items? 4 . A medical certificate issued from the country where the application is submitted, showing no prohibitive diseases as indicated in the Ministerial Regulation No.14 (B.E. 2535) (certificate shall be valid for not more than three months) 5 . Certificate of criminal record clearance from the country of nationality or the country where the application is submitted. 8 . Proof of health insurance coverage letter. 9 . Additional Application Form for Non-Immigrant “O-A” (Long Stay) 11 . Health Insurance issued by a Thai or foreign insurer for general illnesses, including COVID-19, with the insured sum of not less than 100,000 USD or 3,000,000 THB 12 . Foreign Insurance Certificate as stipulated by the Office of Insurance Commission and Health Insurance of Thailand, which must be completed, signed and stamped by the insurance company. The form can be downloaded from longstay.tgia.org
Well explained, thank you
Thank you Robert for your very informative and to the point vid, I subbed and liked ! I am wanting to come to Thailand middle of November, I would like to stay for four months and maybe even an extra month, if I go for Visa exempt would the immigration have a problem with my departure date being four months ? I get conflicting answers from my Canadian Thai embassy, could they deny entry because of this, someone suggested I just buy a cheap flight to Vietnam within the 45 day stipulation to show an exit date then just cancel it ?Thank you so much for info!
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hi Joe. If you enter on a visa exemption, you must leave within 75 days. That's 45 days granted by your visa exemption and a 30-day extension that you can get at an immigration office once you're in Thailand. When you enter, you MAY be asked for your onward ticket. If you don't get it before you arrive in Thailand, and are asked for it, you can probably get it online at the airport. You WILL need to leave for another country after the 75 days so there's no reason to buy a refundable ticket but you certainly can if you're not sure of your onward plans. I think it's easiest to do the 'leave and return', often known as a 'visa run', by air, but you can do it overland up to twice per year. I recommend doing it by air if you can. Less hassle at immigration. You can get a R/T ticket to Ho Chi Minh City for under $100 US. I like going to Penang, Malaysia for the visa run. That's also inexpensive. Hope that helps, and thanks for subscribing! ...happy travels... Bob
One thing that I would like to point out. You should check with your airline to see if they will let you on the plane if your return flight is after your 45 day exemption period. I was warned about this by another site and I have a 52 day trip planned this December. I called Air Canada and they said that I would not be allowed on the plane even though they knew I could request an extension. The other option for me was to buy a flight out of country (and not use it) then extend the Visa Exemption. The costs were more than the eVisa and that's when I found your site for that process. 65 Can$ and I have the visa.
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hi Globalgolfer. Absolutely! When another viewer pointed this out, I made an 'emergency' video on the subject. Definitely something that travelers should be aware of. The other case reported was also on JAL. But, it IS a good airline... thanks for pointing this out, and others should take notice... all the best... Bob
ThAnks very helpfull
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hi Rafael... you're very welcome... Bob
I am from Sweden and I can get the exemption for 45 days plus 30 days with an extension. If I want to stay for 58-59 days for example I could get one or the other but the cost from the embassy for the tourist visa is 1000 baht in my country but geting the extension is 1900 baht and I can do the tourist visa in advance with no queuing in the immigration office etc. Another thing to think about.
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hi Jan. Exactly! This is a case where getting the visa makes financial sense, you avoid the visa extension. That's why I'm really encouraging people to look carefully at their particular case. ...great example... Bob
I need help on how to proceed to Payment. My E-visa application is finished and is ready to proceed to Payment. I have only one application and am required to select one of the applications in order to proceed. I am unable to locate the section button? This is on the manage visa application. Anyone else have that problem
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hi Thomas. Have a look at the last minute of the video kzread.info/dash/bejne/YqaquKOpctCrdc4.html (at about time 19:15) you'll see the page that lets you select for payment. There's a small square that you must check just to the left of the 'reference number'. Let me know if you don't see it. Hope that helps... Bob
Its just silly. Why they dont just simplify make it 90 days visa exempt like most countries. And make a tourist visa about 120 days. and scrap all this extension nonsense.
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hi Dan. The 'visa exemption' to enter either the UK or the US does require that you apply in advance for an ESTA (US) or an EVW (UK). It's not an 'exemption on arrival' like Thailand. So, it's much easier to enter Thailand on an exemption than these other countries, but, as you point out, you don't get as much time. The visa extension requirement is definitely a pain, but it forces people entering on visas to physically appear at immigration during their stay. The Thai government has been working to prevent 'overstays'. There's a belief in Thailand that some number of people enter the country in order to escape prosecution in their home country. There's a delicate balance in the government between the need to make things easy for tourists and officials who believe that criminals take refuge in Thailand. I'm not taking any position on whether or not this is makes sense, but I believe that would be the government's explanation. But, the Thai consulate in London is certainly not making things easier by not fixing the problem with their application. Very hard to understand. ...Bob
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
@@nharwood111 Hi Nigel. If they really wanted to make money, they'd allow you to pay $100 instead of making the visa run after 75 or 90 days. I'd happily pay. Really a lost opportunity.
We have to travel in same flight that is mentioned in visa? What happens if we miss the flight or want to change the plan to another flight please guide
Your name sound Hungarien or somwhere around that area ? Thanks for the video
@robertsultan2550
5 ай бұрын
You're welcome Kathy, my family came to the US from Austria-Hungary in 1906. They migrated originally from Palestine, so we don't know if they took the name in Austria-Hungary, or took it when passing through Turkey during their migration. A family mystery.... Bob
Must you specify Multi entry if you are wanting ninety days out and back in...
@robertsultan2550
11 ай бұрын
Yes, definitely. You want an METV. You can't re-enter Thailand on a single-entry tourist visa. You could enter Thailand on an SETV and then re-enter on a visa exemption for 30 days (which can be extended by another 30 days). But I think you're better off getting the METV. ...Bob
Hi Robert, Im holding a mexican passport so I can apply form a visa on arrival, my question is if i can travel to vecinity countries and then coming back to Thaildn without any problem?
Now back to 30 day exemption,in theory there is no limit to the amount of exemptions you can get via air,but wait until you start getting a few stamps in your passport,they CAN and WILL refuse you,happened to me so just be careful 🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫
@robertsultan2550
11 ай бұрын
Absolutely correct! The written rule is that you can get as many visa exemptions arriving by air as you want. The actual rule is that you will get hassled after doing this some number of times (the number varies) or if you try to re-enter immediately (and the time you must stay away varies according to officials). Thai immigration wants tourists to get 'real' visas instead of using multiple exemptions, but, for some reason, they don't want to change the actual rules to reflect this. This is why I recently got a retirement visa. This crackdown is new. They occasionally did this in the past, but it is much more common now. Thailand should just change the rules on visa exemption to reflect the reality. So, for an actual tourist who is staying for a few weeks, the visa exemption is the way to go. For people who stay long term, consider getting an METV. This will allow you to stay for nearly 9 months. Thank you for pointing this out to my viewers. Some of my more recent videos reflect this change. ...all the best.... Bob
@user-jm3go1lf8o
11 ай бұрын
That’s why I got my retirement visa,which has changed quite a lot,when I got mine you got a 90 day extension plus your 12 months retirement,total of 15 months,NOW you have to return to the immigration office after your 3 months extension,prove funds again and pick up your 12 month O retirement visa 😢
@robertsultan2550
11 ай бұрын
@@user-jm3go1lf8o I went through an agency for my retirement visa, about two months ago. Because they are an agency, they were able to avoid having me return to immigration after 3 months (they know the right people). So, when they gave me the passport with the retirement visa, it was good for the fifteen months. So, judging from the two of us, their strategy of hassling people about visa exemptions did work. They have been successful in pushing long-term-stayers towards real visas. I have to make a brief trip back to the US so I just got my re-entry permit. Super quick and easy, I'm going to make a video about it..... all the best... Bob
@user-jm3go1lf8o
11 ай бұрын
I think you’ll find that anyone from now on will have to return after 3 months,I used an agent to get my retirement visa renewal,she works with,and worked for immigration and she was moaning about it,it may also depend on which immigration you use, CHON BURI (Pattaya) has definitely changed in the last few weeks 😢
@user-jm3go1lf8o
11 ай бұрын
If you’re ever in Jomtien (Rhompho market) stop in for a beer 🍺
Thank you for your videos and travel help. I arrive in Bangkok from the United States in early December for a 73 day visit. I have a round trip ticket. Will the visa exemption at BKK airport require hotel bookings for my entire stay? I applied for and received a tourist visa last year but had to cancel my trip last minute. The 2021 tourist visa required bookings for my entire stay. I enjoy traveling with a flexible itinerary, staying longer in an area I am enjoying or leaving an area early when it does not feel right for me.
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hi Robert. None of these visas or the visa exemption actually require you to have a hotel reservation for the entire visit. In fact, the hotel reservation you upload can be for just one night. Immigration knows that you will be moving from hotel to hotel in different places. They really just care about knowing where you are for the first night. I think this is the case for both the tourist visa, and the visa exemption. So, if you have a reservation for the first night, you should be fine. I never plan my travel ahead of time when I go to Thailand. And, have a great time! ...Bob
Hi, I have had my 2 month visa approved. The email so not explain what actually to do with the visa. I am assuming to download and print the pdf and hand it in with my passport when at thai immigration? Please correct me if this is wrong. Keep up with informative vlogs 👌
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hi John, that's exactly right. When you arrive at the airport in Thailand, the immigration officer will want to see your visa printed on paper, your passport, and your boarding pass. That's it. And then you can enjoy the Land of Smiles. You can see my arrival in Bangkok at kzread.info/dash/bejne/iKh52ahuc7DAe6w.html ... happy travels... Bob
In September I flew from BOS to BKK on JAL on a one-way ticket with no visa. I had the foresight to book a ticket to Penang at the 30-day mark but was never asked about a return flight to the States. Not by the JAL staff in Boston or immigration in Bangkok. I would later book a return at the 60-day mark, with the extension, and never went to Penang. So while this may seem okay, I’m still booking a refundable follow-on flight for my next trip when the return date might not be firm.
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hi Jay. So, I think we can conclude that an airline might or might not ask to see a return/onward ticket on departure, and immigration in Thailand might or might not ask you about the return/onward ticket. This is consistent with other comments I've been getting. I see having the return/onward ticket, with a date acceptable to both airlines and immigration as a form of insurance. But I think this has gotten much easier to do now. Have a look at the video I just posted: kzread.info/dash/bejne/c3-Atctyj7y_c8Y.html. A Super Hack for your Return/Onward Ticket for Thai Visa or Visa Exemption. This might save you some money... or you might just prefer to get a real return/onward ticket as you've been doing. But definitely good to travel with the assurance that you're not going to have problems... thanks for your comment! ...Bib
@jayfallon
Жыл бұрын
@@robertsultan2550 Thanks Bob. I just submitted an application for a multi-entry evisa so there’s no way I’d have a return ticket mapped out yet but I’ll be booking an onward ticket for the 60-day and we’ll see what happens. I’ll keep you posted as soon as I hear from the consulate.
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
@@jayfallon Sounds good. Keep me posted. I've been using multi-entry visas recently. Not having to supply the return/onward ticket when you apply is a great feature. Good luck... Bob
@jayfallon
Жыл бұрын
@@robertsultan2550 Took about ten business days to receive a 6-month METV from the E-Visa website and they did request a follow-on or return ticket before issuing as I only submitted a one-way, so I booked a cheap flight to Saigon within the first 60 days. They did ask me how long I was staying at Logan airport and I showed the agent my visa on the iPad and flew out without a problem. I did print a copy for arrival in Bangkok and immigration gave me a 59-day stamp, so my guess it that it would behoove anyone to have some sort of return or follow-on plans before showing up for their flight.
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
@@jayfallon 10 business days isn't bad, but that's from the NY consulate, which is generally pretty quick. Getting an onward ticket for within the 60 days is probably the most trouble-free way to go. I don't know if you watched the video kzread.info/dash/bejne/c3-Atctyj7y_c8Y.html but next time you could try bookonwardticket.com. Check out kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZIKulamahcvHgbA.html when you're ready for your visa extension. Thank you for the update. And, enjoy Thailand! ...Bob
10 years ago in the past I exceeded the duration of my visa and they fined me on departure, could this be a reason for not allowing me to enter?
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hi Sendai, this is a great question, but a really hard one to answer. It's possible that the overstay would keep you from entering, but if it was not a serious overstay, I suspect they'll let you in without a problem. It's also possible that their computerized systems may not have this record of your overstay from ten years ago. So, the safest thing would be to apply for a visa, say a Single Entry Tourist Visa, using the eVisa app. If the visa is granted, and you have the printed visa in your hand on arrival, I don't think they will deny you entry. They would already have looked at your records and made a decision on this. So, I think that's your best bet. Use the eVisa app to apply for a tourist visa. If it's granted, you should be fine. Hope that helps... Bob
The Suvarnabhumi IOs don't like frequent VE users and are well known to either deny entry or hassle the arriving "tourists." I, too, was hassled earlier this year and was warned of the practice. And that was my only second entry since the pandemic started. I now do the e-visa route and won't be entering on VEs at BKK. Certain airports are known to be free of such non-sense.
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for your post. This is REALLY interesting information. I used to do VEs overland at places like Mae Sai. At one point I was stopped because I'd done it twice before in the year, so they do enforce the rule about overland crossings. The rule that you can enter by air on VEs as many times as you want is quite clear. They should not be hassling people at BKK for this. This question affects many thousands of tourists. I think I will call the immigration office in Bangkok just to verify that there is no problem with repeated VE entries at airports. Thanks for raising this issue. I hope others will report to me if they encounter this problem... happy travels... Bob
@mbklandmark
Жыл бұрын
@@robertsultan2550 It doesn't matter what Chaeng Wattana might state. As you probably know by now, in Thailand, rules are up to different interpretations office to office and IO to IO. It just depends who you get and how they feel that day. BKK being notorious for the issue is well known in the expat community and often discussed in various forums. CNX is known to be the most hassle-free, followed by HKT, for those interested.
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
@@mbklandmark Thanks for this info! I will put this into the.description of the video. I don't really follow expat forums, except what I see on the Thaiger. The visa exemption was extended in order to draw more visitors. Seems counterproductive for the folks at BKK to be giving tourists a hard time about exemptions. All the best... Bob
@mbklandmark
Жыл бұрын
@@robertsultan2550 YT won't allow links but here's someone's BKK experience just today, as posted in an Asean Now forum under "45 day visa exempt - lots of questions asked at BKK airport:" "Arrived back after over 2 years not being here. Been on an ED visa and a few METV prior since 2014. Arrived on a business class ticket to BKK and took the Fast Track lane. The Lady immigration officer took a minute or so looking through my past METV and extensoon stamps and her computer screen quite intensely. Then asked about 5 questions, like how long you plan to stay, what do you do for work, which hotel you stay at, do you haveThai friends here, and she wanted the phone number of one Thai friend, which she entered into the computer, plus also my number. Never had in the past them asking if you have Thai friends and wanting their number. Usually in the non-Fast Track the person checking arrval cards ask you for your phone number and writes it on the card. Anyway ,after all that and maybe 5 mins later, she stamped the 45 days. Wonder if a female officer rather than a male one usually grills us more? Better to walk to a male one instead? Why would she want a.Thai friend's phone number? Anyone been asked that before? This was also my first ever visa exempt entry."
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
@@mbklandmark Hi! Yes, I think I'll have to do a video on this. It's not an easy decision for travelers to make: Do I go through the difficulty and expense of getting a visa in advance or do I trust the visa exemption process on arrival. For people who need more than 75 days, it's an easy decision, for everyone else, not so easy. Knowing the likelihood of being hassled on arrival is an important factor. Maybe people will contribute their experiences if I do a video... I'd certainly be interested in knowing.... thanks! Bob
Hey Robert! So i am planning to go to thailand arriving dec 2. Depart may17. So 5 months plus change. Can or shall I go there on visa exemp.(45 days) Extend 30 days leave the country and return and do it again? And also how many time are you allowed to extend? For ex. Visa exempt 45 days, extend 30 then when the 30 is up extend again (for an X amount of times). Is this possible?
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hello Hmong. My understanding of the rules is that you can repeat this as many times as you want as long as you are arriving by air. You are limited to twice per year doing this by land/sea. So, yes, you should be able to do this. Please let me know if you have any problem... all the best... Bob
Hi Robert . I'm from ethiopia and I'm planning to work and stay in thailand. Which visa do u recommend?
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hi Natnael, for this you'll need a work visa. If you already have an employer, they'll arrange a work visa. If you're just coming to look for work, I suggest coming on a tourist visa, looking for work, and then getting a work visa when you find work. ...good luck... Bob
Evisa tourist 90 days...multi entry.. I go 6 months leave 90 to miamar come back 90 days... Is is this called multi en Entry or just tourist visa extended
@robertsultan2550
11 ай бұрын
Hi Henri. You have an METV. You spend a little less than 90 days in Thailand, then you go to Myanmar. You MUST return to Thailand before the expiration date on your METV. This will probably give you less than 90 days in Myanmar. Then, when you get back to Thailand, you can stay for 90 days. Now, in order to stay 90 days in Thailand, you will need to get a 30-day visa extension before your 60 day stamp expires. So, your visa is an METV and that's exactly the type of visa you want to do this. But you will also be getting tourist visa extensions if you want to stay in Thailand more than 60 days on your tourist visa. This is described in kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZIKulamahcvHgbA.html Are you really going to Myanmar for 90 days? It can be quite dangerous there right now. Let me know if you have any questions about this... all the best... Bob
Just started watching this and saw some almost immediate errors. Under the CoE system you did not have to purchase a visa so the Visa Exempt entry was possible then you say if you now enter under the Visa on Arival scheme it can be extended at Immigration, Visa on Arrival cannot be extended.
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hi. It was my recollection that you couldn't enter Thailand without a COE and that you couldn't get a COE without getting a visa first. That's what I had to do. And I found the following statement on the Thaiembassy.com website (which is NOT the Thai embassy): "The main requirement for the COE is that the applicant qualifies to enter Thailand based on the list of eligible travelers. The applicant must secure the appropriate Thai visa before applying for the COE." Maybe you are thinking of the Thailand Pass which later replaced the CoE and did not require a visa. I do remember not being able to get a CoE without getting the visa first. The online application for the CoE required submitting the visa. BUT, you're correct that the visa-on-arrival cannot be extended by 30 days. It can be extended by 7 days (not very much). THANKS for catching this. I'll make a note in the description.... all the best... Bob
@draiggochherp
Жыл бұрын
@@robertsultan2550 The 7 day stamp is not an extension it is an extension denied and a "7 days to leave Thailand stamp" so not an extension and a stamp you should avoid having in your passport. Under the previous CoE scheme Visa Exempt entry was increased from 30 days to 45 days to cover the 15 day quarantine period so a Visa was not a requirement then.
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
@@draiggochherp Hi! As far as I can see, immigrations describe the 7 days as an extension of the visa-on-arrival. They don't describe it as anything negative or any sort of overstay. It's just an extension. Where did you get the information that using the 7 day extension reflects negatively on your immigration status? I've not seen this anywhere. I don't see how the 7 day extension as an 'extension denied'. What extension is being denied here? For a visa-on-arrival, the only allowed extension is 7 days. There is no longer extension that is being denied. I'm certainly open to the idea that it's bad to have this stamp, but I've just seen no evidence of it. I think you're confused about the procedure for getting the CoE. There was no way to get a CoE without having a visa. The application for the CoE simply required this. You couldn't physically do it. You can see this in my video kzread.info/dash/bejne/q5aHsNlxaZC7eJc.html which describes this process in detail. It was simply IMPOSSIBLE to submit the application for a CoE without having a visa number. See time about 14:50 in the video. At the height of covid, it was simply impossible that Thailand was handing out visa exemptions. You had to have the CoE, indicating that you had vaccinations and covid insurance before landing at the airport. I think you are thinking of a later time, when the CoE was replace by the Thailand Pass. I believe that was when visa exemption was allowed again. With the Thailand Pass, I believe you could avoid getting the visa by meeting the Thailand Pass requirements, but, of course, you still needed to arrange a quarantine. I believe that the change in visa exemption from 30 days to 45 days occurred after all covid restrictions were dropped. That is, after the Thailand Pass was eliminated. I try to keep this site evidence-based. The catch you made, that the visa on arrival can't be extended by 30 days like other visas, was a good catch, but I would like to see evidence that it was possible to get a CoE without having a visa. The online application required a visa number. But, I'm open to evidence.... all the best... Bob
Is the visa exemption now back to 30 days instead of 45 days?
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hi Ed, Yes, unfortunately it's back to 30 days. It happened a few months ago.... Bob
Hi Robert, I have got a 60 day tourist visa but am planning on staying in thailand for 92 days would they allow me to get an extension? I was wondering on the form thats filled out on the flight it asks how long you plan to stay - would i put 60 or 92 days? Also i am travelling with thai airways from london would it be sufficient to show my onward travel which is after my visa has expired after 92 days or would i need to show onward travel which is within the 60 days? Thanks
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hi SK. The extension is a standard 30 days. I don't think they will give you 32 days. If you have an expensive return ticket that you don't want to lose, you could overstay by 2 days and pay a fine. I've never done this, so maybe others could comment. I know that for longer overstays, you can be blacklisted from entering Thailand. You could also fly to a neighboring country and return on a visa exemption. Then you could still use your return ticket. There is no longer a TM6 arrival/departure card to fill out on the airplane. That's been eliminated. Hope that helps... good luck... Bob
Hello, I am a pensioner and will be arriving to Bangkok from Iceland on the 1.12.2022 and will be departing back to Iceland on 30.4.2023, which is a 5 month stay. What kind of Multi entry Visa do you recomend I should apply for ? E.g. should I come and take the 45 day Visa on arrival and then get an extension etc. or perhaps apply for an O eVisa long term or … ? What do you recomend as the easiest and cheapest way to do this ? Best regards, Stuart
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hi Stuart. If your criterion is easiest and cheapest, I think the answer would be to enter with a visa exemption (on arrival) leave after 75 days for a nearby country, and return by air on another visa exemption for the remaining 75 days. Alternatively, you could get a Multi-Entry Tourist Visa (METV) for $200 using the evisa online process, but that would involve filling out the evisa form, and cost you money. You would still have to leave Thailand and return during your stay. The only real advantage for you would be a 'guarantee' that you would get in. Some people worry that their visa exemption might not be granted on arrival. I don't think there's much danger of that, but some people worry about this. An O visa has a LOT more requirements. I would do that only if you were planning to stay long term. Hope that helps... let me know what you end up doing... enjoy your travels... Bob
Hey man I appreciate this content alot ! my friend and I (american passports) are planning on going to thailand for about a month and then going to singapore for a week and then flying back to thailand for a few more weeks to get another 30 days, should we just use the visa on arrival for thailand ?
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hey Orion. You want to be careful about the terminology. What you're going to get is called a 'visa exemption', not a 'visa on arrival'. The visa exemption is much better than a 'visa on arrival' (which isn't available to US citizens). When you enter on your visa exemption, you get stamped to stay 45 days. So, this is perfect for you. Enter on a visa exemption, go to Singapore, and then re-enter Thailand on a visa exemption. Easy. Just curious why you chose Singapore? If you have a specific reason to go there, that's great, but I just don't think it's as interesting as, for example, Luang Prabang, Laos, Siem Reap, Cambodia, or Penang, Malaysia. ...but you might have a good reason to go. just a thought... in any case... you'll have a great time in Thailand, and the visa exemptions will make it easy... Bob
@orioncannon9513
Жыл бұрын
@@robertsultan2550 Thank you for the response and for the help ! I have been trying to wrap my head around this for a while and I appreciate getting a definitive answer. I need to get the visa exemption for thailand. And while i agree those other places are probably more interesting, I have been to singapore before and have a few things left that I want to check off my singapore list. But I'm tempted to add a cambodia run on the back end of my trip depending on my financial situation at the time.
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
@@orioncannon9513 Yes, I figured that you might have a reason for going to Singapore. I stayed at the Marina Bay Sands for a week for a work conference. It was great, especially the rooftop pool. And I really like the food in Singapore. You'll like Siem Reap if you go to Cambodia. A lot to see. enjoy your trip! ...Bob
ROBERT AM I LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT OF TIMES I CAN FLY OUT AND COME BACK TO THILAND? I KEEP HEARING YOU CAN ONLY FLY 6 MONTHS AND COME BACK AND THEN IM HEARING YOU CAN FLY OUT FROM THILAND TO VIETNAM INFINTY TIMES AND COME BACK..... AM I LIMITED OR ?
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hello Donquioxte, In the past, it was always the case that you could fly out of Thailand and return as many times as you wanted, each time getting a 30-day visa exemption when you re-entered (and you could get a 30 day extension on that visa exemption). However, people are now reporting that when they return to Thailand, immigration officials at the airport are telling them that they should get a visa next time. That they will not be allowed to continue to re-enter Thailand on visa exemptions OR they are being told that they must stay out of Thailand for some number of days before they can return and get a visa exemption. My understanding is that there is no written rule that prevents you from re-entering as many times as you want, but when I called immigration officials in Bangkok, they told me that the policy is entirely up to the immigration official. It's clear that immigration is 'encouraging' tourists who stay for a long time to get a real tourist visa, or to get an education visa, or a retirement visa if they qualify. So, I believe the answer to your question is that no one seems to know right now if there is a limit on the number of times you can enter. The policy is very unclear. If you are staying long term, it might be safest to get some sort of visa, like an education visa or retirement visa, or you could just continue to re-enter on visa exemptions and see what happens. That's the best answer I can give you now. Hope that helps... Bob
@MintLiquor
Жыл бұрын
@@robertsultan2550 preciate it robert
Hi Robert. Are there any restrictions on back to back METV or SETV visas? I will be leaving Thailand after my last extension which will be in July. Would applying for another METV in August while back in the US raise any red flags? Alternatively, if I were to stay in Cambodia for 3 months and then do a visa exemption plus 2 back to back SETV's would that raise any red flags? You're my go to person as you have helped me in the past. Regards, retthok
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hi Retthok, good to hear from you again! Yes, you can get as many back to back SETV/METVs as you want as long as you are applying from your home country. The same applies to visa exemptions, as long as you are entering by air. If you enter by land/sea, you are only allowed to use two visa exemptions per year. You will have no problem at all. Enjoy! Bob
@retthok
Жыл бұрын
@@robertsultan2550 Thanks for your rapid reply. I was under the impression that the application from ones home country was only for METV and not SETV. Has anything changed?
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
@@retthok To the best of my knowledge, you must apply for the SETV from your home country. Of course, on the Internet, no one knows where you're actually applying from, but the ticket to Thailand that you supply must be from your home country... all the best... Bob
In the videos i see signs for voa. How do we go about visa exemption?
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hi Joe. Just keep walking past the 'visa on arrival' area you see on your left. Continue to follow signs for 'arrival' and 'immigration'. I actually show this in the video: kzread.info/dash/bejne/iKh52ahuc7DAe6w.html ARRIVING AT SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT BANGKOK NOVEMBER 2022 You won't have a problem... all the best... Bob
Hi Robert I'm coming to Thailand on the 7 NOVEMBER till 9 March 23 that's about 5 month's which way is the best way to do it do you think it alright for me one for 45 days then get the 30 days after the 45 then leave say to Cambodia then come back to Thailand would be able to get a nover 45 day many thanks great jod you are doing
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Anthony, that's exactly what I would do. Can you let me know how it goes? Siem Reap, Cambodia is great. If you're doing your 'visa run' by air, I like Penang Malaysia. and enjoy the trip! ...Bob
Hello, I love your videos. I would like to stay in Thailand for 4 months(Jan-April) and I was wondering if I could just get a visa on arrival and just do border runs and if so would it be once a month or less if I get a visa extension?
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hi Kaia. Thanks for the kind words! You can definitely do that. You can re-enter Thailand as many times as you want on visa exemptions. The only restriction is that you're allowed only 2 land/sea re-entries per year. But, you can enter as many times as you want by air. Each time you enter you get a stamp for 45 days, and you can go to your local immigration office to get that extended for 30 days. So, you'll need to do a border run every 75 days. There's some chance that you'll be asked for a return/onward ticket when you come in on a visa exemption. In the next couple of days I'm posting a new video on an easy way to get such tickets. Stay tuned. Hope that helps... Bob
@MoonFireGypsy
Жыл бұрын
Thanks so much from a fellow New Yorker 🙏
Can you apply for a 60 day Single entry E-tourist visa while you physically are in Thailand and activate that visa when entering thailand from Lao on a borderun?
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hi Jan. No, you can't do this. You must submit your evisa application to your 'home' country (citizenship or residence). They require that you have a ticket from that country (your home country) to Thailand, so the border run won't work. But, why would you want to do this? If you're from a country that qualifies for a visa exemption, you can get 45 days + a 30 day extension. That's cheaper, and you don't have to fill out all the forms.... happy travels... Bob
Good morning from the US. What if I want to stay for 106 days?
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hi Jerry. Come in on a visa exemption (45 days), get an extension (30 days), fly to Kuala Lumpur and re-enter on a visa exemption (45 days), now you've got over 106 days. I think this should work fine... happy travels... Bob
I have a question which is a little complicated and would like to get your suggestions on which visa I should get. I’m thinking of getting visa exemption because it is more affordable, but not sure if it’s apply to me. My whole trip last 34 days. I travel from the US to Cambodia (my family live in Cambodia), the following day after landing I want to go to Thailand (I have dental procedures there). I stay in Thailand for a week, then have to flight back to Cambodia for a wedding (stay in Cambodia for 3 days), then flight back to Thailand again (stay in Thailand for another 4 days), then flight back to Cambodia for another wedding. If my procedure complete, I don’t have to fight back to Thailand, if not I have to take a 3rd fight to Thailand. Are there limit of how many visa exemptions we could apply? Do you think it’s easy to just apply for those visa when landing at both Cambodia and Thai airport? Any suggestions is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hello Kandal. Thailand has what's known as a 'bilateral agreement' with Cambodia. You can enter Thailand from Cambodia for 14 days without a visa: image.mfa.go.th/mfa/0/mkKfL2iULZ/%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A8/Summary_of_countries_and_territories_entitled.pdf I believe that the rules are the same as for a visa exemption, you can enter Thailand as many times as you want if you are arriving by air. So, I think you should be fine with your multiple trips to Thailand. This is allowed under the rules. The visa exemption for the 'bilateral agreement' is done each time when you arrive at the airport in Thailand. Maybe they will question you about arriving three times in a short period of time, but your plan is within the rules for Thai immigration. I hope that helps. I also do my dental work in Thailand. Enjoy the wedding. All the best, Bob And let me know if you have further questions.
@kandal1237
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Robert, this is helpful! This will be my first time travel to Thailand, any tips to the US traveler that don’t speak Thai?
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
@@kandal1237 You're going to love it. Everyone in tourist areas speaks English. You won't have a language problem. For some suggestions on places to visit and useful tips, see: kzread.info/dash/bejne/i595ydyjgNevpZc.html , kzread.info/dash/bejne/jJV7x5KBf9zRpsY.html , kzread.info/dash/bejne/dKiIsZaMe7POn9Y.html , kzread.info/dash/bejne/pXVqzbRsfNfJcZs.html , kzread.info/dash/bejne/hISsw7FrfaSWqc4.html , and kzread.info/dash/bejne/m4qVpI-ggsiuf5c.html In Bangkok, you'll certainly want to visit the Royal Palace and Wat Pho, and take a ferry along the length of the Chopraya River, China Town, and Khaosan Road. So many great places to visit. And no worries about street food. I've never gotten sick. Get a local sim card from AIS telecom. Much cheaper if you just go to an AIS store in any mall vs. buying it at the airport. And buy a card for the BTS metro system so you don't need to buy tokens each time. Have fun! ...Bob
@kandal1237
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for these good tips!
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
@@kandal1237 You're welcome, have a great trip! ...Bob
Great Video. Will you happen to know if I enter into Thailand with Visa Exemption, will I be able to apply in Thailand for Non-O Retirement Visa? Conflicting information is I must enter as Tourist in-order to apply, not with Visa Exemption but then I found form TM.87 for Exemption Visa applying Non-O Retirement. Would be great if you can offer some insight on this. Thank you so much Robert.
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hi Ed. I don't have direct experience with this, but it is my understanding that you can use the TM.87 to apply for a non-O visa while you're in Thailand on a visa exemption. You must, however, submit the form while you still have 15 days remaining on the exemption. There's a description at www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thai-immigration-forms just page down to where it describes the TM.87. Please keep me posted on how this works for you... but I think you can do it... Also, note that the site www.thaiembassy.com is NOT an official site of Thai Immigration. I don't quite understand why the Thai government allows them to do this... however, their information does seem to be generally reliable... Good luck, and keep me posted... Bob
@edtitleist8126
Жыл бұрын
@@robertsultan2550 Thank you for your speedy reply. I'll keep you update on the outcome of this. You can then add another educational video to your excellent collection.
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
@@edtitleist8126 Thanks Ed, I'm looking forward to making that video... all the best... Bob
Hey Robert what’s the cheapest visa run? To what country and by air or train?
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
From Bangkok, I'd say that Kuala Lumpur, Siem Reap, and Ho Chi Min City are about equal in cost, with lowest airfares at about $120 for the round trip. Vientiane is a little more at about $130. From Phuket, I'd go to Kuala Lumpur for about $130. From ChiangMai I've done the visa run to Mae Sai by van, and that was very inexpensive, but I forget how much. Let me know if you're going from some other place and I might be able to let you know what's a good visa run from there. Personally, I like visiting Vientiane and Siem Reap. And consider spending a bit more to go to Penang, that's really nice. hope that helps... and others may have suggestions... Bob
I have a question about entry using an TR evisa. I have received my approval letter with a QR Code but it is not clear to me what I do when I arrive at BKK with this letter of approval. I found at the Thai visa Q&A it said when I arrive go to my arriving airline desk and pick up my visa yet the letter does not indicate that. Do I go to a special line or just go to regular immigration? I have paid for the Fast Trak service at BKK so can I just use that Fast Trak immigration desk present my visa approval letter? Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated as I get the feeling that after July the process changed from the incoming airline desk visa pick to just presented the letter to immigration. Thank you again in advance for any information you can provide.
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hi David. I didn't even know about this fast track service. So I had to look it up. It looks like they meet you at the gate but I really don't have any experience with this at all. Maybe one of my viewers with experience with this can answer the question. I found a pretty good description here: bangkokairporttrain.com/fast-track-immigration-pass . If for any reason they don't meet you at the gate, all of the lines go to one place so you can't miss immigration.At immigration you'll find the fast track lanes on the right (I believe) and you can just go through yourself. It's my understanding that people over 70, people with young children, and handicapped people can use these fast lanes. You might also want to watch my video about arriving at BKK: kzread.info/dash/bejne/iKh52ahuc7DAe6w.html it would be great if you could post a comment after you use the fast track. I'm sure my viewers will be very interested. And have a great trip to Thailand.… Bob
@davidsteel99
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Robert I would be glad to provide a post on my experience with Fast Trak Service
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
@@davidsteel99 That's great! Happy travels. Bob
Applied for the METV on 25 Sept, it says it is still being processed as of 1 Oct. Starting to get worried as you received yours in 4 hours. Was no fun filling out & up loading all the stuff they want. Would not go that route again.
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hi Bill, judging from what people have been saying in comments, the processing times are all over the place. I got mine in four hours, people are reporting 5 days, 7 days, and one more than 15 days. It wouldn't hurt to sent an email to the consulate to check. You'll have to look at the website of the consulate or embassy to which you submitted the application. The address for the LA consulate is, for example, visa@thaiconsulatela.org They all have a similar format. Some consulates reply quickly to email, others don't, but it's worth a try. As you can see from this video, I will probably stop getting METVs and just use visa exemptions on future trips. Keep me posted on what happens... good luck... Bob
@billmoeller8897
Жыл бұрын
@@robertsultan2550 Done all of that, no help. Will just wait, if I don't the METV will just show up & use the Visa Exemption as we are just planning to stay 5+ months.
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
@@billmoeller8897 Yes, I think that, with the visa exemption expanded to 75 days (with the extension), a relatively small number of people will be applying for tourist evisas (including myself). The combination of being able to use visa exemptions again and the extra 15 days has really changed things. If you're looking for a nice place to go when you leave and come back, I like Penang, Malaysia. Good food, lots of things to see, and flights are cheap. If you want to blow your budget just a bit, you could stay at the historic Blue Mansion. I've stayed twice.
@billmoeller8897
Жыл бұрын
@@robertsultan2550 We are up in Chiang Mai, so for the last 15 years we just ride up to Mae Sai, hop across the border & back. Easy. Will see how things have changed this time, if it is even open & what visas are good for land crossings.
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
@@billmoeller8897 Yes, I've done that land crossing at Mae Sai many times, and I agree, the crossing is very easy. There used to be a lot of van services for the visa run, but the last time I did the crossing there were fewer of these vans. Now, I think this will be a big business again. Yes, please let me know what you find there.
Hi Robert, Great video. Is e-Visa really hard to apply online in Australia?
@airchanthaboury9005
Жыл бұрын
Also is Visa Exemption 45 days and extension another 30 days which total of 75 days enough time to apply for Non-O Visa in Thailand?
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hi Air. I have data on some places, but not Australia. Maybe others who've applied from there can answer. In general, many of the embassies/consulates can be slow processing applications. It really varies from place to place. That's why I've been encouraging people just to use the visa exemption. For most people, much easier. ...Bob
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
@@airchanthaboury9005 Yes, you should not have a problem. They just suggest that you have at least 15 days remaining on your entry stamp when you apply, but I'd start as early as possible. You'll want to fill our the form TM.87 described in www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thai-immigration-forms I'll be interested in knowing how you make out with this... let me know... good luck, Bob
@airchanthaboury9005
Жыл бұрын
Hi Robert, Really appreciated your advises. Just tell me, I have applied 30 extra Visa exemption extension after 30 stayed by myself Jun 2022 and was easy. Is Non-O Visa application MUCH harder to apply than Visa exemption extension? Or should I pay a agency to help me through?
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
@@airchanthaboury9005 That's a great question. I've never applied for a non-O visa so I really don't know. However, most people I know who have done this while in Thailand have gone through agencies. My guess is that getting the non-O visa is MUCH harder than getting, for example, a visa extension. Maybe others seeing this comment will have an opinion. If it was me, I'd be tempted to try on my own, but I know that many people go through agencies for this. The agencies, of course, have contacts in the government to make things easier. Good luck with this, and let me know what happens.... all the best... Bob
I am looking to go to Thailand in January, but I want to travel to Cambodia, Vietnam and Phillipines. Do you have a link to the actual visa I need to apply too? Also, does the visa start on the day you arrive or does it start on the day you receive it?
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hi Darrell. I think the easiest way to do this is just to enter and re-enter Thailand on a visa exemption (assuming that you are from a country for which visa exemption is supported, which is most countries). You can enter and re-enter Thailand an unlimited number of times by air, but you are limited to two entries per year by land/sea. Each time you enter, you can say 45 days, which can be extended by 30 days at your local Thai immigration office. The only advantage to getting a real visa is that you can stay 60 days on each visit (plus 30 day extension). But, you would have to pay $200 for a Multi Entry Tourist Visa and do all the work of filling out the application. The visa itself (METV) became active on the day that it is granted. It is valid for six months. BUT, each time you enter, you get 60 days (plus the 30 day extension). You apply for the visa at: thaievisa.go.th/ For what you want, I'd forget the visa and just enter on visa exemptions. hope that helps... Bob
@darrellkublick3003
Жыл бұрын
@@robertsultan2550 Thank you for the information! There seems to be so much confusion and so many different opinions.
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
@@darrellkublick3003 Definitely. Part of they problem is that the visa exemption was suspended during covid so people started getting real visas. Now that the visa exemption is back, people have been slow to recognize that this is really a better option in most cases. With the exemption being lengthened to 45 days, it's almost as good as the 60 day real visa. I think people have been slow to recognize this. And I think some people like having the visa in their hand when they arrive... but I haven't really heard of many problems with the visa exemption program. But you're right, there's lots of confusion... enjoy your travels... Bob
@darrellkublick3003
Жыл бұрын
@@robertsultan2550 Thank you again Bob. If I can ask one more question. Is there ever an issue with arriving and getting the visa exemption for 45 days but your return flight is say 70 days, I will definitely be getting another 30 days. Will this cause an issue because my flight back is for 70 days? Or is it understood that if my flight back is in 70 days, I will be getting an extension? Thank you!
45 day extension only good until March 31 right? How long do you need to stay away before you return back to Thai ?
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hello Mr. Lolligagger.There's a 45 day visa EXEMPTION and a 30 day visa EXTENSION. I'm not sure which you're referring to. I don't think either of these will end on March 31. The 45 days for a visa exemption is good for 45 days after your arrival in Thailand. The visa extension adds 30 days to the 45 days, so you get a total of 75 days from the day you arrive. Does that help? If I didn't understand the question, let me know. All the best... Bob
@MrLolligagger
Жыл бұрын
@@robertsultan2550 Thanks...This from Washington DC Thai Embassy(**Previous permitted period of stay was 30 days; the extension to 45 days will be in effect from 1 Oct 2022 until 31 March 2023)
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
@@MrLolligagger Interesting! Maybe they view the increase from 30 to 45 days as a temporary measure to help tourism recover. I suspect they'll renew it, but there's no way of knowing. Thanks for pointing this out.... all the best... Bob
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
@@MrLolligagger I may not have answered part of your question. You can return immediately to Thailand. There is no amount of time that you need to be away. Often when people return on a visa exemption, they'll return on the same day and it shouldn't be a problem (but only two land/sea arrivals are allowed per year).
Hello Mr. Robert I am planning to go to Thailand on January on 2023, and planning to stay there for 85 days total however I haven’t applied for any type of visa yet. Would it possible if I can apply for E-visa at the airport on my arrival day? Or would they deny my entry? Thank you
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hello Dah Thu. I'd have to know what country you're from to answer the question. For certain countries, you can get a Visa on Arrival, but it is for no more than 30 days. You must apply in advance for a normal evisa. If you're from a country that supports the online 'evisa' then that would work perfectly for you. You would get a stamp to say 60 days when you arrive, and you can get a 30 day extension 15 days after you arrive. Many people have been reporting that a number of airlines won't allow you to board with a return ticket dated for more than 60 days after your arrival. So, check with your airline on their requirements. I can give you a more specific answer if I know what country you're from... hope that helps... Bob
@Dada.12387
Жыл бұрын
I am from USA Again thank you so much
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
@@Dada.12387 Yes, if you're from the US, I'd do the 60-day tourist visa and an extension. ...enjoy your travels... Bob
Hi Robert, May I consult you please? American citizen has applied for a tourist visa but it has not been approved. And his flight is coming soon. So he needs to arrive Thailand with visa exemption 45 day. I would like to know after he get a tourist visa. Can he use it for extension after 45 days visa exemption without leave Thailand? Or If not and he have to leave Thailand...Can he use the tourist visa that he received late to come back to Thailand for the second time? Thanks ka 😊 🙏
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hello Tong. This is a really interesting question. I don't believe that the authorities will allow him to use the evisa that arrived late as a way to extend the 45-day visa exemption. I suspect that he will need to leave Thailand and return OR he will need to apply for a 30-day extension. If he leaves Thailand and returns, he can definitely use the evisa to enter since the evisa can be used to enter Thailand for up to 90 days after the date of issue. I would also try emailing the consulate to which the application was submitted and let them know that his flight is coming up soon. They might hurry the approval. You'll have to look at the website of the consulate or embassy to which he submitted the application. The address for the LA consulate is, for example, visa@thaiconsulatela.org They all have a similar format. Some consulates reply quickly to email, others don't, but it's worth a try. If the visa doesn't arrive on time and he does enter on a visa exemption, I think it would still be worthwhile to visit your local immigration office before the exemption expires. Maybe the immigration officials would do something special for him since the evisa didn't arrive on time. I don't think they'll do this, but if you're near an immigration office, you really don't have anything to lose. Please keep me posted on what happens... and good luck! ...Bob
@panaddayaleetong580
Жыл бұрын
Yes he sent an email the consulate and direct messages on Facebook to them about the flight but still waiting for an answer 😁 I agree with your idea to try going to the local immigration office before the exemption expires. Maybe he will lucky as you said. I will definitely update you again. 👍 Truly appreciate for the good advice and quick reply ka. 🙏
Hi, I'm still waiting on my Police Certificate to apply for my O-A visa. However, I have to leave on Aug 2. I'm not feeling confident to get my visa in time. Would I be able to enter Thailand on a Visa exemption, then when my new visa goes through, either go to immigration and change it to the O-A, or leave Thailand and re-enter on my O-A visa? Thanks.
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hi Sourboy, I don't see any reason why you couldn't leave Thailand and re-enter with your new O-A. Anyone one else seeing this comment think there would be a problem? ...I think you should be okay... Bob
@thesourboyrich
Жыл бұрын
@@robertsultan2550 Thanks, Bob for the quick response. For the Visa exemption, what exactly do I need to have on hand with me when I enter Thailand? I've never used this method before as I always have long-term visas. I'm a Canadian Passport holder.
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
@@thesourboyrich You just need your passport and your boarding pass for the flight on which you just arrived. That's it. You get a 30 day stamp, and you can get a 30 day extension if you need it... all the best... Bob
@thesourboyrich
Жыл бұрын
@@robertsultan2550 I would not need a return flight, money on hand, or anything like this. I also read that some airlines will not allow you to board if you do not have a visa for Thailand.
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
@@thesourboyrich Good questions. In theory, they can check to make sure that you have money and a return or onward ticket, but they now have signs at the airports that all they want to see is your passport and your boarding pass. If they did check to make sure you have money, you can just show that you have a credit card. Or you can show them some money in any currency (I forget the amount, but it's small). Again, in theory, they could ask to see a return/onward ticket for a flight within 60 days (they assume you will get a 30 day extension), but they haven't been doing that. But, you're right, when you get to the airport, the airline may require that you have a return/onward ticket dated within 30 days (they don't assume you'll get an extension). One way to meet this requirement is to get a ticket from bookonwardticket.com for $10. See the video kzread.info/dash/bejne/c3-Atctyj7y_c8Y.html. You can call the airline ahead of time and ask about their requirements, but a good idea to get to the airport early in case you have problems with this. If, for some reason, Thai immigration does ask to see a return/onward ticket you can go online (using the airport wifi) and buy a ticket from bookonwardticket.com, but, as I say, they haven't been asking. Good luck! ...Bob
Robert i am coming too Thai next Month booked ticket return March i dont have any Visa.Will they give me a 45 day tourist visa on arrival.Or will they refuse me entry because my ticket runs till March.Or will i be allowed entry and can get 90 day extension after 45 day tourist visa runs out .Thank you
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hi Bill, if you enter on a 45-day visa exemption, they generally assume that you will be getting a 30-day extension. So, they will want your return or onward ticket to be for a date within 75 days of your arrival. If they question you about the date, just tell them that you plan to apply for a visa extension. I haven't heard recently of cases where they don't allow the 75 days. If your actual return ticket is more than 75 days after your arrival, then you have some choices. (1) You could just buy a cheap one-way air ticket to Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Min City, Vientiane, Siem Reap, or similar foreign destination. You're not going to use it, so you can choose the cheapest flight you can find. You'll probably pay about $50. Then you can just show this ticket. (2) you can buy a refundable ticket to one of these locations and get your money back when you don't use the ticket. (3) you can wait and see if they ask for a return or onward ticket. Whether or not they ask is up to the customs officials where you enter. I have not entered recently on a visa exemption, so I can't tell you how likely it is that they will ask you. Maybe others reading this can offer opinions. If you arrive without an onward or return ticket, and they do require this, you can buy one online when you arrive. If you don't have internet access, you may need to purchase access to a hotspot like Boingo, although I believe that most of the airports now offer short-term free internet access. My recommendation would be to just get, before you leave home, a cheap onward ticket for a date within 75 days of your arrival. Then you should be fine. There is no '90-day extension'. Extensions are for 30 days. OTHERS READING THIS PLEASE OFFER OPINIONS IF YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH THIS. Please let me know how this goes... and have a great trip! ...Bob
@billymulcahy4323
Жыл бұрын
@@robertsultan2550 Thanks for that Robert i all ready changed my ticket back too 45 days.I will have 2 change my flight again from Jan till March.I think the best plan is too get a retirment visa flights are getting expensive.Again thank you Robert for your help
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
@@billymulcahy4323 That's DEFINITELY the safest option and you make a good point. Many tickets now allow you to change without a fee. They started this during covid but have not stopped yet. The ticket I just bought on Delta to return to Thailand is changeable without a fee. This is a GREAT way to handle the problem of not knowing exactly what immigration officials will accept for an onward ticket. I'll be making a video soon on visa exemption and will include this information. I've been considering a retirement visa myself. There are two things that keep me from doing this: (1) the requirement to have a full medical plan (since I'm covered by medicare + supplemental in the US for a very low cost) and (2) that I still like to travel to other places so I would need to pay for the re-entry permits. If you get the retirement visa, please post about your experience with this... thanks, Bob
if you fly in and your return flight is 57 days later , you'ed have to get an e-visa.... is that correct?
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hi Gusty. No, you can enter on an e-visa OR you can enter on a 45 day visa exemption. When you enter on a visa exemption, your return ticket has to be within 75 days of your arrival, so you would qualify. You would just need to apply for a 30 day visa extension at any local immigration office during your stay. I'd say your best bet is the e-visa. If you do the visa exemption, your airline might have a problem letting you board if your return ticket is dated more than 45 days after your arrival. So, I'd do the e-visa in your case. happy travels...Bob
@gustywinds5490
Жыл бұрын
@@robertsultan2550 thanks for that robert
@gustywinds5490
Жыл бұрын
@@robertsultan2550 hi , got one more thing to figure out since i have an interval of 57 days between arrival and departure ( thats so the airlines will let me flY) can i book a flight after 29 days with vietjet to hanoi for the remainder of my time use my bangkok return ticket as a travel through/transfer.
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
@@gustywinds5490 Can you clarify this plan? You are flying to Thailand on a flight that has a return ticket 57 days after you arrive, so you won't have a problem with the airline or with immigration since you have a 60 day tourist visa. What is the purpose of buying the ticket to Hanoi? Are you actually going to spend some time in Hanoi? If you are going to Hanoi, you won't have any problem coming back into Thailand as long as it's before the return date on your ticket (that is 57 days after your arrival). Let me know if I'm correctly understanding your question... thanks... Bob
@gustywinds5490
Жыл бұрын
@@robertsultan2550 I don't have the visa yet..... Because I am close to my departure date .... I want to know what my options are if the 60 day visa doesn't arrive in time
I got my passport stamped (30/45) in Bangkok and at CNX just walked out and caught a taxi. I’m pretty sure I got a visa exemption. Was I supposed to stop at immigration or customs first?
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Hi El. So you arrived in Bangkok and had a connecting flight to CNX, right? You got your 45 day visa exemption when you arrived in Bangkok. You didn't need to do anything at CNX. Hope I understood that correctly... all the best... Bob
@elt.214
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for answering and yes you got it correct. I was thinking I messed up for a second lol.
👍🏾
@robertsultan2550
Жыл бұрын
Thanks, Lizz!