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Can I apply for a SETV at a Thai embassy in a neighboring country if I'm just a tourist?
SETVThai visa rules60-day exemptiontourist visa applicationThailandLaosCambodiaVietnamembassy procedures
Apr 15, 2025
a year ago
Théo **********
ORIGINAL POSTERHello, I’m currently in Thailand with a 60 days exemption visa and would like to travel to a border country (Laos, Cambodia, or Vietnam) to apply for a SETV from a Thai embassy. Is it possible even if I’m not a resident of these countries and just a tourist ?
TLDR : Answer Summary
Yes, you can apply for a Single Entry Tourist Visa (SETV) from a Thai embassy in a neighboring country (such as Laos or Cambodia) even if you are not a resident of that country. It's important to check with the specific embassy regarding their application policies, as most do accept applications from foreigners. Note that applying in Vietnam is not possible since it is not considered a direct border country with Thailand.
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Steve *******
It's possible but Vietnam isn't a border Country to Thailand. You apply online via the evisa website as opposed to visiting an Embassy/Consulate
Jan ******************
Yes you can apply for a single entry tourist visa through the embassy/consulate that serves your area even though you’re not a resident of the actual country. Check with the particular embassy, most allow applications from foreigners.
Lynnette *******
I'm curious, a setv same as exempt entry? 60 days?
Phil ******
@Lynnette ******
no setv you need to apply for out of the countryLynnette *******
@Phil *****
yes, but I'm only wondering why they are doing that. Just curious. You learn stuff from peoples decisions.Phil ******
@Lynnette ******
costs money and you can get 60 days Visa Exempt for 93 countries so people do that until immigration ban themLynnette *******
@Phil *****
maybe they've been banned. I was just curious. They didn't extend by 30 days.Phil ******
@Lynnette ******
yeh maybe but immi are stopping people in airports now so everyone needs to go get correct visaLynnette *******
@Phil *****
maybe. I thought they might say. Help others know how things are going. Though previously I did see someone else didn't know they could extend.Reply to
Lynnette *******
Reply
Jan ******************
@Lynnette ******
SETV—> Single Entry Tourist Visa aka regular 60 days tourist visa.Théo **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jan *****************
yes the reason is that I already did 2 visa exemption in a row and I heard that they will be less strict if I do a clean tourist visa application for my third entryKool *******
@Théo *********
buying a tourist visa is no guarantee you will be let into Thailand by immigration. With two visa exempts entries already it is obvious to immigration you are trying to stay long term in Thailand on tourist entries, and they can refuse you entry until you get the correct visa, and that does not include buying a tourist visa. Be fully aware of that, and it's why smart people use a border bounce agency to do it.Jan ******************
@Théo *********
I understand. Still a tourist entry though but it’s slightly easier to get approved with a formal document. As said personally I would have considered to use a landborder transport company. They’re fairly priced (3-4000 baht), know the "name of the game" and wouldn’t bring you unless they’re confident in getting you another visa exemption.Reply to
Jan ******************
Reply
Lynnette *******
@Jan *****************
yes I know. I'm curious why when Exempt entry is same. Just wondering.Jan ******************
@Lynnette ******
Then I’m not sure if I got your question, but a Tourist visa has been 60 days for a long time and is still useful for people who are not entitled to visa exemption or if the exemption is turned back to 30 days again. A tourist visa can also slightly increase your chances for a new short stay entry in fact only because it’s a formal document. Both gives you a 60 days stamp and permission to stay for 60 days upon arrival.Lynnette *******
@Jan *****************
he said he was in country on 60 days exempt entry and leaving to go get a SETV. I was just wondering why.Jan ******************
@Lynnette ******
To avoid going back to back on visa exemption I guess. As said can slightly increase odds for a "clean" entry. Personally I just would have used a landborder transport company to bounce me for another 60 days visa exemption if that was the point.Reply to
Jan ******************
Reply
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