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Can I apply for a Thai tourist visa from a nearby country instead of returning to the USA?

Thai Visa Tourist Visa Visa Application Process Visa Exemption Southeast Asia Thailand Immigration e-Visa

Feb 2, 2024

9 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

I'm currently in Thailand on a visa exemption stamp, and I'd like to apply for a proper tourist visa so I can stay another 90 days. Can I pop over to a nearby Asian country and apply for an e-visa there, or do I have to fly all the way back home (USA) and apply from there? If my flight back into Thailand does not depart from my home country, is that okay?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is currently in Thailand on a visa exemption and wants to know if they can apply for a tourist visa from a nearby Asian country or if they must return to the USA. Comments suggest that applying at a Thai embassy or consulate in Southeast Asia, such as in Laos or Cambodia, is feasible, and that online applications via the USA e-visa site may not be accepted if the flight back into Thailand does not depart from the USA. Attendees also shared various experiences and processing times for obtaining the tourist visa.

John *********

I flew to S Korea and applied for a tourist visa there. It took them 3 weeks to complete the visa even thought I had all the correct documents to them in 1 day. I had to return on a 30 day visa exemption and now I’ll use the tourist visa by way of a border run. So Thailand.

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Matthew **********

Had the same thing. Timing helps for a quick turn around. Can take 4 full days to process. You must hand your passport in. Best to leave Sunday. Check in using your passport. Monday morning hand over the passport to the Embassy. That way you can safely have a flight booked back on the Friday. Otherwise you get caught up with extra weekend days. And watch out for bank holidays.

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Christopher *************

You can always apply on line using the approved e visa site as USA is one of the 28 Countries that do it.

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Christopher *************

Yes you can but you will probably have to leave and return to activate it. Flights in and out are dirt cheap plus you get a couple of days in another SE Asian Country.

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Alec *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

So you're saying that in the case of applying through USA e-visa website, they don't require that my flight back into Thailand originates from the US? It would be ideal for me to fly to HK or Bali or something, apply for e-visa through US site there, and then fly directly back to Thailand after e-visa is approved

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Graham ******

Yes they do and when they see your passport stamps saying you are currently in Thailand expect to get a rejection and lose your application fee, Get the Tourist Visa from the Embassy/Consulate you fly to as you are required to do.

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Graham ******

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Jaren ******

@Christopher ************

I'm on the 30 days on arrival, if I wanted to switch to a tourist visa, I could do it online through the US website? I've done it before, but I was in america at the time. Could I do it here without leaving the country?

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Jaren ******

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Bob **********

Fly to Laos

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Bob **********

You have to show bank statements in Vietnam

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М. ****

why, its the easiest one to take visa?

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Bob **********

Yes

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М. ****

How about Vietnam? Any experience there?

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М. ****

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Del ******

Any place you have residency … proof required utility bills etc .

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Tom ****

I got. a tourist visa in Phnom Penh - I applied on Monday and got it back maybe Wednesday afternoon...possible Thursday.

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Paul *******

I curious as I am in Phnom Pehn. To apply for the 2 month TV in Pp, what did you need to show, ie. Bank statement balance, flight ticket out, resevations in hotel, current address in PP,

etc?

Did you get your visa from an agency or do it at the embassy on Monivong?

I.m curious if less is needed if you apply directly at the embassy in PP, rather than with an agent...

Thanks

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Tom ****

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М. ****

How old should be the bank statement? And is it needed to be on paper or generated with online banking works too?

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М. ****

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Tom ****

photos of notices on door at Thai embassy in PP

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Tom ****

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Tom ****

I did it myself and provided photos, ticket out of TH I think (cheap one i never used), a print out of bank balance, passport and fee. That is all iI think (no need to show addresses in TH or PP).

The above is all as far as i remember.

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Tom ****

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Lennart **********

Just go to Laos and apply for a single entry touristvisa,gives you 60 days, and after you extend for another 30 days at thai immigration.

You have attend personally in Laos, day 1:apply before 11am , day 2:pickup after 2pm. At least at Savannakhet-thai embassy. Good luck

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Brandon ************

None of the Thai embassies in SE Asia use evisa. If you want a Thai visa in SE Asia you must apply in person at a Thai embassy or consulate.

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Brandon ************

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