Can I apply for a Thai tourist visa from Cambodia if I leave Thailand before the visa starts?

Sep 8, 2022
2 years ago
Michael *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Sorry if this has been asked 🤣 I can't seem to find the answer.

So I am from the U.S. currently in thailand on a 30 day stay that ends on September 22. After I am going to Cambodia for 2 weeks but want to come back to Thailand on a tourist visa starting October 10.

My question is: Am I able to apply for the tourist visa (that would start on Oct. 10) even though I am still in the country and plan on leaving before the visa starts? Or will I have to wait until I go to cambodia and then apply for it there?

I hope this makes sense lol. Really appreciate all the help!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
An expat currently in Thailand is inquiring whether they can apply for a tourist visa for Thailand while still in the country, despite planning to leave for Cambodia before the visa's start date. Responses suggest that it's not possible to obtain a Thai tourist visa from within Thailand and recommend applying in Cambodia instead. There is also a discussion about the possibility of using the Visa Exemption to extend their stay if that suits their needs.
Guillaume ********
I don't know for Thailand but as I remember I applied for evisa to Vietnam from China back then as a Canadian and there was no problem. Then I applied for evisa from Vietnam to Cambodia and there was no problem.

Isn't the whole purpose of evisa to avoid visiting embassy etc? Since when do you need to do it from your home base? Unless it's specific to Thailand.
Mma *******
Come back from Cambodia and you'll get the Visa Exemption which will get you, if extended, 45+30 days. If that is enuff time for you, you wont need the TR Visa. This is an alternate suggestion for you.
Michael *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mma ******
I like this method thank you!
Ben *****
There's a lot of conflicting information here. You need to check the Thai consulate in Cambodia and see what their specific requirements are. If they do allow evisas you can certainly apply for one beforehand just as long as you have a ticket showing you will be going to Thailand from that country, but keep in mind that the visa has to be used by a certain date.
Max **********
Americans 🤦🏻‍♂️
John-Paul ******
@Max *********
yeah... that idiot! How in hell did we ever allow that! Stupidity and blindness on the part of so many if us. Now we have to fix it together.
Michael *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Max *********
Chill. It's confusing for people who do not travel a lot (especially Americans) and your comment isn't productive at all.
Ben *****
@Max *********
hey I'm American! 😆
Max **********
@Ben ****
… I’m sorry for you 🤣
John-Paul ******
@Max *********
such a nice comment to make. Where you from then? Stones and glass houses?
Max **********
John-Paul ******
@Max *********
... what is your point?
Max **********
@John-Paul *****
… you’ll understand it eventually, give it time 😉
Brandon ************
You cannot get a tourist visa in Thailand.

You'll need to apply for it in person once you're in Cambodia.
Riaan **********
@Brandon ***********
since you are from the US, you can only apply from the US, with proof of the relevant flight tickets for the Evisa
Delvonte ********
@Riaan *********
Not true. From personal experience I have applied while in The Philippines and successfully entered with no questions/problems
Garrett ***********
@Riaan *********
That's not true.
George ********
@Garrett **********
So is it possible , for an american to be outside the US and apply using the US evisa system?
Garrett ***********
@George **************
Yes it is. For the Evisa flight details you have to say you're leaving from the US, but for actually entering Thailand it doesn't matter where you're coming from.
Michael *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Garrett **********
Thank you so just to clarify. Once I get to cambodia (after leaving thailand) I can apply on the US site (via a US vpn for instance) and still get the visa even though I am actually traveling from cambodia?
Garrett ***********
@Michael ********
You could apply for it now before you leave. They'll ask you to upload flight details showing your trip from the US to Thailand. I'd recommend booking a flight on Expedia, printing out the confirmation page, they canceling the flight, Expedia has a 24 hour cancelation policy that I've never had an issue with.
Michael *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
People cannot apply on the E-Visa Site? It must be done in person? Thank you btw!
Brandon ************
@Michael ********
you need to be in a country to use evisa at that country's consulate. Evisa did not change the rules about applying for a Visa, it only changed where the application is submitted.

Part of the evisa application is showing a plane ticket from the country you applied at to Thailand.

None of the countries in SE Asia are on the evisa system yet.
Aaron ************
@Brandon ***********
the e-visa must be requested in your home country embassy, then what is the issue if you are not in another country such as Cambodia or Vietnam when you apply for it? You’re still outside of Thailand and visa is sent by email. Can’t see the issue.
Stuart *********
@Aaron ***********
part of the process of applying for a evisa would be a ticket from that country to Thailand and to upload every page of your passport with stamps for the last 12 months. From the latter they may well deduce that you’re not in the country you’re applying from.
Brandon ************
@Aaron ***********
as I mentioned, the rules of applying for a Visa did not change. You apply through the consulate in the country you are physically in. So if you're in Cambodia, you apply in Cambodia.

If you apply through the US and you're not in the US, and you cannot provide a plane ticket from the US to Thailand, they will reject your application and you'll lose the application fee as well.
Aaron ************
John **********
@Michael ********
it depends on if the country you are in supports the e-visa site or not. I don't think Cambodia does so you have to go to the Thai embassy
Delvonte ********
@John *********
Incorrect. I applied for my evisa while in The Philippines and I've not been to The U.S for almost 5 years. Got in with no problem.
John **********
@Delvonte *******
where did you say you were when applying? Where did you say you were flying from?
Delvonte ********
@John *********
I said I was in The U.S . I used onward ticket for my ticket. Chicago to Thailand with return. I entered from The Philippines
John **********
@Delvonte *******
I guess if you're happy to lie on your application you'll get away with it until someone checks.
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