Answered3 years ago

Can I apply for a Thailand e-visa close to my travel date, or should I apply in person at the embassy?

Thailand e-visa visa application timing multi-entry visa single-entry visa Thai embassy visa processing times

Grzegorz ***********

asked Jul 10, 2023

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TR e-visa question - the website says to apply 1 month at latest before the trip. I didn't, as I was considering applying for multi-entry, so wanted to get the most out of it - now I am probably going with single entry though.

Per website, the processing takes 3-10 days, same as application in person in embassy.

Will they decline the application on principle, or am I good to apply (and basically have a risk of them not processing it before my trip - which is fine, as I can entry without visa for 30 days anyway)?

If there is a risk of declining, would it be better to apply in person at embassy?

Answer summary

The user is unsure whether applying for a Thailand e-visa close to their travel date will lead to rejection. They note that they didn't apply within the advised one-month period, considering switching from a multi-entry to a single-entry visa. A commenter reassures that applications are typically not denied for being submitted late, but warns that processing times vary, which might risk the visa not being ready before traveling. Moreover, if the Thai embassy in the user's country only accepts e-visas, they cannot apply in person.

6 repliesnewest first

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

I've never heard of them rejecting an application because someone applied too late. It's just letting you know there's a risk that your visa will not be issued before you travel.

Please note if you are in a country where the Thai embassy has adopted e-visa, you CANNOT go to the embassy in person. Embassies who have adopted e-visa no longer allow anyone on the property except for Thai citizens obtaining services.

3 years ago

Grzegorz ***********

@Brandon ***********

Ah, I only now saw the note about e-visa - indeed that seems to be the case, the embassy website is a mess and they still have information that you can make an appointment... but when trying to make one in their online system, it has only Thai options, so I was wondering what's up. But in the news section they made an announcement about e-visa.

3 years ago

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

@Grzegorz **********

yes every embassy that has switched to evisa no longer allows people on the property. Only Thai citizens utilizing the embassy services are allowed inside.

3 years ago

Grzegorz ***********

That's perfect, thanks for the advice!

Do you by chance know if I end up applying for multi-entry anyway, is it more hassle to prove that you really need it over single entry, or it pretty much depends on the immigration officer pickiness?

For now I know I will want to stay in Thailand as an Asian base for some time, most likely mostly in Thailand, but I don't discount possiblity of wanting to visit Malaysia or Vietnam (and come back to Thailand for ED visa) - or even coming back to my home country for a moment. I still have one land crossing this year to use, no re-entries via air, but I always get stressed the next time I could get declined. Multi-entry visa solves this problem, but I got spooked by the note on the website saying that I need to prove I really need it.

3 years ago

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

@Grzegorz **********

In order to apply for multiple entry you need to show/prove the need for it. That generally means you need to upload a flight to Thailand, a flight out of Thailand within 60 days from that arrival, and then another flight into Thailand. If you apply for multiple entry and do not prove the need for it, they warn you in the application that they may issue a single entry tourist visa and you will not be refunded the difference in application fee.

3 years ago

Grzegorz ***********

@Brandon ***********

That's what I assumed, I don't have an exact itinerary yet, besides knowing this scenario most likely will happen in the first three months 😃

Single-entry it is, I will figure it out when I actually need it (or go with elite, which I am considering too).

3 years ago