Can I apply for a tourist visa in the UK immediately after leaving Thailand on an education visa?

visa application Thailand tourist visa education visa UK immigration rules visa re-entry expat advice

Jun 21, 2024

6 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Does anyone know if you can apply for tourist visa in your home country (UK for me) immediately after leaving Thailand at the end of a 12 month education visa? Plan is to come back 2 weeks after leaving Thailand.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Yes, you can apply for a tourist visa in the UK after leaving Thailand on an education visa. However, upon returning to Thailand, you may face increased scrutiny at immigration, with possible questioning regarding your previous long-term stay as a tourist.

John **********

You can certainly apply. Up to the embassy whether they will issue it or not. The chances of you getting a hard time from immigration on arriving in Thailand are likely pretty high though

6 months ago

Matthew ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

thank you. The plan is to apply for another education visa once back in Thailand but my school said I should apply first for a tourist visa to allow time to apply etc. they told me to explain that to immigration, and that I want to explore a few different schools. Do you think that will be accepted as an explanation?

My passport also needs to be renewed while I’m home so I’ll also be on a new passport, but assuming they’re connect it to my old one

6 months ago

Matthew ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Just wanted to update this. I just came back to Thailand last night after getting a 60 day tourist visa back in UK, and it was very smooth going through border control. No questions asked. Just in case this helps anyone else.

5 months ago

Matthew ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you. Not an excuse though

6 months ago

John **********

@Matthew *******

a new passport won't make a difference, your biometrics will link it to your old one. Who knows if immigration would accept that excuse, I'd only be guessing

6 months ago

Reply to

John **********

Will ************

You’ll get the visa no problems. Red flags will be raised to full mast at immigration. Expect to be taken aside and given an interview on arrival. Questions like why you live long time here as tourist, I believe you working here.

6 months ago

Reply to

Will ************

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Can I apply for an ED visa for language school in Thailand after entering on a tourist visa from the UK?

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