Answered2 years ago

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

Matthew ********

asked Jun 21, 2024

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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.

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.

6 repliesnewest first

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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

2 years ago

Matthew ********

@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

2 years ago

Matthew ********

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.

2 years ago

Matthew ********

Thank you. Not an excuse though

2 years 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

2 years ago

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.

2 years ago