Answered4 months ago

Can I apply for a tourist visa to Thailand 3 months before my travel date?

Thailand tourist visa Visa application timeline NON-O visa Visa exemption Living with Thai spouse Immigration advice

Rob ********

asked Jun 19, 2026

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Hi I’m travelling to Thailand and going to stay at home in udon for 45 days I’m going to apply for a tourist visa I’m not travelling till December so am I right in say I can only apply 3 months before I travel

Answer summary

The earliest you can apply for a tourist visa to Thailand is 90 days before your planned arrival. However, it is recommended to apply no later than 2 months before your trip to ensure your visa is processed in time. Since you will be staying with your Thai spouse, consider applying for a NON-O visa instead, which may better suit your situation. Your spouse can provide a letter stating your plans.

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Rob ********

Thank you guys do you know about the investigation letter to stay

My wife is Thai living in England with me and we are going home to stay would it be ok for her to write

4 months ago

Graeme ******

Rob Ryalls I would just say you are going on holiday and use a refundable hotel booking and then cancel once you have your visa, saves all the messing around of being invited and your wife writing a letter

4 months ago

Jim *********

Rob Ryalls If staying with your wife you may not be considered a tourist. You can get a non immigrant O based on staying with Thai family, your wife. Then she would write a letter stating your plans and ask that you get a visa. Good for 90 days. That said, I entered on a tourist visa exemption in January and they allowed me to enter even though my return ticket wasn't for 90 days. The officer did say to get the correct visa next time, your Thai wife won't save you.

4 months ago

Phil ********

Jim McGowan Correct. Entering visa exempt I was once pulled over and warned that as I was visiting my wife I was not considered as a tourist, I was told to get the correct visa next time (Non O Marriage based). They knew I was married because there were expired Non O's in my passport. Exactly the same happened to a friend. Its rare that you would be denied entry in this situation but to be completely safe - apply for a single entry (90 Day) Non O to visit Thai family. As your wife is travelling with you, you can't state 'to visit Thai wife' so use your mother in law's ID card or anyone else in the household you are visiting as proof of relationship.

4 months ago

Graham ******

A tourist visa is valid for 90 days from the date it is issued so apply no further than 2 months from your planned arrival date to give you some leeway

4 months ago

John **********

Yes. 90 days before your arrival date is the earliest to apply

4 months ago