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Can I apply for an ED visa at a Thai embassy in a neighboring country while on an Amnesty tourist visa in Thailand?
Visa RulesAmnesty PolicyED VisaTourist VisaThailand ImmigrationVisa Application ProcessBorder CrossingCovid-19 Travel Restrictions
Jul 8, 2020
6 years ago
Rich ********
ORIGINAL POSTERHypothetical question. I am currently on a Amnesty tourist visa. If a land border opens with a neighboring country, i could get another tourist visa (with the maximum of 2 entries per year). But could I visit a Thai embassy in that neighboring country to get my ED visa? I realize you are supposed to go to one in your own country. I ask because I am at Thai immagration and an agent suggested going to Laos (with visa to enter Laos) to go to the embassy. Any respectable responses welcome :)
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the possibility of applying for an Education (ED) visa at a Thai embassy in a neighboring country while currently on an Amnesty tourist visa in Thailand. While some users believe it's possible under certain conditions such as not needing quarantine, others point out the difficulties including embassy closures and ongoing travel restrictions due to Covid-19. It was noted that obtaining an ED visa can sometimes be done in Thailand, depending on individual circumstances, although many stress adhering to the official immigration procedures and being cautious about varying advice from agents.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Thai Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Richard ******
Hanging on like. To a sinking ship
Richard ******
Dont bother just go home
Rich ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Richard *****
what kind of message is this? Useful? Not really. I decided to sign up for the elite visa. Richard ******
@Rich *******
or just buy a fake same as everybody elseRichard ******
@Rich *******
yes if you go in and out enough probably good shoutReply to
Richard ******
Reply
Matt *******
Unlikely because you don’t know what the requirements are to actually get back IN to Thailand. So even if borders opened to Laos and you enter the country, get a visa, they could say that you need to provide a negative covid 19 test result before being able to enter Thailand again
Marguyvin **********
Yup. Aside from the covid protocols, the "new normal" will be Thailand will be equally difficult/expensive whether you are coming or going. :/
Reply to
Marguyvin **********
Reply
Francisca *******************
I contacted about twenty agencies and each of them told me different things. The same to the immigration office the same. Every agent tells me different things.
Darren *******
Mogens Nygaard shhhh 🤑
Nick ************
@Francisca ******************
I haven't managed 20 yet but those I have tell me different things. Some have quoted up to *****
baht. Some require my passport for three weeks while I stay in a hotel! Some say I have to be resident in Bangkok and have a 6 month lease agreement. Some say I have to be there some say I dont. What they all say is the price is about to go up. It is actually easier and cheaper to fly back to UK and get the Visa if only you could get back into Thailand again. Dont mention the bank account. That is an equally absurd situation.Francisca *******************
@Nick ***********
, Yes one agency asked my *****
baht and another today *****
. But the Ed Visa cost at immigration office is 1900 bahtTod *********
@Francisca ******************
believe me OF those 20 agencies you contacted I'd bet most of them are sending the passport to the same "real agent" as there are only a handful in the whole country that really push all the paper at the immigration offices. All the rest just tell you they have connections and then send your passport to the REAL agent that gets the extension (and add a fee on top of what the main one charges)
Nick ************
@Francisca ******************
try Thai visa agency as they have quoted lowest price and if you are near Bangkok could be a good option.Francisca *******************
@Nick ***********
, do you have a contact? I'm looking for that but for exemple, one agency this morning ask my *****
bahtNick ************
@Francisca ******************
Grace at Thai Visa *******************************
Francisca *******************
@Nick ***********
, oh thank. I have wrote her. I'm waiting an answer.Nick ************
@Francisca ******************
unfortunately they are not good at answering.Francisca *******************
And I don't know how the agency give me an Ed Visa if I haven't an Non immigant Visa e I cannot re entry before october
Darren *******
@Francisca ******************
if they get it right now then it will be because they've paid someone under the tableScott ********
@Darren ******
can someone please show me the table? I am ready to get this done.Francisca *******************
@Darren ******
, ok I know but one question: Do you think this visa is valid? I can go out e re entry in Thailand when I want? Mmmmhhh I'm not sureReply to
Francisca *******************
Reply
Darren *******
@Nick ***********
in summary...they have no clue what's going on just like everyone elseReply to
Darren *******
Reply
Allan ************
So we wait for the off or not, in the mean time enjoy what you have.
Marcus **********
Seems like a visa amnesty extension is going to happen then.
Bobby ********
*****************************************************************************************************
*******
/10/visa-amnesty-extension-unlikely-immigration-spox-says/Kimberly ************
Marc Skidmore I really hope, but don't count on it at all. We can leave! There are flights... And 'Elvis' wants us to leave the building even if we are the only tourists left to support that part of the economy. It doesn't make sense but thailand wants to clean up the tourists who try to live here.
Nick ************
Milos Zorica not me but I am not Thai. I have found Thai people some if the most kind, generous and accepting people I have ever met but their logic just defies belief at times.
Nick ************
Milos Zorica you are absolutely right. I have been told that many give advice based on what they did 10 years ago!
Nick ************
Milos Zorica I like you. You are in the real world not fantasy land!
Darren *******
Milos Zorica and many also flying
Nick ************
@Darren ******
if they have taken off I would most sincerely hope that they are flying.Reply to
Nick ************
Reply
Marcus **********
However I think they will leave it to the very last day to announce it like they always do.
Darren *******
@Marc *********
and yes it wouldn't surprise me if they announce something at the last minuteReply to
Darren *******
Reply
Darren *******
@Marc *********
source?Marcus **********
@Darren ******
if there is no travel bubble flights still being cancelled and no land borders open. They will have no choice but to extend it. It's common sense. Darren *******
@Marc *********
flights have been available throughout, both repat and commercial. Nick ************
@Darren ******
yes but it was and still is a total lottery as to whether they take off.Darren *******
@Nick ***********
but they're taking offDarren *******
@Marc *********
travel bubbles, given what was reported in the media about it, was only ever likely to be based on what passport you held and not where you lived/travel history.Reply to
Darren *******
Reply
Pascal **********
Thailand travel bubble in chaos: Plans for international flights between participating countries put off indefinitely
Tod *********
Just so you're clear ALL in country Non-Immigrant visas of ANY type are for 90 days and cost 2000baht at the immigration office, period end of story
AND
All extensions of stays (no matter how long they're issued for) cost 1900baht.
IF you're paying a school to get you a "special ED visa" and it's more than 2000 baht you're getting a back door under the table one issued.
AND
All extensions of stays (no matter how long they're issued for) cost 1900baht.
IF you're paying a school to get you a "special ED visa" and it's more than 2000 baht you're getting a back door under the table one issued.
Nick ************
@Tod ********
this us simply not true and I dint know why you insist on repeating such rubbish. I have been to 2 immigration offices now and neither will allow me 90 day visas and say I must leave the country to get them. Where you get your information from is anyones guess it did you manage it 10 years ago. Things have changed, stop confusing people. END OF!Tod *********
@Nick ***********
I think you need to STOP replying on visa stuff when you don't know what you're talking about. You CAN get a 90 day Non-O visa issued INSIDE the country and depending on the office you need between 15 and 21 days left on your current entry stamp from a 30 day visa exempt, a 60 day tourist visa OR a 30 day extension on one of those.
You CANNOT apply for an in country Non-O visa at the immigration office once you go on amnesty :(
Stick with what you know, which is NOT visa stuff :P
David *********
@Tod ********
where is the written proof from immigration of your claim that you can't apply once in amnesty?Tod *********
@David ********
you need REAL hard stamped days left on your current 30 day visa exempt, 60 day tourist visa or a 30 day extension from one of those to get an in country Non-immigrant visa process because the application goes under consideration between 14 and 20 days depending on the office you apply at. Amnesty has NO stamp and in fact the stamp IN your passport has expired <- putting you technically on overstay and the only thing that the amnesty is really doing is NOT fining you the 500baht a day for staying past the expiration of your stamp as long as it expired after March 26th.
Nick ************
@Tod ********
so basically you are saying that the immigration officers in two offices dont know their stuff either. You might be right. Anyway I am perfectly happy to admit when I dont know much about a topic and that us why I have been to immigration for information on a number of occssions. It is also why I joined this group but with so many different opinions and distortions of the facts I have not found it very helpful. Reply to
Nick ************
Reply
David *********
@Tod ********
your sources?Kim **********
@David ********
Tod is also on another forum , and I have to say his information about Visas are specific and very to the point and up to date . I believe he is a very trusted source of information and has a good following because of his accuracy . David *********
@Kim *********
then have him give where he is getting the information.Tod *********
@David ********
here's the heading on the paper from Chaengwattana Secion C-1 (the visa issuing section) for getting an in country Non-O based on being over 50 (retirement) Chiang Mai has the same paper but it says 21 days required not 15 days
AND
seeing as amnesty is technically overstay (because there is NO valid stamp IN your passport letting you be here) you can't apply for an in country Non-O from it :(
Tod *********
@David ********
I'm getting my information from the Chiang Mai immigration office which requires a minimum of 21 stamp days on your current entry stamp AND the main immigration office in Bangkok out at Chaengwattana that requires a minimum of 15 days left on your current valid stamp. Kim **********
@David ********
comments closed from me . Reply to
Kim **********
Reply
Nick ************
I have just been told the same thing at immigration.
Tod *********
what is it you were told?
Nick ************
@Tod ********
to go to laos for type O Visa while people on here say it can be done in country. 2 immigration offices have said the same now.Tod *********
Sit tight, wait it out and see what they say amnesty holders need to do.
Tod *********
@Nick ***********
IF you're already on amnesty you can't get a non-O visa issued inside the country, you would have needed to do that BEFORE your current stamp ran out.AND
As things are now, you're not getting in to Lao to get a Non-O visa OR getting back into thailand right now either.
Reply to
Tod *********
Reply
Sid *******
If you are on an expired tourist visa schools for a limited time can process the Ed Visa in Thailand. They have to be approved before the amnesty is up so you may be a little late now as my previous school informed me in an email mid June that it can take from 4 to 6 weeks for the application to be approved. They said at the time if this is something you’re interested in do it now. You can always talk to an approved school and see what they say.
Tod *********
sounds like an "under the table" "back door" visa issued seeing as no immigration offices I know of can get a Non-Imm visa issued while you're on amnesty (which really means you REAL stamp to stay here expired already).
Sid *******
@Tod ********
This was from a very reputable school in Chiang Mai. I also saw somewhere else that immigration where making special concessions for Ed Visas for a very limited time . Tod *********
@Sid ******
and what pray tell is the cost of the 90 day in country Non-ED visa from that very reputable school? Unless I'm mistaken I think they're saying it's 15K baht (and as I pointed out the actual VISA really costs 2000 at the immigration office).
I did not say the stamps weren't real, just that they are gotten via 'other means'...
Sid *******
@Tod ********
I guess whatever the cost of the visa is and of course add on the cost of your schooling for the next six months or 12 . It’s what ever option you prefer. It is an Ed VISA and that means you have to attend class three times a week. The cost of the Class was not over inflated. It was just their regular fee. Tod *********
@Sid ******
right, the class costs look to be in line with the other schools BUT their "visa special fee" costs seem outta whack Reply to
Tod *********
Reply
Rich ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Sid ******
I plan to begin the process this week to request it from the ministry. Wait and see what happens nextReply to
Rich ********
Reply
Simon **********
How would you get back into Thailand if you go to Laos? I thought only people with work permits and diplomats etc were allowed to enter the kingdom at the moment.
Marcus **********
@Simon *********
students are allowed in now. Tod *********
@Marc *********
and again you post bad info. Students are not "allowed in now" students can APPLY at the thai consulate in the country they're in for a Certificate of Entry (which comes from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office here in Bangkok), they need to have booked the 14 day stay in the Alternative State Quarantine facility, they need to have 100K US dollars of covid specific insurance, they need to have a negative covid test and a fit to fly certificate. The country did NOT just open the doors to students :( They follow the exact same procedure that people who have work permits, are married to thais, or have half thai children do to get back in
Richard ******
@Tod ********
why dont you all go home and start again simpleTod *********
what jerked your chain
@Ric****
?Reply to
Tod *********
Reply
Simon **********
@Ma**
, sorry yes and students. My point is that doing any sort of border run or exit now will presumably preclude a return to the kingdom for most people. If you are in the bracket allowed to enter now, then I don’t see why you would want or need to go out and try and get back in.Darren *******
@Marc *********
University students and international school students unless they've changed that recentlyReply to
Darren *******
Reply
Pedro ***********
You can get your ED visa in most of the neighbourhood countries, but... be careful, according to Thai embassy in Malaysia... the ED visa does not allow you re entry in Thailand for the moment
Reply to
Pedro ***********
Reply
David *********
I am currently in process of changing my tourist visa to an ed visa in country. It can be done. And it can be done legally.
Jimmy ******
David, what’s the name of the school? I need to learn Thai anyway
David *********
@Jimmy *****
pro language Reply to
David *********
Reply
Alexis *********
@David ********
I am a student at Rajaphat university and I will get my documents this week, what was the process to get the Ed visa in country? It used to be we had to leave but now with covid that’s not an option so your advice would be amazing!!!David *********
@Alexis ********
the school is doing everything for me. So sadly I don't have any advice or info on what to do.Alexis *********
@David ********
oh ok, thanks thoughhReply to
Alexis *********
Reply
Jimmy ******
Done In BKK?
David *********
@Jimmy *****
Pattaya. But the school has 4 locations. Bkk, chaing Mai, rayong, Pattaya Reply to
David *********
Reply
Francisca *******************
Laos and other country don't release Any visa in this moment. I have the same problem
Allan ************
I’m in the same position came in on a 30 day visa in March, now looking to apply for retirement visa except, any paperwork I need is in England .
Richard ******
Allan Carrington bye bye
Richard ******
Allan Carrington go home and get it
Nick ************
@Allan ***********
I am trying to get a retirement Visa and I am sitting in a bank right now trying to open an account so I can transfer the required funds to Thailand. Immigration in 2 places have now told me I will not have to leave the Kingdom if the borders are not open by the end of the month.Todd *********
the requirement paperwork is not onerous and in the generation of e-banking and Docusign, there is no need to return to home country to collect.
Allan ************
@Todd ********
this is what I presumed,but not certain.Reply to
Allan ************
Reply
Stan *******
Let's get the terminology correct right from the start. You didn't come in on a '30 days visa' because there is no such thing. You are British so you came in on a 30 day visa *exemption*. See chart.
It's called an exemption for a reason. Citizens of numerous countries are eligible for that if their stay is for 30 days or less. It's to negate people having to apply for a full 60 day tourist visa from a consulate or embassy outside Thailand.
Looks like you'll need to go back to the UK to apply, depending on what visa you want. When you get back, call the Hull consulate, who are the most helpful and friendly of all.
It's called an exemption for a reason. Citizens of numerous countries are eligible for that if their stay is for 30 days or less. It's to negate people having to apply for a full 60 day tourist visa from a consulate or embassy outside Thailand.
Looks like you'll need to go back to the UK to apply, depending on what visa you want. When you get back, call the Hull consulate, who are the most helpful and friendly of all.
******************************
Kimberly ************
@Stan ******
I think you are right, Stan. I asked around visa agents about retirement visa and you have to go to the country you are a resident... Especially because of criminal records check. Allan ************
@Stan ******
well thank you, trying to avoid leaving, I’m married with a home in joint names.Nick ************
@Stan ******
that information is rubbish.Stan *******
@Nick ***********
bollocks. It’s valid info from the Immi website and not affected by any changes due to Covid. But no doubt you’re yet another Facebook ‘expert’ ... 😀Nick ************
@Stan ******
well it looks like I know more than you but I am no expert Facebook or not. You do not have to go back to the UK to get a 60 or 90 day Visa. IF you dont believe me ask an immigration officer. I have been to two offices now and been told the same by both and I think they probably know more about it than both of us.Stan *******
@Nick ***********
Ah, well, you've been to two Immi offices, but I have had umpteen visas in my 16 years here, but obviously I know nothing Nick ************
@Stan ******
well instead of crowing about it why dont you offer some useful advice to those who have not been here so long? Before you do make sure you are giving current advice and not that from 16 years ago!Stan *******
@Nick ***********
dick, you obviously can’t read as well as think. Time does move on you know. How do you think I’ve managed to stay here so long? Try looking at the chart I put up. It’s dated May 2019. Only a year old and nothing has changed except that Covid has put a hold on everything.
I’d that have thought you’d know the old adage of when you’ve dug yourself into a hole, stop digging but no not you, far too stupid to realise
Nick ************
You realy have proved a point. The point that I am so relieved that there are so few people like you in Thailand. People who think they can lord it over anyone they like and insult them even though they know nothing about them. Thailand does not want you. Go away you nasty little man.
Stan *******
@Nick ***********
I’m talking pre-Covid because no one knows a bloody thing at the moment. But you carry on feeling self important Reply to
Stan *******
Reply
Rich ********
ORIGINAL POSTERPlease keep in mind that it could be any land border.
Marcus **********
Savanakhet is issuing visas but only by online appointments only. You cannot just turn up.
Tod *********
I think you should get your facts straight before lipping off with the wrong info there
Savannakhet NEVER had on line appointments for their visa process that was the thai consulate in Vientiane Savannakhet was walk up service.
@Ma**
, :( Savannakhet NEVER had on line appointments for their visa process that was the thai consulate in Vientiane Savannakhet was walk up service.
Marcus **********
@Tod ********
if you want to keep up with the latest follow a YouTube channel called THAILAND legal. They give out fresh news everyday in detail. There are online applications. Darren *******
@Marc *********
*********************************************************************************************
*****
0-4-Steps-to-Apply-for-Thai-Visa.html - nothing about online applications on their websiteNick ************
@Darren ******
thankyou for that link. It has been most helpful. Reply to
Nick ************
Reply
Nick ************
@Tod ********
well maybe they have just changed to on line appointments only. Did you think of that?Tod *********
Reply to
Tod *********
Reply
Rich ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Marc *********
I was thinking I would visit the Lao consulate in Bangkok to apply for visa and get the appropriate procedures if this was an available path. Marcus **********
@Rich *******
you can enter Laos however need to quarantine 14 days. They have not removed this yet. Reply to
Marcus **********
Reply
Tod *********
There is NOTHING about going to your own country to get a 90 day ED visa and thousands of people got them from the thai consulates in nearby countries BEFORE this covid-shit-storm started
Garrett ***********
2 points, entering the country without a visa is NOT a visa, it's a visa exempt entry. Yes, most nationalities get 2 visa exempt entries by land per calender year.
ED visas can be obtained at a Thai embassy in any country, as can most visas. Only the Non-OA, visas for certain nationalities (Indians, Chinese, ext) and certain treaty related non-Bs have to be obtained in your home country.
ED visas can be obtained at a Thai embassy in any country, as can most visas. Only the Non-OA, visas for certain nationalities (Indians, Chinese, ext) and certain treaty related non-Bs have to be obtained in your home country.
David *********
@Garrett **********
there are some nationalities that need to return to home country to get an ed visa.Reply to
David *********
Reply
Tod *********
You aren't gonna get IN to Lao right now without doing 14 day quarantine and then you're NOT gonna get back in to thailand even if you do get a visa (which you're not gonna get because the thai consulates are not open to selling visas in lao yet)
Rich ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tod ********
i realize a few things will need to change to make this an option. I just want to be as ready as I can be. Terary **********
@Rich *******
He's getting is running shoes on. Bahahah. I am in the same boat you are, man. Good luckRich ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Terary *********
I decided to go the Thai elite routeTerary **********
@Rich *******
I think I did the volunteer visa. I gave someone a bunch of cash and my passport. I am hopeful after a month they'll give me back my passport with a volunteer visa. I think your approach is more soundRich ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Terary *********
scary to give anyone your passportReply to
Rich ********
Reply
Marcus **********
Theoretically it is possible. As long as you don't have to quarantine on the re entry to Thailand. If Laos is included in the travel bubble then there will be no need to quarantine going either way.
Garrett ***********
@Ma**
That travel bubble was canceled Camila *******
@Garrett **********
I see that you have a lot of information,maybe you can help me, I m stuck in Brazil, I had ED visa for 1 year and half, after that as a Brazilian a can get 90 days tourist visa, so I use to do that for another 1 and half unfortunately I came to Brazil due to some family problem and so far I can’t come back 😭! Do you have any idea what type of visa should I look for? So I can go home as soon as possible? Reply to
Camila *******
Reply
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