Can I apply for the new E-Visa system while in Thailand, and how does it work?

Dec 18, 2024
a month ago
T ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I have confusion regarding the new E-Visa system commencing from 1st January 2025. Can it be applied in Thailand? When approved, do we need to leave Thailand and get a new stamp for new E-Visa? Or the E-Visa will be automatically activated if already inside in Thailand?

Thank you.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The new E-Visa system set to begin on January 1, 2025, has raised questions about its application process and activation. It has been clarified that the E-Visa can only be applied for at the relevant Thai embassy located outside of Thailand, as there are no embassies inside the country. When approved, the E-Visa cannot be activated while in Thailand; it must be presented at immigration upon re-entering the country. Users have expressed further inquiries about visa exemptions and conversion of visas while remaining in Thailand.
Julian *******
Say you’re here on an elite visa that is expiring a d you want to convert to a marriage visa , would you be able to do that without leaving Thailand
Shan ******
For countries free visa to thailand will it still be free to shop to thailand from across the border or do we need to pay visa? Would anyone know?
John **********
The best way to look at the evisa system is as if it were a physical consulate but instead of walking through the gate you walk in electronically. That means you should be in the country you want to apply at and should remain in that country until the process completes
Brandon ************
There is no "new" evisa system. They're just finishing converting the final handful of countries that haven't been using it for the past years already.

You apply for a Thai visa based on the Thai embassy that services where you physically are. Obviously there is no Thai embassy in Thailand. You must go to a country and apply for a Thai visa through the embassy that services that country.

You cannot activate a visa from an embassy in Thailand. You activate a visa when you enter Thailand by handing it to the immigration officer along with your passport.

Nothing has changed for 99% of people whose Thai embassy at home has already been using evisa for years.
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