Answered14 days ago
Can I enter Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption and later extend my stay without an issue?
I understand that we only get a free visa on entry for 30 days on entry, but can I buy my return ticket for 40 days and whilst I'm in Thailand go to the immigration office for an extension so I don't have to pay for overstay. Will this be a problem boarding the flight from the UK or getting into Thailand knowing that it's only allowed 30 days.
Answer summary
The discussion revolves around entering Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption and the concerns regarding booking a return ticket for 40 days. While you can technically apply for a 30-day extension at the immigration office in Thailand, there are significant concerns about boarding your flight from the UK and compliance at immigration in Thailand. It is advised to either book a return ticket that aligns with the 30-day entry or consider applying for a tourist visa that allows 60 days upon entry. Various suggestions include getting a flexible return flight or even a cheap bus ticket to Laos to reset your entry.
29 repliesnewest first
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Clive **********
Just book a 30 day return flight on a flexible flight then you can change flight when your in Thailand to fly home at the end of your 30days extension
Chris ******
You wrote it
30 days
So what dont you understand if return ticket needs to be witin 30 days to be allowed entry into the country?
30 days
So what dont you understand if return ticket needs to be witin 30 days to be allowed entry into the country?
Jayson **********
Chris Nunn he's not baught it yet and wants to book a return for 40 days and use a extension, get it ?
Philip ******
Just get a 60 day visa online
James **********
This question has never been asked before
Ant ***********
Yes you can
Easy
Before the 30 days is up
Go to immigration and pay 1900 baht for an extra 30 days
Easy
Before the 30 days is up
Go to immigration and pay 1900 baht for an extra 30 days
John *********
Ant W Tailor not easy if they ask him at departure for a return tkt and deny him boarding.
Lisa *********
John Doughty book a cheap onward flight beforehand then cancel when you get to Thailand
Timothy *******
Alan Lord You can pay a few bucks and use a onward flight company they email you itinerary so you can show the airlines and I think it expires in a couple of days
Alan ******
Lisa Callard you’ll not get one with free cancellation
Willi*****
What a fckn shambles."It depends on your arline".WTAF ????🤮💩🤬
Peter *******
Waarom niet gewoon een visum aanvragen
Dave ********
Look at getting a bus or train ticket from Nong Khai (north-east Thailand) to Vientiane (Loas), probably $20. Then don't go.
Alan ******
Dave Austin but the return will still be from Thailand. Does the 30 day visa free start again straight away if you leave?
Larry *********
Alan Lord you keep your 40 day return. your just showing your exit within the 30 day tourist exempt. your doing a one time visa hop. i think they allow one per year if you've never done that.
Dave ********
Alan Lord it's just to show the airline proof of onward travel. You don't leave, just extend the 30 days on entry by another 30 days.
John **********
If it's a problem anywhere it will be when trying to board your flight as they can insist on a ticket out of Thailand within the time you get stamped in for. Get a tourist visa which gives you 60 days on entry, not only does it resolve the boarding issue but it actually works out cheaper than getting an extension inside Thailand. Plus it saves having to spend hours at immigration to get the extension
Tony ********
@John *********
Are in mind some people are saying 60day tourist visa is taking over a month to approveDave ****************
@John *********
it's about the same tbh. £50 for visa at London embassy Vs 1900b extension. Does save the hassle of going to immi though. Personally I've never had an issue flying out of UK without onward booking, both with visas and on visa exempt
David ******
@Dave ***************
I had to return to the uk earlier this year. So bought a return ticket back to Thailand. on coming back stupid airline actually questioned why I didn't have a return to uk. I'm on retirement visa I might add, The just didn't look. It does seem to be becoming the norm now where airlines are insisting on returns especially from the UK.
GivingPer**********
@Dave ***************
The issue will not be because of "London". It will depend on what air carrier you travel with. They have their own routines to avoid having to transport you back on their dime.Dave ****************
GivingPersimmon1136 I've done pretty much most of them except BA and Thai direct over 15 years or so
David *******
@Dave ***************
It is £30 for the tourist visa, I know as I have just received mine from London Embassy online.Dave ****************
David Baker my mistake sorry
John **********
@Dave ***************
£30 according to their website
David ********
Only your airline can answer that, and what they say at check in, if you are entering visa exempt for 30 days they might want to see a ticket out of Thailand within 30 days, what has happened to other people is irrelevent
Mike Williams
Ronny Liekens
Alan Bow
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