Can I enter Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption while waiting for my tourist visa approval?

Question

Hi looking for some advice on tourist visa!! Flying to Thailand on the 19th of November and we are still awaiting our visas. Applied for 40 days so didn’t think to do the 30 days on arrival. Does anyone know if we can enter Thailand before our tourist visa is approved and use the 30 day arrival card instead? And then go to an immigration office to extend? Or is this not possible when we have active visa applications going through? Thanks so much!!!

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is seeking advice on whether they can enter Thailand using a 30-day visa exemption while waiting for their tourist visa approval. The community members confirm that it is possible to enter on the 30-day visa exemption and later apply for a 30-day extension at the local immigration office if the visa is not approved before travel. Users share their experiences and stress the importance of checking with airlines regarding onward travel specifications.

Tina ****** · Answer

We were in the same boat but it finally came through (3 days incl weekend) before our departure date. Our plan B was to enter under the 30 day visa with proof of onward flight WITHIN the 30 day period so we could board the flight but then go to the immigration office for an extension as [mention redacted] suggested also. Keep an eye on your email - they requested for further documentation which I made sure I got back to them promptly. Good luck and all the best. I hope it comes through 🤞🏻

Breathtaki*********** · Answer

What Tourist Visa did you apply for? My METV was approved last week after around 14 working days Pending Decision.

I also chased via email. [email redacted] and [email redacted].

Umer ************** · Answer

What country you apply?

Yes you can enter but will only get 30 days if its on the list

Luc ************ · Answer

Yes you can but just wait a few days. You probably get your visa a few days before. Check your account on the website, maybe its already approved but their mail got int your spam box. Happens sometimes.

Uschi ********* · Answer

1. There is no 40 day tourist visa, only a 60 day one.

2. Arrival Card TDAC is not a visa. Don't mix this up.

3. You can use the 30 day visa exemption and then apply for an 30 day extension at the local immigration office.

Tod ********* · Answer

If your visa isn't approved before your travel date AND you come from a country who gets in on the free stamp 30 day visa exempt entry you could indeed fly in that way.

Then you could apply for the one 30 day extension to that stamp at the immigration office serving the area where you stay for 1900baht.

Keep in mind your air carrier would be the one that might have an issue with you flying in free stamp (no valid visa) with onward travel dated out past your stamp <- some air carriers have a "must show onward travel within the days you will stamp in for" rule so check with them if you're going to fly in free stamp..

You won't have any issue entering thailand with onward travel dated 60 days out because they know you can get an extension on your 30 day entry stamp for another 30 days

Can I enter Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption while waiting for my tourist visa approval?

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