Answered3 years ago

Can I enter Thailand on a Visa exemption and then activate my e-visa later?

Visa exemption e-visa Thailand visa rules US citizens tourist visa entry requirements

Helen ******

asked Jan 15, 2024

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We are from the US.  Before the pandemic we traveled to Thailand many times and have always gotten a visa from our local consulate the same day but just discovered the change to e-visa only and the 18 business day wait time.  Oops!  We are leaving in 8 business days!  Does anyone know if we can enter on the Visa exemption then leave 50 days later with our 60 day e-visa?  Or do you have to enter with the e-visa to activate it?

Answer summary

A US citizen inquiring about entering Thailand with a Visa exemption and then obtaining an e-visa learned that it's possible to enter on a 30-day Visa exemption, then apply for a 60-day e-visa during their stay. If the e-visa isn't approved before entry, they would need to exit and re-enter Thailand to activate it.

13 repliesnewest first

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Pete *****

As tod.says, do what we did if need be, enter 30

Days visa exempt then leave, fly back in to activate your eVisa (you have to fly back in).

Worked well for us and we ended up with extra 30 days which avoided the initial extension + we had a great trip to Taiwan.

3 years ago

Pete *****

@Ellie ******

I didn't realise, thnx.

3 years ago

Ellie *******

@Prete ****

, You also can enter by land to "activate" the issued eVisa, not have to fly always.

3 years ago

Cindy ******************

I got my evisa in 48 hours 6 months ago

3 years ago

Cindy ******************

I applied from Seattle, I believe it got done in SF or LA. I applied online though so whatever the options were .

3 years ago

Kathy ********************

@Cindy *****************

almost as fast for me from the LA consulate

3 years ago

Ellie *******

@Cindy *****************

, please add which embassy/consulate you applied for SETV at. If it's from a different embassy, it might not help OP

3 years ago

Tod *********

They revamped the tourist visa application process on the eVisa system and it's pretty simple to get thru. I would apply because 18 business days doesn't seem right.

You apply at the consulate based on where you are in the US

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3 years ago

Helen ******

@Tod ********

You’re so nice to try and help me out but on the Los Angeles Consulate website they state it will take 18 business days and a call to them confirmed it. They also said there is no expedited service. I did apply anyhoo but it may have been a waste of time and money as I’ll probably have to purchase a RT ticket to somewhere before my 30 day exemption expires or the airline won’t let me board my flight to Thailand if I can’t prove I’ll be leaving in 30 days. I can get another visa exemption when I fly back to BKK. Should have looked at the Thai website before I booked my airline tickets. I’ll know better next time. Thanks again. I really appreciate you.

3 years ago

Helen ******

You give me hope!! But on the phone call to the Consulate the woman told me 18 days were required and no expedited service was available. They were pretty cut and dry. I’ll keep my fingers crossed and hope we get an email this week as we leave on Sunday. She also told me they do not work on MLK Day. Makes this a 4 day week. Thanks for your info.

3 years ago

Kathy ********************

@Helen *****

just got mine through the LA consulate. They are incredibly helpful and it took 3 business days. One extra as they had a question

3 years ago

Ellie *******

@Helen *****

, I'm not sure where and when the Thai consulate in LA state 18 business days.. there might be a more recent announcement, but what I'm aware of is their processing time is 7 business days.

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3 years ago

Tod *********

Nope you can't

If you apply for an eVisa and it's not approved until after you get here to activate it you'd have to exit/re-enter the country showing it when you stamp back in

You can however enter on a 30 day visa exempt entry stamp (free entry) and get a 30 day extension at the immigration office after you're here for 1900baht (giving you the 60 days you want)

3 years ago