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Can I enter Thailand using visa exemption while my tourist visa application is pending?

Thailand visa policy Visa exemption Tourist visa French citizens Immigration advice Visa application process

May 13, 2022

3 years ago

Laura *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello, thank you for your help on this account 🙏🏻

I need your advice for my situation regarding my tourist visa if you have knowledge about this.

As I’m French, I don’t need a visa to come as a tourist for less than 30 days (with possibility of extending for 30 days more).

Nevertheless I decided to apply in France for tourist visa to have to possibility to stay longer in Thailand (60 + 30).

I have a plane tomorrow for BKK and I’ve not receive my visa yet (the procedure is still pending). My ticket is changeable.

Can I still come on the basis of visa exemption whilst a tourist visa application is pending ? 

FYI if it is relevant, I stayed in Thailand 10 months from mid July 2021 to mid April 2022 based on tourist visa + 4 Covid extensions.

I left the country for a month mid April 2022.

I already received my Thailand pass for this new trip. 

Thank you for your help 🙏🏻

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A French citizen inquiring about entering Thailand on a visa exemption while their tourist visa application is still pending. Despite the pending application, they can enter Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa and may also seek a 30-day extension. However, past long stays may raise questions from immigration officers when arriving.

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Robert *******

You can still come without the visa and use a Visa Exempt Entry.

There is no official limit of using these or how long you an be inside Thailand, but an Immigration Officer is doing his job at the airport when he ask you questions about your long period of stays in the country without a proper visa.

3 years ago

Laura *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Robert ******

thank you very much 🙏🏻 I know there is a risk the officer may challenge the reason I stayed so long in Thailand without proper visa 😊 but appart from that, the fact that I have a visa demand pending is not an issue for coming on a visa exempt entry, right ?

3 years ago

James ********

@Laura ******

it's not an issue but you are at great risk of being denied IMHO

3 years ago

James ********

@Laura ******

Suggest that you delay your trip until your tourist Visa is approved. You are at significantly risk of being questioned and denied entry with your recent long stays in Thailand.

3 years ago

Laura *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James *******

thank you very much you're right, that was the reason why I applied for an actual visa at the first place

3 years ago

James ********

@Laura ******

be sure to be prepared to show if asked

...the equivalent of 20,000 Thai baht in cash... ATM card or bank balance not accepted.

...Along with a flight ticket departing Thailand.

...And proof of your initial booking/stay in Thailand.

And of course your Thailand Pass.

I wish you success.

3 years ago

Laura *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James *******

yes I've got all of that 🙂 Many thanks for reminder 🙏🏻

3 years ago

James ********

@Laura ******

please see my PM to you.

Thanks and please let us know of your experience.

Commenting closed

3 years ago

James ********

@Laura ******

your approved Thai Pass is good for +7 days past your approved arrival date.

Hope your visa is approved during that time. But today to get the Thai Pass approved it's quick...in minute's, hour's or Max 48 hrs per TP.

3 years ago

Reply to

James ********

John **********

@Laura ******

that's not a problem. Just means that you can't use the visa without exiting and re-entering

3 years ago

Laura *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

ok that’s very clear. Thank you very much for your quick answers

3 years ago