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Can I enter Thailand with a 30-day visa exemption and extend it in-country?
Thai Visa RulesVisa ExemptionVisa ExtensionImmigrationTraveling with FamilyCanada to Thailand TravelFlight RequirementsVisa Application Process
Dec 21, 2023
2 years ago
Valerie ********
ORIGINAL POSTERhello all,thanks for adding me. We are a family of 4 from Canada who have been travellling for the past 5 months. We have had a very easy time of it so far with visas but find ourselves in a conundrum with Thailand as we didn't realize the strictures on the 60 day visa (ie. we can't apply for it outside our home country, as we had planned to do). We are currently in Sri Lanka and have a flight to BKK in less than 2 weeks.
So - my questions are:
1. can we come into thailand on a 30 day visa and extend it relatively easily in-country (we have seen both yes and no as an answer elsewhere). We would be applying for the extension in Krabi, which is our first stop.
1. if yes, we CAN renew relatively easily while in-country, will we need to show an outbound flight on arrival that is leaving the country by the 30 day mark? Or, can we enter with a flight that leaves by the 60 day mark and explain that we plan to renew/extend while in the country?
1. do we need to arrive at BKK with with printed photos for the 30 day visa on-arrival or not? we have read that yes, we need them, and no, we don't.
What say you - wise travellers?
Many thanks,
v.
So - my questions are:
1. can we come into thailand on a 30 day visa and extend it relatively easily in-country (we have seen both yes and no as an answer elsewhere). We would be applying for the extension in Krabi, which is our first stop.
1. if yes, we CAN renew relatively easily while in-country, will we need to show an outbound flight on arrival that is leaving the country by the 30 day mark? Or, can we enter with a flight that leaves by the 60 day mark and explain that we plan to renew/extend while in the country?
1. do we need to arrive at BKK with with printed photos for the 30 day visa on-arrival or not? we have read that yes, we need them, and no, we don't.
What say you - wise travellers?
Many thanks,
v.
TLDR : Answer Summary
A Canadian family seeking advice on the Thai visa process has encountered confusion regarding entry requirements. They need clarity on entering Thailand with a 30-day visa exemption, the possibility of extending their stay in Krabi, and whether they need proof of onward travel or printed photos for the entry. Community responses confirm that they can enter on a 30-day visa exemption, extend it in-country for an additional 30 days, and typically do not need to show proof of onward travel upon arrival. However, it's advised to check with the airline regarding their requirements, as they might ask for such proof before boarding. Additionally, no photos are needed for the entry, only for the extension.
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Stuart ***********
Someone else asked a similar question and somebody suggested that Malaysia Airlines offer a flexible ticket that is fully refundable.
I would have a look to see if available, they said they have used it and lost a couple of dollars on the exchange rate refund, but otherwise sounds good for you.
I would have a look to see if available, they said they have used it and lost a couple of dollars on the exchange rate refund, but otherwise sounds good for you.
John **********
I think you might be confused over visa types. You can only apply for a multiple entry tourist visa in your home country but you can apply for a single entry tourist visa at the Thai embassy in Colombo. You need an appointment.
Cyrielle **********
Hi Valerie. Fellow Canadian here. I did send my application to the embassy in Ottawa even though I was outside of Canada, they told me it was OK. It takes forever for them to process the application though (25 business days, currently), I didn't get it in time so I entered with a 30 day visa exemption and will ask for an extension while in Thailand. In BKK there were no questions asked at all. Good luck :)
Robert *********
@Cyrielle *********
i have bought my 2 way ticket 59days and have been trying to get the 60 day visa im in Toronto canada i arrive feb 11th and return april 8th . if i don,t have success getting my 60 day visa, will they still let me fly into Thailand , the return flight as i said is not till april 8th. i will get my extension while there.Cyrielle **********
@Robert ********
yes you can enter with the 30 day visa exemption. They didn't ask for an onward flight at immigration. I have one but it's 60 days later, just like you :-)Robert *********
@Cyrielle *********
thankyou from getting back to me, i will still try to get the visa before leaving but its good to know, hope you enjoy your stay.Reply to
Robert *********
Reply
Sue **********
To save you laying out for exit tickets. You can rent flight tickets really cheap apparently. Which of course you don’t actually use, but have them to show just in case. I haven’t gone down this route. But maybe other members can further elaborate on this?
Jon *****
And no photos required for visa exemption
Brazen *********
Canadian here. If you're only wanting to stay in Thailand 60 days, then just fly into Thailand as planned, you'll get 30 days visa exempt. Then extend at immigration before your 30 days are up. It's relatively easy to do on your own, so don't bother with agents. My advice is to get an online appointment (I do mine in Bangkok) and I'm in/out in 30 mins.
Todd *********
1. No. As there is no such thing as a 30 day tourist visa. On your Canadian passport, you will be permitted 30 visa EXEMPT entry. You will not get a visa. That visa exampt entry can be extended for another 30 days at Krabi immigration as you plan to do. 1900 baht each. 2. You may or may not have to show onward travel. Perhaps be prepared to buy a short bus trip ticket if you are confronted with this issue. But I don't think you will. 3. You will not be getting a visa on arrival. And thus, you do not need any printed photos. Just your passports and will be stamped in for 30 days visa exempt. It is likely your confusion of terminology in your searches that is causing the contrary responses. Good luck!! All will be fine for 60 days.
Valerie ********
ORIGINAL POSTERObviously I mean “thanks so much..” haha!
Valerie ********
ORIGINAL POSTERHello all, thank you so kick
For this advice. Yes, clearly I’m a newbie at this! I had not caught the difference between visa exempt and visa. Very helpful! Thanks again.
For this advice. Yes, clearly I’m a newbie at this! I had not caught the difference between visa exempt and visa. Very helpful! Thanks again.
Todd *********
@Valerie *******
it’s a little complex for Canadians within SE Asia. Different rules than what most Canadians are used to. But absolutely incredible travel opportunities both in Thailand and the rest. Have a great time.Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
Lynnette *******
There's no 30 day visa but you'll get an entry of 30 days visa exempt. That can be extended for 30 days.
Carsten ************
@Lynnette ******
... and you don't need to bring a photo. That's needed for the extension later.Nigel **************
@Carsten ***********
u don't need a photo on arrival but you do need it for the 30 day extensionCarsten ************
@Nigel *************
yeah, that's exactly what I wrote, lolReply to
Carsten ************
Reply
Brandon ************
First of all you're not going to find correct answers to your questions if you are searching for visa on arrival, because you do not qualify for visa on arrival. That's a 15 day thing that you apply for and pay for at the airport and is only for a few countries.
You qualify for visa exempt which is 30 days and isn't a visa at all.
It's easy to apply for the one 30 day extension you qualify for.
As far as what proof of onward travel out of Thailand you need, ask your airline. They're the ones most likely to ask you for proof of leaving Thailand. Generally if their policy is to ask then they'll want to see a ticket out of Thailand within the number of days you'll receive when you arrive (which is 30 in your case). Confirm with them what their policy is.
You qualify for visa exempt which is 30 days and isn't a visa at all.
It's easy to apply for the one 30 day extension you qualify for.
As far as what proof of onward travel out of Thailand you need, ask your airline. They're the ones most likely to ask you for proof of leaving Thailand. Generally if their policy is to ask then they'll want to see a ticket out of Thailand within the number of days you'll receive when you arrive (which is 30 in your case). Confirm with them what their policy is.
Simon *********
If you arrive it will be 30 days visa exempt very easily extended . I have never been asked for onward flight at immigration but your airline might ask you for it before allowing you to board the plane. It would be best to check with your airline company to check their requirements.
Nigel *********
You can get the 60 day visa at an embassy other than your home country.
Yes you can enter visa exempt 30 days and extend for a further 30 days.
Yes you can enter visa exempt 30 days and extend for a further 30 days.
Cyrielle **********
@Nigel ********
I don't think this is accurate. I am Belgian-Canadian and as I was in Belgium I applied for a 60 day visa at the embassy in Brussels, it got denied and I had to start the process all over and apply at the embassy in Canada.Nigel *********
@Cyrielle *********
you apply for the visa in the country you're in. If the embassy in the country uses the e-visa then you use that. If they don't then you attend in person. You don't have to be a citizen or permanent resident of that country. If you were trying to get the METV then that's when you need to be a resident or have pr. There are several reasons why you might have been denied.Cyrielle **********
@Nigel ********
That's what I did, I entered "Belgium" as current location and it got denied because they wanted a proof of residency, which I don't have, as I am residing in Canada. That's what they told me.Nigel *********
@Cyrielle *********
ok. Well that must be a Belgian thing then because thousands of people get their tourist 60 day visa in Kuala Lumpur every year and they aren't permanent residentsDianne *****
@Nigel ********
And Laos, Vietnam, Cambodaia and Singapore at the Thai Embassy or consulates thereCyrielle **********
@Nigel ********
I guess. I got really annoyed. "Current location" definitely doesn't mean "current residency". Lesson learned 😄Reply to
Cyrielle **********
Reply
Nigel *********
You may need an onward ticket.
You don't get visa on arrival.
You don't get visa on arrival.
Reply to
Nigel *********
Reply
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