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Can I enter Thailand with a one-way ticket and extend my stay without a tourist visa?
Thailand VisaTourist VisaVisa ExtensionImmigrationAirlines PoliciesCOVID-19 RegulationsTemporary StayOnward TravelVisa Exemption
Oct 29, 2021
5 years ago
Gordon *******
ORIGINAL POSTERI'm intending to fly out to Thailand on 15 November for 50 days so will need a, Tourist Visa.
Is it okay not to get the Tourist visa in UK, get to Thailand,and get 30 day extension for the required fee.
What happens at immigration when they see my return flight is 7 weeks away?
Is it okay not to get the Tourist visa in UK, get to Thailand,and get 30 day extension for the required fee.
What happens at immigration when they see my return flight is 7 weeks away?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The poster seeks clarification on entering Thailand for a 50-day stay without a tourist visa from the UK. Comments suggest it's possible to enter on visa exemption for 30 days and extend for an additional 30 days within Thailand, but caution regarding airlines requiring return/onward tickets. Recommendations include either purchasing a flexible ticket for later travel or applying for a tourist visa before departure for peace of mind.
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Salvador *******************
I think the best way would be to buy a ticket to leave Thailand 60 days after being there for a neighboring country
Gordon *******
ORIGINAL POSTERThanks for all comments on the thread, much appreciated.
Brandon ************
The new e-visa system is completely online and you don't have to mail in your passport or documents. Reports of people receiving their visas in 3 days or less. I'd strongly urge you to get the visa before you leave as it offers you the most flexibility once you arrive in Thailand, removes many potential pain points as part of your journey, and going to immigration inside the country is just a pain.
Salvador *******************
I mean, for a simple tourist trip, is it normal that I have to present my bank statements? For example, I have less than 10,000 dollars in 3 bank accounts, but I have investments that are very difficult to prove ... this information is required if someone wants to stay for a long time ... not for 1 or 2 months ... I travel every years in the US and I stay 3 months with an ESTA visa and I do not have to prove anything ... I love Thailand but it is very difficult to visit this wonderful country ...
Brandon ************
@Salvador ******************
they're not asking for your life savings. You just have to show the equivalent of 20,000 baht which has always been a requirement to enter Thailand on tourist or visa exempt.Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Salvador *******************
@Brandon ***********
Friend, I tried to use this electronic visa web application and they demand absurd requirements ... I am Italian and every year I traveled to Thailand for 3 or more months and there was no need for so many requirements, such as bank account statements, verification monthly income, hotel reservation confirmation letter etc ... this seems too much for those of us who do not need a visa to enter the Kingdom ... perhaps it would be a mistake to fix soon ... this I hope ... otherwise You have to continue entering with a visa stamped at the airport.Brandon ************
@Salvador ******************
there's many advantages to getting a Visa ahead of time and I don't find the requirements complicated. 10 minutes of work at the most. This is likely the future of travel not only to Thailand but many places, and most of the requirements have been in place for a long time, they just weren't being enforced. Gordon *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
If it only took you 10 minutes you must be very tech literate. It takes much longer,having to upload the pictures satisfactorily. Not easy at all, but if you're used to these it will be easier. A lot of people are not tech savvy, or don't have smart phone.
Reply to
Gordon *******
Reply
Steve *******
Either buy onward travel within 30 days so you can board the flight and then extend in Thailand or apply for the SETV. You should get the evisa from London in about 3 days.
Steve *********
There isn't much difference in price with applying online in the UK and extending in Thailand so for peace of mind I would apply in the UK. If you apply this weekend you will have it by the middle of next week at the latest.
Brandon ************
@Steve ********
it's actually supposed to be the same price. 1900₿ in local currencyReply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Gordon *******
ORIGINAL POSTERUnless I plough on with the online Tourist visa here in UK and hope it's acceptable, giving me enough time for Thai pass Application.
Alternatively just go for 30 days on this occasion?
Alternatively just go for 30 days on this occasion?
Stuart *********
@Gordon ******
there’s certainly no harm applying for the visa. You’d get 60 days with that. Failing that a visa exemption will give you 30 days and you can extend in country for a further 30 days for 1,900 baht. Reply to
Stuart *********
Reply
Cambodia **************
Book a ticket cheap ticket to another country as long as you’re leaving Thailand they don’t care into the ticket in the trash after you get your 90 day visa in Thailand
Bryn ********
@Cambodia *************
Why throw a ticket away? Buy it less than 24 hours before arrival. Then cancel after you’ve gone through immigration?Nigel *********
@Cambodia *************
30n day extension but the rest was correct.Reply to
Nigel *********
Reply
Stuart *********
Some people have managed to wing their way here with a one way ticket. However most seem to either have an issue getting COE (ThailandPass) or their airline refusing to let them board without a return or onward ticket. If you want to take a gamble then go for it. Perhaps it may be better to get a changeable ticket within the initial 60 days or buy one from a “onward ticket” website for around $10.
Sue **********
Following
Nigel *********
If you get a TV then you will be granted 60 days (extendable once for 30). Can't see the problem if you're only staying 50 days.
Gordon *******
ORIGINAL POSTERAre you suggesting extending it in Thailand, or getting visa in UK prior to travel Nigel?
Gordon *******
ORIGINAL POSTERYes, though are immigration still okay about extension in covid times
Nigel *********
@Gordon ******
easy peasy lemon squeezy (for tourists) make sure where you stay the tm30 is completed (register of foreigner) nearly all hotels do it as standard... air b&b not so much... Reply to
Nigel *********
Reply
Nigel *********
@Gordon ******
OK. Read it for the fourth time and think I understand it now. So! This comes up a lot. Answer seems to be... See how you get on.Yes, you can enter visa exempt and extend, no problem.
May have an issue with return (onward travel) beyond initial 30 days. Just hbe prepared and maybe either rent a ticket from one of those websites os buy a cheap ticket to KL on the spot. Just give yourself some time. Immigration isn't the problem really, itl be the airiines.
Reply to
Nigel *********
Reply
Peter *********
Following
Greg ********
Immigration is not usually the problem. It is some airlines who will not let you board without a valid visa covering all of your stay.
Gordon *******
ORIGINAL POSTERor just go for 30 days on this occasion
Gordon *******
ORIGINAL POSTERI'm. thinking the safest way is to book for 4 weeks in order to get Thai pass easier then try and get extension when there and if successful change the return flight date
Gordon *******
ORIGINAL POSTERYes seems easiest option Greg on this occasion
Greg ********
@Gordon ******
As long as you can change flight come then extendReply to
Greg ********
Reply
Gordon *******
ORIGINAL POSTERYes that's the worry Greg
Gordon *******
ORIGINAL POSTERYes
Greg ********
@Gordon ******
BA my pal had to buy a ticket at check in. The middle east ones are said to be stickers for it as well. Michael ********
@Greg *******
think you will find the ndw Thailand pass is going to mention it as wellGreg ********
@Michael *******
Yes. Now that will be another blocker. Previously though if you got to an immigration counter it was highly unlikely a westerner would be stopped. They might for too many border bounces but that was rareReply to
Greg ********
Reply
Gordon *******
ORIGINAL POSTERI've seen that Will.
That's not a problem
It's whether I could extend once in Thailand for extra 30 days, this avoiding the Tourist Visa application in UK
That's not a problem
It's whether I could extend once in Thailand for extra 30 days, this avoiding the Tourist Visa application in UK
James ********
@Gordon ******
the visas are now issued online...evisa...no need to send passport to Thai Embassy. Visa is stamped into passport on arrival into ThailandWill ************
@Gordon ******
you might not get your TPass approved because your return is outside the 30 days. Gordon *******
ORIGINAL POSTERYes, that's another concern
Reply to
Gordon *******
Reply
Will ************
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2c562 point 7 Reply to
Will ************
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