Can I enter Thailand with just a flight reservation and receive a 60-day visa on arrival?

Nov 6, 2024
8 days ago
Jim *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Can I simply make flight reservations to leave USA, without doing anything else, receive a 60 day visa upon arrival and then apply for an additional 30 days near the end of my 60 days there. Or do I still have to send all the paperwork to the Thai Consulate in California in order to be issued a visa. I have been told we can now receive a 60 day visa upon arrival. Confused.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
US passport holders can enter Thailand with a visa exemption, receiving a 60-day entry stamp upon arrival, which can be extended for an additional 30 days at a local immigration office. It's important to have proof of onward travel, as airlines may require this before boarding. No advance visa application is needed, making the process relatively straightforward for short-term stays.
Bent *************
You don’t need a visa!
Stephen *******
Yepp book flight get on it don't forget passport and dollars
Gary ******
Yes. Travelfish.org Enjoy you visit.
Terary **********
"Can I simply make flight reservations to leave USA, without doing anything else, receive a 60 day visa upon arrival ... " Obviously you'll need to actually come to Thailand. They're not giving visa exempt for people who don't come here.

The visa is less of a question but rather Airline requirements.
Brian **********
Don’t miscount the number of days.

Day 1 is when you get stamped in to Thailand, even if that’s 11.55pm!!( in such a case, better to wait until after midnight)

In your case, getting the additional 30 days, which is added to the original 60, not from when you apply, you need to count the 90 days, for your return flight.

For example, if you arrive on 2nd March, your 90 days expires on 30th May.

That is 30 days of March, April; and May.
Mark *********
yes
Ruth *******
As others have said, you may just want to book a throwaway ticket within your 60 days. It’s kind of silly, but it may be necessary. Some folks have reported that the onward ticket websites have been flagged by airlines, but you can get tickets from a variety of third party booking sites that can be cancelled for a fee or you can book a cheap ticket to Kuala Lumpur or Phnom Penh. You don’t want to spoil your vacation by having a problem at the airport because other people report they’ve never been asked. Some front desk clerks ask; some don’t.
Eric ******
Here is an option... Bookonwardticket.com. $10. Although I have never bought one nor been asked to show one. What airline are you flying? They are the ones you should ask.
Elías ********
Visa exemption and visa on arrival are not the same. For the first you get 60 days for free by just showing your passport, for the second you need to pay around US$60, glue a picture and get 15 days. If visa exemption, yes, you can also later extend 30 more days, while for VOA is not possible.
Elías ********
The extension also has the around US$60 price tag.
Jet ********
Thanks guys. This helps me too. I’m looking to go back just for a 90 day. Period. So 60 days upon my arrival. Do the same thing 30 day extension book my plane trip at 90 days out. I’m also in California thanks for the question. It was very very helpful.
Jim *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jet *******
yes, I think it’s now clear. Glad not to have to apply sending everything to California. Now just show up in Thailand with my return ticket 90 days after arrival. But still apply in Thailand for 30 additional days after 60. Days. Simple.
Jet ********
I’m sure not a problem
Greg ***********
@Jet *******
WATCH OUT, your airline might ask you for an onward travel proof out of Thailand within the first 60 days you will get stamped in
Jet ********
Phil ******
@Jet *******
yepp ask your airline if they will let you board.
Jim ********
Sort of correct. You don't need any visa, and you get a free 60-day entry stamp when you arrive. Whatever you do when you arrive in Thailand DO NOT follow the "Visa On Arrival" signs, just follow the hoardes
Jim *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jim *******
I’m wondering what would happen if I do follow Visa On Arrival sign. I’ll be in a wheelchair (knee operation) and the person pushing me might make that mistake.
Jim *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I worry the person pushing the wheelchair will make that mistake.
Jim ********
@Jim ********
Just make sure you don't. You just follow the masses of people heading to the standard immigration booths
Phil ******
@Jim ********
No Visa on arrival but stamped in Visa Exempt for 60-days
Todd *********
In short, yes
Andi ***********
You get 60 days on arrival and can extend for 30 more via immigration in Thailand
Jim *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andi **********
thank you for this information. Sure makes it easier.
Andi ***********
@Jim ********
yeah, it is a very welcome change.
Stuart *********
US passport holders do indeed get a 60 day visa exempt entry stamp. They can extend that once for a further 30 days at a local immigration office.

Your airline however may ask to see an onward flight within the 60 days, regardless that you could get an extension. Some insist, some don’t seem to care.
Christopher ********
@Stuart ********
on my recent trip to Thailand the airline requested to see my return flight info when I checked in to deoart fir Thailand.
Stuart *********
@Christopher *******
A return or onward flight can be asked for.
Jim *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
. Thank you very much. I have always had my return flight booked for 90 days after my arrival and will do likewise this trip. Such a relief not to have to go through the Visa process months before traveling.
Steven *******
Two weeks ago, when I checked-in at San Francisco, I wasn't asked for an onward ticket, but I have been asked several times in the past. When I arrived at Phuket Airport, I was asked for an onward ticket by the Immigration Officer, which I understand is really rare. So, it's best to have an onward ticket within the 60 day visa-exempt period. Some people "rent" and onward ticket from onwardticket.com or one of their competitors. They are real tickets that are automatically cancelled a couple of days after you get it.
Floyd **********
@Jim ********
your airline may ask to see proof of departure from Thailand prior to departing the US, and it has to be within the 60 days of your arrival. (Not 90 as you mentioned) You get the 60 days “Visa Exemption” and proof of departure is required by Thai law but not always checked. Have a great trip.
Wayne ********
@Jim ********
Not “visa on arrival” that is something completely different. Coming from the US, you would be entering on “Visa Exempt” valid for 60 days with 30 day extension available.
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