Answered5 years ago

Can I extend my stay or change my visa if I enter Thailand with an APEC card?

APEC Card Thailand Visa Rules Visa Extensions US Immigration Non-O Visa Visa Types

Christopher ********

asked Oct 29, 2021

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Tomorrow I have a final interview for an APEC card (US). After meeting with US Customs today it seems likely to be approved. My understanding is once I have it I can enter Thailand for 90 days. Is it possible to do a 30 day extension or convert to another Visa on it? It isn't an issue for now - I will not be staying longer than 45 days. But I am thinking ahead for when I turn 50 and may wish to convert to a one year. Anything else I should know about it?

Answer summary

The APEC card allows holders to enter Thailand for 90 days; however, cardholders are not eligible for visa extensions or to switch to another visa type while in the country. U.S. citizens will receive a visa-exempt stamp upon entry, but they do not enjoy reciprocal entry benefits associated with the APEC card. It's important for future planning to note that while the card facilitates business travel, it does not permit paid work in Thailand.

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James ********

Get a different way to enter...APEC card holders cannot get extensions or change into any other visa inside Thailand.

Its for BUSINESS ...for the those doing business with Thai companies ease of entry...nothing else.

5 years ago

Brent **********

US citizens dont receive reciprocal visa benefits.

5 years ago

Benjamin ******

@Brent *********

I'm not too familiar with the APEC card myself. If he enters on the APEC card, would he get a 30 day visa exempt, or the APEC entry stamp?

5 years ago

Brent **********

@Benjamin *****

To answer your question directly - he'll get the visa exempt stamp. Flashing the card will probably get him into the shorter "special" line but thats the extent of the benefits for US citizens.

5 years ago

Brent **********

@Benjamin *****

US citizens arent eligible for the entry stamp. Each card on the back shows the countries the card holder may enter with his card and for US citizens this will always be blank. Imagine it kinda like being in the EU but opting out of Schengen. All other countries have reciprocal entry rights for card holders but the US didnt want to give up its immigration control.

5 years ago

Ellie *******

Apologize in advance for being off the rails..

Just be aware, ABTC allows you to do certain types of business activities (which are not paid for in Thailand), but once you are on Non-O retirement (assuming because you mentioned 50 yo), you cannot do any of these activities.

5 years ago

Christopher ********

@Ellie ******

I understand that. By then my dealings will be completed. I'm laying the groundwork for early retirement and after this 5 year period doubt I would reapply unless things pick up elsewhere (like the Philippines).

5 years ago

Justin *******

@Christopher *******

you may want to confirm how this works for USA. I am also USA and have had an APEC card for about 5 years. The USA is only a transitional member so it’s my understanding the visa benefits do not apply for us. When you get your card look at the back. It will probably be blank and not list other countries. Here is a link.

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The Thai consulate Los Angeles also has some info for this. You have to have “THA” on back of card for visa benefit.

I have only been able to use card for premium or expedited immigration lines

5 years ago

John ********

@Justin ******

this is correct. A us citizen won’t be given 90 days

5 years ago

Justin *******

@Christopher *******

cool. Yeah it’s definitely great to have for the lines at airport

5 years ago

Christopher ********

@Justin ******

Thank you for this - it isn't a big deal if I don't get the full added benefits. I am not using it as a way to merely stay longer in a country. Being able to use the APEC entry line to the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand is a nice benefit for me either way.

5 years ago

Christopher ********

I'm 45 now.

5 years ago

Christopher ********

And I'm not being paid for anything.

5 years ago

Tod *********

Nope there is no extension available* on the APEC card and an entry from it can't be used to switch to another visa type inside the country. It gets you in for 90 days

* the 60 day covid extension IS and HAS been issued to APEC card holders but that program is set to run out on Nov 26th

5 years ago