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Can I just show up in Thailand with an American passport using the Visa Exempt scheme?
Mar 1, 2023
3 years ago
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTERSecond attempt- to the admin who deleted previous effort "sorry, I had a typo (transposed word) that made it sound dumb(er than I usually sound)"
I am looking for someone with an American PASSPORT who has recently come to Thailand using the Visa Exempt scheme to confirm how it works and that I can literally just SHOW UP and be admitted.
Everything online makes it look super simple, but when I came before the application process was so intricate and tedious that this feels too good to be true. I don't want to let myself be blinded by how I hope it works and then screw up by not applying online in advance.
What I am seeing looks like I just buy a ticket, hop on a plane, DO NOT EVEN TELL THAILAND I AM COMING, and then do some paperwork in the airport in BKK.
I am trying to cram like 4 months of work into a 5 week trip and my brain is now a mushy tomato and I just don't want to screw up.
Thanks and sorry for taking up space with such a simple concept.
I am looking for someone with an American PASSPORT who has recently come to Thailand using the Visa Exempt scheme to confirm how it works and that I can literally just SHOW UP and be admitted.
Everything online makes it look super simple, but when I came before the application process was so intricate and tedious that this feels too good to be true. I don't want to let myself be blinded by how I hope it works and then screw up by not applying online in advance.
What I am seeing looks like I just buy a ticket, hop on a plane, DO NOT EVEN TELL THAILAND I AM COMING, and then do some paperwork in the airport in BKK.
I am trying to cram like 4 months of work into a 5 week trip and my brain is now a mushy tomato and I just don't want to screw up.
Thanks and sorry for taking up space with such a simple concept.
TLDR : Answer Summary
Yes, as an American passport holder, you can simply show up in Thailand and be admitted without needing to fill out any prior applications. Upon arrival, you will go through immigration, where your passport will be stamped for 45 days of stay, provided you meet a few informal requirements such as having an onward ticket and potentially showing sufficient funds (around 20,000 Baht). This process is designed to be straightforward, reflecting the country’s commitment to welcoming tourists.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
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Conor **********
American is shocked to be freely allowed into a country instead of bombing it for access
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Conor *********
that is a pretty funny line. " Wait we didn't need to invade???? Or, more accurate to my case "American is shocked to be allowed back in county"Reply to
Jack ****************
Reply
Eric *******
Everybody here will confirm everything you though you understood correctly as being correct.
Buy your ticket, tell it only to yourself if you like, get on the plane, land, go through immigration at the Airport and get your FREE and AUTOMATIC 45 days visa exemption (that's how it's called here), that you will be able to extend later for 30 more days (so in total 75 days ahead of you), in the country,, at an immigration office of your choice and for 1.900 Thai bahts, no questions asked.
BUT, I advise you to QUICKLY get rid of your OVER COMPLICATED mindset and view on things, or your stay here is gonna be unnecessarily annoying.
Warning: You'll think about that last phrase several times during your stay.
Enjoy.
Buy your ticket, tell it only to yourself if you like, get on the plane, land, go through immigration at the Airport and get your FREE and AUTOMATIC 45 days visa exemption (that's how it's called here), that you will be able to extend later for 30 more days (so in total 75 days ahead of you), in the country,, at an immigration office of your choice and for 1.900 Thai bahts, no questions asked.
BUT, I advise you to QUICKLY get rid of your OVER COMPLICATED mindset and view on things, or your stay here is gonna be unnecessarily annoying.
Warning: You'll think about that last phrase several times during your stay.
Enjoy.
John ***********
I did that over 8 years ago. Not a new thing. At day 28 I went to Cambodia for a few days and went back with a new 30 days
Lee ******
45 days or less, no need visa.
Stephen *******
There's no form to fill in.
Jo **********
have you been drinking
Michael ********
I'm from Denver, CO. Just fly here, bring copies of your passport in case, bring record of vaccination (not really a requirement right now in Thailand, but you might bounce to another SE Asia country), and have a return flight booked and able to show immigration.
They're probably not going to ask for anything, but those are the things I'd bring. No need to announce your visit. 2021 was quite different. Now it's easy. Don't sweat it.
They're probably not going to ask for anything, but those are the things I'd bring. No need to announce your visit. 2021 was quite different. Now it's easy. Don't sweat it.
David *****
I entered twice in January. Just present your passport and go thru. Easy peasey
Phil ********
Jackie Goes to Hollyweird
When you wanna come?
From April 1, might only get 30 days visa exemption...
Relax mate, you'll be fine 🍺
Cheers 🍺
When you wanna come?
From April 1, might only get 30 days visa exemption...
Relax mate, you'll be fine 🍺
Cheers 🍺
****************************
Bob **********
Just show up you’ll get 45 days before march 31st and don’t forget you cannot work in Thailand
Taz **********
Visa exemption means no visa, it’s just like a domestic flight only it is longer, and have to pass through Thai immigration, this is where they look at your passport and give you a stamp that allows you to stay in Thailand without a visa, thus visa exempt, the period of stay is usually 30 days 👍
Steve **********
@Taz *********
so simpleReply to
Steve **********
Reply
Avesh ***********
@Jack ***************
*************************************************************************************
Lincoln *******
Half of Asia lets most Western country citizens in without a visa or prior notification.
Money talks... even if its just the perception of money as half the westerners coming here are broke back home 😁
Money talks... even if its just the perception of money as half the westerners coming here are broke back home 😁
Paul *******
@Bob *******
Laos and Cambodia offer visas on arrival (for Laos only at some ports) but you can apply for a visa at the consulate in Khon Kaen or embassy in Bangkok and get it within 10 minutes.Bob ********
@Lincoln ******
China, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia all require a visa so which countries are you referring to?Lincoln *******
@Bob *******
Philippines, HK, Indonesia, Thailand...Reply to
Lincoln *******
Reply
Roberto *********
@Lincoln ******
Yeah, you only have to mention that Taxi fares are going up 20 baht and the broke ones will start wailing! 😆Reply to
Roberto *********
Reply
Cris ********
I’m a U.S. Passport holder and here on Visa Exemption. I flew into BKK in December. Stood in line at the immigration department in the airport, they took my fingerprints and picture, then Stamped my passport and let me in with 45-days. Then I went to a local immigration office and paid for my 30-day extension.
On my 75-day I took a train to Malaysia. Spent the night at the border and then returned to Thailand. I got another 45-day stamp of which today I extended again by 30-days.
Overall, I will have a total of 5 months in Thailand before I want to enjoy another country. It’s been quite easy.
On my 75-day I took a train to Malaysia. Spent the night at the border and then returned to Thailand. I got another 45-day stamp of which today I extended again by 30-days.
Overall, I will have a total of 5 months in Thailand before I want to enjoy another country. It’s been quite easy.
Avesh ***********
@Cris *******
Wow off topic but what work do you do to be constantly touring countries 🥹🥹🥹Cris ********
@Avesh **********
I’m a Mathematician and own a business back in the US. It offers editorial services to textbook publishers and Ed Tech companies. It functions by email so my physical location has nothing to do with the business.Avesh ***********
@Cris *******
That is amazing 👏 I'm from South Africa... With the way our infrastructure is it's difficult to run a business remotely.Reply to
Avesh ***********
Reply
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Cris *******
and @Blake **********
thank youCris ********
@Jack ***************
enjoy Thailand. It’s a cool country.Dang ***********
@Cris *******
Thanks Cris,appreciate you enjoying Thailand and make Jack more comfortable about going there. I’m Thai but been living in America for the last 50 years. It’s easy as American to enter Thailand, so Jack go there and have fun but be careful you might not want to go back to Merica 😂Robert **********
@Dang **********
I’ve been telling newcomers its “dangerous“ to visit Thailand because you might not want to leaveDang ***********
@Robert *********
you are Dang right about that. I didn’t think I ever wanted to come back and lived there but as I got older it keep calling me now I don’t want to live in Merica anymore.Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dang **********
you have no idea555. My needing such comfort is because I came during covid pre-Thaipass when it was still complicated. I spent almost a year and a half. I can't stand my home country now- been back 2 weeks and count the seconds until I return to The Kingdom in 2 more weeks.
Dang ***********
@Jack ***************
you seem like pretty cool dude, I feel the same about good old U S of A because I saw what is was like compared to now and I want to move back to Thailand badly but got family here so I’m going try to split my time. Who know maybe we will be in Thailand same time and I would love to buy you a drink or two🍻Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dang **********
sounds great man.Reply to
Jack ****************
Reply
Blake ***********
I did this a month ago. Just hop on a plane and show up.
John ********
Please remember that you need to be here before the 31st of March to get the 45 days at the moment after the 31st your back to 30 days
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *******
thank you. I am targeting the 15thFrank **********
@Jack ***************
if you pay for my round-trip ticket I will make sure you get in safely. LolReply to
Frank **********
Reply
Darren *******
Sorry I'm not American but seeing as I'm also as special as Americans when it comes to visa exempt entry into Thailand, I can confirm you buy ticket, get on plane, go to immigration and get stamped into the country.
Bobby ********
@Darren ******
Mate, you forgot to get OFF the plane!Darren *******
@Bobby *******
damn, I guess he's going to be seeing Thailand from the tarmac thenBobby ********
Reply to
Bobby ********
Reply
Richard *********
Yes, you ight be asked when you check in for a forward or return ticket valid within 45 days (I if you arrive before march 31st)
at immigration, ur stamped in for 45 days which can than be extended
thats all
at immigration, ur stamped in for 45 days which can than be extended
thats all
Bä ****
Google “Onward ticket” just buy it for $10 if you’re worried about onward ticket. Some airline might ask for it prior to boarding,some not, it’s a mix bag here…I’ve never been asked, (been coming here over 20 times)but doesn’t mean you won’t.
Seth *********
All covid restrictions have been removed. So it's as simple as you've described now. In and out of immigration in 30 seconds (with the right officer)
Michael *******
Yes sir that's what we do! I've never had Thai Immigration ask a single question.
Chris *****
You hold the 6th most powerful passport in the world. Relax!
Phil ********
Albert ********
@Chris ****
45 days and changing soon.Reply to
Albert ********
Reply
Alistair **********
Not just Americans, 64 countries can enter Thailand visa exempt. It's as easy as showing up. There are technically 3 requirements, 20k Baht or equivalent in cash (about $600USD), accommodation booking (just first few days is fine) and an onward ticket leaving Thailand within the visa exempt period.
99.9% chance immigration don't ask you to show any of that and just stamp you straight in. However, your airline is likely to ask for proof of onward travel when you check in.
99.9% chance immigration don't ask you to show any of that and just stamp you straight in. However, your airline is likely to ask for proof of onward travel when you check in.
Rich *****
It pretty much as you have described, no need for an invasion some countries just let you in. I know this concept is hard to understand but it’s true! 😂
Frank **********
Jack you are making it seem so complicated. I came over 45 days visa exempt, no paperwork needed. Also got a 30 day extension 1900 baht and some simple paperwork. Relax and take deep breaths.
Nishant ************
@Frank *********
How i wish the same was true in case of indians too!Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTERCan I use my certificate of residency to show where I will stay?
Frank **********
@Jack ***************
ok I get it you are joking around with us. You sly son of a gun.Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Frank *********
heh, the second question was serious. I can't decide if you think I am kidding because it is so obviously yes or so obviously no. Everything about being back in the USA makes my brain hurt. I need some street noodles or I might die.Tony *********
@Jack ***************
let's be absolutely clear about this from someone who has lived here for 25 years. You can enter Thailand as a tourist on a 45 day exempt entry by just showing your passport when you walk through immigration. You don't apply for anything online. You don't have to prove where you're staying. Technically they could ask you to show that you have 20,000 Baht and an onward plane ticket back to the States but personally that has never happened to me in all these years. I think you can be confident from what you have heard here that you just need to get on a plane and get here. Enough already!Reply to
Tony *********
Reply
Randy ********
@Jack ***************
you don’t need any of that stuff. It’s very simple. Buy the ticket. Once you’re here, go through immigration. Chances are won’t say more than 5 words to you. Get stamped in. Collect your bags and be in your way. It doesn’t get much simpler than that.Tony *********
@Jack ***************
seriously? This sounds too complicated for you. I think it would be better if you stayed in the US and took a vacation there. I'm wondering how many people it's going to take to convince you that you just walk in with your passport and get stamped in for 45 days. 😃Reply to
Tony *********
Reply
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Frank *********
I came last time October 2021 and applied for exempt (I believe) and got rejected like 8 times before I got it right... I guess I am just traumatized!Alistair **********
@Jack ***************
that would've been a temporary covid requirement.. Something like Thai pass. That doesn't exist anymoreJack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Alistair *********
yeah it was actually right before Thaipass.Reply to
Jack ****************
Reply
John ******
@Jack ***************
you did not apply for an exempt visa.Maple *********
@Jack ***************
maybe that’s in COVID situation.Tony *********
@Jack ***************
what are you talking about. You don't apply for an exempt. You just go through immigration and they stamp your passport for 45 days entry. Oh man!Reply to
Tony *********
Reply
Jason ********
Onward ticket, and be prepared to show 20k baht in cash (in USD is fine, of course), although they rarely ask.
Tony *********
What application are you filling out for a visa exempt?? You just come and get stamped for 45 days .( back to 30 days as of 31st March) . With 1 extension for 30 more days at a cost of 1900baht at immigration
Roberto *********
Make sure you have an onward ticket for a journey leaving the country within 45 days. You may well be asked for this when checking in for your flight
Jeremy ********
Buy a ticket, get on plane, go through immigration, enjoy your up to 45 days on a visa free exemption stamp....it's that easy
Brandon ************
No, you don't do any paperwork in the airport. You take your passport to the entry area and get stamped in.
Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
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