Can I travel to Thailand if my visa application is still processing?

Question

I fly tomorrow my application status  is still processing  I got in touch with London  embassy  girl said I can t travel without it cancel flight then oh ok I can go but return to the uk  then when I told her about getting  30 day extension  she didn't know  but I must travel from uk to activate it when I get it but won t get it until  after 15 working days but I started it 21st June  how bad is this

Ask Thailand · Answer

The post discusses the concerns of an expat regarding their visa application status, which is still processing as their flight approaches. After contacting the London embassy, they were informed about the necessity of having the visa before traveling, leading them to consider canceling their flight. Comments from the community suggest that the individual can enter Thailand under a visa-exempt scheme or by doing a border run to activate their newly issued eVisa once approved. This provides insight into alternative travel options and practical experiences shared by other travelers.

Carl ******** · Answer

I had the same issue recently ,my visa was issued a few days after my flight . I entered Thailand for 30 days visa exempt(uk passport)  then flew to Vientiane and had a couple of nights on the razz and reentered Thailand on my visa. No questions asked. Ok it’s a bit of extra expense but at least you can stay an extra 30 days (or 60 if you extend your visa exempt entry) as your visa will be valid for entry to Thailand for 90 days from the date of issue.

Ellie ******* · Answer

The answer still stays the same as one for your previous post. You can travel and enter Thailand on a visa-exempt scheme. Then you go for border-bounce to a nearby country to re-enter Thailand using your newly issued eVisa once your application is approved. You don't need to all the way back to UK to 'activate' the visa (means entering Thailand on an unused visa). That wouldn't be an issue. Many people did the same to activate late-coming visas when their visa issuance was delayed till after they enter Thailand once. Some did at land borders, some flew to a neighbouring country.

Usually, embassy people don't really know how the entry to Thailand works.

Usually, embassy people don't really know how the entry to Thailand works.

Can I travel to Thailand if my visa application is still processing?

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