Answered2 years ago

Can I use a visa exemption before my multientry Tourist visa starts?

Tourist Visa Visa Exemption Multientry Visa Thailand Immigration Rules Travel Planning

Erik *******

asked Jun 24, 2024

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I'm planning to take out a multientry Tourist visa from ~November. However, somewhere around October I'm planning to go to Japan, and I'll possibly visit Bangkok for a week or two on the way. Is it okay to use a visa exemption for September-October if I have a multientry visa prepared for November?

Or if I have a multientry visa, I have to use it as soon as I arrive?

Answer summary

The user is inquiring about the possibility of using a visa exemption for a visit to Thailand before their multientry Tourist visa becomes effective in November. It is clarified that once a multientry Tourist visa is issued, its validity period begins immediately, and it lasts for six months, regardless of whether it is used upon arrival. Thai Immigration may also require the user to utilize the multientry visa upon entry instead of opting for a visa exemption.

7 repliesnewest first

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Nongnuch ********

Thai Immigration will most likely see your tourist visa in their computer system, and will insist you use it

2 years ago

Juha *******

@Nongnuch *******

I did it this way this year. No problems

2 years ago

Nongnuch ********

@Juha ******

you have been lucky if the Immigration officer didn't stamp you in on the visa you had been issued, because he normally sees it on the computer and he will MAKE YOU USE IT ! You were lucky the officer didn't pay attention

2 years ago

Erik *******

@Nong****

, got it, I guess it would be just better to apply for it when I'm in Japan then. Thanks!

2 years ago

Stuart *********

@Erik ******

You can only apply for the multiple entry from your home country or country of legal residence.

2 years ago

Nongnuch ********

@Stuart ********

sometimes applying for the E-Visa works when using a VPN and when he uploads a flight ticket with the home country the departing location. But you are right, this is the wrong way to do it.

@Erik ******

you should apply for the multi entry tourist visa by the E-visa system BEFORE you fly from your home country. If it gets issued by mid September, you are good to use it for unlimited entries until mid March next year. Every entry gets you stamped in for 60 days. If you enter for a last time before it expires in mid March, you will get 60 days, again, that will carry you into mid May 2025. And you will be able to extend once for 30 more days, which will carry you until mid-June 2025. Just imagine 🙂

2 years ago

Brandon ************

That's not how a multiple entry tourist visa works. It's effective from the day it is issued and it's valid for 6 months. Regardless of if you use it or not to enter Thailand, the 6 months is still ticking down starting the day the embassy issues the visa. Not using it would not be of any benefit to you.

2 years ago