Can I use a Visa on Arrival in Thailand if I already have a valid visa in my passport?

Jun 13, 2023
a year ago
Nick **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi, anyone know...?

...if you already have a paper visa valid for 3 months to enter, but you just want to come first for a short trip, can you use VOA for that and leave the paper one intact for later?

Or if it is in the passport, must it be used for the next entry?

Thanks.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The individual is inquiring whether they can use a Visa on Arrival (VOA) for a short trip to Thailand while also holding a valid paper visa for future entry. Responses indicate that the eligibility for a VOA may be influenced by the passport nationality, and while the individual may ask about entering without using the existing visa, the final decision lies with the immigration officer. There are instances where officials have required visitors to utilize their visas despite other options being available.
Frank **********
What country is your passport from determines how you can enter Thailand of you do not use your evisa. And like Brandon said the Immigration Officer can make you use it.
Brandon ************
Based on your name, I doubt you qualify for visa on arrival, which is where you apply for and pay for a visa at the airport. You are probably talking about visa exempt.

You can ask if you can enter without using your visa, but it's up to the immigration officer and they can require you to use your visa if they want. There was a report in the past of someone who had an evisa and didn't present the paper but the immigration officer saw it on the computer and forced them to use it to enter.
Nick **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
it's my friend from India. So i think VOA, no?
Brandon ************
@Nick *********
yes indians are actually VOA
Bobby ***********
@Brandon ***********
yep, happened to me. Thai embassy was late issuing and it showed in the system when I arrived. Was made to use the issued visa.
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