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Can you be refused entry in Thailand with an e-visa (tourist)?
e-visatourist visaentry refusalvisa applicationimmigration processThailand immigration rulesThailand embassyoverstay consequencesvisa typesforeign affairs
Apr 30, 2026
19 hours ago
Mairtín **************
ORIGINAL POSTERHas anyone been refused entry with a e-visa ( tourist)? I ask because when applying the embassy doesn’t look at your passport record. Immigration and embassies don’t seem to be connected. Or are they?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion centers on the potential for being refused entry to Thailand even if one holds an e-visa for tourism. Users explain that embassies and immigration authorities are separate entities, meaning that holding a visa does not guarantee entry into Thailand. The possibility of denial is particularly pertinent for those with previous overstays or extensions, as immigration officers may scrutinize travel history. While some argue that visa details can be accessed upon entry, others emphasize the importance of presenting the visa during immigration checks.
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Philip ***********
Yes it's possible
Bob **********
The embassy has nothing to do with immigration
Iain *********
As with many countries (eg USA, China, UK, Ireland) Immigration is operated by a government department responsible for policing and justice and embassies are operated by a government department responsible for foreign affairs.
From many countries now you apply online to the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs for your visa. They have outsourced the visa processing to the Bangkok offices of an Indian company called VFS.
From many countries now you apply online to the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs for your visa. They have outsourced the visa processing to the Bangkok offices of an Indian company called VFS.
Chris *******
Two separate entities.
Either can deny without the other being involved.
Either can deny without the other being involved.
Graham ******
You can be denied entry with any visa type as a visa does not guarantee entry but the most common visa to be denied entry with would undoubtedly be a tourist visa as it is not a non-immigrant visa
Steve *******
Embassies/Consulates and Immigration are 2 seperate Government bodies. Embassies run by the MFA and Immigration by the RTP.
Stu *****
Steve Greir that's why the rules for the same visa are different depending on where you go...
Reply to
Stu *****
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Jon *******
When applying, you need to upload the photo page of your passport, correct? This page alone would give access to either party lots of info about you and your “record.”
The embassy and immigration may work separately, but they absolutely can share information with each other about you if you come off as suspicious.
The embassy and immigration may work separately, but they absolutely can share information with each other about you if you come off as suspicious.
John **********
The real question is why you want to get a tourist visa? If it's because you think you will be denied entry coming in visa exempt then a tourist visa probably won't help. There's not a lot of difference between a visa exempt entry and a tourist visa entry.
Dan *******
@John *********
theres a bit of difference due to the paperwork your required to provide to screen you as a tourist vs exempt with minimal plans. You can be turned away either way based on your travel history but a tr visa gives you one more positiveMairtín **************
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
true. Thought evisa would have a bit more guarantee of entry. But doesn’t seem to be the case. The reason, because I had a few over stays and several extensions. So I assumed it would look a bit Reb Flaggy. I was allowed in reluctantly, that’s why I askRon ********
Mairtín Ó Ceallaigh you already answered your question, a couple overstays and extensions. The embassy maybe dos not care about your history but the Immigration police on the airport will. If they find you was to long in Thailand before you could be denied entry. It mostly depends on the Officer on the task.
John **********
@Mairtín *************
a tourist entry is a tourist entry, how you achieve that entry doesn't really matter. Sounds like you do need a visa so I'd find a different one that fits your requirements, or if you're flying in see if a safe entry service will help you.Reply to
John **********
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Raymond *******
Over stays are bad if you haven’t had any ok
Atrustwor*********
Arrive with a visa and unless you show it immigration does not know you have it
Paul ******************
AtrustworthyJaguar I used a tourist visa this trip and the immigration officer asked to see it. I hadn't mentioned it and just showed my passport and DTAC.
This makes me think immigration can see a visa has been linked to that passport number on the computer.
Maybe some don't bother to ask to see it because they know you have it anyway?
This makes me think immigration can see a visa has been linked to that passport number on the computer.
Maybe some don't bother to ask to see it because they know you have it anyway?
Atrustwor*********
Paul Singlehurst-Ward did you enter the visa number on the TDAC Application?
I have never been asked for my visa. Even had to correct an IO because stamped me in 60 days exempt and I have the OX 5 plus 5 year visa. He didnt see it in the passport and obviously didnt look at all my stamps
I have never been asked for my visa. Even had to correct an IO because stamped me in 60 days exempt and I have the OX 5 plus 5 year visa. He didnt see it in the passport and obviously didnt look at all my stamps
Graham ******
AtrustworthyJaguar That's because it is your responsibility to present your visa to the IO on arrival. There have been many posts of people not getting the correct entry stamp just receiving a visa exempt entry which is what their passport entitles them to.
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Graham ******
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