Do I need a visa for Thailand if my stay is less than 45 days and I'm visiting other countries?

Thailand visa rules tourist visa visa-exempt countries accommodation requirements traveling to Laos traveling to Cambodia short-term stays in Thailand

Jan 24, 2023

2 years ago

Charlotte *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Need advice 🙏

Hello, I’m going to Thailand in early February with a return flight from Bangkok for the end of March, which is more than the 45 regulatory days. During this period, I only stay 3 weeks in Thailand and the rest in Laos and Cambodia. I applied for a tourist visa but they want accommodation reservations for half of the stay! How to get the visa and is it necessary since I don't stay 45 days in a row? 

Thanks a lot for your advice 😊

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is planning a trip to Thailand for a portion of their stay, while also visiting Laos and Cambodia, raising questions about visa requirements. They applied for a tourist visa but face issues due to needing accommodation reservations for half of their intended stay. Community responses suggest that if the user's passport is from a visa-exempt country, they can enter Thailand without a visa for stays less than 45 days, but airlines may require proof of departure within that period. Additionally, it's advised to book accommodations with free cancellation if the tourist visa is still desired.

Stuart *********

From Belgium you don’t need a visa for a stay of less than 45 days. Your airline may require to see a ticket out within 45 days. Booking plane tickets at the last minute is very expensive. You can do so but it’s probably best to plan dates beforehand to keep costs down.

2 years ago

Charlotte *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

I have my return flight from Bangkok and there are more than 45 days between the two

2 years ago

Stuart *********

@Charlotte ********

Then you may have an issue with your airline. Some care. Some don’t. Probably best to call and ask. You can buy a “onward ticket” if they do. Google it. Approx $10.

2 years ago

Robert ************

@Stuart ********

OR, i. Book a Fully Refundable Ticket and cancel after arrival. ii. Or, for no fee, Book using a Travel Website that provides 24-48hr Cancellation, and cancel upon Arrival.

2 years ago

Reply to

Robert ************

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

If your passport is from a visa exempt country, you can arrive without a visa and you'll be stamped in for 45 days each time you arrive (before April 1st, and 30 days if arriving after that).

It's possible your airline may require you to show proof that you'll be leaving Thailand within 45 days to let you board your flight to Thailand, but if you already have your trip to Cambodia/Laos planned then you can just show them your ticket out of the country.

Also if you already paid for the tourist visa and still want to get it, you can just go to a website like Agoda and find a hotel with free cancellation. Book for however long the embassy wants and then cancel after you get your visa.

2 years ago

Charlotte *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

thanks for your information! I come from Belgium and my trip to Cambodia/Laos is not yet planned 😕 I would have liked to book at the last minut if it’s possible, according meetings

2 years ago

Phil ******

@Charlotte ********

plan your Cambodia/Lao before you fly to Thailand as your airline may wish to see a trip out of Thailand.

2 years ago

Reply to

Phil ******

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