Answered2 years ago
Do I need to apply for a visa before traveling to Thailand if my stay exceeds 30 days?
So we booked a flight to Thailand for next February 27, back to the UK on April 1 and it just dawned on me this is more than 30 days. We went in 2023 and got 1.5 months tourist visa upon arrival, however this year we only got 30 days tourist visa upon arrival. Do we need to get a visa from the embassy in the UK before we go or can we ask immigration upon arrival to grant us 32 days, please?
Answer summary
The user is concerned about their upcoming trip to Thailand, realizing their stay will exceed 30 days. They question whether they need to obtain a visa from the UK or if they can request an extension upon arrival. Comments clarify that their previous entries were under a 'visa exempt' entry rather than a tourist visa. A recent change allows for a 60-day stay under this entry, negating the need for a visa prior to arrival.
6 repliesnewest first
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Kim *********
It’s true 60 days, increased as of July this year
Richard ********
You're fine. You get 60 days now.
Darren *********
Came in 2weeks ago, got no stamp at all, here for 29 days ??
Tod *********
You got your wires crossed a bit
First NONE of your previous entries or your planned entry in feb are on "tourist visas" <- you BUY a tourist visa from a thai consulate in your country before you come here
You just showed up and got stamped in free on what's called a "visa exempt" entry. it's not a tourist visa, not a visa at all, just a free stamp entry.
Be that as it may
When you entered and got 45 days that was a promotion they had on visa exempt entries right after the covid shit show to promote tourism.
Then when you entered earlier this year you got 30 days as that was the actual amount of time people get stamped in for on visa exempt (free stamp) entries
Good news for you, effective July 15th, they changed the rules and now people from 90+ countries get in for 60 days on that free stamp (visa exempt) entry.
So no need to buy a visa before you come, just show up, get stamped in free for 60 days and enjoy your vacation
First NONE of your previous entries or your planned entry in feb are on "tourist visas" <- you BUY a tourist visa from a thai consulate in your country before you come here
You just showed up and got stamped in free on what's called a "visa exempt" entry. it's not a tourist visa, not a visa at all, just a free stamp entry.
Be that as it may
When you entered and got 45 days that was a promotion they had on visa exempt entries right after the covid shit show to promote tourism.
Then when you entered earlier this year you got 30 days as that was the actual amount of time people get stamped in for on visa exempt (free stamp) entries
Good news for you, effective July 15th, they changed the rules and now people from 90+ countries get in for 60 days on that free stamp (visa exempt) entry.
So no need to buy a visa before you come, just show up, get stamped in free for 60 days and enjoy your vacation
Ray ************
@Tod ********
Good helpful and accurate advice.Susan *******
OP@Tod ********
Thank you very much. I googled this on a thai embassy website but wanted to get it confirmed in this group. Yes you are right about the visa exempt entries..Activity
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