Answered8 years ago
Do US Citizens Need a Visa to Enter Thailand with a Layover in Korea?
Flying from the US to Thailand in a little over a week from now. I have a layover in Korea. I had thought I didn’t need a visa, as I was told I had the exempt 30 days tourist visa on arrival. Am I mistaken?
Answer summary
The original question inquires if a US citizen needs a visa when flying to Thailand with a layover in Korea, anticipating the exempt 30-day tourist visa on arrival. The consensus in the comments confirms that US citizens do not need a visa for a 30-day stay in Thailand under the visa exemption rule. However, travelers are advised to have sufficient funds (approximately $650), a hotel booking, a return ticket, and to check on airline requirements before boarding. Additional advice includes travel tips, currency exchange, public transportation options, and obtaining a Thai SIM card.
51 repliesnewest first
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Robert *******
All i read is about banks, taxi, trains, sky train, exchange booths. WHERE is the Thai visa advice?
Toms ******
You all give very helpful advice. I am proud to be a part of this site.
Jessica *****************
OPMy sentiments exactly, thank you everyone for putting my mind at ease with your wealth of knowledge, and experience 🙏
Benjamin ******
If you are a US Citizen, you have a 30 day visa exempt, so you don't need a visa. If you are asking about Korean's visa, we can't help you.
Danny *****
@Benjamin *****
It's good fun, and cheaper than Bangkok!Benjamin ******
@Danny ****
thanks for the update. I don't have any plans to go to Korea anytime soon, but if I do, I'll keep it in mind.Danny *****
@Benjamin *****
FYI we Yanks get 90 days on arrival in Korea...Jessica *****************
OP@Sam ****
, thank you 🙏
Sam *****
US gets visa exempt entry for Korea, no issue there. Depending on your layover length, go take one of the free airport transit tours, or bus into the city and explore on your own. ICN is one of the most inviting airports in the world for layovers.
Jessica *****************
OPNo, just wondering if I would need a visa for the layover in Korea...so, yes, I guess technically I was asking about both.
Michael ******
A layover ? I would have had a hangover 😀😀😂😂
James ********
You probably will not have any problems with the airlines or Thai Immigration if you have prepared. Enjoy Thailand 😊
Jessica *****************
OP@James *******
, thank you!James ********
@Jessica ****************
you are Spot On with you planned trip...Have a great visit. 😊Jessica *****************
OPThank you, I do have a return flight booked, and a confirmed hotel reservation for my first 4 days in Thailand. I plan to carry more than $20,000 Baht with me as well.
James ********
I would recommend you carry US $650. in cash with you as you may be asked by Thai Immigration to show 20,000 Thai baht on arrival in Bangkok airport. And might be asked to show your hotel booking for your stay the first few days in Thailand and your return airline ticket. (there are no ATM machines before Thai Immigration at arrival).
James ********
No visa needed at connecting airport or in Thailand. You should be stamped in for 30 days upon arrival.
James ********
@Duncan ******
yes.
Duncan *******
@James *******
he'll be stamped 30 day visa exempt not visa on arrival.James ********
So your connecting flight is in Inchon Airport South Korea. Flying Delta to Inchon and connecting with Korean Air to Bangkok ? Do you have a return ticket to show the airlines when you board Delta and Korean Air?
James ********
@Jessica ****************
yep...its a saver in Chaing Mai.James ********
@Bryce ******
thank you for the info. The OP is a Mother travelling with her two children to Thailand.Jessica *****************
OP@James *******
, a grab taxi? Is this the grab app everyone is buzzing about? I have it if so.
Bryce *******
@James *******
get an international license at AAA for $30....motorcycle endosement if you want that..Required in Thailand!
Also good for a year in multiple other countries...
Easy.
James ********
@Jessica ****************
and driving a motorbike here requires you to have motorbike license in USA. Or your travel health insurance may not cover you.James ********
Be aware air conditions in Bangkok terrible now. Go to Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai...sunny and clear day today in the 70-80's
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James ********
@Jessica ****************
gigabyte rates for Thai sim using Wi-Fi from tablets super cheap. Add it to a tablet at AIS at airport.James ********
@Jessica ****************
BTW...I use Messenger and LINE to connect or talk to friends ...great to use in keeping in touch with family and friends in USA. Even my sister now uses LINE to chat with me. Just got a LINE message from her on cruise in New Zealand. Free.James ********
Jessica Calhoon Calson use googleflights.com to seek out best air fares Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Be careful of baggage fees.
James ********
@Bob *********
thank you. Helpful info for her.James ********
@Jessica ****************
in Chiang Mai use Grab Taxi. Cheap rates. I am visiting in CMai this weekend. Have used Grab Taxi three times..rates 60-100 Thai baht. Just select the budget economy taxi...same car as premium choices. Lower rate. App to download is Grab Taxi. Similar to Uber and Lyft in USA.
Bob **********
@James *******
believe me a thai Som will not work in a locked phone from a US carrier but they will unlock them in her situationJames ********
@Bob *********
hmmmm....good point. But not sure about that.James ********
@Jessica ****************
or reverse.. Cannot see much at night on the train. Return daytime see the Thai countryside riding the rails.Bob **********
@James *******
make sure if your with your carrier in the states unlock your phone or a sim here won’t workJessica *****************
OP@James *******
, I had planned to take the sleeper train (with my two children) from BKK to Chiang Mai, then possibly fly back.Jessica *****************
OP@James *******
, yes, I’ve heard some harrowing stories about driving in Thailand...not my plan at all. I’ve also heard about the taxi mafia, and using only metered taxis. Thank you for pointing this out, great advice!James ********
Fly to Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai. .both great cities. Avoid taking bus or van trips wherever possible. Especially if at night. Drivers not safe IMHO.
James ********
Do not drive motorbikes or rent cars. Not wise to do. Use official taxi from airport taxi stands...in Bangkok MUST USE METER.....avoid TOUTS wanting to take you.
James ********
I use T-Mobile when I am in the US. I am American and retired to Thailand 12+ years ago. But much better for you to get Thai sim card. I wish T-Mobile had cheap rates in USA like AIS and others do in Thailand.
Jessica *****************
OPAlso, the plan as of now is to use public transit & trains, or even fly (from Chiang Mai back to BKK). I’m not certain I want to test my fate driving a motorbike in Thailand...yikes!
James ********
@Jessica ****************
YES...get a Thai Sim card...cheap. Turn OFF roaming on your T-Mobile phone if you do not get Thai Sim Card. The AIS desk person will assist and place their sim card in your phone and give you your T-Mobile sim card.Jessica *****************
OP@James *******
, done & done. Great advice!Jessica *****************
OP@James *******
, I use T-Mobile, and they have an unlimited text & data international plan. I don’t plan to talk on my phone while in Thailand, as I don’t even do that in the US, but apparently it is .20 cents/min if I do...so no plan to do any chitchat on my phone while in Thailand, but maybe getting a SIM is a good idea just Incase?James ********
Make sure you have health or travel insurance covering your trip. Its cheap and if you plan to ride on a motorbike make sure it is covered. Some plans do not...or offer as an option.
James ********
@Jessica ****************
and you can easily obtain a Thai Sim Card for use in your mobile cell phone from phone company booths after clearing Customs. I use AIS. True is also good. Cheap rate plans for nationwide phone and Wi-Fi use.Jessica *****************
OP@James *******
, this was my next question! Thank you for this info!James ********
@Jessica ****************
FYI....the bank exchange booths at BKK airport have terrible exchange rates. Only get what little needed for first day from one ...or if flight arrival time is when Superrich exchange booth is open. . located lower level where Skytrain departs to Bangkok ..Superrich has great rates. TT exchange booths in Pattaya too. Otherwise use ATM. ATM fees charged by banks in Thailand are 180-220 Thai baht approx US $7...plus any fee your home bank charges.Jessica *****************
OP@James *******
, yes, thank you 🙏James ********
@Jessica ****************
remember your arrival day is counted as Day #1.Jessica *****************
OPFlying Asiana Air from US to Inchon, then from Inchon to BKK. Yes, I have a return flight booked, and plan to stay in Thailand just under the 30 day allotment.
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