Answereda year ago
Do U.S. citizens need a visa to travel to Thailand for a couple of months?
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Does anyone know if a person would need a visa traveling to THAILAND from the U.S. I’d like to go for a couple of months to see if and where I want to retire. I’m retired all ready just looking into HUA HIN so any advice will be appropriated
Answer summary
U.S. citizens traveling to Thailand can enter without a visa for up to 60 days under visa exemption rules. This period can be extended for an additional 30 days at a local immigration office. It is advisable to apply for a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before traveling. Additionally, when considering retirement in Thailand, one should explore visa options, including the Non-O visa, which may have different requirements compared to the Non-OA visa.
24 repliesnewest first
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David ******
In addition, you will need to apply for a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online at least 3 days before you arrive.
Mike ******
I live in Thailand. If I had my time over I would choose Vietnam. Everything is overcomplicated here. Every Thai official is on a power trip and so makes things difficult.
Dave **********
@Mike *****
agreed.
Erick ********
Brother. USA passport gets 60 day visa exempt for TH.
Marty *******
I just came in 2 years ago no visa just my U.S passport which back than made me exempt from visa for 30 days(it might be 60 days now I heard) than went through the whole process of getting my retirement visa. If you do it in Thailand you don't have to show proof of medical insurance and getting a criminal background check from your country plus I could talk(if possible lolll)to my immigration office in Thailand about what I exactly need. Anything that makes it easier is a good thing in Thailand 😄
Marianne ********
@Marty ******
You don't need any of that if you apply for the regular Non-O in your country either.It's the Non-OA that requires all that extra stuff.
Bernard ************
@Marty ******
attention beaucoup de lois ont changé ces derniers mois, renseignez vous.Bonne retraite
Jessie ******
I live in Pattaya
I'm just having a short holiday in Hua HIN
Hua hin is very nice to get away to for a quick 5 day break
Low season
And can get cheap accommodation
Not to much happening in Hua hin
Beaches are great
I'm just having a short holiday in Hua HIN
Hua hin is very nice to get away to for a quick 5 day break
Low season
And can get cheap accommodation
Not to much happening in Hua hin
Beaches are great
David *****
Hope you enjoy your time. Personally I thought Hua hin was too sedate and quiet. A lot of older tourists. My Thai gf is 48 and I think I’m a young 61. We’re considering bkk and pattaya (not bar scene) for retirement. Have fun.
Larry *******
OP@David ****
im 56 and my wild days are behind me I’ll still go out but I’m looking for a place to retire to and a starting point to see history nature and just explore all over that part of the world for what time I have left. I’ve had enough of the crazy fast paced and just aggravating place where I live and just want to meet great people and experience people places and things I’ve never seen beforeVicky *****************
@Larry ******
can’t send a message but will reply here. I am building a house in Chumphon not too far from Surathani. It is about a mile from an orphanage I volunteer at. The district it is in in fairly small but there is a gym with a pool and a lot of nature and really interesting agricultural stuff to do. There is a Homestay (kind of like an Airbnb) a football field away and the beach is just a couple miles away. We go spearfishing there. There are not a lot of other foreigners around. I’m sure they’re out there and many come to the Homestay. I speak Thai so that might make it easier for me. I can’t message you but you can message me if you’re interested. I will be there September 2. There is room to build several other houses on this land. I just got a small one built because it’s just me for 18,000 dollars. You could probably build one for 21,000.Vicky *****************
@Larry ******
I will send you a pm with an idea
Rick *********
@Larry ******
Jomtien is a nice place. Plenty of western folks and food when you want. Not as busy as Pattaya but close to some really good live music. Also a short drive to Bangkok. Enjoy the adventure, I am going on 4 years now.Doug ********
@Larry ******
started doing the same in Sept 23....first 6 months the so many places visited across all of Thailand.....another 6 years should just about be ready to try vietnam, Cambodia,Laos etc,etc. 62 when I got here...been back to UK a couple of times for a few months to see family but love it hereLarry *******
OP@David ****
I’m looking for a jumping off point. I’m a history buff and nature and walks I’ve also played drums my whole life. I’m not much of a big partier but I’ve been known to have fun lol. If you have any advice please don’t hesitate to tell me please I’ll need all the direction I could get. I know I’ll make mistakes along the way but I want to keep that to a minimum lolLarry *******
OPSo if along your way you have advice or ideals please pass them on. Any and all info I get will a positive for me. I believe the more I’m informed the less mistakes and over sights I’ll make. It’s just me so if u mess up along the way it’s good I don’t have to worry bout hurting anyone in my process of the major transition if that makes sense
Doug ********
Larry Toten...I love it in the North East isaan region...far fewer tourists which I prefer,although am of course one myself lol. Have a thai partner so am lucky as her and her family show me and teach me so much.
Wylie *******
@Larry ******
definitely come and check several places out. I'm only 48 but actually really liked Hua Hin, although I was only there for a week. Sure its not as high paced as other places but whether its enough is completely dependent on what you are used to or want. I'm from the rural Midwest so Hua Hin is a huge city with way more to offer compared to the towns of only 4,000 people.Ron ******
@Larry ******
If you play the drums the countryside might suit better! Seriously though, the best advice is to come over and check out various locations, Remember living here is not like being here on holiday. Hua Hin is a good starting point and would likely be my choice if I were single. Good luck.Ron ******
@Larry ******
One thing you're going to find out quick smart is that Thailand's a whole different game to what you're used to back home. The culture, day-to-day life, climate, food, driving, the complexity at times to get the most simple task done, the authorities love of paperwork, the list is endless. Plenty of good informative material available on the likes of YouTube that will give you an insight. You shouldn't have too much difficulty with communication if you stick to the areas where there are plenty Westerners. You'll soon pick up some of the local lingo, make the effort as the Thais will appreciate it. You can check out the official Thai embassy website and see what visas are available should you be wanting to move here long-term.Larry *******
OP@Ron *****
thanks for the advice if you can think of anything I should know or just an ideal it would be appreciated. I’m single and an old man lol and retired now so I can take my time and screw things up a lot. But any ideals thoughts please don’t hesitate you all have a great day I’m 12 hours ahead of you so take care thanks again
Stuart *********
Coming from the US you would get a visa exempt entry for 60 days. You can extend that once at a local immigration office for a further 30 days.
Larry *******
OP@Stuart ********
that’s sound good thank you so much
Phil ******
Just come and do it
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