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Do you need to print your visa when going through immigration in Thailand, or is showing it on your phone sufficient?

Nov 13, 2023
2 years ago
Rogerio ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
do i have to have the visa printed going through immigration, or showing on the phone is sufficient?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
It is strongly advised to print out your visa rather than relying on a digital copy on your phone when going through immigration in Thailand. Many users recommend having a printed copy, preferably on A4 paper, for a smoother process. It can help avoid delays caused by phone issues and is preferred by immigration officers, who often scan printed documents. While showing the visa on your phone may be technically possible, having a physical copy ensures better compliance with Thai bureaucratic practices.
Frank **********
Thai's love paperwork. Print it.
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Greg ***********
Immigration officer is HAPPY with a printed copy. NOTE TO SELF: they can see your visa on their computer after they input your name and birth date
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Garrett ***********
Always make a paper copy anytime you travel. You never know whos going to ask for it even though they don't need it.
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Erkki **********
In paper we trust…..
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Mark ********
I always hand them a paper copy. They take it and close the window.
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Henrik *****
Thai civil servants love paper.
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Noel **********
@Henrik ****
all civil servants love paper. It allows them to add unofficial notes to file also. 😊
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Noel **********
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Hans *************
In Thailand everything need printed... often double or more...
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James ********
Bring an 8 ×10 photo of it ,. They prefer if framed
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Pui *****
Printed. They take a scan of it at immigration. Using a phone makes it much harder for the immigration officer.
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Andrew *******
If u show it on your phone make sure u have it ready to show ...don't wait until u are at the immigration counter before looking it up 👍👌
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Damo ***********
@Andrew ******
always good to have a 'paper' copy as well in case phone dies 😃 or runs out of battery etc.
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Damo ***********
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Richard ******
Print
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Sandy **********
Always a printed copy on A4
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Phil ******
@Rogerio *****
print it out
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Jay *******
I saw a lot of people slowing down the lines trying to pull stuff up on their phone. The staff looked frustrated waiting. Easier for everyone if you print out and just have a copy on your phone for backup.
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Roy *********
They want the paper copy
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Nongnuch ********
always keep a printed version. Your phone could black out
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Wayne *********
I agree, print it out. I see lots that take a lot longer at immigration searching their phones for their papers
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Steve *******
I print EVERYTHING. even if it’s all phone based. A print copy covers emergencies.
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Otto *********
They will want it printed on a A4 size piece of paper.
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Tony *********
Just print it just in case . Doesn't hurt
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Brandon ************
For the best experience, always print everything for Thailand bureaucratic processes.
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Brandon ************
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