Answered6 years ago
How can Americans apply for the Thailand STV visa amidst current restrictions?
Hey guys STV is now open for all countries. I contacted the Longstay company, but they said I still need to wait. I'm from usa. Anyone (especially americans) have luck getting an STV?
Answer summary
The Special Tourist Visa (STV) is now open for applicants from all countries, including the USA. However, many applicants face delays, especially from the U.S. embassy, which has not yet issued STVs while other embassies may be offering different visa options. Travelers are advised to directly contact their embassies instead of using intermediary companies like Longstay. Recent updates indicate that approvals now require a criminal background check and proof of prepaid long-term accommodation. There are mixed experiences regarding visa issuance speed, and travelers are encouraged to keep track of embassy announcements and share updates on their applications.
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Harry ****
OPDoes anyone know when they say we must pay for the hotel for the "whole duration of the stay" , is it okay to pay for just a portion of it and then book a different hotel once in thailand? I'd want to explore a bit and not be locked down to one hotel for the whole trip. How strict would they be?
Justin ******
They finally updated the website... they now require a criminal background check and proof of prepaid long-term accommodation.
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Khai *****
Is it acceptable to have been arrested for a DUI but never charged or convicted?
Harry ****
OPit says on the website you need to produce a fully paid hotel reservation. read it man.
Harry ****
OPThey are so considerate, forcing us to prepay for the accommodation before approving the visa.
John ******
@Harrison ******
Not correct look for hotels that do not require prepaid or require just a small downpayment and promis to refund if your COE is not issued !
Allie ***********
I just applied in las angles and got my visa in less then a week
Harry ****
OP@Allie **********
is that a STV visa? Corey *******
Yes, was that STV? How did you fill the requirements of long-term accommodation?
Corey *******
I am trying to get the same. I was planning for the TR Visa, until we (usa) got approval. I am still waiting to hear back from the USA embassy (DC) but they are not responding. Please post here if you have any updates! Too many people ask a question, then never update when they find the answer. Thanks
Harry ****
OP@Corey ******
its a slow process. no information has been provided to me, i was told to wait. ill update if i learn anything.
Martin ***********
I applied this week in London for 60day tourist visa and was issued a STV instead, upgrade it appears.
William *******
Not for STV but for normal TR yes.
Harry ****
OP@William ******
stv is a steal man. Closest thing to an elite visa. Once in a lifetime opportunity, to stay in Thailand for cheap. I could have went on a normal visa, but I’m waiting for stv. 
Tod *********
it's a little far from an elite visa there
the STV allows you to enter once get stamped in for 90 days, get TWO 90 day extensions (so a total of 270 days) and then you're done and you go back to where ever you came from. They already posted the STV can't be used to convert to another type of visa inside thailand.
Even the bargain basement elite visa is valid for 5 years and you get stamped in for a year when you arrive and you can get a new year long extensions at the immigration office without ever leaving the country for the validity of the visa
I agree the STV is a good value, but the elite card/visa it is not ;)
@Harrison ******
:O the STV allows you to enter once get stamped in for 90 days, get TWO 90 day extensions (so a total of 270 days) and then you're done and you go back to where ever you came from. They already posted the STV can't be used to convert to another type of visa inside thailand.
Even the bargain basement elite visa is valid for 5 years and you get stamped in for a year when you arrive and you can get a new year long extensions at the immigration office without ever leaving the country for the validity of the visa
I agree the STV is a good value, but the elite card/visa it is not ;)
Harry ****
OP@Garrett **********
I never heard of that. I'll keep track of the announcements though. Things are quite slow and confusing tbh. Garrett ***********
Dave ***********
As of today, the Canada Embassy isnt giving me the STV as an option. Only the regular tourist visa.
Ryan ********
@Dave **********
it is on the Vancouver consulate website. Garrett ***********
Don't go through the longstay company, go through the embassy. The embassies are issuing the STV's now, except for the US embassy. If you look on any of the US Thai embassies they say "STV is currently being updated, please check back soon." I don't know how long 'soon' is, but I'd either contact them or wait a week or so.
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