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How can I navigate the new E-Visa system for Thailand as an older applicant?
E-VisaThailand Tourist VisaVisa Application ProcessTechnical AssistanceVisa Rules for ExpatsVisa Requirements for Seniors
Jun 16, 2024
2 years ago
Robert ********
ORIGINAL POSTERLast week I submitted my application to the Royal Thai embassy in Canberra ( Aust ) for a 60 day tourist visa ( done it many times over many years ) my application & all the documents were returned within 4 days - with advice that the embassy doesn’t handle visa applications by post any more & that I must submit a E-VISA ( instructions were enclosed ) - After 3+ hours - trying to wade through the technical jargon - I gave up in dispare - if your not computer literate, ile advise everyone, you will have to go to a private business that handles all kinds of visa applications - any advice anyone ?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion centers around an individual seeking help with the new E-Visa application process for Thailand after their traditional visa application was rejected by the Thai embassy in Australia. Many comments provide various supportive suggestions, like finding someone helpful in submitting the online application and sharing experiences about the complexities faced when uploading documents. Some suggest getting assistance from local resources, such as libraries or tech-savvy relatives. There's also discourse about the challenges older individuals face with today's technology and references to visa-free entry options for Australians.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
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Andy ******
Changing the subject slightly isn't there going to be a 60 day visa on arrival coming soon?
Andy ************
@Andy *****
NoReply to
Andy ************
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Mike ********
Hope they give a 60 stamp soon so you won't need a E-Visa
Andy **********
You must have a relative that can help you out, it's a bit of a pain, but it's not that difficult, I've seen people on here saying that a younger relative, that's been brought up on a laptop helped them out.
Jeff ********
I only had an issue updating a proof of return ticket file. The online instructions were quite incorrect but I kept trying different things and finally had success. I don’t recall the initial application being a problem though. I hope you get the help you need as it really should be easy.
Andy *********
Our last OA visa we applied for, Thai immigration kept telling me my iinsurance information was not listed by the insurance company on some web site. The insurance company kept telling me there was no site to list the info. After much going back and forth between the insurance company and Thai immigration, the condition was dropped, and the linked web site disappeared. Was very frustrating.
Av **********
Lmao, making boomers do pdfs to keep them out of the country - genius
Bob ********
I would just go to my local library, with whatever docs they need and a credit card. You will need an email address, I am sure a librarian or volunteer will assist, it's very easy. And you get an email back with the Evisa attached library can print that out, and you give it and your passport to the immigration gate for Thai nationals and old farangs and you are in. I'm 76 and did it 5 weeks ago. Very easy
Casey ******
I think the big frustration with questions like this isn’t that people don’t want to help it’s that the OP often times hasn’t tried to help themselves.
Tech savvy or not, you’re capable of using Facebook. If you can use Facebook, you can use YouTube.
If you can use YouTube, you could have easily typed the words “how to use the Thailand evisa system” and found one of dozens of videos like this, without being berated by the comment trolls in this group.
Tech savvy or not, you’re capable of using Facebook. If you can use Facebook, you can use YouTube.
If you can use YouTube, you could have easily typed the words “how to use the Thailand evisa system” and found one of dozens of videos like this, without being berated by the comment trolls in this group.
************************************************
Nathan ******
@Casey *****
exactly.If you're holding a phone, all one has to do is push a button and ask it. Being old is not an excuse to not being able to learn something new and actually quite simple.
Reply to
Nathan ******
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Ron **********
I'm a tech dinosaur myself,but had no problem with an online non-immi O application in Australia in March this year
Rene ********
Find a kid to help and spot them some pocket money
John *********
I'm very computer literate and I did find it an arm wrestle but persevered and finally did get it done.
Paid my $60 and got my 60 visa in a few days.
I've since found out Thailand now has standard issue 60 visa on arrival current.
So maybe double check this first.
Paid my $60 and got my 60 visa in a few days.
I've since found out Thailand now has standard issue 60 visa on arrival current.
So maybe double check this first.
Lynnette *******
@John ********
visa on arrival is not for Aus passport holders. They can enter exempt of any visa for 30 days. And can extend for 30 days.Lee ***********
@John ********
60 day visa on arrival not available yetJohn *********
@Lee **********
👍🏻👍🏻Reply to
John *********
Reply
Les ***********
I understand.
RobD****
It's really not that hard just click the right options and you should be done in less than 5 minutes .
Gordon *******
@RobD****
longer than 5 minutes but I get your pointRobD****
@Gordon ******
I helped a friend do his and was done in 4mins the payment processing took longer than applying. But yeah if you not familiar with the layout and what visa you need to apply for I can see it being a pain in the ass to negotiate for some peopleReply to
RobD****
Reply
Terary **********
Pay some high school kid to figure it out for you. I just finished my eVisa (Thai Embassy USA), it's a pain but it's a lot easier than going to the the embassy. If you do not have the computer skills (which is understandable) hire a kid who does have the necessary skills. Honestly, about the only difficult thing was making sure I had the correct file types.
Deborah *******
May I suggest you pop in to your local library and enquire there? My local library has a bank of computers and perhaps a staff member there may assist or know someone that can assist in the process. If you go armed with passport, proof of address in Australia and the other documents I’m sure there’ll be help available. Good luck!
Nicholas *********
If you have a
Smart phone there is an app called scanner pro. This will allow you to scan your documents which will become a PDF file which you can E mail or attach to computer files
Smart phone there is an app called scanner pro. This will allow you to scan your documents which will become a PDF file which you can E mail or attach to computer files
Cabbie ******
@Nicholas ********
if you open a new note on your notes app on your iPhone and use the camera function it gives you an option to scan a document (multiple pages too) and then saves this scan to notes. You can then send it from notes to your files folder on your phone where you can attach it to emails etc . 💪🏻Reply to
Cabbie ******
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Lenny ******
Was told that they changed visa entry now that you get 60 days and then can apply for 30 days
Martin *********
@Lenny *****
not implemented yet .. pending ..Lenny ******
@Martin ********
thank youReply to
Lenny ******
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Tullio *******
Maybe get someone that ha a few computer skills to assist you? It’s a straight forward process no point paying for a service, same documents need to be scanned or taken a picture of and uploaded.
Peter *******
I have been told the 30 day vis a on entry has been extended to 60 days for uk citizens, my friend who lives in Thailand says it is correct, publicised in ex pat news, I have tried to e mail and phone Thai embassy in London without any response, l don’t know what is the truth, why does Thailand make the visa issue so difficult
Joe **********
@Peter ******
Coz they don't want you here!Jamie ******
@Peter ******
it’s NOT OFFICIAL YETLisa ********************
@Peter ******
possibly end of June, early July. But nothing officially confirmed yet. And it will be a trial, so maybe revoked, suddenly, at anytime. Which often happens with Thai immigrationLynnette *******
@Peter ******
entering Thailand for a holiday as UK citizen is not difficult: no visa required for 30 days and can extend for an extra 30 days. Unlike trying to enter UK for a holiday as a Thai which is not so easy.John **********
@Peter ******
your friend, and the expat news, are both wrong. The 30 day visa exempt entry remains in place at this time. There is talk of them increasing that to 60 days but as it stands that's all it is, just talkIvan ************
@Jo**
more than talk but less than implemented yetReply to
Ivan ************
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Henrik *****
Some embassies have excellent helppages to the online e-visa proces, to supplement the manual in the top right corner at
***********************
Greg *********
Move with the times.everythings online now .just have to learn
Bob *******
I just got my application approved in less than 2 weeks , however I agree system a bit frustrating as did not go smoothly and took a couple of attempts, tips , download everything you need to supply on your computer ie passport , recent passport photo , travel documents, hotel bookings , airline bookings , etc . Do all this before you start application , if you know anyone more computer literate ask them to help . Do all the uploading to your computer on photos and download on application as required , it is not that complicated once you do it . Good luck .
Henrik *****
Not necessary to have everything ready before starting the application, since you can stop filling out the application at any point, and then restart from the same step.
Bob *******
@Henrik ****
better to do it all at once , get what's required then do the application , you have no experience in management obviously ! HahahaHenrik *****
And you have little experience, in helping people who are not familiar with doing things on a computer.
Reply to
Henrik *****
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Bradley *******
Go to your local or Regional Library,they will point you in the right direction,it may take a few visits,but you will learn some new skills on their computer.Unfortunately some older citizens are being left behind with technology and a cashless society.Good luck.
Nathan ***********
Why bother ? Just get visa on arrival then get 30 day extension. No computer needed
Andy ************
@Nathan **********
He doesn't even need visa on arrival, he gets a free 30-day entry stamp. No visa requiredNathan ***********
@Andy ***********
that’s what I mean a visa stamp or whatever you want to call it. Point was he doesn’t need to apply online at all.Reply to
Nathan ***********
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Matthew *******
Hire a visa service then
Tony *********
Welcome to 2024 . Not 1975 .
Jody *******
@Tony ********
2024 sucksReply to
Jody *******
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Lisa ********************
It's fairly straight forward. You can photograph documents & upload them via your phone
Frances ********
@Lisa *******************
not straight forward when the pics on your phone have to be converted to file type & size. I hit that roadblock for India & Vietnam. Thankfully I have a literate friend able to download apps that did this. I realise this is the new reality, but very difficult for 70+ folks😨Gordon *******
Absolutely correct, okay for office workers or teenagers.Not everyone is computer or IT literate
Lynnette *******
@Gordon ******
my phone asks me before I attach to an email.Reply to
Lynnette *******
Reply
Dan ********
@Frances *******
equally as difficult for some 45 year old too.......Lisa ********************
@Frances *******
email them to yourself and they automatically convert. I'm 70.Joseph ****
@Lisa *******************
Except when they don't convert. Gmail sometimes just sends an error message that the file size was too big. Add me to the growing list of people telling you that your blithe dismissal of OP's issues is off base, unhelpful and misinformative.
Lisa ********************
@Joseph ***
I use Outlook. That does it all for youJoseph ****
@Lisa *******************
Okay, good tip. Many of us allowed ourselves to be taken in by Google, but I duly note your pointer about Outlook. 👍Frances ********
@Lisa *******************
thanks for that tip. I’ll try it. If you don’t mind, can you do a step-by-step how to do that to get the right sized image uploaded into a visa application? I have sympathy for illiterate people because now I feel I am computer illiterate. It’s very disheartening.Lisa ********************
@Frances *******
I just email them to myself on my phone and it converts to j.peg and asks what size I want. Just choose a reduction that reduces the size to lower mbAndy **********
@Lisa *******************
if the photo is to big, just "crop" them in your phone's photo editor.Reply to
Andy **********
Reply
Lynnette *******
@Lisa *******************
it seems even a computer literate teacher couldn't upload his info/documents. Seems strange.Lisa ********************
@Lynnette ******
you have to click twice. Once to upload and once to saveLynnette *******
@Lisa *******************
you'd think the teacher would know that.Lisa ********************
@Lynnette ******
tbf the website isn't the most user friendlyLynnette *******
@Lisa *******************
I also struggled with some online stuff and uploads. I often have to get a bit of help. I was just surprised his computer savvy teacher couldn't upload stuff on the application.Reply to
Lynnette *******
Reply
Dan ********
I don't think there is much point in telling you, but you must ensure any documents uploaded are of a certain criteria, such as file type, and FILE SIZE. Your assistant may need to convert photos/images into PDF, and reduce the file size further still.
Frances ********
@Dan *******
this was my problem in doing e-visa to Vietnam. Couldn’t use screen shots from my phone to attach. 😨Rick **********
@Frances *******
Same problem.Dan ********
@Frances *******
yes, you just would've thought they'd make ANY application type form compatible with current phones, as that's how 95% of people will 'want' to apply. A growing number of those will 'need' to apply by phone, as they no longer have a PC at home, or within easy reach.Frances ********
@Dan *******
totally agree.Reply to
Frances ********
Reply
Jim ******
Either get someone to show you how to do it or just travel to Thailand and visa free entry for 30 days then extend it for 30 days. Depending on when you are travelling the 30 days might be increased to 60 days.
Richard *************
@Jim *****
thats exactly what iv have desided to do instead and 🙏 the 60 kicks in by the time i get there erly julyFrances ********
@Jim *****
I’m praying that’s what’s happening. Or like you said, do 30 day visa exempt plus one extension.Reply to
Frances ********
Reply
Joe ******
You still got to show proof of were your staying when you get there
Robert ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Joe *****
- that’s not a problem with me - I’ve got receipts etcRobert ********
ORIGINAL POSTERThe good news arrived last night - Aussies are amoungst the 90 odd countries that qualify for a “60 day” free entry
Robert ********
ORIGINAL POSTERTheir must be literally thousands of blokes in their 60s & older, like me, who don’t own or know how to operate a computer - who will now be forced to find some other visa service & pay for it - I was so stressed trying to fathom how I was going to get around this “ new invention” when for the past 15 odd years I’ve delt with the appropriate consule or embassy - & never faced any problems - the ownis is now on the individual
Reply to
Robert ********
Reply
John *******
@Robert *******
just get 30 days when you arrive then register for another 30 days, if you don't want to queue at immigration, there is someone who will sort it for 4000 baht in the next door office if you are going to PattayaReply to
John *******
Reply
Stephen *******
Can't you get someone in your family to help you
Mario *********
@Stephen ******
someone with a scanner.Henrik *****
Or a mobile phone.
Reply to
Henrik *****
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Traceys *********
If you want to pm me I can talk you through it
Brian *******
@Traceys ********
Facebook needs more people like you. Good Karma!Traceys *********
@Brian ******
aww , thank you 🙏 and yes I totally agreeReply to
Traceys *********
Reply
Frances ********
@Traceys ********
if you have visa service available could you post your link? I’d hire you before driving myself to tears. 73 here and not savvy.Traceys *********
@Frances *******
I don’t have a service, just happy to help. I struggled with it myself but managed to get it done and happy to help and talk you through it if you want to pm me 😊Frances ********
@Traceys ********
Thank you 🙏 most sincerely.Reply to
Frances ********
Reply
Wayne ********
Find some young kid maybe a neighbor relative or friend sit down with him he’ll fill out the EVisa for you and you’ll be done in about 20 minutes
Ken **********
Mario *********
@Wayne *******
I was going to suggest the same.Robert ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Wayne *******
thanks mate - I took all my documents to a “computer literate” friend ( x teacher etc ) - she couldn’t “paste” the documents ( or transfer them ? ) onto her computer - after 3 hours - told her - just forget it, ile scratch my head to see what other options I haveBonnie *********
@Robert *******
Just email them to your friend.Wayne ********
@Robert *******
take your documents to someone that has a scanner have them scan and save the files to their desktop and then use that same person to fill out the application once the documents are scanned and saved on your computer. It’s just a matter of selecting them and attaching them to the application. It’s very simple.mHenrik *****
In stead of a scanner, it’s easier to take photos with your mobile.
Colin *********
@Henrik ****
that's fine, as long as you know well how to use a smartphone AND make sure that photos taken with it are really clear and sharp. If they're not clear and sharp, there's a good chance they'll be rejected, as pointed out to me recently in something unrelated.Henrik *****
If not clear and sharp, just push the release button one more time, or go outside to get better light for the pictures.
Gordon *******
@Colin ********
Good adviceMario *********
@Wayne *******
good advice if he knows someone with a scanner otherwise I would say go to a firm, a travel agency for example.Reply to
Mario *********
Reply
Gordon *******
Unfortunately that's life and the current situation.
Much as I sympathise with you
Unfortunately you will have to accept and comply or not get visa for 60 days
Much as I sympathise with you
Unfortunately you will have to accept and comply or not get visa for 60 days
Brandon ************
There isn't really any technical jargon. It's a very straightforward process that was streamlined even further last November when they removed required proof of a bunch of things. It's now just a handful of questions that you upload a document for and you get your visa. If you asked some specific questions people may be able to assist you, but you are just complaining here.
Ken **********
@Brandon ***********
too hard for meBonnie *********
@Lee **********
Geez, my first was pre-windows.Lee ***********
@Bonnie ********
posh then 😆Reply to
Lee ***********
Reply
Jody *******
@Lee **********
How did you get that photo of Thailand immigrations master computer system? :oLee ***********
@Jody ******
when asking about the new 60 days visa waiver, took that long for the reply 😆Reply to
Lee ***********
Reply
Robert ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
thanks Brandon for your advise - but when your 84 y old & you talk about “uploading documents” - that’s ok if you are computer savvy - but what if you don’t own or know how to operate a computer - that’s my handycapAndrew *******
@Robert *******
yes people forget some in 60s 70s and 80s are not computer savvy ....I can do it but it often quite onerousJamie ******
@Robert *******
well said ,ignorant comment and moderators should know betterPeter ********
@Robert *******
I totally agree. I'm 72 and you guys that grew up with computers have it easy we don't. Just a fact.Bonnie *********
@Peter *******
Same age as you, google is your friend. It’s not a steep learning curve.Neal *******
@Bonnie ********
Actually, we all have different learning curves and temperaments. Just thinking about the process, doing it, and not succeeding is overwhelming! Some of us need to have our hands held.Nathan ******
@Peter *******
old person here.I didn't grow up with computers either (which is unnecessary if you have a phone). Yet here we all are communicating via computer networks. It's never to late to learn something new.
Jamie ******
@Nathan *****
learning something new and filling in an embassy visa are two different thingsNathan ******
@Jamie *****
right they are different, and it does take a bit of time to figure it out. I had to puzzle over it for a couple of days, but when you do get it, the next time, it might take only an hour or 10 minutes even if you already have the photos and screen shots in your phone.Having to print out actual paper documents is way more difficult in the end.
Us old people can learn this stuff, after all we learned all the other stuff to make it this far in life.
Reply to
Nathan ******
Reply
Ken ***********
@Robert *******
just a kindly intended suggestion but do you have a more tech savy relative who could help with the process ?Frances ********
@Robert *******
I completely sympathise with you. It was a major struggle for me as well.Tom ********
@Rob***
I sympathise with you, I'm a little younger and just done my 60 day one which I did over several days and saved it as I went along, take your time and try not to overthink it and you will get it done.Marc ********
@Robert *******
I am 46 and only have a smartphone. I don't really feel able to upload stuff on their page.I went to a travel agency with visa service.
I am sure they have something simular in Australia
I paid about 100USD. Worth it imo to save the hassle
Lee ***********
@Marc *******
you can use most cameras to scan a document or download an app like simple scanner, I do it all the time and it's quite easy to attach the documents. Just takes a bit of practice like anything. I'm not suggesting this for an older person, but for the majority or a helper.Marc ********
@Lee **********
Often it dosn't work for me with other pages so I didn't even try with the Thai embassy.Reply to
Marc ********
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