Answered4 years ago
How can I resolve issues with applying for a Thai Tourist Visa online if my embassy is not in my country?
Hello! I tried applying for the Tourist Visa (TR) at the official website and was told to contact my embassy/consulate, which in my case is not even in the country. You would think applications from European passports from EU countries would be quite standard, no? I sent an email to the consulate, but does anyone know if there is a way to make the online application work? Thanks.
Answer summary
The user is encountering difficulties applying for a Thai Tourist Visa (TR) online, as they were directed to contact their embassy, which is not located in their current country. The discussion reveals insights into how different nationalities are treated in terms of visa applications for Thailand, emphasizing that Thailand does not recognize a collective 'European' passport. The user considers the limitations of visa exemptions and the possibility of extensions due to COVID-19, while contemplating alternatives such as applying for other types of visas or making border runs.
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Miguel *************
OPHi
I’ve seen a lot of people going for covid extensions, but I don’t understand what is the rationale for accepting such a thing when the country and the world is mostly open abs there’s not much info online. It’s going away too, right? I really wouldn’t want to be restricted to 30d+30d, although I do realize there is also border runs and the like. Thanks.
@Stuart ********
. So it seems the only way I have of applying for a TR visa is to book an appointment and go to the embassy/consulate in another country, so I guess I’m stuck with the visa exemption.I’ve seen a lot of people going for covid extensions, but I don’t understand what is the rationale for accepting such a thing when the country and the world is mostly open abs there’s not much info online. It’s going away too, right? I really wouldn’t want to be restricted to 30d+30d, although I do realize there is also border runs and the like. Thanks.
Miguel *************
OP@John *********
you’re welcome to interpret rationale as excuse. I have a basic idea about the other visas from looking into this, but I’m probably better off spending some time in a neighboring country and then coming back. Or look into what people call border runs.The plan is to spend roughly 6 months in this part of the world anyway.
John **********
@Miguel ************
looking for rationale in Thailand is a mistake. If you come in visa exempt you are restricted to 30 + 30. It's possible you could get a Covid extension after that but they are not a given even if they do still exist at that time. The only other option you have is to look for longer term visas once here. Retirement, marriage, education etc or if you've got the money EliteBobby ********
A lot of Europeans do not realise that Thailand treats every European country as a different entity. When people say "I've got a European Passport" I cackle, but there's actually no such thing. Each European country issues its own passport and Thailand treats that citizen on the merits of the home country
Stephen *******
@Bobby *******
Yes, Malta has a European passport but don't even qualify for visa exempt entry. They need Visa on Arrival like some African countries.Miguel *************
OP@Bobby *******
I think I explained it, but ok.Bobby ********
@Miguel ************
Correct. There is no need, but that's exactly what you didMiguel *************
OP@Bobby *******
to be fair, in terms of power and reach, there is no need to refer to ir as an EU passport, it’s a simplification (and the Portuguese is the 6th strongest worldwide, apparently), I’m just surprised that a passport issued in the Euro zone, and with a better reach than a US passport, isn’t eligible for an online application. I guess it could be due to a number of different bureaucratic reasons.***************************************************************************************************
*******
/29/which-countries-have-the-best-passports-most-are-in-europe.htmlBobby ********
@Miguel ************
Yes but if you're referring to your passport in the context of Thailand, saying you have a "European" passport is worthless, as Thailand does not recognise a "European" passport. I have triple nationality, UK, Australian and German. All of these are treated equally by Thailand.Miguel *************
OP@Bobby *******
I have a Portuguese passport, but there is a context to my post. An European passport is a specific legal entity with particular advantages and disadvantages when compared to others, so it is pertinent to refer to it that way. This has nothing to do with subtracting from a country's unique specificities, but that's ok, you don't have to know that. I would expect people who don't understand to "cackle".
Giovanni *******
In Italia devi andare per forza ambasciata a Roma per avere un visto di 90 gg non 0 .tempo di attesa 2 giorni portando documenti .per a dare liberamente si può quando arrivi hai 30 gg free Arrival visa e poi con 1900 bath puoi chiedere estensione di 30 gg.sono notizie sicure avuto da ambasciata thai in Roma questa settimana con mail.quindi dovrebbe essere così anche per voi portoghesi facente parte dell EU .ciao
John **********
If you can't apply on line then you should go to the Thai Embassy wherever you are and apply there
Miguel *************
OP@John *********
I sent them an email, thanks.John **********
@Miguel ************
I guess you could try the one in Armenia. You could call them and askMiguel *************
OP@John *********
Georgia.John **********
@Miguel ************
where are you?Miguel *************
OP@John *********
there isn’t one in the country.
Corey *******
Are they still doing covid 60 day extensions?
Corey *******
@Miguel ************
I only told them I didn't feel safe to travel, and said in USA there are many covid cases, and they don't wear masks 😂Miguel *************
OP@Corey ******
what would be the excuse to supporting argument for a covid extension, though? The world is pretty much all open now.Corey *******
@Miguel ************
last time I came to Thailand during covid, I stayed almost 8 months. After the first 60 days on tourist visa, I got a 30 day visa extension. Then I got 60 day Covid extension 3 times for 1900baht. In another forum, they said they are still doing it, but the program ends July 25th. (they are likely to extend the program by two more months, as they have kept the program going two months at a time since the start of covid).Miguel *************
OP@Corey ******
I have no idea. Should I look into it?
Chut ******
what is your nationality?
Miguel *************
OPI'm not too stressed because I can enter with visa exemption, but I'd rather just get a visa now and get a longer stay.
Wayne *********
@Danielle *******
Sydney are good via email and phone when I have had questions, Cambera not so helpful.
Danielle ********
@Wayne ********
I always had better success with the consulates Facebook messages … that was in the US howeverChut ******
@Miguel ************
their career path is not up to this job hahaha,please avoid to due with government,you will be happy inThailand.Miguel *************
OP@Wayne ********
that’s what I did. Thanks.Wayne *********
@Miguel ************
ok not sure what you do if not home. Other than ring or email for advice.Miguel *************
OP@Wayne ********
I am based in Georgia at the moment. They don’t have one. I was asked to get in touch with the nearest consulate and like I said I reached out already.Wayne *********
@Miguel ************
have you tried ringing the Portugal embassy in Lisbon or emailed them ?Miguel *************
OP@Wayne ********
yes.Wayne *********
@Miguel ************
your from Portugal ?Miguel *************
OP@Wayne ********
yea, I’m not too stressed because I have visa exemption, just a little frustrated and surprised. You don’t get much more mainstream for tourism than being a EU member.Wayne *********
@Miguel ************
agree TR60 be easy but the 30 +30 plus border run is a backupMiguel *************
OP@Wayne ********
30 days + renewal + border run, you mean. If I can get 60 days straight via an online application, I would prefer that.Wayne *********
@Miguel ************
do 60 days then do a border runMiguel *************
OP@Yoyo *******
I know that, but I want to stay 60 days extendable to 90.Chut ******
@Miguel ************
you are not required tourist visa,you can stay in Thailand 30 daysMiguel *************
OP@Yoyo *******
I am a Portuguese citizen.Activity
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