How do I return to Thailand after a short trip back to the US on a tourist visa?

Question

Ive been staying in Thailand on a tourist visa with Covid extensions. No overstay.

Im going back to the US for the holidays for 3 weeks.

How can I get back into Thailand in January?

Should I apply for another tourist visa at the embassy in the US?

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is currently in Thailand on a tourist visa that has been extended due to Covid-19. They plan to return to the US for 3 weeks for the holidays and are seeking advice on how to re-enter Thailand in January. Comments suggest various options: applying for a new tourist visa (SETV) or considering the visa exemption or STV. Concerns are raised about the time it takes to obtain visas and the possibility of changing requirements due to evolving Covid policies.

Keven **** · Answer

Since you'll be in your home country, might as well get a SETV, which is 1 month longer in total (60+30 day extension). You could also check for the STV (special tourist visa), which is even longer, but the requirements are much stricter, I believe. Make sure to prepare things much more in advance, to get issued the visa by your embassy before your plane ticket departure date (some people are not getting it in time). Same thing with the Thailand Pass (people aren't getting it in time as well). Although requirements will probably have changed by then.

Other option is the visa exemption, but which gives you only 30 days with the possibility to extend another 30 days for 1,900THB at an immigration office in Thailand. 60 days is not a lot. COVID extensions probably won't be continued in 2 months time.

Other option is the visa exemption, but which gives you only 30 days with the possibility to extend another 30 days for 1,900THB at an immigration office in Thailand. 60 days is not a lot. COVID extensions probably won't be continued in 2 months time.