How far in advance should a Canadian apply for a 60-day tourist visa to Thailand?

Mar 31, 2023
2 years ago
Mike ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I’m Canadian and want to apply online for a 60 day tourist visa to Thailand

I plan on going to Thailand July 2023

How long prior to my target date should I apply?

If I have all the required documents and stuff, how quick is the process.

Thanks in advance
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A Canadian seeking to apply online for a 60-day tourist visa to Thailand for July 2023 should consider applying in mid-April, as most visas are valid for 3 months from issuance. The processing time can vary; reports suggest it may take 20 business days to over 6 weeks. Additionally, some individuals recommend arriving without a visa to obtain a 30-day visa exemption upon entry, followed by a possible extension of 30 days at an immigration office.
Mike *****
Better to just arrive and get 30 days visa exempt then go to immigration on final day (verify immigration holiday dates) and get 30 day extension. Much easier and no pre-planning involved (other than spending a few hours to complete extension step).
Mike *****
@Ben *****
Not sure if there was any announcement to extend the 45 day yet or not. It was supposed to end March 31st.

re: extension info - I'll defer to your info.
Ben ******
@Mike ****
Sorry, you are right to point out the proposed end of the 45 day visa on 31 March.
Ben ******
@Mike ****
I thought visa -exempt was 45 days still. I read that most offices allow you to apply for an extension when you have 30 days or less left. Bangkok, Phuket and ChiangMai allow you to apply when you have 45 days or less left.

Koh Samui and Jomtien require you to be on the last week of your stay before you can apply.
Gorgon *****
It took me about 3 months to get 6 month multi entry visa since new post covid e system was established..(additional info on several issues was requested, mainly financial). I had six visas prior to that which involved just sending passport in to local Canadian center and getting it back within two weeks..As a result, flight time came and I entered under visa exempt, only to finally receive the multi entry about 3 weeks after arrival..I kept local Immigration notified, and initiated multi entry at a Laos crossing. Remember the only proof you have is the attachment sent by email when visa is finally approved and you need that each time you do your 60 day bounce, since all that appears in your passport is regular entry stamp , not full page "plate" type used in the past.
Craig *******
Canada is slow. Embassy website says 20 business days, mine took 6 weeks.
Mike ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Craig ******
thanks for your reply. Did you need to have your flights booked to provide exact date of arrival?
Craig *******
@Mike *****
I think so, I think it asked to upload the flight booking, but not sure if flights need to be booked
Mike ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Craig ******
sorry, I don’t understand. You had to upload flight booking but not sure if flights need to be booked?
Craig *******
@Mike *****
well I wonder if they would accept just a proposed booking - like a screen shot of the flights just before you press "purchase". Or you could upload a doc that just says, "my intended flights are as follows". But don't if they would accept.
Mike ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Craig ******
ah, yes, good question. Thanks for you responses. I appreciate it!!!!
Craig *******
@Mike *****
I had my flights booked, not sure if I needed to though
Mike ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Craig ******
did it ask you when you were filling out visa application?
David *******
You have 3 months to use the visa once it’s issued so once you’re inside that timeframe you might as well apply.

Different Embassies/Consulates have different turn around times. Here in the U.K. it’s usually very quick but I don’t know about Canada.
Joe ******
Maybe apply in the middle of April. Most Visa will be valid for 3 months from the date of issue. You must enter Thailand within the validity of the visa which would be latest by midd Juli.
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