Answered6 years ago
How long does it take for a USA citizen to get a Thai Elite Visa and is there a separate process for a CoE?
How long on average does it take for a USA citizen to to get a Thai Elite Visa after applying for it ? Is there a separate process now for applying for a CoE and an elite visa, or does the elite visa grant you a CoE?
Answer summary
The average processing time for a USA citizen to obtain a Thai Elite Visa is approximately 3 to 6 weeks, depending on individual circumstances. After approval, the visa can only be affixed upon arrival in Thailand. The process for obtaining a Certificate of Entry (CoE) is indeed separate; applicants first need to secure permission from the MFA in Thailand, which takes about 3-4 weeks, followed by applying for the CoE itself. Various users have reported successful experiences with re-entering Thailand on Elite Visas.
15 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Gary ****
YES that are issuing them. You go direct to Thai Elite to apply then get the visa affixed via post at your local embassy. You then apply for your COE which for me took a toal of 17 days start to finish. Multiple Elite members old and new have successfully re-entered Thailand. The MFA in Thailand issue the permission to apply for COE not the Embassy, once you have this permission which is currently taking around 3-4 weeks you apply for COE.
I've has Elite for 2 years and its the best thing I've done, but its a personal decision based on your own situation.
I've has Elite for 2 years and its the best thing I've done, but its a personal decision based on your own situation.
Thomas ********************
As others said, best to talk with them directly. AND the Thai embassy. Getting approved will probably take 3-4 weeks. But then comes the payment phase. At that point it would be nice to know that there's at least a chance one could get on the list to enter the country (which is an embassy matter.) Best of luck!
Mark *************
Omg no ,, hi risk omg !! Such a crock of shit
Gary ****
@Mark ************
I'm entering Thailand in a couple of weeks with my Elite visa, and know multiple other people doing likewise. I'll be seeing my wife and child and for me thats priceless rather than a "crock of shit" 👍Wayne ********
TE can take anything from 3 to 6 weeks a friend just took it but lives here and only took 3 weeks for approval then it’s a matter of you making payment but you cannot get the visa in your passport until you arrive into thailand ??? i have another friend with wife and daughter been stuck in India for past
***
months they been issued TE visas and paid for but cannot get until arrival here into thailand .
Ivan ************
Embassies are putting the visa in now, due to Covid. There's a whole procedure which Elite can explain. I know of at least one Indian who got in on it, from India. The Elite stuck outside Thailand group is also a very helpful resource.
It's not necessarily easy or quick- getting the membership is only the first step, you then need MFA approval for repatriation and then to get the visa, COE, quarantine hotel, flight back etc. It's this stuff that is difficult. It's also possible as Kathy suggested that the US embassies aren't doing them as the US is high risk. They were before but may have stopped. Could well be the same in India now, it has a big Covid situation.
It's not necessarily easy or quick- getting the membership is only the first step, you then need MFA approval for repatriation and then to get the visa, COE, quarantine hotel, flight back etc. It's this stuff that is difficult. It's also possible as Kathy suggested that the US embassies aren't doing them as the US is high risk. They were before but may have stopped. Could well be the same in India now, it has a big Covid situation.
Wayne ********
@Ivan ***********
thanks Ivan i have TE but i will tell my friend who wife and daughter stuck in india.Kathy ****************
From everything I have heard lately they are not approving those..
Gary ****
@Kathy ***************
completely untrue, they are issuing them
Wayne *******
@Kathy ***************
america is a high risk country. 
Jared **********
What Kathy could have meant is that it’s pretty worthless to issue them if you are still not allowed to travel to thailand, there’s only about 30 countries taking tourism visas
Bobby ********
@Kathy ***************
. They are being approved, but for some reason do not get priority for COE. Quite a few people have already entered Thailand on the Elite, so it does work. Suggest the OP join this group for the up to date situation.***********************************************************
**********
*****
*****
*****
6/?ref=share
Tom ********
@Kathy ***************
don’t say what you don’t know. They are indeed issuing themKathy ****************
@T**
we were told by the Washington Embassy that they are not issuing them right nowBobby ********
@Kathy ***************
. It may be that countries that are not on the "low-risk" list are not issuing. Australia is issuing them, but a friend of mine waiting six weeks until he could get a COE, so it's a slow processActivity
11 joined11
people
Related
25Can I use a digital signature for the Declaration form for my Thai Tourist Visa if I don't have a printer or scanner?
642642mo
Is it difficult to transition from an education visa to a DTV in Thailand once the ED visa expires?
1.3k7206mo
What is the process and timeline for obtaining a Muay Thai DTV visa in Vientiane, Laos?
7913118mo
Can I apply for a Thai Non-O visa online while being physically located outside of Thailand?
3.1k21321y
Can I convert my Thai retirement visa from single entry to multiple entry after leaving the country?
2.4k20181y
Can I apply for a DTV visa immediately after my Education Visa expires in Thailand?
921532y
Can I apply for the DTV Visa online and use the approval PDF for entry into Thailand without going to the Embassy?
2.2k18112y
What should I do if I'm waiting for my DTV and want to travel to Thailand?
11.7k921242y
What are the requirements and processes for obtaining a DTV visa in Thailand?
7.4k371282y
How can I apply as a dependent on my wife's Non-B investment visa in Thailand?
622222y
What are the rules for extending a 30-day tourist visa in Thailand?
1.4k9102y
What long-term visa options are available for a Canadian retiree in Thailand who is over 50?
3.7k32283y
Can I apply for a Thailand Elite Visa directly at immigration or do I need an agency?
633234y
How long does the Elite Visa approval process take in Thailand?
1.2k754y
Should I arrive early for my online visa appointment in Thailand, or is my 1130 appointment time sufficient?
629234y
Can I apply for a COVID extension on my Non-B visa before my contract ends?
637425y
Can I apply for the Thai Pass before my STV visa is approved, and how long does STV visa processing take?
838545y
How long does it typically take to receive the Thai Pass?
4.3k31515y
How does the 30-day tourist visa extension work in Thailand regarding timing and appointment requirements?
39715y
What are the current rules for COVID-60 day extensions at the Chiang Mai Immigration Office?
1.5k10146y
Can I apply for an ED Visa during a 30-Day TR Extension in Thailand?
918566y
How long does the Thai Elite visa clearance process take, and what does it involve?
1.4k9127y
What is the Thai Elite Visa, how much does it cost, and how can I apply for it?
32018y
What time should I arrive at the Thai border near Savannakhet for my non-B visa application?
2.5k23148y
How does the multi-entry tourist visa (METV) work in Thailand and do I need to show proof of onward travel?
2.8k23229y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served