How long does it take to get a tourist visa for Thailand after applying?

Jul 10, 2024
5 months ago
Ray **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
How long does it usually take to get a tourist visa after applying? Going in a few weeks but I may not be able to buy a ticket until a few days before I go.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The processing time for a tourist visa to Thailand generally varies based on the embassy. Most embassies process applications within 15 days, but some can be much quicker. For instance, applications from the Thai embassy in London or Norway have been reported to take as few as 1 to 5 days, while others like in Paris might be slower. It's essential to check the specific embassy's website for accurate processing times. Additionally, while some embassies may require proof of flight bookings, others do not, and recent discussions suggest that Thai authorities may clarify these requirements soon.
Umer **************
I applied for tourist visa in london and got it within 4 hours of submitting the application. This was approx 3 weeks ago
DrAshutosh **********
Moreover, you do not really need if going for 60 days.
DrAshutosh **********
On an average, it is 3 working days in India. Courier may take another 2 days, if opted. Thai Embassy is very prompt and efficient.
Armando **********
Couple week but it depends on if they request more documents
Jeff ********
I was required to provide proof of airline bookings, both in and out. I am American. Took maybe 5 days.
Ray **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jeff *******
where did you apply?
Jeff ********
@Ray *********
I applied online from the US.
Gary **********
It's a strange thing realy that you have book a flight first then apply for a visa you might not get ..
Max *************
@Gary *********
It's because they want evidence of a bought return or onward ticket. And there are no problems getting a 60 days tourist visa.
Andrew *******
@Gary *********
yes ..I agree 💯👍
Robert **************
I applied two weeks ago. Already received mine about 5 business days later
John *******
How long do you plan to go? Are you a USA citizen (your profile says you are a fellow Mainer). If American, and you plan to be there 30-60 days, you don’t need to apply for a visa. We are visa exempt
Ning ******
you might get 60 days (might start after 15th july) can extent another 30 days at the immigration.
Graham ******
@Ning *****
More likely it might not start on 15-Jul too (first time I have seen that date mentioned) and why should you assume that a 60 day Visa Exempt entry would get a 30 day extension? What then happens to the 60 day Tourist Visa which gives you 60 days plus a 30 day extension, a waste of money?
Ning ******
@Graham *****
yea, the tourist visa will be a waste of money if the 60 days started. It should be ok to apply for 30 days. It might happen in 5 days time. (seen a reply somewhere, a immigration guy to someone that it is starting on the 15th.)
Ray **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John ******
I think visa exempt is 30

Days right now. I may have to do that and try to figure out how to extend it
John *******
@Ray *********
it is 30 days, but can be extended 30 days
Ralph *******
@John ******
What if they say ‘no’ to the extension?
Andy **********
@Ralph ******
you visit the immigration office that you want to do the extension at, and ask for a list of requirements for a 30 day extension, if you submit all the required documents it will get approved, the only problem I've heard of people having, is if the accommodation your staying in hasn't registered a TM30.
Ralph *******
@Andy *********
Yes I’ve done it before. I was staying in a private house, no TM30, still got the extension.
Andy **********
@Ralph ******
it depends on the Immigration office, some require a TM 30 to be filed for a 30 day extension, and some don't bother, I find it very strange how requirements from one immigration office to another can vary, it's the same with land and transport offices.
Ralph *******
@Andy *********
Yes. I was in Khon Kaen office. Very nice people work there.
John *******
@Ralph ******
then you have to leave. Not sure the question
Martin *********
@John ******
surely only 30 days is visa exempt, 31 to 60 days requires a 60 day tourist visa, or am I missing something?
Andy **********
@Martin ********
American passport holders can just arrive and get stamped in for 30 days visa exempt, and then visit their local immigration office and get a 30 day extension.
Martin *********
@Andy *********
what I said then.
Andy **********
@Martin ********
you said 31 to 60 days requires a tourist visa, I said if arriving on a 30 day visa exempt, and then extending at your local immigration office, for a further 30 days, it is not the same thing, a 60 day tourist visa you buy in advance, and upon your arrival in Thailand you get stamped in for 60 days, and can if you so wish, extend that for a further 30 days 🤷
Martin *********
@Andy *********
semantics
John *******
@Martin ********
- nah, you are awfully wrong. I enter and am visa exempt for 30days and then get a 30 day extension. That extension is not a visa So 31-60 days doesn’t require a 60 day tourist visa
Martin *********
@John ******
yes you are correct, 30 days visa exempt + a 30 extension, or a 60 day visa before you leave and extend for another 30 days. Semantics.
John *******
@Martin ********
- Not semantics at all. You are the one who said “31 to 60 days requires a 60 day tourist visa”
Martin *********
@John ******
it does, but you can also extend a 30 day visa exemption for another 30 days, semantics.
John *******
Gordon *******
Have to show flight number and times on evisa application in London to get visa granted.

So you must book your flight first
Andrew *******
@Gordon ******
whatever happened to freedom and flexibility in travel ....everything becoming more complicated and frustrating!!!
Gordon *******
@Andrew ******
Absolutely agree 💯

Just the way the Globalists want the world to progress.
Andrew *******
@Gordon ******
depressing😔
Gordon *******
@Andrew ******
Absolutely depressing
Paul *******
London 24 hours for two of us
Kevin ***********
Don't you have to show embassy a flight booking when applying for visa or am I missing something
Andy ********
Greg ***********
@Kevin **********
no, you actually don't have to show pre-booked flights. Only know your "intended dates of arrival" and "intended date of departure". However some embassies insist, and will send an email requesting the upload of a real flight ticket
Max *************
@Greg **********
Officially, you can't apply for a 60 days tourist visa without showing evidence of a return or forwarding ticket. But,as always, some requirements differ between embassies/consulates.
Greg ***********
@Max ************
yes that's true, most embassies require a ticket out of Thailand within the 60 days you get stamped in on a single entry Tourist visa, and also on a multi entry Tourist visa. It can be a return ticket, or just a cheap one-way ticket like Air Asia Hat Yai to Kuala Lumpur. NOTE: I do not recommend the fake 12-Dollar "onwardtickets" as some airlines have begun to reject them
Kevin ***********
@Greg **********
wow, everyday a school day, I did one last year had to send two passport fotos flight booking and condo booking
Gordon *******
@Kevin **********
Same me and I just applied 2 months ago
Greg ***********
@Kevin **********
As I wrote, some embassies insist on pre-booked flights and pre-booked accomodations (at least for a few first nights). Yet, some embassies do not insist on pre-booked flights and your application will go through without having to upload the tickets
Rok ********
London, if any queries you should hear from them next day … visa to follow in a couple of days.
Jan ******************
Normally up to two weeks, 5-7 days at the Thai embassy in Norway during low season and I know it also been issued within a day or two. Same at the embassy in London based on feedbacks.
Brandon ************
Every Thai embassy is different. Some are very fast like London, and some are very very slow like Paris and Ottawa.

A normal processing time is 15 days but the embassy you plan to use should have on their website what to expect.
Max *************
Brandon Thurkettle Since when is London Embassy very fast? I know people from other countries in the EU who got their visas 4-5 days after the application was submitted.
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