thailand
Ask question

How quickly can UK citizens obtain a 60-day tourist e-visa for Thailand and what are the differences between this and visa exemption?

60-day tourist visaE-visaVisa exemptionThailand visa rulesUK citizens visa processVisa application processThai embassy/consulateVisa timelinesImmigration updates
Jun 26, 2024
6 months ago
Ricky ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
For those no wishing to wait for 60 days visa exempt to begin, my 60 day visa application (via London) was approved in 1 day.
6,405
views
78
likes
201
all likes
71
replies
0
images
31
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user shared their experience of obtaining a 60-day tourist visa for Thailand through an online application, which was approved in just one day. The discussion revealed various insights regarding the application process for UK citizens, clarification between e-visas and visa exemptions, and the common processing time for different types of visas. The community provided advice on the cost and necessary documentation for applying, while there was also speculative discussion on the potential implementation of a 60-day visa exemption starting July 1.
John *********
You can apply for it, but you can not use it until it is posted in the Thai national gazette which should be soon, if you travel before it’s 30days
6 months ago
Like
Reply
William ******
Exactly
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Michael ***********
Did u need R/T ticket to apply for the METV visa?
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Graham ******
@Michael **********
 different Embassies/Consulates have different requirements, where is your country of residence?
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Michael ***********
@Graham *****
 U S
6 months ago
Like
Reply
John ********
@Graham *****
 Would I be right in assuming your from the UK and if so do you know if you have to provide evidence of a return ticket when you apply for a METV from London? If you want to utilise a METV to the best, ie., nine months, a return ticket, unless you buy one that gives you the option of date change, you gonna lose a fair bit of money. In times gone buy, I used to buy one year open returns, but sadly no airlines offer this anymore.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Graham ******
@John *******
 RTE London requires 3 tickets, UK to Thailand, exit Thailand within 60 days then a re-entry to Thailand to justify a METV
6 months ago
Like
Reply
John ********
@Graham *****
 Don't understand, if you have a METV., that gives you that you can get a thirty day extension on your first entry into the country, so if you've got to buy a sixty day return ticket to get an METV., that means, if you utilise the visa to its maximum then the return part of your airticket is useless unless you return to your own country after the first 60 days of your visa.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Graham ******
@John *******
 I did not say return, I said exit Thailand
6 months ago
Like
Reply
John ********
@Graham *****
 So any proof that you've got to say exiting before on on day sixty.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
John ********
Reply
John ********
The difference is, visa exempts are free. Visas applied for you have to pay for.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Tom *********
@John *******
 If you can't afford the cost of the visa and need to save such a small amount you might need to rethink your trip.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
John ********
@Tom ********
 Rethink my trip? What makes you think I'm referring to myself? Did I say I can't afford a visa? Thailand's full of farangs who think there experts on anything & everything. When I'm in Thailand the last thing I'd be doing is being a keyboard warrior on FB. Better things to do than spend my time on here, when I'm there.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
John ********
Reply
Jade *******
Anyone in the USA done this yet?? 👀
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Mike ********
@Jade ******
 I've done it quiet a few times and usually got approved within 3 day's

Once I was disapproved cause my middle name wasn't completely spelled out only my intal went through so make sure you have your full middle name spelled out. I had to redo and pay again $40.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Bob ********
@Jade ******
 I did with an e-visa and it took about 48 hours to hit my inbox out of the LA office (that was a few months ago)
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Jade *******
@Bob *******
 and how long of a visa? Is there a benefit to this over visa in arrival?
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Bob ********
@Jade ******
 its a 60 day when you do an E, that might change since its looking like the 30 day might change to a 60 (it hasnt happened yet). You dont get a visa on arrival you get 30 days stay with no visa required and you can extend once there. I had a 34 day stay booked but I didnt want to bother with spending an afternoon in immigration so I did it on line in advance, was super easy. Just presented the print out of it when I arrived and got a 60 day stamp.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Jade *******
@Bob *******
 I understand, thanks for info!
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Jade *******
Reply
Tim ***********
My online 60 day visa took 3 weeks to get approved
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Lisa ***************************
That’s different to what they are saying will be 60 day visa exempt .. ours was approved quickly too last year but completely different to visa exempt
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Sean *********
Yes, I found the website and plan on going that route myself. Washington DC Embassy is over my geographical area.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Terary **********
@Sean ********
 I am in the process of applying for my METV from Washington DC. Normally it's painless, less than 2 weeks... This time they're asking for me to submit and resubmit various documents. I recommend you allow at least 3 weeks.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Terary **********
Reply
Andrew **********
Party time
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Josephine-Charlotte *************
If UK nationality lives outside UK. Can UK passport holder apply this e-visa? I wonder since it's online
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Carlo *******
Is the the 6-month multiple entry tourist visa that in effect means you can stay for 8 month as long as you leave and return every 60 days?
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Kevin ******
I think many ppl are misinterpreting the OP’s comment. He is saying he got his 60 day tourist visa in one day. He’s not saying that he has a 60 day visa exemption. No one will apply for that as the 60 day visa exemption will be stamped into one’s passport upon arrival at an international airport in Thailand.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Henrik *****
If that ever happends
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Henrik *****
Reply
Colin *********************
I have just done the same as didn’t want the uncertainty of whether the 60 days will kick in before July 1st. Approved in just over a day from UK.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Gordon *******
Very quick, mine took 6 days a month ago
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Ed ********
When will the 60 day visa exempt start
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Henrik *****
Never.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Henrik *****
A 1300 Baht 60 days visa excempt applyed for online in the country you have residency, is the the only difference..

So no idea in making a trip to Thailand depend of changing of the rules.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Ed ********
@Henrik ****
 Is it not coming now???
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Kevin ******
@Ed *******
 we think so but nothing is official until we see it in The Royal Gazette.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Ed ********
@Kevin *****
 thanks so its possible, to never come at all.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Kevin ******
@Ed *******
 yeah a bit of a waiting game. I have heard July 1, but that is just around the corner. I have also heard September. Though these local sources are more in the know than me, it’s still speculation I think.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Ayoub *********
@Kevin *****
 the immigration man told me yesterday that it’s in effect from the 1st of July he even told me to wait until then and go for a border run then come back and I’ll get 60 days and not 30 days
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Kevin ******
@Ayoub ********
 yeah July 1 seems unlikely now. We just have to wait.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Ed ********
@Kevin *****
 as long as it happens will be good
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Kevin ******
@Ed *******
 yes exactly
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Kevin ******
Reply
Graham ******
@Ed *******
 Nobody knows
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Ed ********
@Graham *****
 thankyou
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Ed ********
Reply
Peter *********
My 6month tourist visa was approved in 3 days
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Ian ********
@Peter ********
 mine too
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Ian ********
Reply
Tin **********
How much ka
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Matteo ***********
What has this anything to do with VISA exemption, e-visa TR has always been 60 days
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
@Matteo **********
 The OP is merely pointing out that for UK Citizens the 60 days Tourist evisa is usually issued within 1-2 days rather than waiting for the 60 days visa exempt to be implemented
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
Aake **********
Of course it is 60 days if you apply for a tourist visa, nothing new it should not be confused with visa exemtion
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Ricky ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Aake *********
 Yes, nothing new, but maybe of interest to those visiting Thailand for the first time who don't want to waste time and effort queuing at immigration for extensions after 30 days.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Mark *********
@Ricky *****
 so if I have the e-visa for 60 days am I still able to got to immigration for a 30 day extension?
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Ricky ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mark ********
 Yes
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Ricky ******
Reply
Henrik *****
No queuing when applying online for a 60 day touristvisa, then no need to go to Immigration for a extension.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Aake **********
@Ricky *****
 You should not underestimate your fellow human beings, most people can actually read and understand written text
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Iain ******
@Aake *********
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Iain ******
Reply
Christopher ********
Most are e-visas and only online. Typically it's always within 24 hours. 😊
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Henrik *****
It also depend on when you apply, if you apply 3 month before departure, you will wait at least 2 ½ month for the visa, since many embassies process the application by the departure date.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Neil ****
@Henrik ****
 applied online last year Approved within the week
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Henrik *****
But you how long time before departure, did you apply.

That’s a very important criterion.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Henrik *****
Reply
Christopher ********
I do the metv twice a year every year and the rule is to apply within 90 days of departure. I always get it within 24 hours.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
James *********
@Christopher *******
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
James *********
Reply
Brandon ************
@Christopher *******
 that's not true at all. It's completely dependant on which embassy or consulate you are using. London is known as one of the fastest, but there are some that are known to take at least a month or 2-3 months to process even a tourist visa application.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Ricky ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 Exactly. Very good point.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Ricky ******
Reply
Phill *****
Did you goto thai embassy for this? Or apply online?
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
@Phill ****
 You can only apply online in the UK
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Ricky ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Phill ****
 Online E Visa. £30 fee. Haven't booked a return/onward flight. I have had the same visas before in recent years, so maybe that makes it a bit quicker, but it's always been within a week to approve.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Graham ******
@Phill ****
 It's only eVisa now
****************************
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Josephine-Charlotte *************
@Graham *****
Graham Seal If UK nationality lives outside UK. Can UK passport holder apply this e-visa? I wonder since it's online
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Graham ******
@Josephine-Charlotte ************
 Go to the website and answer the questions honestly and it will tell you how to peoceed
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Graham ******
Reply
Phill *****
@Graham *****
 ahh okay...then can I get an 30 day extension to add onto the 2 month?
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Ricky ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Phill ****
 In Thailand, yes.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Ricky ******
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
What is the fastest approval time you've experienced for a Thai tourist visa?
10 comments
6 months ago
What is the easiest way to obtain a sixty-day visa for Thailand and how long does the processing take?
14 comments
9 months ago
How long does it take to get a Thai visa from the embassy in London?
27 comments
a year ago
How long does it take to get a Thai tourist visa from the UK?
15 comments
a year ago
How can I successfully apply for a 60-day single entry tourist visa (SETV) for Thailand from the UK using the e-Visa system?
7 comments
a year ago
How long does it take to get approved for a 60-day electronic tourist visa for Thailand from the UK?
11 comments
a year ago
What is the visa processing time for a 60-day tourist visa from the UK to Thailand?
12 comments
a year ago
What is the processing time for a 60-day visit visa from the UK to Thailand?
2 comments
a year ago
Can I get a 60-day tourist visa at the Thai embassy in London on the same day?
8 comments
2 years ago
What is the process for obtaining a 60-day Tourist Visa for Thailand from the UK?
31 comments
2 years ago
How long does it take to process a 60-day Tourist E-visa for Thailand?
2 comments
2 years ago
How long does it take to get visa approval for a 60-day visa from the UK?
9 comments
2 years ago
What are the experiences and requirements for obtaining a Thai tourist eVisa through the UK Embassy?
3 comments
2 years ago
How long does it take to receive a Thailand 60-day e-visa from the embassy in London?
13 comments
2 years ago
Do I need to apply for an eVisa or can I get a visa exemption for Thailand as a UK citizen?
8 comments
3 years ago
What is the process for obtaining a 60-day tourist visa for Thailand from the UK?
29 comments
3 years ago
How long does it take for the Thai Embassy in London to process a 60-day tourist visa?
7 comments
3 years ago
Should I get a 30-day visa on arrival or apply for a 60-day e-visa for my trip to Thailand?
16 comments
3 years ago
How long does the Thailand e-visa typically take to process?
55 comments
3 years ago
What is the quickest way to obtain a 60-day tourist visa for Thailand while living in the UK?
6 comments
3 years ago
What is the quickest way to obtain a 60-day tourist visa for Thailand from the UK?
15 comments
3 years ago
What was your experience applying for a Tourist 60-day E visa from the Thai Embassy in London?
26 comments
3 years ago
What is the Best Visa Option for a UK Citizen Planning a 60-Day Stay in Thailand?
15 comments
5 years ago
What should I know about applying for a Thai single entry tourist visa as a UK citizen?
10 comments
5 years ago
How long does it take to process an online 60-day visa application for Thailand from the UK?
12 comments
5 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.