Is it better to obtain a Thai visa before arriving or while in Thailand?

Jan 18, 2025
8 hours ago
Alan ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Is it better to get a visa while in Thailand or before I get there?
1,058
views
2
likes
31
all likes
19
replies
0
images
10
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The consensus among commenters is that while it generally may be better to obtain a Thai visa before traveling, the decision can vary based on individual circumstances such as duration of stay and country of origin. Some suggest initial visa options like a 60-day visa on arrival, which can be extended, while others highlight specific visas like the one-year Non O-A visa available for US citizens. Overall, the best course of action depends on personal intentions and travel plans.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Albert ********
Depends on what country you're coming from most countries it's automatic entry visa on arrival.
Wayne *********
@Albert *******
no it's not VOA it's a visa exempt stamp only not a visa. VOA you pay for if from a country that must have a VOA
Mark *********
Definitely depends on your intentions. I wanted to take an initial look and the 60 day on arrival that I then extended to 90 was perfect...and very easy to do.
David ********
DTV lasts 5 years, apply before you get here
Jan ******************
If your from the US, passed 50 years and don’t want to bank 800K baht in a Thai bank, you can apply for a one year Non O-A visa through your embassy at home. This gives you up to two years in Thailand.
Dmb *******
@Jan *****************
how do you arrive at "this gives you 2 years????
James *******
Depends on how long you'll be here
Alan ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James ******
yes, if I want to stay for at least a year
James *******
@Alan *******
student Visa you can get when you arrive
Brandon ************
Visas are for traveling to a country. Therefore it's best to get one before you travel so you can use it to enter that country.
Alan ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
I didn’t have to do anything to go in November. What’s changed?

My question is about staying for a year or more
Alan ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
But is it better to arrive and work the visa or is it better to do it while I’m in the US, is the question
Benjamin *********
@Alan *******
if you need a visa, then you must get it before you arrive. Otherwise you'll get a visa exempt stamp for 60 days when you arrive (assuming you have American passport?). Once you're here, you can sort out a longer-term visa option or search for a visa agency.
Lynnette *******
@Alan *******
you asked about getting a visa. That's done before you arrive. OR enter on the visa exempt ( no visa) for 60 days. Nothing's changed you can still do that. It's not a visa.
Jim ********
@Alan *******
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Bart **************
@Alan *******
nothing has changed but you are asking when to get a visa, i.e. presuming that you need one. If you had expected
@Brandon ***********
to say you don't need one, you should maybe not have presumed that.

If you stay for a year or more you do need a visa. All in all you give very little info though. Like: what purpose are you staying for? Obviously if in November you came without a visa and now you want to stay for a year something relevant has changed, and it is a little strange you ask Brandon what that is. He didn't know, but you did.
Brandon ************
@Alan *******
Then you didn't get any visa. You got a visa exempt stamp which isnt a visa. If you want an answer you should ask a question that gives actual information like how long you are traveling, what reason, what passport you have, etc.
Graham ******
@Alan *******
Not many Visas give you a 12 month entry stamp, depends on your circumstances
Bart **************
Although it depends, bottom line is: generally better get your visa before going.
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