Answered2 years ago

Is it better to wait for the Thai e-Visa inside the country rather than apply from abroad?

Thai e-Visa Visa processing times Travel advice Visa application Thailand immigration Environmental considerations

Dca *****

asked Dec 7, 2024

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Call me old-fashioned & old-school and the fact that, previously, in-person Thai visa application submission + issuance of a physical Thai Visa Sticker in the passport = processing times seem to be quicker than current Thai e-Visa processing times; but, don't think anyone waiting for a Thai Visa Sticker ever exited the country and then re-entered the country to go to a Thai Embassy/Consulate during the wait for their Thai visa sticker issuance 

So, the same concept/principle should apply for Thai e-Visa issuance = just stay physically in the country until the Thai e-Visa PDF is issued, even if it is a long processing time.... 

Also, this whole thing about being too lazy or cheap to physically print out the Thai E-Visa PDF: 

Things happen in life, even in a fully digital world and humanity should be conserving paper and not wasting paper, but relying on showing something on a smartphone where some technical glitch could possibly happen and the smartphone becomes inoperable or one accidentally drops their smartphone, anyone would be wiser and more prepared with a simple sheet of paper with their Thai E-Visa printed on it....

Answer summary

The discussion centers around the perceived inefficiencies of the current Thai e-Visa processing system compared to traditional visa application methods. The main suggestion is that visa applicants should remain in Thailand while awaiting their e-Visa approval to avoid complications. Participants in the conversation offer various opinions about the necessity of printing e-Visas, the reliability of technology, and humorously note the differences in immigration processes between countries.

13 repliesnewest first

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Biff *******

Thanks dad.

2 years ago

Tod *********

The thai consulate in Phnom Penh was telling people just before the system went live at their consulate for eVisa that IF they get an application and then find out you entered thailand during the processing time they would void the app and keep your money

2 years ago

Paul *******

Try explaining to a Cambodian immigration official (or a Thai one depending on the border) that the reason you didn't print your e-visa is because you're an environmentalist. They'll laugh at you and demand you print out your e-visa nearby and then they'll stamp you in. No exceptions. In the case of Cambodia, I experienced this recently both on entry and exit. I couldn't print out my e visa as it was only sent 40 minutes before I made it to the border.

2 years ago

Toni *******

@Paul ******

this group has some really funny rules about words you can use, i couldnt figure out what i did wrong, tried to edut 4 times

2 years ago

Paul *******

@Toni ******

What are you trying to say? While each country is different, my point is for Cambodia, the e-visa (if you're using one) MUST be printed. They need one copy on arrival and a second one upon departure. Printing services are usually available at the border; sometimes you pay, sometimes it's free.

For Thailand, I can't advise specifically, as I have never held an e-visa. My DTV is a sticker.

However, several people have reported they were able to show their visas on their phone. I would advise against this, especially at airports, as this may cause airlines to assume you haven't got a visa and thus ask for an onward or return (round-trip) plane ticket to get on the aircraft.

At land borders, they may be more flexible, but at more remote land borders, Thai officials may also want you to have the e-visa printed.

Note that this contrasts with Japan - their e-visa system does not recognize printed copies of the e-visa. You must have an internet connection to show proof that the e-visa is in the system.

2 years ago

Toni *******

@Paul ******

was just referring to cambodian obsession to paper

2 years ago

Glyn ********

The misconception of paper wasting killing trees continues . The biggest tree " lo l er" is the construction industry and then furniture. Paper is an offshoot.

2 years ago

James ********

Wise advice ✅

2 years ago

Dca *****

Hey, Thailand is a piece of cake conpared to USCIS+State Department (USA), OFII+MEAE (France), UKVI+FCDO (UK), or Home Affairs+DFAT (Australia)....

you can't hire relatively cheap agents to do visas or immigration things for you, you try to do things by yourself, but the bureaucratic details are confusing, everything is precise and no slack or leniency given, the backlog, wait, and queues are super long (years, even decades), and fees super expensive....just sayin'

in fact, so many want to travel freely, but because of visa or immigration queues (in the 4 example countries), they have to stay in-country for years to get approvals....

2 years ago

Paul *******

@Dca ****

My wife got her multiple entry 5 year Schengen visa the same day she applied. Her Australian visa she received within a few days as well and is now valid for 3 years.

2 years ago

Nga **************

@Dca ****

you're not wrong at all, but personally for me as a Vietnamese passport holder who has lived in both the US and Europe, the paperwork to stay in Thailand is a million times more complicated and difficult than any other countries I've been.

2 years ago

Glyn ********

@Nga *************

sir I agree with you. I have lived in Georgia, Spain, Armenia,The USA, Puerto Rico ,Costa Rica and now Thailand and am from the UK.

2 years ago