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Is it possible for my mom to travel to Thailand for 2 months without a tourist visa and avoid issues at Immigration?

Visa Types Visa Exempt Entry Thailand Immigration Tourist Visa Visa Extensions Onward Travel Requirements Travel Tips Expat Advice

October 3, 2017

7 years ago

Nicola **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi.  My Mom is coming to visit me here in Thailand from South Africa.  She's coming for 2 months without a Tourisit Visa, she'll have the 30 day visa on arrival and then we will go to Immigration and extend for another 30 days so she can be here for the maximum amount of time without a Visa.  

The travel agent in SA won't sell her a ticket for longer than a 30 day period because they say that Immigration are checking tickets on arrival to ensure they within your allocated time.  I've had family travelling in and out of Thailand for the last 3 years and I've never known Immigration to check an airline ticket on arrival, unless things have become very strict lately and they do, anyone advice on whether we can take a chace and book for a 2 month window ?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post discusses a situation where the author's mom is visiting Thailand from South Africa for 2 months without a tourist visa, using a 30-day visa exemption and planning to extend her stay by another 30 days. Concerns arise regarding the travel agent's recommendation about not selling tickets beyond 30 days due to strict immigration checks. Various commenters provide advice, suggesting obtaining a tourist visa in advance to avoid complications, noting that airlines often check for proof of onward travel within 30 days. Some comment on alternatives like booking a throwaway ticket or addressing concerns about the visa extension process.

Nadine *********

Its R500 for a tourist visa in SA... just get a visa... then you know you are safe... takes 3 days for approval.

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Marguyvin **********

If you don't mind spending a little extra, buy a one-way throwaway ticket to Kuala Lumpur. The cheapest i have seen is $30.

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Shahin **********

Just use skyscanner. I'm surprised people even use travel agents in this day and age.

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Julia ************

Why doesn’t she get a visa? Half price from the extension and no problems upon check-in.

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Francesco **********

my advice, even if not that cheap (strange btw), but i'd do it in order to avoid a whole day at the immigration here in bkk for the extension...

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Julia ************

Yeah, little bit more than half price but still cheaper. In the EU it's €30.

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Tod *********

I thought that too, but believe me it's NOT as cheap as you think getting a tourist visa from your country before you fly in.

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Tod *********

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Mike *******

The alternative is to book a cheap international flight. Show the airline.

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Vinny ********

In fact I booked a bus to Cambodia and used that as evidence as leaving the country when applying for my 60 day single entry tourist visa at the Thai embassy in KL. Cost $20.

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Vinny ********

Was gonna suggest an Air Asia flight to another country close by, Malaysia or Laos.

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Tod *********

Good Idea (y)

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Tod *********

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Nicola **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

thanks everyone

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Jim *******

Why on earth would she bother with a visa exempt and then needing to go to the immigration and pay 1900 thb and wait?

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Jim *******

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Ian ***************

"She's coming for 2 months"

That right there says "get a tourist visa in advance", which will also smooth over any problems with airline check-in. Thai immigration on arrival is not usually a problem.

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Tod *********

It is highly unlikely your mom would be targeted by passport control stamping into the country and be requested to show proof of onward travel and even if she was entering on a 30 day visa exempt entry stamp, the immigration officers at passport control know you can apply for a 30 day extension and routinely accept onward travel 60 days out.

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Tod *********

She won't have a 30 day visa in arrival because there is no such thing, :/ She will however get in on a 30 day visa exempt entry stamp. ;)

I think it's the airline she's comin' on that want's proof of onward travel within 30 days because that's all she's getting stamped in on when she arrives.

I'd say just have her get a single entry tourist visa before she comes here which will cover her for the 60 days (and that she can extend by 30 more days if she wants to as well).

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Tod *********

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