Is it too early to apply for a Thai visa for travel in May, and can I extend it upon arrival?

Mar 15, 2018
7 years ago
Flora ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Question, I am leaving for Thailand in May till June on a 60 day Visa, but I am going to apply this week for it. Is that too early? I only have a small window to apply since I am in college. Could I just show them the airport itinerary and they could set the time to a closer date? If that doesn't work, could I just ask for an extension once I land in the airport? If that's the case how much is it?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user inquires if applying for a Thai visa two months prior to travel is too early, whether they can show an itinerary to adjust the visa dates, and the possibility and cost of extending the visa upon arrival. Responses indicate that a tourist visa is valid for three months from issuance, allowing entry before the specified date. Alternatives like applying by post or getting a visa on arrival for US citizens are suggested. Extensions are available once in Thailand but require visiting an Immigration office before the visa expires.
Tod *********
Call or email the thai consulate in Coral Gables and see if they do visa applications by post.

A single entry tourist visa is valid for 90 days from the date it is issued, meaning you have that long to enter thailand and get stamped in for 60 days.

As long as you're entering thailand prior to the "enter before" date on the visa you'll be stamped in for 60 days.
Terary **********
If you're a US citizen you don't need to get a visa for only 60 days. You can come and get a visa on arrival. That will get you 30 days and that can be extended an additional 30 days. The extension cost $60/USD and can be done at the Immigration office. Careful about this - you have to be able to get to the Immigration office 1-14 days before the visa expires. If you plan to stay on a remote island for the entire 60 days - you maybe be better off getting the visa before you come.

As far as boarding airplane with no visa it depends one the airline and how they implement their policies. Some will require you show onward travel (doesn't have to be flight, you can buy bus ticket for $25 online).
Terary **********
can the exempt stamp be extended an additional 30 days?
Keith **********
No visa on arrival for US passport holders. However they can get a visa exempt stamp
Biff *******
Some embassies and consulates will also accept postal applications. Check on their website for more details.
Steve *******
The visa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue. So if you apply now you'll be good to enter Thailand in May.
Sam *****
Why is being in college affecting your visa application timing?
Flora ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Flora ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thomas **********
Flora Rose

FAMU, FSU or TCC? I went to FAMU and FSU. Still love beautiful Tallahassee.
Sam *****
See Biff's comment below. Either postal apply or use a visa service to take your app in. I've never gone in person for my visas.
Flora ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
My college is in the capital of Florida, Tallahassee, while the Thai consulate is in Miami. My plane leaves two days after my semester is over, that is a stressful window of time to get my Visa cleared to go. So the only time I can get things done is when I am home for Spring break.
Biff *******
You can ask for the start date to be up to three months later than the day you apply for the visa.
Biff *******
Yep. Just going off what they told me at the Embassy. That they can delay the date of issue if you ask them to. Maybe not everywhere, but that's what they told me in London :)
Tod *********
@Bi**
, visas have a date of issue and an "enter before" date (the day they expire). Single entry tourist & Non-Immigrant visas are valid 90 days from the date they're issued.
Steve *******
@Bi**
. You dont have to ask them. ALL setv's have an 'enter before' date which is 3 months from the day the visa was issued.
Biff *******
In the London Embassy, you can ask for the start date of the visa to be delayed, up to three months.
Steve *******
Not strictly true. The visa is valid for 3 months from the day it was issued.
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