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Should I apply for a Thai e-visa online or extend my stay at immigration after arrival?

Thai e-visa tourist visa visa application Thailand immigration visa extension expat advice

Apr 5, 2022

3 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi. I am flying out to Thailand in just over a week. I am wanting to stay for more than 30 days but wondering if it’s better to apply online for the Thai e-visa (tourist visa) before I get out there, or just go to an immigration office and extend my 30 days while I’m out there? Is there a better option? It seems a lot of documents are needed to fill out the application for the e visa online and I’m wondering if the same documents are needed whilst out there at immigration and if it would just be easier to do it out there? Thanks!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is seeking advice on whether to apply for a Thai e-visa online for a stay of over 30 days or to enter Thailand without a visa and extend their stay through an immigration office upon arrival. Community members suggest obtaining the e-visa for convenience, as it avoids the hassle of visiting the immigration office later. Opinions highlight the benefits of having a visa beforehand for easier airline check-in and reduced requirements for proof of onward travel. There are comments encouraging the e-visa application, citing quicker processing times, while others offer insights on extending stays in Thailand.

Tod *********

report back and let us know if you get the eVisa approved in time 🙂

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Raymond *********

I'd definitely suggest getting an e-visa it's cheaper than getting an extension and far less hassle don't see any point in flapping around an IO office when you can sort out in advance

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Bobby ********

It would be more informative if you were to say how long you wish to stay as there are longer options available.

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Pauline *******

The online application for the e-visa is very straightforward and quick. If you have it beforehand no need to worry about visiting immigration whilst on holiday. I got mine issued within 3 days and that was over a weekend.

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Keira *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Pauline ******

thank you, I have applied now will just wait and see 🙂

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Keira *******

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Bob **********

Just extend here

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Keira *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

can I apply for a tourist visa at immigration out there / extend up to 90 days some way?

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Tod *********

you have two choices,

you apply for a tourist visa before you wing your way here and get stamped in for 60 days or you show up visa exempt and get stamped in for 30 days.

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Bob **********

no only at you home maybe you can get it right away you can always try

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Bob **********

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Graham ******

If you enter visa exempt you will likely be asked for proof of onward travel within 30 days so a TR60 removes that risk

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Gerald ********

Airline and immigration check the visa in the passport but now we have moved to the evisa they ask to see the printed version. I would not expect them to take my word for it and they do pull people out if they don't have the correct docs

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James ********

still can ask to see it at airport checkin and again on arrival.

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Ryan ********

when I have been asked by airline check in staff I say “I have a visa” and that is enough for them.

Immigration has never asked me in the dozens of times entering the country.

Sure they CAN ask. They could ask me to do a mime show. But it would be an aberration.

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James ********

wishing you continued good luck and success as you enter Thailand. For me I prefer to have my bases covered just in case...

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James ********

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Ryan ********

It’s better to have a visa. It will save your a trip to immigration later and it makes airline check-in staff more cooperative.

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Gerald ********

Maybe just put proof of funds?

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Keira *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

thank you. Do you know how long it takes for the visa to come back?

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Keira *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

thank you. I’m just filling it out now but am confused on the wording on a few of the documents I need to upload - do any of you remember if I can ask for some advise on what they mean?

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Graham ******

Upload what you think is most appropriate, the same documents sometimes

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Keira *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

if I’m currently classed as unemployed (as quit my job to go to Thailand) can I leave the confirmation letter from employer document?

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Graham ******

I'm retired, can't remember what I put there possibly my bank statement

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Graham ******

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Nat *******

depends on the consulate...my 60 day tourist visa at the London embassy took 5 days

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Graham ******

Mine took 3 days from RTE London

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Ryan ********

sorry, no i don’t.

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Ryan ********

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James ********

And you will need a Thailand Pass to fly and enter Thailand.

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James ********

Up to You...you can do either.

I suggest you get the tourist visa if you are planning to stay 90 days...

otherwise the visa exempt on arrival gives you 30 days plus added 30 at Thai immigrarion for 1900 Thai baht.

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Keira *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Ok thank you. With the visa exempt on arrival, if I were to extend another 30 at immigration (to equal 60 days), can I extend it again or is this the limit? Also do you know how long the e visa takes to process, worried I won’t have enough time before I fly if I applied for it now

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James ********

that is the limit. 30+30=60 days

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James ********

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Thai Visa Advice

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The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.

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