Should I apply for an electronic visitor visa or use visa exemption for my trip to Thailand?

Mar 19, 2024
8 months ago
Robert ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Planning to come to Thailand very soon, decided to apply for electronic visitor visa, but it asked for flight number and accommodations which I don’t have either yet(was planning to travel to different destinations, and just book mostly last minute through booking .Com)now I’m thinking I just will get visa exempt for 30 days, and extend another 30, I was going to book a flight and stay 56 days? 

Any advantage to continue  and get visitor visa? 
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is considering traveling to Thailand and is unsure whether to apply for an electronic visitor visa or to enter using a visa exemption for 30 days, which can be extended for another 30 days. The discussion highlights the pros and cons of each option, with several commenters suggesting that the electronic visa might save time and hassle, as it avoids the need for a trip to the immigration office for an extension. It is recommended that if the user plans to travel continuously without a firm itinerary or accommodations, the electronic visa may not be necessary. Additional considerations include the requirement of a departing flight ticket when entering Thailand, which may complicate visa exemption plans. The user is also concerned about the processing time for the electronic visa.
Robert ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
So I’m revising. My question, was planning to fly out in about eight days and apparently the electronic visa takes up to 15 days so now I’m thinking I buy a one-way ticket and get visa exempt? 

Everything I’ve read states it won’t be a problem, is anyone turned away? 
Martyn ***********
@Robert ***********
strictly speaking you need ticket booked to leave the country when entering... In its not enforced generally, but there's a chance you may be unlucky. I've heard even at check-in people have had problems, but again it's rare.. but worth the risk?
Robert ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
How long does it take to get your electronic visitor visa? 
Tullio *******
If you come with 30 days visa exempt you need to show a departing ticket from Thailand within the 30 days or you might be denied boarding, that plus having to go to immigration makes it worth to get a 60 days visa. For accommodation, first is usually enough or just make one that you can cancel, plenty available.
Robert ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
How detailed do you have to be with visitor visa application concerning your accommodations /lodging, I plan to move around so I can’t imagine trying to arrange all of that 

Will they except my first  accommodations as sufficient? 
Henrik *****
When going to Thailand for 31 - 60 ( 90 )days, the 60 days touristvisa is the best and the by Immigration recommended option.

It is cheaper than visa excempt + 30 days extension.

No need of a onward ticket ( 90 days 1 onward ), if returnticket within 60 days.

It is easier to apply from the comfort of your home.

thaievisa.go.th

Not wasting holiday time to find, go to and waiting at a immigration office ( 90 you would need that ).

Then no need to leave Thailand in up to 90 days.
Bob *********
No advantage to getting 60 day visa if you will be traveling to nearby countries every 15 to 30 days
Robert ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob ********
when I mentioned different destinations, I meant within Thailand .
Bob *********
@Robert ***********
if your smart you will visit Cambodia Malaysia or Vietnam for 1 week or two and then come back to Thailand for another 30 days
Robert ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob ********
can I do that with visa exempt? Put my 30 days in Thailand, jump out for a week and come back for another few weeks? 
Bob *********
@Robert ***********
that's normal tourist traveling around Thailand and the neighboring countries. They only allow 2 entries via land borders per year, so fly every other one
David ******
It just saves you from going to the immigration office to get an extension.
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