Answered6 years ago

Should I apply for the STV or use the visa exemption for my stay in Thailand?

Visa Exemption STV (Special Tourist Visa)US Citizens in Thailand Visa Types Long-term Stay Thailand Immigration

Scott *******

asked Feb 22, 2021

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Hello all. I've applied and been approved for my COE to go to Thailand under a visa exemption (from the US). 

I was thinking I may choose to apply for the STV and forego the visa exemption, as I want to stay in Thailand as long as possible (I'm getting a masters fully online and had planned to spend all of 2020-2022 bouncing around Asia while I completed it.), but I'm concerned I'll pay for a place to stay for 3 months and then get rejected and be out several thousand dollars. That, and I don't like the idea of not having any flexibility once I'm there, as I'd like to kinda explore a bit. 

From reading through various posts here it looks I can stay 45 + 30 + 60 days under the visa exemption scheme, which would be a decent amount of time to explore and make me feel like the usd 2,200 for ASQ was well spent. Ideally, I'd like to stay longer though. 

Do y'all think it would be better to go under the visa exemption, extend, and then apply for a longer term visa from Thailand, or go for the STV?

Really appreciate any input y'all might have.

Answer summary

The user is considering whether to apply for the STV or utilize the visa exemption after being approved for their COE to enter Thailand. They express concern about the potential costs of accommodation if the STV is rejected and also desire flexibility during their stay. Community comments clarify the duration of stay under the visa exemption, the implications of the STV's restrictions, and uncertainties surrounding current COVID-19 related extensions. They suggest that the STV provides more security for long stays but requires careful planning.

11 repliesnewest first

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David ******************

VE + 30 + 60 CE + 60 CE + 60 CE = ☀️😎🌞🕶️🏖️

6 years ago

Jeff *********

Don’t know where you got the +60 from, i imagine you’re including some type of covid amnesty there, which I wouldn’t include as they could scrap that at any time (believe it ends in March).

I know the amnesty has often been extended, but if you want security and maximum time in the country, you’re better off going with the STV. Not really left with many choices since border runs have been taken off the table. You’ll just have to plan your travels in advance (pre book hotels etc) to get the stv. Or if your embassy issues the TR visa check that out? That’ll give you up to 90 days.

6 years ago

Brandon ************

Visa exempt is 45 + 30.

TR visa is 60 + 30

You can't count on extra +60 right now that it looks like you have in your post, as I'm assuming that's the unable to travel due to COVID extension and there's no guarantee it will continue, though it likely will.

6 years ago

John ****************

No body HERE on Social Media has a clue - Ignore the above and contact a an agency for professional assistance for small money...

6 years ago

Scott *******

@Brandon ***********

I'm arriving March 13th so fingers crossed they keep the +60 days until I get out of quarantine at least 😅

6 years ago

Stuart *********

@Scott ******

most offices will require you to get the “normal” 30 day extension off a TR or visa exempt first before you can apply for the Covid extension.

6 years ago

Stuart *********

@Scott ******

there’s no guarantee but it is likely. Until land borders open up again there’s no real options for many people here on multiple entry year long business / marriage visas. They’d normally do a border bounce every 90 days but obviously can’t now.

6 years ago

Scott *******

@Stuart ********

Yikes. I hope they continue the 60 day covid extension then. Kinda don't wanna drop 2k for quarantine to only get 2 months over there lol.

6 years ago

Stuart *********

The STV has lots of restrictions. Yes it will give you up to 270 days in the country, but other options like visa exempt or tourist visas are much less restrictive and give you the option to change visa type in country to extend for even longer if required.

6 years ago

Scott *******

@Stuart ********

yeah I'm not thrilled about all the restrictions attached to the STV. I don't know that I'll qualify for any other type of visa at the end of my visa exemption though. I guess the exemption still seems pretty appealing since I'll have 4 months basically free of restrictions even if I can't get some other type of visa at the end.

6 years ago

Stuart *********

@Scott ******

you can always get some type of extension. If traditional options don’t seem to be available there is always visa agents to help. Paying an agent is not recommended but will usually work for you.

6 years ago