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Should I choose visa exemption or a tourist visa for my trip to Phuket?

Thailand VisaTourist VisaVisa ExtensionVisa ExemptionPhuket ImmigrationTravel to ThailandExpat Advice
May 6, 2022
3 years ago
Peter *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi gang,

I'm a first time traveller flying to Phuket from Australia on 4th July for a 6 week holiday staying in Patong. I'm looking for advice as to whether it would be easier to enter by visa exemption or apply for a tourist visa in Australia.

I notice the visa exemption period is now only 30 days. Is it likely to change back to 45 days by July? If it does I have no issue it covers me.

If it remains at 30 days how easy is it to get an extension in Phuket? Can I get it locally or will I have to travel far?

I'm not that keen to get a tourist visa here in Aus because I think I may have to send my passport to the embassy in Canberra. Not 100% sure can anyone confirm that?

Hope I'm not overthinking it just don't want to stuff it up for furture visits.

Thanks in advance 🙏
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A first-time traveler from Australia is seeking advice on whether to enter Thailand via visa exemption or by applying for a tourist visa. The current visa exemption allows 30 days, while a tourist visa would provide 60 days on entry and the potential for an extension. There is speculation about whether the exemption period may revert to 45 days by July, but community feedback largely advises opting for the tourist visa for a hassle-free experience, as extensions can be done locally in Patong.
Ellie *******
I think OP got enough information for his decision-making. If you still have questions regarding this topic, please contact one of the moderators to re-open this post.
3 years ago
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Luke *******
Mate fellow Aussie here. Stamp on entry (free) and extend for 30 more days once you are here at immigration (1900 baht). Easy as. Takes no more than an hour depending on how many people there but can be in and out in 15 minutes.
3 years ago
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Peter *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Luke ******
 nice one 👍
3 years ago
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Peter *********
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Peter *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
It looks like I can't apply for an e-visa so will have to send my passport to Canberra by post. Not keen. Anyone had experience of doing that?
3 years ago
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Alan ******
@Peter ********
 registered post, get your photos and money order done while you're in the Post Office.
3 years ago
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Peter *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alan *****
 ok cheers 👍
3 years ago
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Peter *********
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David *******
@Peter ********
I used express registered envelopes pre paid.

They prefer these in Canberra.

Pick them out and give priority (according to Australia post).
3 years ago
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Peter *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David ******
 ok will do thanks 👍
3 years ago
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Peter *********
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Yvonne *********
@Peter ********
Where abouts in Australia do you live.

You can either use the Thai Consulate in Sydney or Thai Embassy in Canberra?

you do your application on line and it’s approved you send them your passport and paperwork as requested you post it all in a overnight express post and include a self addressed overnight express post envelope with your paperwork.

It only takes a couple of days and you will have it back.

The Embassy will send you an email letting you know it has mailed your passport back to you.
3 years ago
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Peter *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Yvonne ********
 I'm on the Gold Coast so need to do it by post.
3 years ago
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Yvonne *********
@Peter ********
We did ours from Brisbane we used the Thai Embassy in Sydney.
3 years ago
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Yvonne *********
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Graeme ***********
@Peter ********
 yeah

Just do 60 day tourist visa on line

When you post passport, use registered post

Easy.
3 years ago
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Peter *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graeme **********
 thanks 👍
3 years ago
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Peter *********
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Robert *******
@Peter ********
 Not sure where you looked
3 years ago
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Peter *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
 yep I got the same.
3 years ago
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Peter *********
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James ********
@Peter ********
@David ******
 ???
3 years ago
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David *******
@James *******
The postal application is simple enough.

Register each way.

Took 7 days last time for 90 days 0.

From post to receipt.
3 years ago
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Peter *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David ******
 thanks David 👍
3 years ago
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Peter *********
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Michael ********
There is an immigration on the beach road in Patong, only took me about 30 minutes to get an extension to my tourist visa but why bother when you can get a 60 day tourist visa before you leave OZ to cover your whole holiday
3 years ago
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Ellie *******
@Michael *******
 And usually SETV fee is cheaper than the extension fee
3 years ago
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Peter *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ellie ******
 still debating which is easier. Yes visa is a few dollars cheaper but by the time I've printed form, bank statement, proof of address, got a photo taken and paid for registered post, money order and morning off work to do it seems easier to go with exemption/extension. Wish I could do it online without sending my passport 🤪😱
3 years ago
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Ellie *******
@Peter ********
, you better check with your airline if they let you board with an outbound ticket longer than 30days without any visa before you decide. (if you are going to get fixed tickets)
3 years ago
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Michael ********
@Peter ********
 real easy in Patong , small immigration office and really nice staff which can’t be said for all immigration officials, take a copy of your passport and fill out the form
3 years ago
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Michael ********
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James ********
That 45 day visa exempt entry is HISTORY.

Suggest you get Tourist Visa...that will give you 60 days on arrival plus added 30 day extension = 90 days in Thailand.

And as you are only planning to stay 45 days...the tourist visa is perfect for you..

No need to spend a day to go to the Thai immigration office to get a 30 day extension at cost of 1,900 Thai baht.
3 years ago
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Peter *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
 makes sense. Just saw the e-visa site too so looks like I can just apply for 60 day TV online. Will give it a whizz now... cheers 👍
3 years ago
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James ********
@Peter ********
 its a good choice for you.

Safe travels...and watch for any changes in the coming months for the Thailand Pass needed for entry into Thailand.
3 years ago
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James ********
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Robert *******
The Visa Exempt Entry is 30 days and not likely to be changed due to 45 days quarantine as the rules are easing up.

a Single Entry Tourist visa gives you 60 days on entry, so all the time to enjoy the holiday. If you decide to use the 30 day Visa Exempt Entry, you should calculate minimum half day at Immigration Office to apply for the 30 day Extension of Stay based on Tourism.

You apply for this Extension of Stay at your local Immigration Office and there are more than 70 offices nation wide.
3 years ago
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Raymond *********
@Robert ******
 very good advice IMO
3 years ago
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Peter *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
 ok thanks 👍
3 years ago
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Peter *********
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