Ask

Answered4 years ago

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

Thailand Visa Tourist Visa Visa Extension Visa Exemption Phuket Immigration Travel to Thailand

Peter *********

Peter *********

OP

asked May 6, 2022

4k

views

29

replies

3

likes

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 🙏

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.

29 repliesnewest first

11

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Ellie *******

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.

1

Luke *******

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.

2

Peter *********

Peter *********

OP

nice one 👍

0

Peter *********

Peter *********

OP

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?

0

Alan ******

Alan ******

@Peter ********

registered post, get your photos and money order done while you're in the Post Office.

2

Peter *********

Peter *********

OP

ok cheers 👍

0

David *******

David *******

@Peter ********

I used express registered envelopes pre paid.

They prefer these in Canberra.

Pick them out and give priority (according to Australia post).

0

Peter *********

Peter *********

OP

ok will do thanks 👍

0

Yvonne *********

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.

0

Peter *********

Peter *********

OP

@Yvonne ********

I'm on the Gold Coast so need to do it by post.

1

Yvonne *********

Yvonne *********

@Peter ********

We did ours from Brisbane we used the Thai Embassy in Sydney.

1

Graeme ***********

Graeme ***********

@Peter ********

yeah

Just do 60 day tourist visa on line

When you post passport, use registered post

Easy.

1

Peter *********

Peter *********

OP

@Graeme **********

thanks 👍

0

Robert *******

Robert *******

@Peter ********

Not sure where you looked

0

Peter *********

Peter *********

OP

yep I got the same.

0

James ********

James ********

@Peter ********

???

0

David *******

David *******

The postal application is simple enough.

Register each way.

Took 7 days last time for 90 days 0.

From post to receipt.

2

Peter *********

Peter *********

OP

thanks David 👍

0

Michael ********

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

4

Ellie *******

Ellie *******

@Michael *******

And usually SETV fee is cheaper than the extension fee

1

Peter *********

Peter *********

OP

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 🤪😱

0

Ellie *******

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)

0

Michael ********

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

1

James ********

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

Peter *********

Peter *********

OP

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 👍

0

James ********

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.

0

Robert *******

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.

6

Raymond *********

Raymond *********

very good advice IMO

1

Peter *********

Peter *********

OP

ok thanks 👍

1

Activity

11 joined

Peter *********

Peter *********

Peter *********

Peter *********

Peter *********

Peter *********

11

people

Thai Visa Advice

Thai Visa Advice

...members40% approval

Member 1

Member 2

Member 3

Member 4

Member 5

Member 6

Member 7

Member 8

Conversation Join group

Related

25

Should I apply for a tourist visa to Thailand in advance or risk it upon arrival?

Will I be allowed to stay in Thailand for my full holiday from June 9th to July 20th, 2026?

Can my friend from Australia visit Thailand for 60 days with just a stamp, or does he need a visa?

Will my Visa Exemption and Extension in Thailand Cause Any Problems During My Stay?

Is it better to get a tourist visa before visiting Thailand or to enter visa-exempt and then apply for an extension?

Can I extend my Thai visa exemption by 30 days upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi?

Should I take the 30-day stamp and extend it or apply for a tourist visa for my trip to Thailand?

Should I apply for a 30-day extension in Thailand or get a 60-day visa from Australia before my trip?

What are the visa options for a Canadian passport holder traveling to Thailand for 3 months?

Can I enter Thailand on a 30-day visa on arrival and then extend for another 30 days before leaving and re-entering for another 30 days?

What are the best options for extending my stay in Thailand after using multiple visa exemptions?

What are the options for extending a visa for my Malaysian parents visiting Thailand?

What are my options for staying longer in Thailand after multiple visa exemptions?

Can I extend my COVID visa in Thailand, or do I need to leave the country?

What is the best visa option for a UK couple planning to stay in Thailand for 3-6 months?

How do we navigate visa options and requirements as Australian and Dutch passport holders traveling to Thailand for two months?

What are the best visa options for a UK citizen looking to stay in Thailand for 90 days without leaving?

When should I apply for a tourist visa to Thailand if my trip starts on July 20th?

What are the instructions and requirements for securing a tourist visa to Thailand from the USA?

Should I apply for a 60-day tourist visa or enter Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption and extend it later?

Can Indian passport holders apply for a visa to stay longer than 14 days in Thailand?

What are the best visa options for staying in Thailand for six months from July 15th?

How can I extend my stay in Thailand beyond the 30-day visa exemption as a British citizen?

What are the options for extending a 60-day single-entry tourist visa in Thailand after a trip to Malaysia?

What are my options for extending my 30-day visa exemption in Thailand?

Resources

Cannabis shops near me Retirement visa extension eSIM for Thailand LTR visa qualification

Need help with your Thai visa?