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Should I get a tourist visa for my trip to Thailand if I plan to stay for six weeks?

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Emmanuel ********

Emmanuel ********

OP

asked Jun 4, 2019

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Hello there :)

I think I may have a boarding issue 😕 ... 

I'm going to Thailand (Paris-Bangkok ... I'm french btw) from August 13th to October 1st this year. Six weeks.

I planned to arrive in Thailand without visa (1 month) and then ask for an extension (1 month) for my 2 additional weeks upon my arrival in Bangkok.

But I am told that the airline (Lufthansa) will refuse boarding if I don't have a tourist visa, since my trip exceeds 4 weeks.

I am a little lost 😕 Do I have to make a tourist visa ? If yes, I live far from Paris to go to the ambassy. Do I have to ask a specialized company to do "the work" for me?

Answer summary

A French expat is unsure whether to obtain a tourist visa for a six-week trip to Thailand due to conflicting information from the airline and online sources. The individual initially plans to enter Thailand without a visa for the first month and then extend their stay. However, they were advised that the airline, Lufthansa, might refuse boarding unless a visa is secured for a trip exceeding four weeks. The community offers various solutions, including showing proof of onward travel, obtaining a tourist visa, or booking a cheap flight out of Thailand before the 30 days to comply with immigration requirements.

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Emmanuel ********

Emmanuel ********

OP

Thank you so much all of you guys and girls for your advises on this "situation" 🙏 They, for sure, be usefull for the trips I plan to make in south Asia next year :)

For that (first) one, I certenly won't play with the devil (and "pay my peace") by asking for a tourist visa.

1

David *******

David *******

just call airline, if you have a return ticket might be ok, its singles they check more

1

Emmanuel ********

Emmanuel ********

OP

I called Lufthensa today. They were very clear : "Sir, you need a tourist visa for a 6 weeks trip" .... they did not seem to welcome the idea of presenting them with a "run" ticket outside Thailand :/

1

Salvo ***********

Salvo ***********

With some airlines u can sign a form confirming that in case of entry refusal into Thailand you - and not the airline - will pay your return flight.

But a cheap onward flight with the 30 days is much easier

0

Alex *******

Alex *******

You should get your TV 60days /90days one before arrival, save all your trouble or risk of getting rejected at check in or upon arrival in Thailand. Get the right Visa, save yourself the trouble. You still have time, if your trip is in August.

1

Liam *****

Liam *****

Meaning no disrespect but i think that's poor advice. A 30-day visa exempt can be extended for 30 more days, arrangements can be made for the airline, and, as I said, the Embassy in Paris is a pain in the ass

1

Biff *******

Biff *******

Buy cheap ticket out of Thailand before 30 days after your arrival. Show that to the airline check-in staff and you'll be fine.

1

Dom **************

Dom **************

Fait un visa électronique lors du lancement a la mi-juin. Bonne journée

1

Dom **************

Dom **************

ok. The OP mentioned he was French which is why I answered in French.

For those who are having this question, are citizen from France, and don't understand French, the evisa system will be available online starting the 17th of June.

2

Robert *******

Robert *******

We like conversations in English, so all members can understand. Thanks.

1

Liam *****

Liam *****

If I were you I would book a cancellable onward flight, print it out and show them that. The Thai embassy in Paris has to be the least user-friendly in Europe

3

Ellie *******

Ellie *******

Just wondering Why not checking if any of possible embassy/consulate accept mail application?

1

Reiner *********

Reiner *********

No they will NOT if you explain ( if they Ask ) that you will extend it for 30 days

1

Ross ********

Ross ********

Bullshit....has to be within 30 days (happened to me)

0

Diane ******

Diane ******

part of the conditions of visa exempt entry is proof of onward travel at the end of the 30 days if not before. If you can't prove this they can deny you boarding. I would be getting either a tourist visa or a cheap flight out.

1

Emmanuel ********

Emmanuel ********

OP

I will ask them as soon as I can .... maybe today

1

Tim ************

Tim ************

yes, airline might refuse you. however, they know you get a 1 month stamp.

all they are asking for is an outbound ticket.

simply buy one online for 10$ or buy a real ticket to cambodia or something for 20$.

1

Bill **********

Bill **********

@Emmanuel *******

As long as you have a confirmed air ticket out of the country within the 30 days, you're meeting the letter of the law. That's all they care about. Look for the cheapest Air Asia ticket. I think Bangkok to Penang is always the lowest cost.

1

Bill **********

Bill **********

You might not even be aware they're checking it. The airline check-in software automatically accesses the Timatic database to check for visa compliance and returns "OK" or "Visa Required." The agent leafs through the passport to find your visa, if needed. That's it. I once had to convince an Air Berlin check-in agent that February had 28 days.

2

Tim ************

Tim ************

that's also enough

1

Tim ************

Tim ************

of course it's enough

1

Emmanuel ********

Emmanuel ********

OP

I'll will flight to Bangkok from Francfort btw ... do you think a one-way Bangkok / Siem Reap is enough ? No need a return ticket ... in case the company knows the "trick" ? (I become paranoid with these visa stories)

0

Amaël ******

Amaël ******

@Tim ***********

well, it's never happened to me in either France or Switzerland, but better be safe than sorry.

0

Tim ************

Tim ************

Amaël Vier happened to me every.single.time when i flew from germany to thailand. airberlin, emirates, turkish. every time.

better be safe then sorry.

1

Amaël ******

Amaël ******

@Emmanuel *******

yes, that would work, or a tourist visa. Truth is, chances the airline will check your visa are very thin (never happened to me), but it is always a possibility.

0

Emmanuel ********

Emmanuel ********

OP

Do you think a one-way Bangkok / Siem Reap (in Cambodia) for one person should be a solution?

0

Robert *******

Robert *******

Don't know who told you, but the airline is responsible for you when you're not allowed into Thailand and therefor they ask for onward travel or a visa. You have to check this with the airline company. There is a Thai Consulate in Marseilles, where you also can apply for the Single Entry Tourist Visa.

3

Emmanuel ********

Emmanuel ********

OP

Ok ... good to know. Thx

0

Amaël ******

Amaël ******

The consulate in Marseille does not deliver visas. Only Paris and Lyon.

2

Emmanuel ********

Emmanuel ********

OP

I live in Bordeaux .... far from Marseille as well. Maybe yes, I should call the company first.

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