This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
Should I get a tourist visa on arrival or apply for it online before traveling to Thailand?
tourist visaThailand visa rulesvisa on arrivalLTR visavisa exemptionUS citizensvisa options for expatsSTV visa
Dec 19, 2022
3 years ago
Michael ****************
ORIGINAL POSTERHello,
Is it better to get A tourist visa on arrival in Thailand or apply for it online.
Thanks 
Is it better to get A tourist visa on arrival in Thailand or apply for it online.
Thanks 
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around whether to obtain a tourist visa upon arrival in Thailand or to apply for it online. Comments clarify that a tourist visa must be obtained before entering Thailand, with an option for a visa exemption allowing a 45-day stay. Users share their experiences comparing the costs and durations of various visa types, such as the TR visa and LTR options, evaluating their suitability for longer stays.
LONG TERM RESIDENT (LTR) VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic LTR Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Long Term Resident (LTR) Visa.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Long Term Resident (LTR) Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted DTV Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Bill *********
How long do you want to stay? It cost me $40 for a TR visa for 60 days but could get 45 days on arrival for free. Both can be extended for 30 days for 1900 baht. Up to you.
Michael ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bill ********
I don’t mind doing border runsBill *********
@Michael ***************
too many and they may refuse you entry. Better be prepared for that.Michael ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bill ********
Do you feel like an STV visa would work betterBill *********
@Michael ***************
possibly but I heard they were phasing those out.Michael ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bill ********
I’ve decided to do the 45 day busy exceptionReply to
Michael ****************
Reply
Michael ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bill ********
About September 2023Michael ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bill ********
I am looking to stay till about September 2023 I am from the United StatesReply to
Michael ****************
Reply
Michael ****************
ORIGINAL POSTERThank you so much for the help everyone
Richard *********
I have no doubt that I am going to experience sticker shock at the prices in Thailand. Have been spending much time in the Bahamas and BVI and everything is outrageously overpriced.
I am American coming to Thailand for possible permanent retirement, and would like to better understand visa options.
I qualify for a couple of LTR visa options but don’t know what is gets me over just getting one when I arrive.
What is the advantage of LTR, is it worth the trouble?
I am American coming to Thailand for possible permanent retirement, and would like to better understand visa options.
I qualify for a couple of LTR visa options but don’t know what is gets me over just getting one when I arrive.
What is the advantage of LTR, is it worth the trouble?
Jo **********
Visa exempt is a far better option especially now that it is for 45 days
Brandon ************
You cannot get a tourist visa inside of Thailand. If you want a tourist visa you must get it before coming.
Kool *******
@Brandon ***********
if you interpret what he wrote he's asking if it is better to apply for a tourist visa in his home country, or just get a visa exempt stamp when he enters Thailand. That pretty much depends on how long he intends to stay.Michael ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kool ******
I should be able to get that visa exempt on arrival I’m from the USA thanks for your helpRichard *********
@Kool ******
I am planning to visit and want to keep my options open. Likely purchase refundable return ticket if I must show one. My question is the LTR worth the trouble, not sure what it get the holder over just showing up. I am American and qualify for a couple options on the LTR...Reply to
Richard *********
Reply
Michael ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
OK thank you so much for your helpReply to
Michael ****************
Reply
53 comments
2 years ago
53 comments
2 years ago
39 comments
2 years ago
12 comments
2 years ago
36 comments
2 years ago
25 comments
2 years ago
7 comments
3 years ago
4 comments
3 years ago
28 comments
3 years ago
13 comments
3 years ago
12 comments
3 years ago
8 comments
4 years ago
5 comments
4 years ago
17 comments
4 years ago
71 comments
4 years ago
28 comments
4 years ago
22 comments
4 years ago
16 comments
4 years ago
3 comments
4 years ago
19 comments
4 years ago
24 comments
5 years ago
43 comments
5 years ago
4 comments
6 years ago
10 comments
7 years ago
1 comments
7 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.