Ask question

Should I get a tourist visa or extend my stay in Thailand without a visa?

Tourist Visa Visa Application Thailand Immigration COVID-19 Regulations Visa Extensions Thailand Visa Rules

Dec 2, 2021

3 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello all, long time no travel to Thailand! I'm coming back in January for tourism purposes, and I'm trying to maximize my time in Thailand. I have already booked 90 day COVID insurance coverage, the one day required hotel / testing package (I'm fully vaccinated coming from the US). Would it be easier to come with no visa and just extend 2 times for a 3 month stay, or should I apply for a tourist visa? Are there any additional requirements I'm missing with the new regulations? Thank you so much for your help. Ideally I'd like to spend 6-9 months in Thailand next year, and then return to the US. Cheers!

1,128

views

3

likes

34

all likes

19

replies

0

images

8

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The original poster (OP) is seeking advice on whether to arrive in Thailand without a visa and extend their stay or apply for a tourist visa since they plan to stay for 6-9 months. They have already arranged COVID insurance and a hotel package. Comments from the community suggest applying for a multiple-entry tourist visa (METV) or the special tourist visa (STV) for a longer stay, as relying solely on extensions may not meet the desired duration. It is important to check for additional requirements related to COVID-19 regulations and the current visa policies.

James ********

I believe the OP has his options.

We wish him success in returning to Thailand.

Like

Reply

Bobby ********

Are you over 50? Good options available if you are. 6-9 months is a doddle.

Like

Reply

Axel ********

Watch out that the airline let you boarding

Like

Reply

Kathy ********************

I have been caught twice at the gate with that issue LOL

Like

Reply

Reply to

Kathy ********************

Reply

Graham ******

Visa exempt 30 day entry stamp can only be extended once for 30 days so you'll need a TR60 visa and one 30 day extension

Like

Reply

James ********

Looks to me that you have put the cart in front of the horse.

You have booked Test n Go hotel and insurance before you have the correct visa for your desired stay of 6-7 months in Thailand.

Suggest you look getting either the multiple entry tourist visa or STV special tourist visa then make your bookings.

METV may work as Cambodia is and possibly Laos is said to be opening for visitors.

The STV can provide up to 270 days in Thailand.

Like

Reply

Peter *********

... and the E-Visa equivalent mentions 'single entry' but that's it. Anyways I have a 'non O' now but in the UK awaiting my booster. Thank you and keep up the good work. It is much appreciated.

Like

Reply

Peter *********

Yes, I got a bit stranded in Thailand. Due to leave April 1st(yes) (my METV had expired March 18th) and my 'stamp' April 2nd BA cancelled my flight(s) Friday 27th Mar 2022 so I had to really shift gear and get the 90 day and the non-O based on retirement. I renewed just before I left and it's good until July 25th and I have a re-entry permit. I plan to return early January or post booster whichever is earlier.

Like

Reply

James ********

@Peter ********

what Non O do you have now ?

Is it still valid with reentry permit?

Like

Reply

Reply to

James ********

Reply

Peter *********

James, Are 6 month METVs still issued?

Like

Reply

James ********

@Peter ********

@Raimund ************

??? METV at UK as visa choice.

Like

Reply

James ********

@Peter ********

yes...and key to using it will be the ability to leave and reenter.

With COVID its a calculated gamble. But Cambodia has opened up by air only and with Cambodian visa required to enter...pass to leave and Thailand pass to reenter Thailand.

With Nong Khai possibly reopening to Laos...December 24

Watch for details. Just announced. Still will need Thailand Pass to reenter Thailand.

Of course all requires full COVID vaccination.

Like

Reply

Peter *********

I am (was?) a serial user of them obtained in the now departed Hull Consulate but the London Embassy does not mention them. I know they became somewhat redundant at the peak of the lockdown and border closures but they don't seem to have reappeared.

Like

Reply

Monti ********

@Peter ********

Honorary consulates are no longer allowed to issue visas. Visas are issued by embassies and consulates only now. Most countries you must use the new eVisa system. That is why Hull is not mentioned.

Like

Reply

Peter *********

Hull just plain closed down.

Like

Reply

James ********

@Peter ********

look/select Tourist Visa...then choose either single.or multiple ???

Like

Reply

Peter *********

James, If you select Tourist Visa (max 60) it elicits a page advertising a concert at the V&A on December 5th! (and other stuff?

Like

Reply

James ********

@Peter ********

that site is jumbled...😲

Like

Reply

Reply to

James ********

Reply

John ********

You have visa exempt 30 plus 30 extension

Or

60 tourist v plus 30 extension

Go for the tourist visa in home country for 90 days total 60+30

Like

Reply

Reply to

John ********

Reply

Thai Visa Advice

... members · 40% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.

Thai Visa Advice

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice

What are the best visa options for an extended stay in Thailand while planning to travel to neighboring countries?

45 comments

6 months ago

Can I reapply for a tourist visa after using my METV and extensions in Thailand?

10 comments

7 months ago

How can I stay in Thailand for 6 to 9 months with a tourist visa?

23 comments

10 months ago

What visa options do I have as a US citizen planning to stay in Thailand for 6-8 months?

11 comments

a year ago

What is the best visa option for a retired expat wanting to stay in Thailand for 3-6 months?

20 comments

a year ago

What visa options should my partner and I consider for a long stay in Thailand?

15 comments

2 years ago

What type of visa should I get for a 3-month stay in Thailand after having previously used a Special Tourist Visa?

4 comments

3 years ago

Should I apply for a multiple entry visa or can I just use a single entry visa for my 5-6 month stay in Thailand?

17 comments

3 years ago

How do I return to Thailand after a short trip back to the US on a tourist visa?

4 comments

3 years ago

What is the best option for a 4-6 month trip in Thailand considering visa requirements?

27 comments

3 years ago

What are my best options for staying in Thailand for 5 months with a tourist visa?

22 comments

3 years ago

What are the best long-term visa options for staying in Thailand for over 90 days?

10 comments

3 years ago

What are the best visa options for staying in Thailand for 5 months?

11 comments

3 years ago

What long-term visa options are available for expats moving to Thailand during the pandemic?

26 comments

3 years ago

What type of visa should I apply for if I want to travel around Thailand for 3 to 6 months without making pre-booked accommodations?

15 comments

3 years ago

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

13 comments

3 years ago

What are the best visa options for staying in Thailand for 8 months from the U.S. given that METV and STR are not available?

2 comments

4 years ago

What is the best visa option for staying in Thailand for 6-9 months?

21 comments

4 years ago

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

11 comments

4 years ago

Which is the better option for staying long-term in Thailand: STV or tourist visa?

18 comments

4 years ago

Should I apply for a TR Visa or rely on a visa on arrival for my trip to Thailand in February?

43 comments

4 years ago

What are the options for staying in Thailand for three to six months?

55 comments

4 years ago

What are the options for extending a Tourist visa in Thailand for six months while visiting family?

9 comments

6 years ago

What are my best visa options for traveling to Thailand for extended stays?

31 comments

6 years ago

Which visa should I choose for my stay in Thailand: SETV or METV?

18 comments

7 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq: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.