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Should I get a tourist visa or rely on the 30-day visa exemption for my 5-week trip to Thailand?

Thailand VisaVisa ExemptionTourist Visa60-Day VisaSTV VisaThailand PassTravel Tips
Nov 4, 2021
3 years ago
Piero ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I'm planning a 5 week trip to Thailand in December/January.

I am aware that it's possible to go Visa exempt for 30 days, and that the Visa exemption is renewable for an additional 30 days.

However, I read on some sites that when using the Visa exemption, the immigration officer may check that your return flight is no later than 30 days from your date of arrival and you may be refused entry if not.

In my case, the return flight is more than 30 days from the arrival.

Am I better off getting a tourist Visa (TR, STV?) when I apply for my "Thailand Pass" (the replacement of COE)?

Thanks for your help.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is concerned about using the 30-day visa exemption for their 5-week trip to Thailand, as their return flight exceeds 30 days from arrival. They seek advice on whether to apply for a tourist visa instead. Community responses suggest that while the visa exemption is renewable, it may involve complications if flight arrangements do not align. Many recommend obtaining a 60-day tourist visa (TR) for ease, as it can be applied for online and is less restrictive than the STV visa. Various members also note the potential need for proof of onward travel and highlight the convenience of processing visas online.
Sue **********
Play safe….get a single entry 60day tourist visa
3 years ago
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Piero ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am reading about a 60 day tourist visa (TR). I guess that would also work with Thailand pass?
3 years ago
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Chan *************
just buy a cheap airline from Airasia.
3 years ago
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Piero ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chan ************
 : Not necessary, at 60 day Visa is the same price as the 30 day extension on the Visa exemption. Its also a lot more convenient. You can do the whole thing online and not have to waste any time going to an immigration office in Thailand.
3 years ago
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Piero ************
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Brett **********
You could get an STV visa and you're good for 90 days
3 years ago
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Piero ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brett *********
 : The 60 day tourist visa (TR) is actually a better option for stays under 60 days. You can apply online, and the conditions/criteria are a lot easier for the TR than for the STV.
3 years ago
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Piero ************
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Stuart *********
The hiccup maybe with the ThailandPass, or the airline denying you boarding or the immigration demanding you have a ticket out. Best get a changeable ticket to be safe.
3 years ago
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Piero ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
 : My best bet was finally to apply for the 60 day tourist visa (TRV). Very easy to apply for online (via e-visa), and this way I don't have to change anything to my tickets which were already booked.
3 years ago
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Piero ************
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Bobby ********
You probably will not be given your Thailand Pass to enter the country.
3 years ago
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Bobby ********
Piero Colagrosso. That's correct. The 60 day visa can also be extended a further 30 days
3 years ago
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Piero ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bobby *******
 : I finished doing my Thailand pass application, and nowhere does it ask anything about Visas. So, I don't think that the Thailand Pass approval process checks into Visas. All it looks for are the following:

PassportCertificate of Vaccination

Paid AQ / SHA+ hotel reservation confirmation (including the fee for one RT-PCR test)

Insurance with minimum coverage of 50,000 USD

However, I decided to apply for the 60 day visa via the online system. Its much less hassle than having to extend the visa exemption in Thailand, and the cost for the two options is the same.
3 years ago
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Piero ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 : Thanks for the info. I will look into it. I'm not sure whether "Thailand pass" allows you to use a different flight than the one you use at the time of the application. I went to Thailand in July with a COE, and that was the policy back then. I'm not sure if its the same for Thailand pass.
3 years ago
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Brandon ************
@Piero ***********
 Google "onward travel ticket" and you can rent a fully valid plane ticket for about $10. The service is designed exactly for this kind of situation. Rent a ticket out of Thailand within the timeframe you are required to leave and show it when asked. Then the service cancels the ticket before the travel date.
3 years ago
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Piero ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 : Yikes! I didn't realize that. So I guess my only option is to change my return flight, and then change it back once I'm in Thailand? Is there a standard tourist visa less restrictive than STV?
3 years ago
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Brandon ************
@Piero ***********
 you don't want to go through the trouble of getting the STV.

They require a criminal check, medical clearance, higher levels of insurance, and fully paid booking for the entirely of the Visa
3 years ago
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Piero ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bobby *******
 : But with an STV I would be ok to get the Thailand Pass. Correct?
3 years ago
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Piero ************
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Bruce *****
Get a fake return ticket from best online tickets
3 years ago
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Andrew *********
Get a tourist visa or book a flight return within 30 days and change once your there
3 years ago
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Trevor ********
f
3 years ago
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Trevor ********
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
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