Answered5 years ago
Should I get a tourist visa or rely on the 30-day visa exemption for my 5-week trip to Thailand?
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.
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.
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.
19 repliesnewest first
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Sue **********
Play safe….get a single entry 60day tourist visa
Piero ************
OPI am reading about a 60 day tourist visa (TR). I guess that would also work with Thailand pass?
Chan *************
just buy a cheap airline from Airasia.
Piero ************
OP@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.
Brett **********
You could get an STV visa and you're good for 90 days
Piero ************
OP@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.
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.
Piero ************
OP@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.Bobby ********
You probably will not be given your Thailand Pass to enter the country.
Bobby ********
Piero Colagrosso. That's correct. The 60 day visa can also be extended a further 30 days
Piero ************
OP@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.
Piero ************
OP@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.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. Piero ************
OP@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? 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
Piero ************
OP@Bobby *******
: But with an STV I would be ok to get the Thailand Pass. Correct? 
Bruce *****
Get a fake return ticket from best online tickets
Andrew *********
Get a tourist visa or book a flight return within 30 days and change once your there
Trevor ********
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