This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
Should I wait for my E-Visa approval before reentering Thailand after a recent visit?
Dec 26, 2024
a year ago
Ying ***********
ORIGINAL POSTERHello everyone! I hope you’re all doing great. I have encountered some visa issues and would greatly appreciate it if anyone with similar experience could provide some insight and advice.
I left Thailand last Friday after a 60-day stay in Phuket and would like to reenter the country as soon as possible. I applied for an E-Visa on Sunday and it’s still pending approval. The reason why I applied for an E-visa despite having a 60-day visa exemption for my passport is because the immigration officer told me to do so the last time I reentered the country just a few days after my departure.
I do have a prior commitment that requires me to get back to Phuket as soon as possible. Do you think I should just try to fly into the country before my E-visa is approved, hoping to get another 60-day visa exemption? Or do you think I should really wait until the E-visa is approved?
All help is greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!
I left Thailand last Friday after a 60-day stay in Phuket and would like to reenter the country as soon as possible. I applied for an E-Visa on Sunday and it’s still pending approval. The reason why I applied for an E-visa despite having a 60-day visa exemption for my passport is because the immigration officer told me to do so the last time I reentered the country just a few days after my departure.
I do have a prior commitment that requires me to get back to Phuket as soon as possible. Do you think I should just try to fly into the country before my E-visa is approved, hoping to get another 60-day visa exemption? Or do you think I should really wait until the E-visa is approved?
All help is greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is facing uncertainty over whether to enter Thailand again before receiving approval for an applied E-Visa after leaving on a 60-day visa exemption. Community members caution against reentering without the E-Visa approval due to potential entry denial based on past immigration officer advice and concerns about frequent entries. It is suggested to wait for the E-Visa approval to avoid complications.
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 Thai Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Peculiar ******
Considering your situation, I'd advise against flying into Thailand before your E-Visa is approved. Since you've already applied for an E-Visa, it's best to wait for its approval to avoid any potential issues during immigration.¹
As you mentioned, you have a 60-day visa exemption for your passport, but the immigration officer's previous advice to apply for an E-Visa might indicate that they're scrutinizing frequent entries.
If you enter Thailand before your E-Visa is approved, you risk being denied entry or facing difficulties during immigration. It's better to wait for the E-Visa approval to ensure a smooth re-entry process.
Additionally, keep in mind that Thailand has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for visa-exempt visitors, which will be fully implemented by June 2025.² This might affect your future entries, so it's essential to stay informed about the latest visa regulations.
I recommend waiting for your E-Visa approval and then entering Thailand with the approved visa to avoid any potential complications. You should also consider reading a book or two before your travel.. I'd recommend a book "Thailand Unveiled 2024-2025" by James Anderson on Amazon..it has all the info and recommendations you need..you should check it out 😀
As you mentioned, you have a 60-day visa exemption for your passport, but the immigration officer's previous advice to apply for an E-Visa might indicate that they're scrutinizing frequent entries.
If you enter Thailand before your E-Visa is approved, you risk being denied entry or facing difficulties during immigration. It's better to wait for the E-Visa approval to ensure a smooth re-entry process.
Additionally, keep in mind that Thailand has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for visa-exempt visitors, which will be fully implemented by June 2025.² This might affect your future entries, so it's essential to stay informed about the latest visa regulations.
I recommend waiting for your E-Visa approval and then entering Thailand with the approved visa to avoid any potential complications. You should also consider reading a book or two before your travel.. I'd recommend a book "Thailand Unveiled 2024-2025" by James Anderson on Amazon..it has all the info and recommendations you need..you should check it out 😀
Ben *******
Just make sure everything you do immigration wise is above board. It's their country and their rules. Never try and buck the system. I hear too many stories like this. It's just not worth it.
Shawna ****
F
Mark *********
have you been entering and exiting the country on a regular basis? What you were talking about sounds like a standard visa run which I have done a few times and then applied for long-term visa. these things are stressful, good luck!
John **********
Everything would depend on how the immigration officer you will stand in front of views your history. You've obviously spent too long in Thailand on tourist visas or visa exempt entries. Even a tourist visa is no guarantee of entry, although it might improve your chances. It not sure that having a prior commitment would help your case either.
Nick ************
It's a lottery
Ken ***********
You go work is it? Share me, see how I can advise you
Elías ********
If you were warned, a tourist visa wouldn't do a big difference, I think.
Floyd **********
Interesting topic 🤔 keep us posted 👍 best of luck 🤞
Steve ***************
I was told the same thing by IO at BKK, and even had to sign a form stating that I understood. I am in HCMC, so applied online here, but it is taking forever. 10 days already. They have asked for extra documents. Proof of accommodation for whole 60-day duration, whereas, I had supplied proof of first few days, and then condo booking for final 30-days, as I wanted the freedom to move around Thailand. They have also taken issue, that my inbound and outbound flights are not on the same booking, although both are with Vietnam Airlines. Stressful! Good luck, but I certainly would just arrive hoping to get in via a visa exempt.
Kool *******
If you were warned then that is recorded in their database, and will be available to all immigration entry points. Keep that in mind.
Bob ********
With the introduction of the 60day visa exempt, Thailand immigration says if you are abusing that system, you are not a tourist, so get the correct working visa, and follow the rules or we won't let you in.
Ralph *******
I wouldn’t risk it. What would you do if they refuse entry?
Wayne *********
Sounds like you entered to often if they warned you already. Means there obviously is a risk to just arrive but it will depend on the immigration officer you stand in front of when you arrive.
Reply to
Wayne *********
Reply
15 comments
a year ago
40 comments
a year ago
2 comments
a year ago
31 comments
a year ago
24 comments
a year ago
32 comments
2 years ago
9 comments
2 years ago
4 comments
2 years ago
21 comments
2 years ago
14 comments
2 years ago
2 comments
2 years ago
14 comments
2 years ago
13 comments
2 years ago
52 comments
2 years ago
9 comments
2 years ago
5 comments
3 years ago
5 comments
3 years ago
8 comments
3 years ago
8 comments
3 years ago
2 comments
4 years ago
8 comments
4 years ago
6 comments
4 years ago
58 comments
4 years ago
9 comments
7 years ago
3 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.