Is there any advantage to obtaining a visa in your home country vs obtaining one at any of the neighboring SEA countries with a Thai embassy? For US citizens specifically.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
For US citizens, obtaining a Thai visa in their home country prior to traveling can provide the advantage of entering Thailand on a valid visa, rather than a shorter 30-day visa exemption. Specifically, a tourist visa from the US allows for an initial stay of 60 days, with the possibility of a 30-day extension at a Thai Immigration office. Meanwhile, options such as the 6-month METV (Multiple Entry Tourist Visa) are more accessible in the US compared to other SEA countries. The conversation also highlights that some Thai consulates in other countries, like Australia and Hong Kong, can issue the METV to non-residents, which could be beneficial for frequent travelers to Thailand.
Good to know Tod, my thought process is this 6 month METV is the better option for those unsure if they will enter Thailand multiple times, as it "looks better" than 2-3 SETVs or visa-exempts
you CAN also get a 6 month METV from some of the thai consulates in Australia without being a resident of there or holding an Auzzie passport. The closest one to thailand is Perth.
As you are an American, if flying from the USA, your airline may require a return ticket. Be sure to check with them first. A tourist visa obtained in the USA gives you 60 days on arrival plus can be extended added 30 days at a Thai Immigration office.
Hey James, I've spent a few months in Thailand before, and plan to spend a few more months there this year. My thought process is, better to get the 6 month METV if it is convenient. As this 1 visa "looks better" then 2 SETV's
You have to get a 6 month METV <- multi-entry tourist visa and a year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O-A (Long Stay) visa in your own country, but that's it.
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