thailand
Ask question

What are the best visa options for a US passport holder visiting Thailand from Panama for 90 days?

US Passport HolderThailand VisaeVisaTourist VisaVisa RunsVisa ExtensionsImmigration PolicyMETV
Aug 6, 2023
a year ago
Chris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank goodness for this group! I'm sure it is a question asked many times but there's so much conflicting information online.. I'm a 47 year old USA passport holder but I will be coming from Panama (October). Looking to stay for 90 days and then doing a visa run. Questions are.. 1) Should I do evisa for first 60 days? 2) will I be able to get 60 days from evisa and 30 day extension at immigration office? 3) Are visa runs still an option for quick turn around or do you have to stay out of Thailand for a period of time? 4) Will I use evisa again for visa run? 5) Do I need an onward ticket to enter and what dates are required?

Thanks in advance!
1,241
views
2
likes
47
all likes
27
replies
0
images
5
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
A US passport holder planning to visit Thailand for 90 days while coming from Panama has several questions about visa options. Key points discussed include the use of eVisa, potential extensions, and visa run practices. Experts clarify that the eVisa application cannot be completed from Panama; the traveler can either enter visa-exempt for 30 days or apply for a tourist visa at the Thai embassy. The possibility of extending the initial stay by applying for an additional 30 days is also confirmed. There are discussions about the merits of applying for a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) to facilitate multiple entries into Thailand without frequent visa runs.
Phil ******
@Chris *****
1 yes you can apply for a evisa

****************************


2 Yes 1900 baht

3.Yes

4 No

5 Yes
a year ago
Like
Reply
Chris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Phil *****
 I can apply for 60 day evisa and 30 day extension. But what are my options after the initial 90 days are up?
a year ago
Like
Reply
Phil ******
@Chris *****
 Exit then Another Visa or VISA EXEMPT re-entry
a year ago
Like
Reply
Chris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Phil *****
 So then I'm back down to 60 days.. 30 + 30?
a year ago
Like
Reply
Phil ******
@Chris *****
 unless you apply for a visa.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Chris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Also, is there a limit to how many days per year that I can be in Thailand on either visa exempt or multiple entry tourist visa? Thx for all your advice
a year ago
Like
Reply
Todd *********
@Chris *****
 no limit on number of days
a year ago
Like
Reply
Phil ******
@Chris *****
 all entries into Thailand are up to the discretion of the immigration officials
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Phil ******
Reply
John **********
@Chris *****
 you can't apply for the e-visa while in Panama. You either go to the Thai embassy in Panama and apply for a tourist visa or enter visa exempt which gets you 30 days and can extend this for a further 30 days then you have to leave Thailand
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
John **********
Reply
Tore *********
Just get the METV (Multiple

Entry tourist visa), then you only have to border bounce, not visa run 😉

I spent 6 month doing that, but can get almost 9 months on a METV
a year ago
Like
Reply
Chris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tore *****************
 do you get that at the airport when I arrive? And how long will the visa be good for?
a year ago
Like
Reply
Tore *********
@Chris *****
 you get it at your embassy in person or E-visa. it’s the same as a normal single entry, 60 day tourist visa with unlimited entries. It cost a bit more and you need to show more money in the bank. And a travel plan self declaration (doesn’t have to be followed )

It is valid 6 months from date of issue, so you can entre Thailand as many times you like in that 6 months. You can even enter on the day it expire, and get another 90 days (60 + 30 extension) That way you can squeeze close to 9 months out of the same visa.
a year ago
Like
Reply
John **********
@Chris *****
 no you only get 30 days at the airport when you arrive. You can get a normal tourist visa which gives you 60 days at the embassy in Panama. You may also be able to get a multiple entry tourist visa there but you normally have to show a travel plan that involves leaving Thailand, traveling elsewhere and later returning
a year ago
Like
Reply
Chris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
 once ur in Thailand, can you go to immigration and get multiple entry tourist visa and if so.. how long do those last? Also how much money do you have to show and is it okay if in an American bank?
a year ago
Like
Reply
John **********
@Chris *****
 no to all of the above. You can only get a tourist visa outside of Thailand
a year ago
Like
Reply
Tore *********
@John *********
 the travel plan is just a self declaration of rough travel plan. It’s a non issue. Only difference between single and multiple entry is higher cost and higher financial requirement (show more money in the bank) It had mine within 48 hrs, but that was E-visa.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Tore *********
Reply
Graham ******
1. Yes, 2. Yes (for 1900B), 3. Yes, Border bounces (30 day entry stamp) are allowable, 4. No, no neighbouring countries use the eVisa system, you apply in person and it takes up to 3 days to be issued and 5. Witht a long term Visa you should have proof of onward travel within the number of days you get stamped in for (30 days Visa Exempt or 60 days Tourist Visa).
a year ago
Like
Reply
John **********
@Graham *****
 I think 1. Is also a no. He'd have to go to the Thai embassy for a visa. So 2. Is only a yes if he does that if not it will be 30 + 30
a year ago
Like
Reply
Graham ******
@John *********
 ok, I was going on being a US passport holder not Panama being the origin 👍
a year ago
Like
Reply
John **********
@Graham *****
 he is but he has to apply from the country he's physically in which is Panama
a year ago
Like
Reply
Chris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
 so if no... I'd be getting 30 on arrival + 30 extension.. then I'd have to do a visa run?
a year ago
Like
Reply
John **********
@Chris *****
 correct
a year ago
Like
Reply
Chris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
 and that will remain that way until I get a different visa like education or something? Like I won't be able to get 90 days unless I go to the states before coming to Thailand?
a year ago
Like
Reply
John **********
@Chris *****
 not at all. You can go to the Thai embassy in Panama and get a 60 day visa which can be extended for another 30 days
a year ago
Like
Reply
Chris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
 and after the initial 60 + 30 days.. how can I do it again for another 60 + 30?
a year ago
Like
Reply
Todd *********
@Chris *****
 exit to any neighbouring country and obtain a new 60 day visa. KL or Penang for example
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
John **********
I don't believe you can use the e-visa system when you are in Panama, you need to visit the Thai embassy and purchase a visa. Neighbouring countries to Thailand don't use it either.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
John **********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
What is the best visa option for an American visiting Thailand for three months, a 30-day visa waiver or a 60-day visa with extension?
16 comments
5 months ago
What are the current visa options and extension policies for tourists in Thailand?
41 comments
5 months ago
What are the best visa options for an extended stay in Thailand while planning to travel to neighboring countries?
45 comments
6 months ago
Should I apply for a 90-day visa before heading to Bangkok or request an extension while there?
39 comments
6 months ago
What is the correct visa path for a US passport holder and family planning to stay in Thailand long-term?
62 comments
10 months ago
How does the E-visa process work for a 90-day tourist visa from the USA to Thailand?
22 comments
a year ago
What are the best visa options for a Spanish passport holder planning a stay in Thailand from mid January to March?
2 comments
a year 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 are the best visa options for long-term stay in Thailand for a US citizen under 50?
21 comments
a year ago
Should I apply for a multiple entry visa for Thailand, or is it better to use visa exemption and just leave the country?
14 comments
2 years ago
What are the best options for obtaining a Thai visa after leaving Thailand for a month?
8 comments
2 years ago
What is the best visa option for a UK passport holder traveling to Thailand for 83 days?
10 comments
2 years ago
What is the best way for an American in Vietnam to obtain a tourist visa for Thailand?
15 comments
2 years ago
What are the best options for a Philippine passport holder in Bali seeking to stay in Thailand for 60-90 days?
17 comments
3 years ago
What do I need to know about getting a visa for Thailand as an American?
27 comments
3 years ago
What are the steps and considerations for a US citizen applying for a 60-day visa to Thailand?
6 comments
3 years ago
Is there a transit visa for Thailand and how does it affect visa-exempt entry for US passport holders?
9 comments
3 years ago
What are the best visa options for traveling and staying longer in Thailand while being visa exempt?
8 comments
3 years ago
Should I get a 30-day visa on arrival or apply for a 60-day e-visa for my trip to Thailand?
16 comments
3 years ago
What short-term visa options are available for a USA passport holder after frequent travels in and out of Thailand?
21 comments
5 years ago
What visa options are available for Americans wishing to stay in Thailand for 2 to 3 months?
0 comments
6 years ago
What should we know about extending our stay in Thailand with a tourist visa?
0 comments
6 years ago
What are my best visa options for traveling to Thailand for extended stays?
31 comments
6 years ago
What is the best visa option for a USA passport holder planning to stay in Thailand for 90 days with side trips?
8 comments
7 years ago
What are the best visa options for a 154-day stay in Thailand for an American expat?
25 comments
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund 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.