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What are the best visa options for a US passport holder visiting Thailand from Panama for 90 days?
Aug 6, 2023
3 years ago
Chris ******
ORIGINAL POSTERThank 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!
Thanks in advance!
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.
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Phil ******
@Chris *****
1 yes you can apply for a evisa****************************
2 Yes 1900 baht
3.Yes
4 No
5 Yes
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?Phil ******
@Chris *****
Exit then Another Visa or VISA EXEMPT re-entryChris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Phil *****
So then I'm back down to 60 days.. 30 + 30?Phil ******
@Chris *****
unless you apply for a visa.Chris ******
ORIGINAL POSTERAlso, 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
Todd *********
@Chris *****
no limit on number of daysPhil ******
@Chris *****
all entries into Thailand are up to the discretion of the immigration officialsReply 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 ThailandReply 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
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
Chris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tore *****************
do you get that at the airport when I arrive? And how long will the visa be good for?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.
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 returningChris ******
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?John **********
@Chris *****
no to all of the above. You can only get a tourist visa outside of ThailandTore *********
@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.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).
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 + 30Graham ******
@John *********
ok, I was going on being a US passport holder not Panama being the origin 👍John **********
@Graham *****
he is but he has to apply from the country he's physically in which is PanamaChris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
so if no... I'd be getting 30 on arrival + 30 extension.. then I'd have to do a visa run?John **********
@Chris *****
correctChris ******
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?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 daysChris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
and after the initial 60 + 30 days.. how can I do it again for another 60 + 30?Todd *********
@Chris *****
exit to any neighbouring country and obtain a new 60 day visa. KL or Penang for exampleReply 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.
Reply to
John **********
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