Answered2 months ago
What are the best visa options for extended stays in Thailand given the new 30-day immigration rule?
I’ve already booked a return flight to Thailand from 11th January 2027 to 26th February 2027. And booked a hotel for 2 weeks. Staying the remainder of the time with my Thai family / inlaws. But now that the immigration rules have changed from 60 days to 30 days ? Could someone please advise on the best way to deal with this ? Thanks in advance
Answer summary
The user is concerned about new immigration rules in Thailand, which have reduced the visa-exempt stay to 30 days, while they have planned a trip from January 11, 2027, to February 26, 2027. Respondents suggest several solutions: applying for a 60-day tourist visa (SETV) before the trip for a straightforward entry process, using a 30-day visa exempt entry followed by a 30-day extension at immigration, or considering a Non-Immigrant Visa due to family ties in Thailand. Additional advice includes the requirement of confirmed accommodations and bank statements for visa applications.
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Kim ********
Here is the link to the Thai Govt evisa:
Wait until after Sept 15 to apply as it is still showing the current visa conditions of 60 days no visa required. From Sept 15, if you wish to stay longer than 30 days, you'll need to apply for a 60 day visa from your country of origin (ie; before you leave). It's a very easy process as long as you have an address confirmed in Thailand.
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Wait until after Sept 15 to apply as it is still showing the current visa conditions of 60 days no visa required. From Sept 15, if you wish to stay longer than 30 days, you'll need to apply for a 60 day visa from your country of origin (ie; before you leave). It's a very easy process as long as you have an address confirmed in Thailand.
Bill ********
OPThank you Kim, been getting a bit stressed to be honest. With some of the requirements the immigration are looking for nowadays
Kim ********
@Bill *******
you’re very welcome. In 2024, I had to apply for the 60 day visa before I left Australia. I truly was very straight forward and easy to do online. Just wait until after the 15th so the new visa changes have been implemented.
Phil ******
60-day tr visa online mate
Andreas *********
In case you are married to a Thai wife, and can fulfill the financial requirements, you could apply for the 90-days single entry Non-Imm-O Family Visa. It saves you from being worried about the onward travel proof, the airline COULD ask you if you fly without a visa, and it saves you from having to get an extension at the Immigration office. However, a 60-days Tourist Visa is the best way to go
Bill ********
OPCheers Graham. , there is a lot more required now mate than before
Graham ******
@Bill *******
I forgot about the booked flights added last week, let's see if every Embassy will impose itBill ********
OPThanks Andreas, I’ve been married to a Thai lady since 1989. In all the years I’ve been going back and forth from Thailand. This is the most the immigration has ever required. I’m 71 years old and my wife is 66. Just looking to have a break away from the UK
Graham ******
@Bill *******
So again for a 60 day entry stamp you get the tourist visa just as it was before July 2024 (but now the application is online, no visit to the Thai Embassy/Consulate).Andreas *********
Graham Seal call yourself lucky they only ask for booked flights. I know an applicant for the tourist visa who was asked by the Thai consulate to include hotel bookings for the WHOLE DURATION OF HIS PLANNED HOLIDAY
Graham ******
@Andreas ********
the booked flights is a recent addition which I think is over the top for a tourist visa so it remains to be seen if all Embassies insist on this as a requirementAndreas *********
@Graham *****
a few more requirements have been added since 2024 . . . 3 months proof of 20,000 THB equivalent, and proof of already booked flight ticketsBill ********
OPThanks guys. My concern is I’m booked for only two weeks in a hotel. And was spending the rest of the time with my in-laws. But letters etc are also required with Thai id etc Seems excessive for only an extra few weeks
Nigel ********
Got mine after 2 days last week from london.. Quick but you can only apply within 3 months of your flight not before. And when you do apply it only stays valid for 2 weeks on the E-Visa website then you have to start again, it is a pain but once you get used to it no problem
Bill ********
OPIll submit t my application in October Nigel. Just hope I’m able to forward them the correct update information
Bill ********
OPThanks guts. I’m using the Thai Embassy in London. And just been going with there requirements
Bill **********
@Bill *******
You do not need to show hotel bookings for the entire trip. One hotel booking is sufficient. Otherwise, the only sticking point is a bank statement showing a balance of at least 20,000 baht ($600 US).Graham ******
@Bill *******
your first accommodation details is enough (especially if it is for 2 weeks)
Empathetic**********
Get a proper 60 day Visa
Luc ************
You still have plenty of time to get a SETV.
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Graeme ******
Just apply for a 60 day tourist visa then no hassle you have plenty of time to apply and then no need to bother with an extension
Bill ********
OPGraeme Mort thanks Graeme. I’ll take your advice.
James ********
@Graeme *****
wise advice ✅
Ken **********
30 day visa exempt and 30 day extention for 1900 baht.
Graham ******
@Ken *********
wont work. Have to put your flights & dates into the TDAC appKen **********
@Graham *****
You only need to put in your arrival flight, the departure flight if needed can be one that you might take but not booked.Bill ********
OP@Graham *****
why mate ?Graham ******
@Bill *******
Because visa exempt is now 30 days & your days are around 45. If you are married to a Thai just get a 60 or 90 days based on marriage. Good luck
Peter ***********
Pay for a 30 day extension 1900 bht
Rob *******
Buy a 60 day SETV online before you leave or get the 30 day visa exempt entry and extend by 30 days at your local immigration office after you arrive.
Robert ********
@Rob ******
can you do it on a touriest vaisaRob *******
@Robert *******
... a SETV is a tourist visa!
Haydn *******
Easiest is to apply for an actual visa before you travel. Still get 60 days (+extended once for 30 days) saves sitting at immigration applying for extention on exempt entry
Deacz *******
@Haydn ******
it's the best way but if you're doing for the first time not easy! Lots of information to gather l just found. Firm booking during the stay, and the hotel guest house owner has to send you their ID for your submission! Bank statements of your everyday current account, not some fixed interest account.Bill ********
OPLetters from family inviting me to visit and stay with them , plus copies of there Thai ID card, Bank statements for three months , confirmation about our dates staying at the hotel. Etc etc. Seems a bit excessive for only another 2 weeks over your 30 day exemption
Graham ******
@Bill *******
or a simple hotel booking ;)
Mark ******
What visa do you apply for fella
Rob *******
@Mark *****
... a SETV, single entry tourist visa, valid for 60 days and can be extend by another 30 days in country for 1900 baht.Mark ******
Thank you
Tod *********
You got two choices
1 - Come in 30 day free stamp (visa exempt) then go get the one 30 day extension you're allowed at the immigration office where you stay for 1900baht
2 - BUY a single entry tourist visa from the thai consulate in your country before you wing your way here via the online eVisa website and when you enter you'll get stamped in for 60 days
You apply, upload your documentation, pay all online, they will email you the PDF file that is your visa. Print that and present it to the immigration office when you stamp in.
Those are your choices to stay the time you want
Here's the eVisa website
1 - Come in 30 day free stamp (visa exempt) then go get the one 30 day extension you're allowed at the immigration office where you stay for 1900baht
2 - BUY a single entry tourist visa from the thai consulate in your country before you wing your way here via the online eVisa website and when you enter you'll get stamped in for 60 days
You apply, upload your documentation, pay all online, they will email you the PDF file that is your visa. Print that and present it to the immigration office when you stamp in.
Those are your choices to stay the time you want
Here's the eVisa website
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