What are the differences between visa exemption and Visa on Arrival (VOA) in Thailand, and can the visa exemption be extended?

Visa Exemption Visa on Arrival (VOA)Thailand Visa Rules Visa Extension French Passport Holder Immigration in Thailand Expats in Thailand

Sep 10, 2023

a year ago

Aude ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello! Long time without coming to Thailand (French passport), so I forgot many things about visas and need some help to clarify:

Is there (as there is in Indonesia) a difference between the visa exemption and the VOA? I am referring specifically to the ability to extend it. In Indonesia, you can't extend the exemption of visa as it is not an actual visa. You must leave on the 30th day. But you can extend the VOA (visa on arrival) and get 30 more days. The exemption is free, the VOA is not.

For what I read here, it seems that in Thailand you can extend the visa exemption...is it true or people are confusing exemption and VOA?

Thanks in advance for your help!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

In Thailand, the visa exemption allows French passport holders to enter the country for 30 days without a fee, and it can be extended once for an additional 30 days at a local immigration office. In contrast, the Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available for 17 countries, requires a fee, and cannot be extended. It's important for travelers to understand these distinctions to avoid confusion when entering Thailand.

Ellie *******

First of all, forget about the visa system of Indonesia to travel to Thailand.

To Thailand, visa-exempt entry is for 30 days for 52 nationalities (ordinary passports) and no fee. Also eligible for one 30-day tourism extension at the local immigration office.

Visa On Arrival is for 17 countries for a 2000 baht fee on entry points. NOT eligible for a 30-day tourism extension.

You, as a French passport holder, will be stamped for 30 days on a visa-exempt upon arrival if you travel without a pre-purchased tourist visa, and can apply for tourism extension at the local immigration office once you are inside Thailand.

Right, many people are mixing types of entries. Be sure what you are eligible for and what you should be stamped in on.

This might help you to understand those terminology.

a year ago

Aude ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ellie ******

thank you, it is much clearer now!

a year ago

Reply to

Aude ******

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