Answered2 years ago

What are the implications of the transition to the e-visa system for visa applicants in Thailand?

E-Visa Visa application process Thailand immigration Consulate changes Visa on arrival Tourist visa

Stuart *********

asked Oct 1, 2024

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Change over to E-Visa system. 

A number of consulates around the region are changing over to the e-visa system as of 8th of October. This means that you will no longer be able to apply in person from then on. 

Also be aware that some will suspend visa processing earlier to prepare for the change over. If you are heading over to get a visa it may be wise to check directly with them on their processing times for walk in applications.

Answer summary

As of October 8th, several Thai consulates are transitioning to an e-visa system, eliminating the option for in-person visa applications. Some consulates may stop processing visas earlier to facilitate this change, so it's advisable for travelers to check the current processing times. There are questions from the community regarding whether this change affects all nationalities and the status of visa-on-arrival options for certain passport holders.

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Radek *******

Interesting, in CZ / Prague (and I think all EU countries), e-visa is the only option available for last 2 years. Didn't know there are still walk-in applications🙂 Well, not anymore...

2 years ago

Stuart *********

@Radek ******

Yes most of Europe and places like Canada and US and such have been on the system for a few years. Local embassies or consulates haven’t used it until now.

2 years ago

Jamie ******

Does that mean ALL Nationalities need to apply for an e visa before or for example uk passport holders can still get entry ( visa on arrival ) for 60 days at Thai airports

2 years ago

Stuart *********

@Jamie *****

No. Anyone from a qualifying country can still enter visa exempt.

What it means is that those consulates used to take applications only by physically walking in to the consulate to apply. From the 8th you won’t be allowed to. You have to use the online system.

2 years ago

Sadri *******

@Stuart ********

do you know the average processing time for tourist E visa, i am on an VOA and only have 4 days in the country where i am applying for the Tourist visa. Thanks

2 years ago

Stuart *********

@Sadri ******

Not all immigration offices will allow this but the major ones do. It’s not an extension as such. You apply for an extension but it will be denied - with an “extension denied” stamp put in your passport. They then give you 7 days to leave the country.

Some offices would require proof of exit ticket within those 7 days.

2 years ago

Sadri *******

2 years ago

Sadri *******

Thans for your answer i have read you can extend by 7 days the VOA on several sites do you have any clue?

@Stuart ********

2 years ago

Stuart *********

@Sadri ******

Depends on the country’s embassy or consulate. Some are 3 days turnaround some 11 days or more.

2 years ago

Jamie ******

@Stuart ********

thank you

2 years ago

Maxim ***********

Make sense since tourist visa is now completely useless.

2 years ago

Stuart *********

@Maxim **********

For those that qualify for exempt. Those that don’t it’s still a necessity to enter or to get over 15 days VOA

2 years ago

Maksym ***********

@Stuart ********

but that countries mostly were in blacklist anyway and it was required to get visa in own country or very long processing time, and main visitors usually were residents or western tourists that do visa runs.

2 years ago

Maxim ***********

Yeah ofc, but it's now what 80% less crowded, so they do that to reduce working hours and even have day off.

2 years ago