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What are the key differences between a transit visa and a tourist visa for Thailand?
Jul 18, 2018
8 years ago
Adam **********
ORIGINAL POSTERWhat is the real difference between a transit visa and a tourist visa? If one is 800 b and the other is 1000 b, what difference does it make, really?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The main difference between a transit visa and a tourist visa for Thailand lies in their intended purpose and duration. A transit visa is typically for travelers passing through Thailand to another destination and grants a stay of up to 30 days. In contrast, a tourist visa is specifically for tourism activities, allowing for a longer stay, generally up to 60 days. While fees can vary (with transit visas being cheaper), the choice largely depends on the traveler's needs, such as intended length of stay and visa requirements based on nationality.
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Tod *********
People from some countries get a 15 day visa on arrival for 2000baht when they land here and people from other countries need to get a visa from a thai consulate before they come here. If someone who qualifies for a 15 day VOA but wants to stay longer they can get a transit visa that gives them 30 days in country. It's common especially for countries that can't get in on a 30 day visa exempt entry or a 15 day 2000baht visa on arrival entry.
Adam **********
ORIGINAL POSTERIs the main difference only the duration then?? Why would you pick a transit visa other than to save 200 b if you were only planning on staying 30 days or less?
Adam **********
ORIGINAL POSTERSince the only benefit associated with the Transit visa is a saving of 200 b, I opted for the Tourist visa
Adam **********
ORIGINAL POSTERI may stay less than 30 days or I may stay longer than 30 days
Adam **********
ORIGINAL POSTERPeerke Poep Because the visa waiver thing is not a good option for my particular case
Len *****************
good for those who already planned their trips to different countries with out paying more for visa because they only staying in Thailand for few days then moving on. This doesn't affect much for those nationalities with bilateral agreement with Thailand that they don't need to pay any visa when they arrive because they visa exempt on arrival... again, it depends on your purpose, nationality, style of travel/travel plans.
Adam **********
ORIGINAL POSTERThe only reason to get one then is to save 200 b???
Adam **********
ORIGINAL POSTERSo it's harder to get a transit visa, they cost 200 b less, and permit a shorter stay
Len *****************
you apply transit visa if you intended to enter thailand and stay for period of time before proceeding to your country of destination. but if you don't have any other destination except Thailand from your origin, in my understanding is you can not apply for a transit visa when you go to the embassy and apply for a visa.
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Len *****************
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Len *****************
Transit Visa
This type of visa is issued to applicants who wish to enter the Kingdom for the following purposes :
To travel in transit through the Kingdom in order to proceed to the country of destination or to re-enter his/her own country (category "TS")
To participate in sports activities (sportsmen, sportswomen, etc.) (category "S") ***
*** Those who are scheduled to stay in the Kingdom longer than one month , Non-Immigrant Visa category "O" can be issued.
The person in charge or crew of a conveyance coming to a port, station or area in the Kingdom (category "C")
Note: Applicant is not permitted to engage in any occupation or employment.
===================
Tourist Visa
This type of visa is issued to applicants who wish to enter the Kingdom for tourism purposes.
Note: Applicant is not permitted to engage in any occupation or employment.
This type of visa is issued to applicants who wish to enter the Kingdom for the following purposes :
To travel in transit through the Kingdom in order to proceed to the country of destination or to re-enter his/her own country (category "TS")
To participate in sports activities (sportsmen, sportswomen, etc.) (category "S") ***
*** Those who are scheduled to stay in the Kingdom longer than one month , Non-Immigrant Visa category "O" can be issued.
The person in charge or crew of a conveyance coming to a port, station or area in the Kingdom (category "C")
Note: Applicant is not permitted to engage in any occupation or employment.
===================
Tourist Visa
This type of visa is issued to applicants who wish to enter the Kingdom for tourism purposes.
Note: Applicant is not permitted to engage in any occupation or employment.
Adam **********
ORIGINAL POSTERThanks all the same
Adam **********
ORIGINAL POSTERI've read all that already
Reply to
Adam **********
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Terary **********
Holders of a Transit Visa may be granted entry and permitted to stay in the Kingdom at the discretion of the immigration officer for a period not exceeding 30 days.
Tourist visa are issued by consulates and for many passport holders, they are valid for 60 days. You can leave and come back (re -entry permit). And cost more than 1000baht.. I think you are think of a vise-exempt which you get when coming into thailand without visa -- that I know nothing about.
Tourist visa are issued by consulates and for many passport holders, they are valid for 60 days. You can leave and come back (re -entry permit). And cost more than 1000baht.. I think you are think of a vise-exempt which you get when coming into thailand without visa -- that I know nothing about.
Steve *******
@Terary *********
That's what I mean, most dont accept Thai baht but the exchange rate usually equates to about 1000bt, ie like the UK.Terary **********
@Steve ******
I am not sure what you mean 'most Thai consulates'.. If you mean the one you visit regularly - then perhaps you are correct. BUT the ones I have visited recently NEVER accept THB and the SETV price ranges from 1300 to 1600 (depending on exchange). I have take then liberty to pull together some links for you -- that you are aware that there are several Thai Embassies SETV
HCMC
$40USD - only USD (aprox. 1400 thb)
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-For-Non-Vietnamese-passport-holder-%7C-D%C3%A0nh-cho-ng%C6%B0%E1%BB%9D.htmlNo THB
Seoul
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krw -only KRW no THB no USD (About $1300 thb)***********************************************************************************
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627-*****
3-*****
3.pdfYagoon
$40 - USD only USD Only new USD (careful about this - they will reject the application)
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-Tourist-Visa.htmlToronto
$50 CAD -- About 1300thb
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Steve *******
Glen Shkolar I meant where a Consulate prices are NOT in Thai Baht, ie the vast majority around the world.
Glen *********
@Steve ******
Vientiane has no equivalent currency - they only accept THBSteve *******
Single Entry Tourist Visas are 1000bt or currency equivalent at most Thai Consulates.
Sten ************
@Glen ********
thanks thats great newsGlen *********
@Sten ***********
you keep the current permitted to stay until date with re-entry permitSten ************
I did not know this, just to clarify, If i get a single entry tourist visa, I can go to immigration and get a re-entry permit therefore keeping the tourist visa,
Glen *********
Adam Marshall that post is far out of date, there is no such thing as double entry tourist visa any more
Glen *********
@Terary *********
i have only ever paid 1,000 Baht for tourist visa, including last week in VientianeTerary **********
Hmmm I have heard of the tourist visa prices changing frequently but I have always paid 1800+ but that could just be my bad luck
Adam **********
ORIGINAL POSTERI am talking about transit vs tourist visas
Adam **********
ORIGINAL POSTERIt says 1000 b on the wall of the consulate. Maybe it is out of date
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Adam **********
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