Answered8 years ago
What are the main distinctions between visa exempt entries and tourist visas in Thailand?
Just wanted to touch on the differences between a few things.
First off there is NO such thing as a "30 day tourist visa", neither is there a "30 day visa on arrival" :O The simple way to look at it is if you didn't BUY a tourist visa from a thai consulate before you winged your way here you do NOT have a tourist visa and if you didn't pay for a visa when you arrived here you don't have a visa on arrival.
If you showed up here without having bought a visa from a thai consulate beforehand and were stamped in for free (usually for 30 days but that's country dependent) you came in on whats known as a visa exempt entry.
Visa exempt entries are available to people from 57 countries. It breaks down like this; 5 countries get 90 day visa exempt entries, 6 countries get 30 day "visa waivers", 44 countries get 30 day visa exempt entries & 2 countries get 14 day visa exempt entries.
People who enter on 30 day visa exempt entries can apply for a 30 day extension at the immigration office for 1900baht.
People who enter on 90 day visa exempt entries (5 countries), people who come in on 30 day visa waiver (6 countries) * people who come in on 14 day visa exempt entries cannot get a 30 day extension.
Visas on arrival are available to people from 21 countries.
They BUY a 15 day visa on arrival for 2000baht when they get here.
So to recap one last time; IF you didn't buy a visa from a consulate before you came and didn't buy a visa from the immigration people when you stamped in you're NOT here on any type of visa, you're here on a visa exempt entry ;)
Also no matter what clueless websites on the inter-web state there are no more 15 day visa exempt entries by land for anyone :/ They were discontinued back on Dec 31st 2016. That's when they went back to 30 day visa exempt entries by land BUT put a limit of two by land in a calendar year (Jan 1 - Dec 31) for people from 44 countries.
When talking about visas/extensions etc it is very important to get the terminology correct. As you might surmise I am quite a stickler for correct terminology.
Sorry this was long, hopefully it is semi-useful
First off there is NO such thing as a "30 day tourist visa", neither is there a "30 day visa on arrival" :O The simple way to look at it is if you didn't BUY a tourist visa from a thai consulate before you winged your way here you do NOT have a tourist visa and if you didn't pay for a visa when you arrived here you don't have a visa on arrival.
If you showed up here without having bought a visa from a thai consulate beforehand and were stamped in for free (usually for 30 days but that's country dependent) you came in on whats known as a visa exempt entry.
Visa exempt entries are available to people from 57 countries. It breaks down like this; 5 countries get 90 day visa exempt entries, 6 countries get 30 day "visa waivers", 44 countries get 30 day visa exempt entries & 2 countries get 14 day visa exempt entries.
People who enter on 30 day visa exempt entries can apply for a 30 day extension at the immigration office for 1900baht.
People who enter on 90 day visa exempt entries (5 countries), people who come in on 30 day visa waiver (6 countries) * people who come in on 14 day visa exempt entries cannot get a 30 day extension.
Visas on arrival are available to people from 21 countries.
They BUY a 15 day visa on arrival for 2000baht when they get here.
So to recap one last time; IF you didn't buy a visa from a consulate before you came and didn't buy a visa from the immigration people when you stamped in you're NOT here on any type of visa, you're here on a visa exempt entry ;)
Also no matter what clueless websites on the inter-web state there are no more 15 day visa exempt entries by land for anyone :/ They were discontinued back on Dec 31st 2016. That's when they went back to 30 day visa exempt entries by land BUT put a limit of two by land in a calendar year (Jan 1 - Dec 31) for people from 44 countries.
When talking about visas/extensions etc it is very important to get the terminology correct. As you might surmise I am quite a stickler for correct terminology.
Sorry this was long, hopefully it is semi-useful
Answer summary
The discussion clarifies the differences between various types of visa entries into Thailand, emphasizing that there is no such thing as a '30-day tourist visa' or '30-day visa on arrival.' Instead, visitors who enter without pre-purchased visas are considered to have a 'visa exempt entry' applicable to certain countries. It explains the types of entries available, the extension policies for each entry type, and stresses the importance of accurate terminology regarding Thai immigration.
67 repliesnewest first
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Bo **********
I assume this is a TM7 at immigration with a copy of a passport photo. I'm in Chiang Mai coming off an EDU but am now on an a 30 day exempt.
Bo **********
Yep, thanks.
Tod *********
OPWhat are you asking? What you need for a 30 day extension on a 30 day visa exempt entry?
Copies of your data page of your passport, your entry stamp your TM6 departure card, a filled out TM7 application, a passport sized photo and 1900baht
Copies of your data page of your passport, your entry stamp your TM6 departure card, a filled out TM7 application, a passport sized photo and 1900baht
Alexandre *********
Hi
@Tod ********
, could you kindly add the links to the ghost forms here or create a sticky post, cannot find your post anymore. 🙏🏻
Harry **************
Can a visa exception be refused because of no return flights?
Harry **************
@Robert ******
thanks, was asking for a friend and confirms my thoughts.
Robert *******
Immigration can ask for proof of funds, accommodation and onward travel. If asked you have to show these, if you don't have you can be refused entry.
Robby *****
the only thing you missed out on is this is this. the airline won't let you fly out with no visa if your return date is more then 30 days .
Robert ********
I have never had a return ticket, nor been asked for one, when flying from Australia to Thailand with a current visa in my passport. The only time I have ever been asked about onward travel is when I got a 30-day visa exempt stamp flying in from Seoul.
Rob ********
Cathay Pacific only checks your passport to ensure six months left. They could care less about Thai immigration rules on visas. Airlines outside Thailand have no time to comprehend anything other than what’s required for them to use a country’s airspace. For example, when you fly to JFK they have to tell you about how you “can’t congregate in galleys or aisles”. For Thailand the gate agent at HKG on Cathay Dragon didn’t even check the passport because the flight was late
Robby *****
@Tod ********
emirates don't they want a visa if your holiday is over 30 days . i don't know about other airlines . but thanks for the post its very informative information . great postTod *********
OPthat is NOT always correct and many airlines have no problem letting you board the plane flying visa exempt with onward travel 60 days out.
Each airline handles it their own way and seeing as the airlines have NOTHING to do with thai visa advice I left it out ;)
Each airline handles it their own way and seeing as the airlines have NOTHING to do with thai visa advice I left it out ;)
Barbara **********
@Tod ********
If I apply at the consulate in Europe but for any reasons if they would decide to reject it (as I got the red note last time when I applied in Penang), can I still fly in for 30 days( get visa on arrival) ?Igor ************
@Tod ********
I think same, just curious maybe you know )Tod *********
OP@Ig**
Hong Kong, IS on the list for just two 30 day entries in a year ;) But for the other 5 countries, they can border bounce as much as they want IF the immigration people at passport control will let them bounce out and back in at that border. Even though those countries are NOT on the list some immigration officers will not let them border bounce.
Barbara **********
@Robert ******
thank you for the heads-up! It's important to know this all indeedRobert *******
To avoid any troubles when you arrive without a Visa, be prepared to show the 3 proofs: funds, accommodation and onward travel. You are using more back to back tourist visas and Visa Exempt entries so it is more likely that questions can be asked.
Igor ************
@Tod ********
And my question please - what about 2 land border crossing limited 2 times per year? There is no Hong Kong, Lao, Macao, Mongolia, Russia, Vietnam in this list of countries, i did check ) So unlimited, if i have return ticket and 20k cash? )Barbara **********
@Tod ********
no problems. ;) And thank you for your reply :)Tod *********
OP@Bar****
:O I apologize, I didn't see it :(. Yes on the rare chance you were turned down by a thai consulate for a tourist visa you could indeed enter on a 30 day visa exempt entry AND apply for a 30 day extension on that for 1900baht as well.
Sorry about that. :)
Barbara **********
Hungary. Sorry I must be wrong about the correct terminology. What I meant is any other time if I arrived with no visas I could get in the country, stay for 30 days and then go to the immigration to extend for another 30 days.
Tod *********
OP@Barbara *********
, there is no such thing as a 30 day visa on arrival :( so nope you couldn't ever get one of those.What country is your passport from?
Igor ************
30 day visa exempt entry. Free. Visa on arrival cost 2000 for 15 days.
Igor ************
"People who enter on 30 day visa exempt entries can apply for a 30 day extension at the immigration office for 1900baht." - Russian passport no extension (7 days only, not 30). "That's when they went back to 30 day visa exempt entries by land BUT put a limit of two by land in a calendar year (Jan 1 - Dec 31) for people from 44 countries." - again, as I remember from scan posted here there is no Russia in the list of countries who limited for 2 land border crossing per year.
Alex ********
Yeah, he seem forgot(or deliberately forgot, who knows)) to mention about that notorious 2 visa runs only for westerners. While Russians don't have such restriction, haha.
Igor ************
But what about 2 land border crossing limited 2 times per year? There is no Hong Kong, Lao, Macao, Mongolia, Russia, Vietnam in this list, i did check ) So unlimited? )
Tod *********
OPI worded it the way I did because russians don't get in on a 30 day visa exempt entry, they are one of the 6 countries that get in on a 30 day visa waiver (it's a reciprocal agreement between countries). it's NOT the same as a 30 day visa exempt entry and you're right people from Hong Kong, Lao, Macao, Mongolia, Russia, Vietnam get stamped in for 30 days BUT they cannot get a 30 day extension.
John *****
Spot on and solid
@Tod ********
. U shd be working at the immigration or consulate.
Mike *******
Cheers mate your a hero in regards to visa information in Los.
Athena *********
Thanks Tod 😊
Miatta ********
Glad you cleared this all up for us. Now I have to send this info to my mom.
Mike ********
Your extensive knowledge and willingness to share is very much admired and appreciated
Maybe a pinned post would be helpful especially for us that get easily confused 😉 😂
Maybe a pinned post would be helpful especially for us that get easily confused 😉 😂
Michael ********
He would have to have to have 20 pinned posts for all the topics that are covered. A simple group search can answer most questions people have.
Tod *********
OP@Pierre ********
, sorry I deleted that link because it's to a visa agency and the website is littered with bad information. Please don't link to it again. Thanx (y)Michael ********
It would help if people used the search function as well before asking the same questions for the 1000th time.
Michael ********
There would be 10 times less questions. People are too lazy to read posts and comments
David *********
Yup, I'd bet that someone will post here within the next day saying something about a "30 day visa."
Bob **********
So
@Tod ********
if I arrived on a 30 day Tourist Visa how many times can I extend 555 your doing a great jobBob **********
Annika Almersson ok thanks 5555
Helen ***********
Useful, thanks!
Chan *****************
Thank you very much
@Tod ********
Lesley *******
Yes Tod, you are very patient! I admit to often reading the posts for the amusement factor...sad but true.
Jen ********
Really useful, thank you!
Colin *******
That's not good recapping one more time!
Why don't you do a blog and just put the link up? If you know what your talking about is true that is?
Why don't you do a blog and just put the link up? If you know what your talking about is true that is?
David ***********
@Tod ********
sometimes it has to be done that wayDavid ***********
@Tod ********
Instand corrected. You're obviously very knowledgeable on the subject though. Mamy thanksColin *******
I understand. I just haven't got your patience m8
Tod *********
OP@Co***
, I did the "re-cap" just to drive home to people that if you didn't pay for anything and got in for free you don't have any kind of visa here. :P Sorry it sounded like I was pissed, I just wanted to hammer it in a little bit ;)
Colin *******
@Tod ********
good man. I didn't mention you doing it as a professionTod *********
OP@Colin ******
I'm not pissed off by any wild stretch of the imagination. I also don't do this as a profession either. I post advice for nothing on here to help people navigate the thai visa rules and regulations.
Colin *******
Yup
David ***********
@Colin ******
I suppose we all have a limit of patience 😀David ***********
@Colin ******
sorry. Misunderstanding 👍👍👍Colin *******
@David **********
and if he does it as a profession then he should do what I suggested instead of getting pissed off!Colin *******
@David **********
didn't mean it like that. You hear so many different things from people you just dont know who is right or wrong but I don't know him from Adam so you just have to go with your gut feeling!David ***********
I think Tod's credentials speak for themselves. As far as I'm aware this is his profession.
David ***********
In this field, correct terminology is everything,
Keef ********
Excellent post.
Marisa ********
Thanks!
Jason ******
solid info. It seems like everyone who comes to Thailand without ever reading anything about visas, always automatically think they are on visa on arrival or tourist visa by default.
Rob ********
If you had a Baht for every time you’ve said this; well you’d have a few bucks US. 555
Christopher ***********
Very helpful Tod!
Eric *********
Yep, applications for the 30-day tourist visa must be right next to the applications for the 'work' visa! 😂
David **********
Always good info
Shayne **********
You are a very patient man!
Thomas ********************
Beyond patient :)
Gareth **********
Extremely patient
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