Answered4 years ago
What are the options for obtaining a tourist visa for Thailand if I have a US passport and can't get an appointment at the consulate?
I was just headed to the Thai consulate today in Saigon to get a tourist visa, but as it turns out they only do Appointment only and the next appointment is available is on the 25th not in time for my flight to Bangkok on the 17th.  USA passport… Any options going through an agency, online or any advice i’m getting a tourist visa before arrival would be appreciated!
Answer summary
If you're a US passport holder and can't get a tourist visa appointment at the Thai consulate, you have several options. You can enter Thailand under the visa exemption rule, which allows you to stay for 30 days upon arrival. This can be extended for an additional 30 days once you are in the country, for a fee of 1,900 baht. Alternatively, you can also opt for a Visa on Arrival at the Bangkok airport. Remember, after the maximum 60 days, you will need to leave the country before returning again.
18 repliesnewest first
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Renaud ***********
And with luck the 30 days will become 45 days we wait for the confirmation
Anyway in your case come back you get exemption 30 days and get an extension for another 30 days = 60 days
Anyway in your case come back you get exemption 30 days and get an extension for another 30 days = 60 days
Mitchell *******
Yup. 30 day exempt, then 30 day extension. Max 60 days. You will need to leave the country before the 60th day. Then you should be able to come back and do it again. Extension costs 1900B.
Rob **********
As a US passport holder you can get a 30 day visa exempt stamp upon arrival in Thailand, then you can extend this once only for another 30 days at immigration for 1,900 baht.
Geo *********
OPThanks everyone!
Geoff ******
@Geo ********
, total time in immigration this morning was 45 minutes and that was in Bangkok. 30 day extension approved. So you get 30 days with visa exemption on arrival and you can definitely extend it for another 30 days
Geo *********
OP@Geoff *****
Thank you so much G!Geoff ******
I’m American and came in on visa exempt. Heading to immigration tomorrow for 30 day extension. Will let you know how it goes
Andra **********
As an American, you can do Visa on Arrival at the Bangkok airport when you arrive, no need to get one beforehand
Geo *********
OP@Andra *********
Thank you, but it was my understanding you have to leave in 30 days after arriving, no?Andra **********
@Geo ********
yes a tourist visa is then issued for 30 days, which can be extended at immigration for another 30 days once inside the countryLynnette *******
@Geo ********
its not visa on arrival! That's usually only for a few countries for about 15 days. Its 30 days VISA EXEMPT. Just get stamped in at arrival.Lynnette *******
@Gary *****
30 plus 30 days extension is 60. But it was only a suggestion.
Gary ******
@Lynnette ******
It’s pretty much the same thing..30 days is 30 days.Lynnette *******
Enter visa exempt for 30 days and extend in country.
Geo *********
OP@Lynnette ******
Thank you but it’s always been my understanding that you have to leave the country after coming in on visa arrival after 30 days… At least that’s the way it was a few years back… Are you saying the rules change?
Graham ******
@Geo ********
Not true, you are allowed one 30 day extensionLynnette *******
@Geo ********
others can advise. But reading the help on here seems it's extendable by 30 days. And I think there are other visas can be applied for in country. Wait for an expert on here.Activity
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