What are the requirements and options for US citizens applying for the Special Tourist Visa (STV) to Thailand?

Special Tourist Visa (STV)Visa Rules US Citizen Thailand Immigration Visa Extensions Round Trip Ticket Requirements COVID-19 Quarantine Regulations Thai Visa Processing Times

Jan 12, 2022

3 years ago

Terary **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I am a US Citizen, currently in the US and trying to get back to Thailand.

What are my best options?

The website said STV is valid for no more than 60 days?  I thought S part meant special and that I could stay 90 days + 90 days + 90 days, without leaving the country?  Do I need to show round trip ticket?  Can I stay 9 months without leaving the country.

Website also said it takes 3 weeks to process, is that accurate?

I assume I need to go through Phuket to avoid being locked in my hotel room for Quarantine?

Any Help would be appreciated

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A US citizen inquiring about options to return to Thailand needs clear information regarding the Special Tourist Visa (STV). The STV allows for an initial stay of 90 days, which can be extended twice for 90 days each, totaling a possible 9 months stay. It's important to note that the visa is valid for entry within 60 days of issuance, meaning entry must occur before this period expires. Round-trip tickets could be required, depending on specific immigration policies. The processing time for the STV varies, with some applicants reporting as little as a day, while others may experience longer wait times due to local embassy workloads. Additionally, many travelers are advised to enter Thailand through Phuket to potentially avoid strict quarantine rules.

Jonathan *******

60 days refers to the validity of the visa. You have 60 days to enter Thailand upon receipt.

You will be stamped in for 90 days. You can extend the visa twice (90 days each)

3 years ago

Helen ********

Special Tourist Visa, STV, is 90, with two 90 days extensions. The confusion is people also refer to the the Single Entry Tourist Visa, STR or SETR, as an STV. As shown in prior comments.

You can apply for the STV and it does take more time because there are a lot more documents required. Check with your Embassy to see what you need.

You can apply for each 90 day extension in country and do not have to leave until the last extension ends. You are not able to change this visa to any other visa type while here.

There were several other sandboxes announced yesterday for Samui, Krabi, etc.

3 years ago

Charles ********

You probably misunderstood. The 60 days is for valid of entry, meaning you must enter from 60 days from the date of issue. When you enter you will get 90 days. If you do not enter within 60 days (dates are listed on the visa) the visa is void.

As far as how long it takes it will very based on the embassy and how busy they are. I did a STV last year in Taipei and it took 1 day, but that's probably not that common.

3 years ago

Michael ********

Dont know where you are reading that says 60 days.

Lots of previous questions and answers on STV in topics.

3 years ago

Terary **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you sir.

3 years ago

Matt *********

@Terary *********

Did you find out if 3 weeks for processing the STV is accurate? I am planning on submitting my documents to Washington DC next week. Thanks

3 years ago

Terary **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Matt ********

I did LA consulate. The turned around visa in just a couple of days.

Thai Pass has been already 4 days. I checked status and they have no record of my first submission.

I recommend you submit your paperwork soon as you can

3 years ago

Reply to

Terary **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

So far that I am aware, there are no volunteer visa available. I am not sure how I will be able to stay longer, if at all.

3 years ago

Reply to

Terary **********

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