thailand
Ask question

What are the requirements for a Certificate of Entry (COE) application to Thailand for US citizens?

COEThai VisaVisa ApplicationUS CitizensThailand ImmigrationVisa ExemptionTravel to Thailand
Jan 7, 2021
4 years ago
Len *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I think I’m extremely confused on this. In trying to get my COE, I was under the impression that we did not need a visa from the US. I was rejected in a few hours due to not having a visa attached to the online application. All other documents were attached including passport, certificate of insurance, bank account, flight and hotel arrangements. Can anyone help me out with what they actually need? I’ve called twice today and the woman was a little angry. Here is the email for rejection.

 Royal Thai Consulate-General, Los Angeles has rejected your registration/application.

Due to Copy of Thai visa or re-entry permit (if any). If the applicant does not have a valid visa or re-entry permit, the applicant must submit visa application in requesting the issuance of an appropriate visa directly to the Embassy / Consulate-General (if required).
2,104
views
2
likes
73
all likes
52
replies
6
images
13
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user faced rejection when applying for a Certificate of Entry (COE) to Thailand due to a lack of a Thai visa. Despite submitting all required documents, including proof of insurance and travel arrangements, they were informed that a valid visa or re-entry permit is necessary. There is confusion surrounding the requirements for US citizens, especially regarding visa exemption options. Some commenters suggest applying directly for a visa due to the ongoing complications with the COE process, noting that the Thai consulate has specific rules that must be followed. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by expats and travelers amid changing visa regulations.
Len *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Seems Qatar is having a lot of flight cancellations now. Any recommendations? Been all over various travel sites. I’m heading out of LAX or SFO. I have another 13 days to get the flight info for my COE
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Len *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks Dimitri
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Dimitri ********
@Len ******
 It's not just now. When I hear the word Qatar, the first thing I associate it with is cancellation. Maybe you can try Air France KLM (Delta in the US) or Etihad?
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Dimitri ********
Reply
Len *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks everyone, I just got the approval. And of course the same day, Qatar Airlines just canceled the flight I booked! Just another hurdle
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Kool *******
Is your return flight more than 75 days from the time you land in Bangkok? If that is the case, then yes, they will reject you, as that is longer than you can stay on a visa exempt stamp, or if you do not have a return flight. They are not going to guess about what you might do. They are going to go by what you submit. I have always found the LA consulate to be very helpful in the past. You somehow made them mad, and that is hard to do at that consulate. They are the ones that determine whether you get to enter Thailand, or not, so it is a real good idea not to argue with them.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Hans *******
Are Americans so much better that they don't need a visa?

I think that is only where America sends armed military personnel, but not for American citizens on vacation, where there is a visa requirement for every other nation.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Kool *******
Hans Still, he is talking about the visa exempt stamp, and you do not need a visa to get that when you get to Bangkok, and he is correct. For Americans there is no visa on arrival. It is called a visa exempt stamp, and now it is for 45 days, and you do not need a visa of any kind to get it when you get to Thailand.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Kool *******
@Hans ******
 actually that is not true now. The visa exempt stamp was approved again last month, and the time was increased from 30 days to 45 days to allow for the required quarantine time, then it has one 30 day extension that can be taken.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Hans *******
@Kool ******
 He not speak about
*****
visa on arrive, he speak about a visa. And is not the first time that see that Amerikaans are very confused that the need a visa, some off them think that the hole world is waiting for them. Well sorry for those Amerikaans IT'S NOT. 😄😄😄
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Hans *******
Reply
John ********
Are you non o single
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Peter ***************
Why wouldn’t you need a visa

When from the US?
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Garrett ***********
@Pe***
 Because you don't...
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Garrett ***********
Reply
David ****************
ask the consulate
4 years ago
Like
Reply
David ****************
phone call or email. theyre busy so it may take a few days. we have all had issues in this process, its NOT easy. but you have to understand something very very simple. this is NOT america. its their country, their rules. period.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Todd *********
@David ***************
 they’re busy lol? Thailand went from 40 million tourists a few thousand a month lol. Safe to say they have some time in their hands
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
Garrett ***********
@Da***
 How?
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Garrett ***********
Reply
Andy ********
Are you actually selecting the visa exemption option when applying for your COE?
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Len *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I don’t mind paying the money, I just thought it we did not need a visa from the US
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Len *********
You can go under visa exemption which is free but max of 45 days which inc quarantine time.

It will be the last option on the visa list on coe
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Garrett ***********
@L**
 You shouldn't. Unfortunately you're dealing with a bunch of morons.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Len *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Garrett **********
 I’ve traveled to Shanghai several times and never had these issues. I’m obviously missing something. I’m seeing it’s $200 for a single entry TR visa.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Garrett ***********
@L**
 I'll reserve my comments about China, but no a single entry tourist visa is $45. The multiple entry tourist visa is $200.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Garrett ***********
Reply
Jyrki *********
Why don't you apply for a visa???
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Garrett ***********
I've seen this a couple times, the embassies for some reason are not accepting COE applications for visas exempt entries, I have no idea why.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Len *********
From the Thai embassy Vienna.

This also includes countries listed below that are on the visa exemption scheme.

All you do is apply though the COE and select in the drop down menu your country, then second drop down is your embassy or consulate third drop down menu select medium term visitor - visa exemption. This is the last one on that drop down menu.

Then do your first part of your COE.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Len *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I’m getting to the point that I might just apply for the visa and say screw it
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Len *********
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Len *********
@Garrett **********
 I was accepted on visa exemption and have my COE certificate
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Garrett ***********
@L**
 From which embassy?
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Len *********
@Garrett **********
 I am going only for 30 days.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Bob **********
@Len ********
 we are in lockdown at the moment in most provinces and probably will be at least until the end of February so I would postpone your trip

If I were you
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Len *********
@Bob *********
 i am still going as my family need me there. Plus their province is one of the safest and no restrictions. I have done research.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Bob **********
@Len ********
 then you should get an O-A visa then your good for a year at a time 30 days plus and extension will go very fast
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Len *********
@Bob *********
 already have my visa exemption approved and have COE. Plus I only have limited time due to work commitments.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Len *********
@Garrett **********
 you do not need an embassy for visa exemption as you get this from immigration when you land.

See photo.

I am in London but on the pic is embassy in US
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Len *********
Reply
Tony ***********
@Garrett **********
 cuz they want the $50?
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Garrett ***********
@To**
 Doubtful, probably just them embassies "not receive official notice yet ka"
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Len *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
It reads $200 on the Thai Consulate site .. am I missing something g
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Len *********
@Len ******
 you do not need a visa if going less than 45 days. You just go to
*****************************


And go to the country and the visa is the last option.

Fill out the application, upload your passport photo page.

On the attachments for consideration. Upload your confirmed flight Eticket, insurance policy summary. Highlight covid cover for minimum $100,000

Then last section put the insurance policy, policy document wording with covid 19 cover.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Len *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Len ********
 thank you
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Len *********
@Len ******
 as my name sake. Your welcome.

I have put a post on this group. It is more detailed.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Harry ****
@Len ********
 thanks for sharing that COE link. seems much quicker than going through the consulate. im shocked that they rejected this man's coe, it is clearly stated that visa exemptions are allowed.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Len *********
@Harrison ******
 maybe he chose the TR one which also comes under medium term visa. But the exemption one is there.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Len *********
@Harrison ******
 there is no need to go to the embassy or consulate for a visa exemption if your only visiting for 30 days and with the added 15 days extension for quarantine cover. Makes sense.

Only apply if you are getting a TR or STV visa or a Non o immigration visa for marriage.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Len *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Len ********
 I’ve been rejected twice because it reads that I need a visa exemption scheme… Whatever the hell that is
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Zachary ********
@Len ******
 The visa exemption scheme is what you want. That’s what you get at the airport in Thailand. It’s 30 day (extended to 45 day). It’s what they stamp in your passport when you arrive.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Len *********
@Len ******
 look at the last option has visa exeption
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Len *********
Visa exemption is when you go to immigration and you have a stamp in your passport.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Bob **********
@Len ********
 actually you get stamped in at the airport here
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Garrett ***********
@L**
 tourist visa is $45
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Garrett ***********
Reply
Dimitri ********
"I was under the impression that we did not need a visa from the US" It seems that the Thai consulate doesn't agree with you...
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Todd *********
@Dimitri *******
 nobody keen to take in Covid ridden Americans now
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
Do I need a COE and COVID insurance to travel to Thailand with a US passport if I am Thai?
12 comments
3 years ago
What evidence of residence do I need to submit for my Certificate of Entry (COE) to Thailand?
29 comments
3 years ago
What are the regulations for applying for a Certificate of Entry (COE) to Thailand from a non-resident country?
23 comments
3 years ago
What are the steps to apply for a Certificate of Entry (CoE) to Thailand after booking a SHA+ hotel?
30 comments
3 years ago
Can a US citizen in Mexico apply for a Thai visa and COE to stay in Thailand during winter?
2 comments
3 years ago
Can I get a Certificate of Entry (COE) approved before departing for the US if I have a BOI visa and reentry permit?
20 comments
3 years ago
What are the requirements and timeline for applying for the Certificate of Entry (COE) to Thailand?
9 comments
3 years ago
Can a UK citizen apply for a COE and Thai visa from the US while being a non-resident?
3 comments
4 years ago
How do I apply for a Certificate of Entry (COE) as a Thai Elite member using Visa Exemption while in the USA?
10 comments
4 years ago
Do US citizens need to apply for the Special Travel Visa or can they enter Thailand without one?
21 comments
4 years ago
What documents are needed to successfully apply for a COE for Thailand?
28 comments
4 years ago
How can I resolve issues with my Certificate of Entry (COE) for Thailand due to an expiring work permit?
24 comments
4 years ago
What should I do if I'm facing issues with my Certificate of Entry (COE) application for Thailand?
9 comments
4 years ago
What should I do if my Certificate of Entry (COE) application was rejected due to missing visa documentation?
13 comments
4 years ago
What do I need to know about obtaining a Certificate of Entry (COE) for re-entering Thailand after visiting Australia?
8 comments
4 years ago
How does the Certificate of Entry (COE) work for traveling to Thailand?
14 comments
4 years ago
What is the current process and requirements for entering Thailand under the visa exemption scheme?
21 comments
4 years ago
Do you need a Certificate of Entry (COE) for visa exemption in Thailand?
10 comments
4 years ago
Can travelers entering Thailand on a visa exemption apply for a Certificate of Entry (CoE)?
7 comments
4 years ago
What are the requirements for Americans applying for the TR Visa and COE in Thailand?
24 comments
4 years ago
What should I do if I need a new COE after changing my flight and ASQ for my O-A retirement visa in Thailand?
17 comments
4 years ago
Do I need a visa before applying for a Certificate of Entry (COE) for Thailand?
16 comments
4 years ago
How can a US citizen apply for a Certificate of Entry (COE) in Thailand if the online system doesn’t show the Family of Thai national option?
4 comments
4 years ago
What are the current requirements for obtaining a visa and COE for Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic?
8 comments
4 years ago
How do I apply for a Thai O visa and COE, and what are the requirements?
40 comments
4 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.