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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).
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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
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Len *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks Dimitri
4 years ago
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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
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Dimitri ********
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Hans *******
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John ********
Are you non o single
4 years ago
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Peter ***************
Why wouldn’t you need a visa

When from the US?
4 years ago
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Garrett ***********
@Pe***
 Because you don't...
4 years ago
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Garrett ***********
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David ****************
ask the consulate
4 years ago
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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
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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
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Todd *********
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Garrett ***********
@Da***
 How?
4 years ago
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Garrett ***********
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Andy ********
Are you actually selecting the visa exemption option when applying for your COE?
4 years ago
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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
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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
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Garrett ***********
@L**
 You shouldn't. Unfortunately you're dealing with a bunch of morons.
4 years ago
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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
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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
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Garrett ***********
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Jyrki *********
Why don't you apply for a visa???
4 years ago
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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
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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
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Len *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I’m getting to the point that I might just apply for the visa and say screw it
4 years ago
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Len *********
4 years ago
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Len *********
@Garrett **********
 I was accepted on visa exemption and have my COE certificate
4 years ago
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Garrett ***********
@L**
 From which embassy?
4 years ago
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Len *********
@Garrett **********
 I am going only for 30 days.
4 years ago
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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
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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
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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
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Len *********
@Bob *********
 already have my visa exemption approved and have COE. Plus I only have limited time due to work commitments.
4 years ago
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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
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Len *********
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Tony ***********
@Garrett **********
 cuz they want the $50?
4 years ago
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Garrett ***********
@To**
 Doubtful, probably just them embassies "not receive official notice yet ka"
4 years ago
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Len *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
It reads $200 on the Thai Consulate site .. am I missing something g
4 years ago
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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
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Len *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Len ********
 thank you
4 years ago
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Len *********
@Len ******
 as my name sake. Your welcome.

I have put a post on this group. It is more detailed.
4 years ago
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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
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Len *********
@Harrison ******
 maybe he chose the TR one which also comes under medium term visa. But the exemption one is there.
4 years ago
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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
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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
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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
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Len *********
@Len ******
 look at the last option has visa exeption
4 years ago
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Len *********
Visa exemption is when you go to immigration and you have a stamp in your passport.
4 years ago
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Bob **********
@Len ********
 actually you get stamped in at the airport here
4 years ago
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Garrett ***********
@L**
 tourist visa is $45
4 years ago
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Garrett ***********
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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
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Todd *********
@Dimitri *******
 nobody keen to take in Covid ridden Americans now
4 years ago
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Todd *********
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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