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What are the requirements for traveling to Thailand from Vietnam on an American passport with visa exemption?

Visa ExemptionThailand TravelAmerican PassportVisa ExtensionCOVID-19 RequirementsAirline Regulations
Sep 22, 2022
2 years ago
Agnes ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I've done some research and would love if someone could confirm my understanding. I want to travel to Thailand from Vietnam on an American passport. I see that I have the option of visa exempt entry if I have a return flight booked, 75 days after entry, probably back to Vietnam. So that means I don't have to apply for a visa online, I just have to arrive in Thailand with the flight information and my passport. Then I can go to a Thai embassy to apply for a 30 day extension. Do I have this right?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
An American citizen traveling to Thailand from Vietnam can enter visa-free for 30 days if they have a return flight booked. To apply for a 30-day extension after entry, they must visit a local immigration office, not a Thai embassy. It's crucial to have proof of onward travel, as airlines may deny boarding without it. Additionally, current COVID-19 regulations state that vaccinated travelers do not require a PCR test upon arrival.
Giorgio ******
I entered on a visa exempt option . My flight back was 44 days after my entry . To make sure and avoid problems I bought a bus ticket Bkk/ vientiane , for

29 € . Thai airways didn't ask me for a proof wI was going out of country after 30 days .. happy me .

But they asked the guy at the check in counyer next to me . Soooooo 🤔🤔🤔🤔
2 years ago
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Agnes ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you to everyone who has replied!! I appreciate your advise very very much! ❤
2 years ago
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Agnes ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
How about covid requirements? Does Thailand still require a PCR test on arrival?
2 years ago
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Brandon ************
@Agnes **********
 nothing if vaccinated. PCR or antigen if not.
2 years ago
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Agnes ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 even if only one vaccination- at the beginning of pandemic?
2 years ago
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Brandon ************
@Agnes **********
 depends if it was J&J single dose vaccine. Otherwise 1 dose isn't considered vaccinated anywhere.
2 years ago
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Brandon ************
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Peter ****************
And be aware 45 days exempt is only from 1st of October
@Agnes **********
.
2 years ago
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Agnes ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Peter ***************
 Thank you! Thats perfect. I will be arriving October 12.
2 years ago
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Agnes ***********
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Cliff *********
Sorry but you have Everything mixed up.

Review the nearly daily postings about this subject.

Specifically addressing your flight from Vietnam to Thailand. Air line personnel will ask for your onward ticket out of Thailand. Have it available to show them or you will not be allowed on the flight.

I was asked to show this three weeks ago on flight from Danang to Bangkok.

Thai immigration sometimes asks for onward ticket and sometimes ask to see that you have enough money and a place to stay. This has not happened to me but be prepared.

USA citizens are allowed 30 days visa exempt; soon this will be 45 days.

Good luck with your travels.
2 years ago
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Terry ********
@Cliff ********
 it’s strange that people say this. I’ve been in and out of Thailand for 7 years and never once did an airline ask me for proof of onward travel.
2 years ago
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Cliff *********
@Terry *******
 this has happened at the VIETNAM airport several times.
2 years ago
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Helen ********
@Terry *******
 you've probably never been hit by a bus either, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen 🙂. I've been in and out for the past 20 years and have been asked numerous times... even during transit. It's 100% random. I was asked on Swiss, EVA, Air Canada, ANA, Lufthansa and United.
2 years ago
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Agnes ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Terry *******
 which airline do you fly on?
2 years ago
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Terry ********
@Agnes **********
 I’ve flown on JAL, Scoot, Korean, Air Asia, Vietjet, Thai and probably others that I don’t remember.
2 years ago
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Terry ********
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Agnes ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Cliff ********
 thank you. We will make sure to have an onward flight ticket to show. Should we physically print it out or is showing on your phone considered ok?
2 years ago
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Agnes ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Got it- thank you 👍🏻👍🏻
2 years ago
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Richard ******
@Agnes **********
 You can buy a ferry ticket from Bantam to Singapore for about $30 USD. Then you have an onward booking. I also had an onward ticket to Laos but was not asked for either.
2 years ago
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Cliff *********
@Agnes **********
 I showed it in my phone,
2 years ago
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Agnes ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Cliff ********
 thank you
2 years ago
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Agnes ***********
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Brandon ************
@Agnes **********
 always print things for Thailand
2 years ago
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Brandon ************
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David *********
Yes
2 years ago
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Agnes ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
got it- so flight out of Thailand after 45 days not 75
2 years ago
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Peter ****************
No
@David ********
, "Almost" 😉.

Flight out of the country with 1st exempt entry, and go to Immigration for an extension.
2 years ago
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Peter ****************
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Brandon ************
There are no Thai embassies inside Thailand, as that wouldn't make any sense.

You can apply for a 30 day extension at immigration.

Also your proof of leaving Thailand would need to be within 45 days since that's how long you'll be stamped in for. Your airline might not let you board your flight to Thailand if you cannot show some kind of proof, even if you intend on getting an extension.
2 years ago
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Peter ****************
Not sure about Airbnb
@Agnes **********
, maybe others know. And even with hotels you have to ask if they do that for sure. Although it's mandatory, not every hotel does it is my experience.
2 years ago
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Agnes ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Peter ***************
 I see. I will be sure to ask before I book.
2 years ago
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Agnes ***********
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Peter ****************
Think after y'r going south,
@Agnes **********
, there should be one of the more than 70 Immigration offices 😉 in the neighbourhood (Google maps). And indeed, when you aleady have a TM30, it's a bit more safe to ask for the extension. You can do it right away over there because the 30 days will be added to your current days.
2 years ago
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Agnes ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Peter ***************
 I appreciate your response! Thank you!!
2 years ago
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Agnes ***********
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Steve ********
@Agnes **********
 As soon as you check in at your accommodation in Bangkok (providing it's not Airbnb!) you will be registered on the immigration database. The immigration office at IT Square is relatively easy to get to as it's on the Red Line rail. If it was me, I would do it in Bangkok and get it out of the way
2 years ago
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Agnes ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve *******
 I was going to book an Airbnb. Should I book a hotel instead for a few days to make it easier?
2 years ago
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Steve ********
@Agnes **********
@Agnes **********
 The problem with Airbnb is that they are for the best part, illegal in Thailand, and so owners don't like to draw attention to themselves by registering TM30s. Hotels are no problem, as the only reason they wouldn't do is down to simple laziness. They are on the immigration system and takes them no more than two minutes to file it. HOWEVER there's a 99.99% chance you will not be asked for TM30 at Bangkok Immigration for a simple visa exempt entry extension. My advice would be ask your Airbnb host if they're prepared to do it. If they say no, just wing it with immigration
2 years ago
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Agnes ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve *******
 understood. Thank you for sharing your expertise with me.
2 years ago
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Agnes ***********
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Agnes ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you for your response. Where can I find immigration outside of the airport? I assume I can't apply for an extension immediately upon arrival at the airport. Or can I?
2 years ago
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Brandon ************
@Agnes **********
 you can't apply at any airport or border. You'd need to go to an immigration office. Every province has at least one. If Bangkok and you enter visa exempt, it would be the office at IT Square Lak Si
2 years ago
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Agnes ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 thanks so much! I appreciate the precise information very much!!
2 years ago
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Agnes ***********
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Steve ********
@Agnes **********
 Immigration office is at the other end of town. In Bangkok you can apply up to 45 days before expiry so you can do it straightaway, but advise to wait until you've checked in at your hotel just in the off chance, immigration might ask for TM30 registration
2 years ago
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Agnes ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve *******
 thank you so much for your response. We are planning on flying into Bangkok, staying a few days and going south to the beach. Would it be best to apply for an extension in Bangkok or closer to where we plan to stay for an extended amount of time to account for the TM30 form?
2 years ago
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Agnes ***********
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