What are the requirements to obtain a Special Tourist Visa (STV) for Thailand?

Jan 25, 2022
3 years ago
Erin ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi everyone, I'm looking to return to Thailand and been looking at the Special Tourist Visa, it seems to require a lot, like proof of 9 months accomodations paid upfront, anyone get this and have to have that? I'll be staying with a friend until I find a condo so that seems unrealistic...if it is the case, I'll get the multiple entry tourist visa. Any advice would be appreciated
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The Special Tourist Visa (STV) for Thailand requires confirmed accommodation for the initial 90 days, which may not be feasible for those staying with friends. Extensions also require similar proof. Some suggest looking into the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV), but it's complex due to current travel restrictions. The STV allows a total of 270 days but cannot be changed or extended after that period. Additional requirements include travel insurance for the initial 90 days, background checks, and pre-booked accommodation with a Thai tax ID.
Reiwa *******
Did anyone succeed getting an STV? To me sounds almost impossible…:(
Tod *********
@Reiwa ******
many many hundreds of people got STV's when the program rolled out and many more got them when the program continued
Wannikea *********
Further to the other points mentioned, insurance for the initial 90 days and any subsequent extensions, background/police check from your home country, pre-booked accommodation such as hotels for the 90 days must have Thai tax ID number.
Tod *********
the 6 month METV is available but you have to realize that in order to use it you have to exit thailand, enter another country, exit that country and re-enter thailand to get a new 60 day entry stamp,

AND

with land borders closed that means you're going to do that by air meeting the entry requirements of the country you're going to as well as meeting the entry requirements to thailand to get back in (even if you're only gone a day)

It is just not a practical visa at this stage of the covid shit show
Tod *********
with the STV you don't need to leave thailand for the 9 months worth of time you can be here on that visa.
Ellie *******
You need confirmed accommodation for 90days to obtain STV. Each time you apply for an extension, you will need similar for the period of your extension.

Check the requirement of STV in your country. I don't think you can get STV by staying at friend's.
Siggi ********
@Ellie ******
of course you can get. There is no requirement to stay in a hotel. Your friend just confirm the period of time you will stay in his house. Any rental contract is fine.
David ********
@Siggi *******
I used an email confirming where I was staying and dates
Ellie *******
@Siggi *******
, depends on where you apply for STV. Many embassies have the requirement for accommodation with full-paid or owned by a legal family member, not by a friend.
Siggi ********
@Ellie ******
any friend can give you a rental contract, this is ok for any embassy's
Robert *******
The STV makes it possible to stay 3 times 90 days, but has more requirements. This visa can not be changed or extended after these 270 days.

The land borders are still closed for tourism, be aware because the METV let you stay for 60 days and possible one time extension of 30 days based on tourism.

Why not a long time visa that fits your purpose of travel back home?
Katy ********
@Robert ******
FYI people are getting covid extensions beyond 270 on STV visas… just saying few reports of this being done now 👍🏼
Robert *******
@Katy *******
New rules start in a few hours, but thanks for letting us know
Robert *******
@Reiner ********
Sorry, changed it to land borders
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