What are the steps and considerations for a US citizen applying for a 60-day visa to Thailand?

May 26, 2022
2 years ago
Hi! I am helping someone (a US citizen) get ready for a trip to Thailand. A few questions (if anyone is able to help with some of these):

1. If we apply for a 60-day single entry visa, is this something that has to be done online prior to arrival? (I have read that the Thai government recommends submitting the application 30-days before going to Thailand because it can take 15 days to process. However, someone was telling me it's possible to get the 60-day visa upon arrival)

1. For uploading hotel info for the 60-day visa, does it have to be for the whole time? Or can we just upload the first place they're staying (which is for 1-week)

1. We've considered going the visa free route and extending the additional 30 days when they are in the country. Does anyone know if the airline would not let them board if they have a flight showing a round trip that exceeds 30 days? Would they need to change their itinerary so it shows they're only going 30 days and then change it back once they arrive?

Any insights are much appreciated. Thank you!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A US citizen can choose between applying for a 60-day single entry visa before arrival or entering visa-free for 30 days and extending their stay later. The 60-day visa application can be submitted online, with a recommended submission time of 30 days prior to travel. For hotel information, it is advised to provide details for the first accommodation only. Airlines may require proof of onward travel, so it's wise to book a flexible ticket.
Stuart *********
You can either buy a tourist visa prior to arrival which would give you 60 days, or come visa exempt which would give you 30 days. Either option allows for one extension for a further 30 days.

Online application for a visa nowadays should be around 3-4 days turnaround.

You’ll probably need a onward flight for your airline. Buy a changeable one.
Terary **********
@Stuart ********
fair point
Stuart *********
@Terary *********
Used to be a viable option, before the borders closed. Now some are open again it probably is possible. However it must be a ticket out of Thailand. You can’t buy a bus ticket to a border town (where you could walk across a border).
Terary **********
In used to use bus tickets to get around this option. $10 Hat Yai to Penang. Demonstrates onward travel and doesn't cost very much. However, I haven't done this recently, due to covid so I am not sure this is an option.
Stuart *********
@Emily ******
It’s up to your airline. Some will not bother others will. Call them to ask. Or flip a coin. No way of saying for certain whether they’ll allow.
Emily *****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
Thanks! The round-trip flight is already booked (changeable ticket) and the whole trip is about 45 days. If she doesn't have the 60-day visa and her flight shows she plans to stay longer, do you think that would be a problem? Just curious if we need to reschedule the return flight and then change it back when she gets there, or if they won't even care
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