Answered5 years ago
What are the steps to apply for a tourist visa to visit Thailand during the pandemic?
I've just spent over 2 hours trying to apply for visas for me and Laurie to visit our holiday home in Thailand. The process is online only, whereas we used to go to the Thai embassy in London and talk to a human being. The online application proceess was tedious as there were so many documents to upload, including passport (photo page plus pages to show no international travel in past 12 months), recent photo, plus additional photo holding open passport, airline tickets, proof of earnings, proof of UK residency, proof of ownership of property in Thailand, signed declaration. This is followed by payment, then what happens next - the site crashed on me!!!!!!!! I'm going to wait to see if I hear anything in the next 24 hours, and if the payment goes through. Finger crossed I don't have to go through that again! Once the visa is approved (assuming it is), next step is to book covid PCR tests in the UK and in Thailand, plus book 1 day for quarantine in Thailand while we wait for the (negative) PCR test result. Finally, at least 7 days before travel we need to apply for a Thailand pass or we won't make it past the airport in Thailand! So many hoops to jump through just to visit our own holiday home!!!!! I feel a headache coming on!
Answer summary
The process of applying for a tourist visa to Thailand has become increasingly complicated, especially during the pandemic. The applicant faced a tedious online application requiring various documents including passport pages, proof of residency, and proof of property ownership. Issues arose due to the system crashing after a lengthy application process. Once the visa is approved, additional steps include booking PCR tests and applying for the Thailand Pass, essential for entering the country. The community discussion highlights frustrations and advice related to the current travel regulations, indicating that many are navigating similar challenges.
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Gerry ********
You should try applying for a long stay visa in France! Or perhaps a Thai trying to visit the UK for the first time. The world has changed for some. Brexit doesnt help either.
Jackie *********
Stop your moans we’ve all had to do it, you know it’s worth it!!!!!
Melanie ********
OP@Jackie ********
you might think of this a me moaning, but I posted it in the spirit of being helpful to anyone starting the process! Jeff ********
Unbelievable I’ll stay in USA 🇺🇸. Things very easy
Jon *****
@Jeff *******
Yes but it's cold, except in Florida 😉Jeff ********
@Jon **********
I am also thinking about moving to FloridaJeff ********
@Jon **********
I am in Marina Del Rey yes hot as hell
Ezmerelda ********
Just step by step, you can do it...we did, so can you. Good luck
Declan ***********
Must book hotel first then insurance in chronological order ~ as when you do the Thai pass that’s the stuff the want most importantly- My good Deed done ✅
Declan ***********
Melanie., Don’t underestimate the difficulty around the Thailand Pass - must be done with a gmail address to send documents to - (They didn’t tell you that did they ?) - also if you and your half need the Hotel I had a quick response from I can send you the Quickest response hotel and best accepted by Thai Pass- Through all my mistakes perhaps 🤔 I can make life easier for you Both - Just ask and I’ll send you details - I know the hell you’re going through believe me - ☮️☘️ - from a happy Irishman 😎
Melanie ********
OP@Declan **********
thanks for the advice Jon *****
@Melanie *******
One night quarantine and RT-PCR test come in a package with 3 meals and transportation from airport to hotel... Many choices on AgodaDeclan ***********
@Melanie *******
- Pleasure - ☮️
James ***********
This is the update from consulate on Thai e-visa: Visa application system is temporary unavailable due to system maintenance. The system will resume on 16 November 2021 and the processing time might take longer than usual. Sorry for any inconvenience.
Wayne ********
there was a big article in local online news called Asean Now which use to be ThaiVisa news it was prime minister talking about this online application and trying to
make it work
more effectively and get it done now. obviously there set up of online applicable is futile as all we see if many many people complaining about it
make it work
more effectively and get it done now. obviously there set up of online applicable is futile as all we see if many many people complaining about it
Simon **********
Suck it up buttercup, some of us have had to travel not just for a holiday.
Melanie ********
OP@Simon *********
although we are applying for a tourist visa, we own a property in Phuket and are keen to go and check the property is ok. Simon **********
@Mel****
a holiday home I think you called it. You’re tourists which is fine, but if you want to come you need to follow the rules or stay away.Simon **********
@Mel****
as you wish, or you could just submit your paperwork online and get on with it like the rest of us.Melanie ********
OP@Simon *********
ok we will stay away then. Us and millions of other tourists.! Simon **********
@Mel****
do you think those of us who have had to travel found it any easier? It’s the way of things now. Complaining on FB when you’re travelling for tourism is a little rich when it’s not a mandate for you to travel.Melanie ********
OP@Simon *********
why are you having a dig? We are following the rules. I was just commenting that it was not easy, especially when the system crashed after all that time and effort. 
Marc ***********
No travel in the last 12 months??
Melanie ********
OP@Marc **********
that’s one of the questions on the e-visa form. Show passport pages as proof of no international travel in the last 12 months! 
Suzanne ***************
@Melanie *******
we had this also for A-O visa. Definitely odd.Melanie ********
OP@Suzanne **************
glad it’s not just me! Marc ***********
@Melanie *******
very odd... Melanie ********
OP@Marc **********
yes! 
Brandon ************
Welcome to global travel during a pandemic. It's easier than it was for a lot of us that entered over the last year
Gertjan ********
Its getting worst . So much for a relaxed Holliday . Good luck .
Richard *****
Nobody said it would be easy
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