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Answered6 years ago

What are the steps to take when applying for a visa to Thailand that requires flight and hotel details?

Gill *******
asked Apr 3, 2021
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I'm losing the will ....

Can someone please tell me what we need to do first.

Trying to apply for visa but its asking for flight details and hotel details . How can I book a hotel and flight before I have a visa .

This is so hard 😱

Any agencies do all this for you ?
Answer summary
The process of applying for a visa to Thailand can be confusing, especially since many embassies require flight and hotel details before granting a visa. This conversation outlines the required steps, including: 1) securing a flight reservation; 2) obtaining hotel booking (preferably using services that allow postponement or cancellation); 3) applying for travel insurance; 4) completing the Certificate of Entry (COE) application; and 5) submitting the visa application itself. Several community members share experiences and tips, providing insights into agencies that assist with the visa process, while also warning against submitting potentially misleading information like unconfirmed itineraries.
113 repliesnewest first
41

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Seán *******
Seán *******
There must be a stack of unfinished applications along with mine 😂
Ian *********
Ian *********
If you contact me on messenger i will try snd send you list someone sent me i hope will help,tried to send here but cannot find on saved pics, but have on messenger
Brian ********
Brian ********
Jeh *****
Jeh *****
yep
Jeh *****
Jeh *****
@Brian *******
Visit the Los Angeles site and it reads: 1. Study ASQ/Flights 2. Visa application... In the application it will ask for ASQ/Flight reservation..
Brian ********
Brian ********
@Jeh ****
so each Thai Embassy is asking for different information good luck
Fra *****
Fra *****
there is a fb page with asq hotels and they help you with the booking and the visa stress
Martin *********
Martin *********
I know a agent
Gill *******
Gill *******
OP
Do you have to book a return flight even if you are not planning on returning ( looking for work there ) I’m sure I read somewhere that was the case but read so many conflicting stories.

Are flights getting cancelled often or are you pretty much good to go ?

Thank s all for the help , I really appreciate it
Steve *********
Steve *********
@Gill ******
the correct phrase is RETURN OR ONWARD flight. It doesn't have to show you return to your home country - it does have to show that you will leave Thailand.
Alastair ********************
Alastair ********************
@Gill ******
if your ultimate aim is to seek work in Thailand you will need to apply for a non-immigrant visa prior to arriving in the country. Without a non-immigrant visa you can't get a work permit.

If that's the case don't bother applying for any other type of visa.

*************************************************************
Jim ********
Jim ********
@Gill ******
for a short term visa you need to have a flight booked to leave Thailand within the validity of the visa. However this could be a £20 flight to malaysia or somewhere and then just don’t show up. This is simply to just get the visa
Gill *******
Gill *******
OP
@Jim *******
great thanks
Nick *******
Nick *******
U wiil lose more than ur will to live if u ask any old fart on here for advice. 😆😆
Wouter ***************
Wouter ***************
To my knowledge you do not need to have your flight ticket booked. You need to show a RESERVATION for a flight, which nowadays you do yourself with booking an online flight, WITHOUT clicking at the end on PAY. Than, if your VISA is granted, and maybe your reservation is cancelled, just make a new booking. Date of entry is not so critical, actually, date of departure usnt critical either. You can always leave before the VISA is expired.
Melinda ***********
Melinda ***********
You book a flight ✈️ and then ASQ book a room and then get your Medical insurance and they will ask you questions and then book another flight ✈️ to return where ever you leave (it's refundable) and then send your visa to Thailand embassy where ever you live and wait but you also show your vaccinations record or 72 hours test before you get to your destination
Frédéric ******************
Frédéric ******************
All Thai citizens visiting Europe need to book flights and hotel before applying for a visa. In the 1990s you had to buy a full package tour to get a Vietnamese visa. This is no strange in the travel world.

I don't see why you couldn't book flights and hotels before applying for your Thai visa if this is the condition to get it.
Peter *************
Peter *************
Or stay home
Jon ********
Jon ********
Shane **********
Shane **********
You can book them and pay later.
Lisa ********************
Lisa ********************
Flights are refundable or transferable and so are ASQ, if you are denied a visa. Very few people are denied a visa.
Pierre ***************
Pierre ***************
Take an agency same action visa after you have very fast
Michael **************
Michael **************
Just put in there when you may fly and a date

You should be good.
Lisa ********************
Lisa ********************
Gill, you can enter Thailand on visa exempt, if you don't fancy the visa process, which is actually fairly simple anyway. Visa exempt is 45 days , can be extended for 30 more in Thailand. Just go to COE. But you need flights booked and ASQ for that stage. Just as you need flights and hotel booked to travel anywhere.
Jonathan ***********
Jonathan ***********
What country u from, there is a list of 50+ countries with visa exemption

If u part of it they will grant it to you when you enter the country so you dont need visa.

Then all u need is the CoE and pcr test result 72h within your flight

For CoE you send a request to your embassy, then they pre-approve and you will need 3 things

1. Proof of flight with all flight's information

2. Proof of ASQ government approved hotel for 10days (7 if you vaccimated)

There are lists easy to find around the internet

This part was the longest for me as you need to send emails to the hotels, send to more then one to get faster answers

3. Proof of insurance that covers Covid and up to 100,000$ USD

If you cannot find home there is AXA, it is a Thailand travel insurance for foreigners and respect all requirements for travels
Jeffrey *******
Jeffrey *******
Once posted and paid. Now asking for Invitation letter and diplomatic residence permit. There’s no end...!
Jeffrey *******
Jeffrey *******
If my application fails (probably because I screen shot everything) then I think I will go for 45 day visa exemption and then try to extend 30 days but then have to change flight dates if possible
Jim ********
Jim ********
@Jeffrey ******
the visa exempt stamp is the easiest way to travel to Thailand right now if you don’t plan on staying longer than 75 days
Jeffrey *******
Jeffrey *******
I believe it’s the 60 day stv with option to extend 30 days. Not that I plan to hang around immigration offices..
Jim ********
Jim ********
@Jeffrey ******
stv is 90 days and can extend twice but now they have put an expiry date on that visa and it will stopped being used at the end of September I believe. 60 day visa isn’t an stv it’s a TR tourist visa and can extend by 30 days to give you 90 days in total
Jim ********
Jim ********
@Jeffrey ******
doesn’t even exist
Steve **********
Steve **********
@Jeffrey ******
then repurchase scandals, shorts and water pistol.

Immigration want receipts.
Steve *********
Steve *********
@Steve *********
scandals?????? 555!
Jeffrey *******
Jeffrey *******
60 day stv
Dianne *****
Dianne *****
@Jeffrey ******
There is 60 day SETV or a 90 day STV
Stephen *******
Stephen *******
@Jeffrey ******
There's no such thing!
Lisa ********************
Lisa ********************
@Jeffrey ******
which visa are you applying for ?
Joel *******
Joel *******
As I understand it, the most sensible order:

1. Flight

2. Insurance (requires flight date)

3. Initial COE application (requires insurance)

4. ASQ hotel (requires flight details)

5. Visa (unless on 45 day visa waiver)

6. Complete COE application (requires flight, ASQ and visa)
Steve *******
Steve *******
Just put the dates you want to travel and where you might stay. You dont have to book anything for a Tourist visa
Jeffrey *******
Jeffrey *******
Sending passport up to Embassy Tuesday
Rogerio ******
Rogerio ******
You can book via Expedia (I think only the US website) for refundable flights and hotel within 24hours just look for the results that say 'Free Cancellation'. Then print out the confirmations and cancel everything.
Jim ********
Jim ********
@Steve ******
you need to send documents but can just be screenshots of a flight itinerary showing the flight numbers etc. And then can book a hotel on agoda where it’s pay at property, get the confirmation and then cancel
Jeffrey *******
Jeffrey *******
@Gill ******
Struggled with documents page. Travel ASQ and insurance before visa is issued. Muddled thru with screenshots of proposed dates and even uploaded some proof of residence when it was asking for proof in country if not resident! Confusing.
Gill *******
Gill *******
OP
@Jeffrey ******
did you get it all sorted in the end ? Are you there now?
Gill *******
Gill *******
OP
@Steve ******
but its asking for flight numbers and hotel confirmation
Lynnette *******
Lynnette *******
@Gill ******
what sort of visa. . That might help. There are various.
Kal *********
Kal *********
Thailand is pretty safe compared to other countries... better to be careful and safe than sorry and sick
Stan *******
Stan *******
I'm about to go to Mexico. No hassles. Thailand is a total mess.
Steve **********
Steve **********
@Stan ******
yes it is. If not for anchors would be in PV on high road
Kool *******
Kool *******
Let's just hope you don't get kidnapped, or mugged and robbed repeatedly...lolol. Mexico is not a safe place.
Steve **********
Steve **********
@Kool ******
Have benn yo Mexico probably over 100 or more times.

Never in any of 2 dozen cities, never robbed, kidnapped, or even felt unsafe.
Steve **********
Steve **********
@Stan ******
you're right on.

Would name the cities, but have friends their.
Stan *******
Stan *******
@Steve *********
nothing remotely threatening anywhere, and I've been to all the cities too. I'm more afraid of American cities
Danny ***********
Danny ***********
Heard Honduras is great too... lol.

Have fun. It will not be boring for sure
Greg ******
Greg ******
@Stan ******
An American swimming south across the Rio Grande “Gingo, you are going the wrong way” used to be a joke.
Lisa ********************
Lisa ********************
@Stan ******
and Covid is rampant in Mexico.
Stan *******
Stan *******
@Lisa *******************
Lisa... Thry do NOT get free testing. Thry have to pay unless ordered by the govt to test. I sent 2500 baht to someone to test who was sick because... It's not free. Not. Not. Health care is also not free. There are a few things free... But lots of thais aren't covered... It's cheap, unless something major is wrong...
Lisa ********************
Lisa ********************
@Stan ******
*******************************************************************************************
*****
47/free-covid-19-tests-for-at-risk-groups
Stan *******
Stan *******
@Lisa *******************
Lisa... You got blocked 😊
Lisa ********************
Lisa ********************
@Stan ******
you got conned
Stan *******
Stan *******
@Lisa *******************
likely the same as where you're from. You'll wear a mask in Thailand and obey crowd rules wherever you go.
Jon *****
Jon *****
@Steve *********
Thailand would have needed them if it had not closed its borders
Steve **********
Steve **********
@Jon **********
The thousands on ventilators needed them.

Thailand didnt need them.

Difference is one country listened to doctors, the other listened to a clown
Jon *****
Jon *****
@Steve *********
I agree the price paid is high but the country could not afford the thousands of people on ventilators we have in the west
Steve **********
Steve **********
@Jon **********
agree with the 94 and the 24 k total infections, but with zero tourists, all tourist towns a ghost town. Most shops, businesses closed. Hotels that are open , rates reduced 90% for domestic tourists, but they have no money.

Songkran cancelled .

Shame.
Jon *****
Jon *****
@Stan ******
Maybe right but still 94 deaths in over a year
Jon *****
Jon *****
@Lisa *******************
Mask to be worn in all shops and public transport
David *********
David *********
I'd suggest , great immune systems in general , far more than x 10 ..

But far more logical reaction than the West , functional , we've already hit herd , chuck in a Vax

Mai pen Rai and Sabai Sabai , but little to do with the other stuff ..

Immune development is always best . Covid will be least of your worries in Mexico .
Lisa ********************
Lisa ********************
Enjoy Mexico Stan. I'm enjoying Thailand. Been here since December. 👍.
Lisa ********************
Lisa ********************
@Stan ******
I'm talking about Thais. They get free testing. Free Covid healthcare.
Stan *******
Stan *******
@Lisa *******************
Lisa, Lisa, Lisa... I'm talking about thais. They never get tested unless they show symptoms. They have to pay for testing and they're poor.... Covid is probably 10x what they say it is, but most are asymptomatic, as they are everywhere else
Lisa ********************
Lisa ********************
@Stan ******
everyone who enters Thailand is tested pre flight. And twice in quarantine. That's how they've controlled Covid. Borders were closed 18th March 2020. Not like UK sh*t show. And anyone with symptoms is tested. Mexico has many more cases.
Stan *******
Stan *******
@Lisa *******************
no testing for covid either 😁 thsts why they're so strict... They don't find cases cuz they don't test people
Lisa ********************
Lisa ********************
@St**
no restrictions in Thailand. No mask wearing. Virtually no Covid. I've always been a rule breaker anyway.
Jim ********
Jim ********
@Stan ******
Dangerous as hell though 😂😂
Stan *******
Stan *******
@Jim *******
Thailand isn't dangerous?...
Lisa ********************
Lisa ********************
@Stan ******
I'm a female who travels solo. Give me Thailand over Mexico anytime. And I've been to both, several times.
Joe *******
Joe *******
@Jim *******
been in Mexico for 7 months without any issues, it is only dangerous as hell if you are looking for trouble. Also minimal restrictions if that's what anyone is looking for.
Jim ********
Jim ********
@Stan ******
Not at all compared to Mexico and full of Covid
Tony ************
Tony ************
I need help with the visa process USA passport trying to get retirement visa
Gill *******
Gill *******
OP
@Stan ******
lol might be joining you .
Stan *******
Stan *******
@Gill ******
Also consider Colombia, Costa Rica, many Caribbean islands, Panama... Lists of choices... No hassles beyond a covid test. Mexico doesn't even require a covid test
Stan *******
Stan *******
@Gill ******
where are you now?
Lisa ********************
Lisa ********************
@Gill ******
why don't you go from Spain to Thailand? It's a faff, returning to UK. Have you seen UK entry requirements?
Gill *******
Gill *******
OP
@Stan ******
well that's the start of the whole mess . We are in spain but are on British passports . We have to leave spain now because of Brexit so will just try to get back into UK and go from there
Jim ********
Jim ********
No reason to not get a visa however I didn’t have a flight booked to obtain my visa. I just found a flight and went through to the stage where the price abs itinerary was screenshot and sent that and for a hotel booking that is for after ASQ so just go on agoda and book a random hotel that says “pay at property” and book it. Receive the email confirmation and then cancel the booking! Easy peasy lemon squeezy 👍👍
Gill *******
Gill *******
OP
@Jim *******
Jim I have sent you a pm
Dimitri ********
Dimitri ********
@Jim *******
I think your advice about how to get a fake flight statement can be considered fraud by a consulate. This is really not the paper they ask for. You need a confirmed flight. Also know that they can check the validity of a booked flight online at most airline websites.
Jim ********
Jim ********
@Dimitri *******
I have not once suggested getting a “fake” flight statement. I along with many others had our visa’s issued by just sending across a flight itinerary which showed the dates and price. This was advised as ok by the embassy/consulate. Then of course a confirmed booking is required for the COE application.

I think you should learn to read before accusing me of such absurd allegations 👍
Jim ********
Jim ********
@Dimitri *******
so why did they issue me and many others from the U.K. a visa without a confirmed flight??? Once again I’ll tell you why! Because the embassy advised it was fine to provide the itinerary for the flights we intend to book. You cannot fly without a COE as you know so that is when the confirmed flight is required

FYI - Our embassy in London is absolutely great. Great service and they all speak very good English so nothing was confused in translation.
Dimitri ********
Dimitri ********
@Jim *******
And these Thai embassy employees told you in English? 😂 Thainglish? The reason why I keep going on with this is because you are wrong, you probably didn't understand what they were trying to tell you, probably because most of them hardly speak any English, and because I think you are giving advice here which can get people into trouble.

If you think about this logically, it should be clear even without the above links. Planes fly. They have been doing that for years. You can buy tickets. That has also been possible for years. The only thing you show with a print screen is just that. What they want is proof that you have a ticket that allows you to leave the country. That is what they want to see.
Jim ********
Jim ********
@Dimitri *******
I have genuinely no idea why you keep going on about this. I applied for the visa nearly 6 months ago. I was told it was fine so I did as advised! I’ve been to Thailand for 3 months and back in the U.K. now and for some reason you seem to think that what I am saying isn’t true. It clearly wasn’t a booking confirmation that I sent and was clearly a screenshot. I will reiterate if it wasn’t good enough they wouldn’t have issued the visa but like I have said 762 times now this was advised as ok by our Embassy!
Dimitri ********
Dimitri ********
@Jim *******
Here another one from the Thai consul. He describes what is needed again, and maybe more clear than on the website of the consulate:
********************************************************
->>> Confirmation of travel booking – flight ticket(s).
Dimitri ********
Dimitri ********
@Jim *******
Here are the requirements for Dutch citizens. No reason why it should be different for UK citizens:

Documents required:

Passport or travel document with a validity not less than 6 months.

Visa application form (filled out)

One(1) recent 4x6cm. photograph of the applicant.

Round-trip air ticket or e-ticket (paid in full)

Proof of financial means (20,000 baht per person/40,000 baht per family)

Read: Round-trip air ticket or e-ticket -> PAID IN FULL

and from
********************************************************************


For UK citizens: Immigration officials in Thailand may ask you for proof of onward travel (e.g. a return or onward air ticket). You should make all reservations before travelling to Thailand. Some airlines have refused to board passengers without evidence of onward travel.

PROOF of onward travel. You need to PROOF that you are able to leave Thailand.

**********************************************************************************************************************


PROOF of air tickets that the applicant will not overstay

That is not a print screen you made during the order process.

**********************************************************************************************************************


Requirement for visa:

Travel booking confirmation

Again, not a printscreen you made during the order process before paying.

What they want to see is PROOF that you are able to leave Thailand.
Jim ********
Jim ********
@Dimitri *******
haha they certainly didn’t think I had booked a flight when it was clearly a screenshot of a Skyscanner flight search result with no booking reference or anything. Like I have said I along with many others were advised by the EMBASSY in London that this was ok. It’s only the COE application that needed a confirmed flight booking with booking ref etc
Dimitri ********
Dimitri ********
@Jim *******
They issued you a visa, thinking that you booked a flight. What do you think ? That they want proof that your keyboard has a print screen button???
Jim ********
Jim ********
@Dimitri *******
Well I’m not from where you are from so irrelevant telling me what we can and can’t do in the UK. The consulate in London were fine with this and many fellow members of the group have done the same. Do you think the embassy would issue a visa if they thought the document wasn’t correct? No is the answer! They said a screenshot of the itinerary is absolutely fine.

I’m still trying to find the part where I was suggesting using a “fake” flight booking but I’m struggling to find it. That is more than likely because you made it up!
Dimitri ********
Dimitri ********
@Jim *******
on the website of our consulate they say that you need to show a confirmed flight. Making a printscreen during the order process isn't what they ask for. The reason they ask this is that they want to be sure that you are able to leave. Again, a printscreen of something you see during the order process and before paying is not what they ask for. That printscreen isn't a valid way to prove that you are able to fly home.
Melinda ***********
Melinda ***********
Well how long ago because there doing it that way in the UNITED STATES
Gill *******
Gill *******
OP
@Jim *******
lol thank you
Lisa ********************
Lisa ********************
@Gill ******
i did the same
Lynnette *******
Lynnette *******
Why don't you say what country you're from, what sort of visa, or if you want 45 day visa exempt with an extension. Easier for people to help.
Gill *******
Gill *******
OP
@Lynnette ******
we are from the uk . Dont know what kind of visa we need . Husband will be applying for work once in thailand .
Lynnette *******
Lynnette *******
@Gill ******
there's no need for visa to enter for 45 days ( at the moment). Its exempt on arrival for UK. And can extend in country. You need all the other stuff though at the moment. There's people on here with loads of knowledge but your info is crucial so they can help.
Garrett ***********
Garrett ***********
But yes, there are agencies that will fill out your visa application stuff for you if you really want.
Garrett ***********
Garrett ***********
You need a booked ASQ and Flight before you apply for the visa, for most embassies.
Essence *********
Essence *********
Yes they are requiring a confirmation of flight and hotel in order to apply for visa
Steve *******
Steve *******
@Garrett **********
No you dont. You only need ASQ and flight for the CoE not for a visa
Garrett ***********
Garrett ***********
@St***
Wrong
Jim ********
Jim ********
@Garrett **********
don’t need to actually book a flight. Can use screenshots of the itinerary as I did 👍
Steve *******
Steve *******
All of 'em except for the Lichtenstein Consulate. Now, they might have a different policy regarding visa applications.
Garrett ***********
Garrett ***********
@St***
"any Thai embassy I know" Which would be which ones?
Steve *******
Steve *******
@Garrett **********
Not wrong. You dont need flights and ASQ booked for a visa from any Thai embassy I know. You just give expected travel dates for a visa.

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