What are the visa application procedures for traveling to Thailand from Perth, Australia, and do I need to apply two weeks in advance?

Jan 15, 2019
6 years ago
Jason ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Is anyone from Perth, Australia? Wondering if anyone went to the Thai consulate a few days before travelling to get their visa? On the website, it says, 'All applicants must apply at least 2 weeks prior to their travel.' That seems ridiculous, because the visa will be stamped two weeks in advance which you won't get to use!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user from Perth, Australia, is inquiring about the necessity of applying for a Thai visa two weeks prior to travel, as stated on the consulate's website. Comments clarify that a single entry tourist visa is valid for 90 days upon issue, allowing entry to Thailand up to three months from the issue date. Applicants can expect processing times of 3 business days, but it's recommended to prepare paperwork in advance and visit the consulate within appropriate timing to avoid issues. Several users mention the efficiency of the consulate and the importance of adhering to guidelines.
Tod *********
@Jason **********
, you seem to not understand that a single entry tourist visa is VALID for 90 days from the date it's issued <- meaning you have 90 days to ENTER thailand and when you do you'll be stamped in for 60 days like everyone is on a tourist visa
Michael ********
Tourist visas have to be activated by entering Thailand within 3 months of the issue date. So you might just scrape in with the 2 weeks...LOL...you then get the period of stay that starts from the entry date.
Michael ********
@Robert ******
I suppose I can see that if aiming for the absolute maximum of 270 days then you would 'lose' days. I wonder how many people actually do this and therefore are cut short by 2 weeks. I also doubt that a tourist visa would take 2 weeks to come back from Perth consulate. Think mine took 5 days or something last time I did it.
Robert *******
@Michael *******
In theory: if the visa is attached the day you land in Thailand and you stretch it to the max you could get 270 days of stay, in sections of 60 days and last section 90 days out of it. Every day earlier than your landing day you "loose" 1 day out of this maximum stretched theory.
Michael ********
It would only affect a multiple entry visa. And in that case you would re enter before the original visa expiry date and be stamped in for a period past that date anyway. I don't see how you lose 2 weeks??
Jason ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yeh I know...but you get less on visa (as per above!) ;)
Somkit *********
Used the Consulate for the last 13 yrs. Make sure you have all your paperwork sorted. They are very efficient and helpful. Pay cash. They only issue passports for collection on Thursdays between 1300 &1400( well somewhere round that time) so week to apply and get it granted and pick it up. 10 days to 2 weeks is what you are looking at. You will most prob get a stamp on your visa use before xxx date. So it will become dated from when you enter the Kingdom.
Jason ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks both for your help. You have eased my concerns at least. Guess, I'll be staying for a max of 255 days!
Robert *******
@Somkit ********
NO visa mentioned in the question, so no problems with your correct answer.
Somkit *********
@Jason **********
and my bad, I am a Non-O which is a longer process but for peace of mind double check pick up days!
Robert *******
What is a week in a persons life time. You can make a border run just before or on the enter before or valid until date on the visa and still get the 60 days of stay, this stay can be extended with another 30 days at Immigration. So you can not stay the maximum stretched out of 270 days, if the visa is attached in your passport minutes before flying, but only 255 days.
Jason ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
absolutely spot on!!!
Robert *******
The visa itself is valid for a set period from the moment it is attached to the passport. Depending on the visa you get a certain period of stay in you enter Thailand. I just guess that if he applies for the 6 months multiple entry tourist visa, but have to apply 2 weeks before he travels he find it ridiculous that the visa on day of entry is not 6 months valid anymore but for example 5 months and 24 day.
Jason ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks heaps! It says on their website that collection is Monday to Thursday 13.30 – 14.30 Only. So maybe it's not just Thursday anymore? And, yeh, I know about the 'visa use before xxx date". But, if the consulate takes 3-business days to approve (as per website) and stamps a METV 1.5 weeks before you travel, then you get less time to stay in the country! Because it says on the visa 'valid until xxx' :(
Robert *******
I guess they tell you on the website to be on time with your application: "applications take 3 business days to process, not including the day that you lodge." But if you think it is ridiculous, just visit another Thai Consulate or just contact them, that you have better ideas
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