What do I need to know about entering Thailand for the first time regarding visas and my passport?

Oct 28, 2024
8 days ago
Paul ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am coming to Thailand in December for the first time. Do I only need a passport? What about visas? I am 57 years old and I do not know how long I’m going to stay. I will be meeting a friend that I met on the Internet she is 54 and we have been talking for about two years. A long time I’m just trying to figure out this whole thing.

First, I need to figure out the visa thing. And of course, the passport about how long these processes last and what I am needing to take care of to be legal.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post queries the necessity of a visa for an upcoming trip to Thailand. Responses clarify that travelers from the USA can enter Thailand for 60 days without a visa, which can be extended for an additional 30 days at an immigration office. The conversation advises preparing for potential cultural differences and the importance of caution when meeting someone from the internet. It also discusses common tourist tips and recommends checking the passport's validity prior to travel.
Steve *******
Remember the 3 rules. Dont date bar girls (willing to do anything for money) 2. Must have a full time job 3. If she asks for money - time to lose the honey!
Steve *******
Rock up - rocks off hahahahaha your gunna love this place mate/ Well done! Will change your life.
Henrik *****
Dave ****
I think it's a shame that this group has gone way off topic lately with general visa and taxation questions and no mention of the DTV. The DTV is pretty niche and the group has great potential to be a goldmine of information if it's kept on topic but it's definitely not heading in that direction. I'm planning on getting a DTV next year and I'm trying to keep on top of everything now and perhaps I'll need to dig through the group further down the line but it's looking like there's going to be way too much unrelated info to get through when it comes to it 😔😔😔
D**
Thank you,
@Dave ***
. Feedback noted. We'll try to only approve DTV related posts, unless there's a general visa question where DTV could be part of the answer.
Dave ****
@D**
Great, I appreciate your response 😁
Sandra *****************
The fact that you're asking if you need a passport to enter Thailand is a bit concerning. Good luck and stay safe with this online friend.
Paul ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sandra ****************
ive not travelled alot. But im cautious
Sylvia ********
@Paul **********
Maybe you need to spend some time on You Tube, to understand the Thai culture and tradition to avoid some big surprises, how you be caring for the family and not one person etc. She maybe very trust worthy and have good education but many don't have either, so please from an expat of many years who spend her time with locals, be on alert, but I wish you well
Chris ******
Where are you coming from?
Paul ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you, gentlemen and ladies. I have talked to this girl every day on the phone for two years, She has asked me for nothing. I feel pretty good about it.
Paul ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you😄
Pascal ***********
@Paul **********
just come in as a tourist. As mentioned above you get 60 days when you enter Thailand on your American passport without needing a visa. And this can be extended once for another 30 days.

If you think about staying a bit longer, then apply for the Tourist Visa Multiple Entry. This visa is valid for 6 months and gives you 60 days each time you enter Thailand within those 6 months.

This will give you plenty of time to get to know that person and decide if you want to go to the next step. There is no need for another visum yet.
John *******
If American, it will take 4-6+ weeks to process your passport application. If submitted today, you would be lucky to get it early/mid December.
Dean ********
60 days entry for Brits, get the Grab and Bolt app. When half the family turn up for meals at your expense dont have it. It may be all Roses and rooting but then its going to cost you...walking ATM. Dont be that guy. Have a great trip
Chris *********
Your passport will automatically be stamped with a 60 day tourist visa that you can extend for a further 30 days at an official office once you are in Thailand.

Just take your British sterling in £10 , £20 notes to exchange into Thai baht , make sure the notes are in good condition with no writing on otherwise they will not be accepted.

Only drink bottled water and make sure the chicken is well cooked .

Take some over the counter medication with you such as indigestion tablets and painkillers and antihistamines, always apply mosquito repellent everyday to your exposed skin .

Don’t eat spicy food unless you can take it .

Beware of taxi scams and Tuk Tuk scams and last but not least Have a great time
Cissi *********
@Chris ********
his passport will not be stamped with a 60 day tourist visa - he will be allowed to enter WITHOUT a visa (visa exemption) and can stay 60 days etc. A tourist visa is a different thing.
Chris *********
@Cissi ********
If you had bothered to read his post you will see that he does not possess a DTV .

He is entering Thailand as a tourist on a 60 day tourist visa so his passport WILL be stamped for 60days .

I think you need to go to specsavers lol
Cissi *********
@Chris ********
I read the post and every comment and no where do I mention DTV (I am aware that it is a DTV group and that the OP asked a non DTV related question).

I tried to correct you. Yes he is coming as a tourist. Yes he will get an entry stamp that allow him to stay 60 days. No he will NOT enter on a tourist visa!!! That is what I am trying to tell you. He will be allowed to enter without any visa - visa exemption.

A tourist visa is something you apply and pay for BEFORE you travel (it is issued by a Thai embassy or consulate).
Wesley ********
Depends where you are from but most western countries you will get a visa exemption for 60 days. You can apply at immigration for an extension of another 30 days on that.

Keep in mind; meeting Thai women on the internet, while not immediately a scam, it’s highly likely you will get taken advantage of financially so just have fun but don’t get too carried away.

There is no sick buffalo. If a relative is sick and needs medical bills paid, suggest to take your lady friend to to visit the sick family member and pay directly to the hospital. Etc etc etc
Paul ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Wesley *******
I am in the United States.
Tod *********
@Paul **********
then get a passport a ticket, and fly out here, you'll get stamped in FREE for 60 days when you arrive, you can extend that one time for 30 more days after you're here at the immigration office for 1900baht.
Zack ***
Another one bites the dust.
Greg ********
If you have a passport from the USA, you will be visa-exempt for 60 days upon entry. This can be extended in the country at any Immigration office for another 30 days for 1900 THB.
Paul ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Paul ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am in the USA
Greg ********
@Paul **********
You get 60 day visa exempt entry to Thailand upon arrival
Jai *******
@Greg *******
I have Indian passport and I want to take extension. I did my entry from Phuket and rn I’m in Bangkok. Can I take extension from Bangkok immigration office or do I need to go Phuket for extension?
Greg ********
@Jai ******
As above. Go to Immigration office where yiu arecnow and where your TM30 address is registered.
Andreas *********
@Jai ******
you need to use the Immigration which is serving the area where your current accomodation is
Peter **************
Passport with at least 6 mths left on it .. You can get a entry stamp for 60 days ...then you can apply for 30 days extension ....after that you need to leave country for ( 2 days land or just return ticket with cheapest airfare ).. return ..do same again..gives you 180 days .. if it works out .. apply for different visa ..