What do I need to know about getting a visa for Thailand as an American?

May 28, 2022
3 years ago
Roman *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello everyone

I'm new in here and obviously I've never been to Thailand before This year I am planning my trip but I am not sure about many things. first I am American I have already heard what documents I needBut I have a lot of confusion and I hope someone can help me.in addition to passport, insurance, and ticket round trip. How do I do for the time I want to stay, for example, I have heard of 30 days visa or 60 or 90 days visa. but how do you apply for a 60 or 90 day visa? Also, if you apply for a 60-day visa, for example, and the month passes and you don't want to stay there for any reason, you can leave whenever you want and that's it?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The original post seeks information about the visa process for visiting Thailand, including the types of visas available (30, 60, and 90 days) and the necessary documents for an American traveler. Various comments provide insights on visa exemptions, application procedures, extensions, and suggestions to research through official embassy resources and personal experiences.
Mickey ***********
Follow the bouncing ball.. it's all explained online
Roman *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
So I am assuming that automatically 30 days of visa is generated when entering Thailand,

I'm right??
Terary **********
@Lines ******
There are requirements but essentially, yes.

There are requirements that you will want to check, should be on the site I sent you.

Basically:

$$$$

Onward travel

Place to stay

I *think* you will need to have at least 600USD (20,000 baht).

Another concern, if you come on visa exemption, is if the airlines will allow you to board. They may not allow you on the plane if you don't have the requirements.

Many people come on visa exemption, its not a big deal but you want to make sure you have everything you need, to assure your trip goes smoothly.

Currently, there is a matter of Thai Pass. It is also require and different from visa. The Thai pass requires you have insurance, place to stay, onward travel. You go through that process 2 or 3 weeks before you come to thailand. The requirements may change by the time you actually come.
Terary **********
As an American I think there are four locations that issue visas. When I was applying for my most recent tourist visa, I clicked a few links and I was presented the option to select the four consulate/embassies to send my application. I doubt it matters which one I send it to.

From personal Experience LA issued my visa in two or three days.

The type of visa you need depends on why you are coming and how long you intend to stay. Because you question is quite general I am going to assume you will to stay less than 90 days and therefore will only require a tourist visa or a visa exemption.

Visa exception give you 30 days plus you can extend for another 30 days, giving 60 days total.

Tourist visa gives you 60 days plus you can extend for another 30 days, giving 90 days total.

Both have different requirements that you can read about on the website:
**********************


The paperwork is likely to be confusing, welcome to Thailand. We you have questions - comeback to this group or one like it.

Best of luck to you
Roman *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Terary *********
thank you very much I appreciate the information
Jay ********
It sounds like you have a lot more research to do. I would do the research rather than ask people on social media for advice. That way you’ll get the correct advice and all your options. A lot of people here have no idea what they are talking about. Things are changing all the time.
Ben *********
Do a serious research and reading. Pros and cons, could be exhausting but if your up to it do it.
Roman *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ben ********
thank you and yes already started to watching YouTube videos and search information google.but it is always good to know from the experience of others
Ben *********
George *******
If you decide on a visa. You need to choose the Washington DC location if your in Florida
Damian *******
@George ******
I'm planning a trip from Florida too is the embassy online or I would have to go to Washington DC
Roman *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@George ******
Washington DC?? Don't get it, I have to go to Washington DC...or is it here in Florida.
Wayne *********
The extension is easy to get at the immigration office near where you stay at the time of applying.

You would need

Copy of passport data page

Copy of stamped in page

Copy of visa if you get one

Copy of TM6 and to be safe TM30

1 x passport size photo

1900baht cash

Complete the TM7 form at the immigration office.
Roman *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Wayne ********
I really appreciate your information
Shaun *******
Just go to the Thailand embassy website and check what is required to visit Thailand. You will get information about how to apply for Thai pass and health insurance. Look at YouTube videos there is information about everything. As an American you also have 30 days exemption for visa. You can also apply for 60 days visa and do 30 days extension in Thailand. Other people will advise how
Roman *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Shaun ******
thanks mr. Shaun
Shaun *********
Why do folk write long questions and have a coloured back ground that takes ages to scroll up to read
George *******
@Shaun ********
maybe get some glasses 🤓
Roman *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Shaun ********
because if my firts time in this group and planning my trip to Thailand so I'm really sorry if this bothers you
Luć ********
@Lines ******
don't reply to negative Nellie's, PM me and I will help you sort everything
Iain ******
@Shaun ********
silly old shaun
Greg ********
30 day on arrival visa exempt and you can get a 30 day extension easy and you can leave whenever you want, you want longer than 60 up to 90, get visa 60 then get extension, things always change but no need for visa if 60 or less
Roman *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Greg *******
thank you I really appreciate your help and information
Greg ********
@Lines ******
I was there for a little over four months because I was getting Covid extensed I don’t think they’re still a thing though

I’ve been there five to the last six years never used Visa

As an American your exempt so you get that 30 days and I’ve never heard of anyone turn down for an extra 30 days, just gotta pay a small fee And spend a half a day at immigration
Shaun *********
@Greg *******
but it’s cheaper to get the 60 day visa than getting the 30 day extension and you don’t have the hassle of going to immigration unless you want to extend after the first 60 days
Greg ********
@Shaun ********
Well considering I never got a 60 day visa, I mean I’m in Vegas and used read that I’d have to go to nearest embassy in Los Angeles or mail my passport in, Has it changed or was I wrong
Shaun *********
@Greg *******
in uk it’s just an e visa now so I presume it’s the same for all
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