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What do I need to know about the validity of a single-entry tourist visa for Thailand?

Tourist VisaVisa ExtensionsThailand ImmigrationEntry StampNon-O VisaOverstayMultiple Entry Visa
Oct 17, 2018
6 years ago
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Keep in mind a single entry tourist visa is VALID for 90 days <- meaning you have that long to ENTER Thailand on the visa.

BUT

when you do you will get stamped into the country for only 60 days. <- the amount of time ALL tourist visa holders get stamped in for.

If you want to stay 90 days you would need to go to the immigration office and BUY a 30 day extension for 1900baht.

CHECK YOUR ENTRY STAMP when you're stamped into the country so you know how long your admitted until..

I know this sounds harsh boyz and squirrellz :o BUT it's your passport and your responsibility.;)

The immigration office has heard every excuse in the book about how people end up on overstay and believe me to them, your situation is not 'special' :P

Good Luck

This message brought to you by 'Just-Ask-Tod' <- the guy is an asshole but he knows thingz.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A single-entry tourist visa for Thailand is valid for 90 days, but upon entry, you are stamped for only 60 days. To stay longer, you can buy a 30-day extension for 1900 baht at an immigration office. It's important to check your entry stamp to know your allowed stay duration. You can apply for the extension up to 45 days before your stamped date until the expiration date. There is also a discussion about the reputation of the person providing this information, who is known for being blunt but knowledgeable.
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Steve **********
Pure gold.
6 years ago
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Robert *******
You do not apply for an Extension of the Visa espiration date. You can apply for an Extension in Bangkok in the period 45 days before till the last day of your Admitted to Stay date stamp in your passport. The Extension of Stay is added to this date, so you will not lose days by going early.
6 years ago
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Kimberly ***************
@Robert ******
 , thank you.
6 years ago
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Kimberly ***************
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Kimberly ***************
🇺🇸 How much time should we allow to obtain the 30 day extension ? I have heard that it must be done 7 day's prior , in order to obtain . So, would it be best to spend a week in Bangkok. ? Or just a few days prior to a Visa expiration ? I would imagine lines are very long , and crowded. 🤓🤓🤓

Thank you ,
6 years ago
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Gregory ******
Thanks Tod
6 years ago
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Shanti *****
Thank you for the info

Can you explain the multiple entry visa

This time I’m craving to stay 5-6 months

I’m from the US
6 years ago
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Joe ***********
@Shanti ****
 - Making an Exit from Thailand and then a Reentry a few days before the 6 month Expiry Date gives you 60 more days permission to stay which can be extended for 30 days.. Giving close to 9 months...
6 years ago
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Shanti *****
@Joe **********
 This makes sense, great!
6 years ago
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Shanti *****
@Tod ********
 How can you get 9 months out of a 6 month METV
6 years ago
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Shanti *****
I plan to stay at least 5-6 months but may be longer this time
6 years ago
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Shanti *****
Great, that seems to make sense that I wouldn't have to apply again for a single entry visa for a second or third time. So am I clear that I could get a METV stay for 60 days then either extend for 30 or leave country turn right around and come back in for another 60 days without applying for another visa. From there I could extend again for 30 or leave again turn around come back for 60? Max 6-9 months. Do I have to pay a fee each time I return back into the country? Do I have to fill out any more paperwork or just show my METV. I also wonder about just getting a retirement visa. I am over 50, have the proof of funds etc...then I wouldn't have to leave the country??
6 years ago
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Joe ***********
An METV means a long stay with the required border bounces and / or 30 day Extensions.. With the METV during those 6 to a possible 9 months your activities of coming and going will not be questioned. If you tried to do the same thing starting with a Single Entry Tourist Visa then a combo of Exemption Entries typically you will eventually have to go to a neighbor country and get a new SETV from a Thai Consulate there.. After a collection of these types of entries Immigration at Airports and land crossings may begin to question your activities thinking you are living and working in Thailand on SETVs and Exempt Entries and you could get denied Entry as your passport gets filled up. What I just described is happening with greater frequency this year. In short a METV allows for smooth sailing for a long time.
6 years ago
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Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Shanti ****
 because on a 6 month METV (that you get from a thai consulate in YOUR country before you come here) you can get almost 9 months of stay in thailand (in 60 day increments) by just leaving the country and coming right back in for another 50 days.
6 years ago
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Shanti *****
Scott McCallum Thank you for your info. Few more questions. So what is the advantage of a METV vs Single entry which is 90 day in length giving you 60 days upon arrival. With both after 60 days you need to extend or leave country and come back in. With both I can come back in, but with the METV how is it easier, or less expensive or more entries. I am confused about the benefit.
6 years ago
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Scott **********
Shanti a METV is fairly straightforward. The 'clock' on the visa starts the day it issued so do not get until near when you fly to Thailand. The visa gives you a six month window from date of issue where you can enter Thailand as often as you like. Each time you will get stamped in for 60 days. By timing your last return just before the end of the visa period and then going to immigration and paying 1900 baht to extend by 30 days you can have a good long stay albeit with a few border bounces and things.
6 years ago
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Scott **********
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Brett *********
There you go again Tod, stating facts, helping people.....you will damage your reputation as an asshole if you keep that up!
6 years ago
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Brett *********
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