thailand
Ask question

What do I need to know about visa options and entry requirements for Thailand as an American?

Visa TypesVisa ExemptionThai PassEntry RequirementsImmigration ProceduresTest and GoCovid-19 Regulations
Mar 24, 2022
3 years ago
Bruce *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Okay everyone. I made it to Cambodia. I'm headed to the Thai embassy tomorrow but I just spoke with a British national who told me that they're doing visas on arrival at the airport. This threw me off because I thought I had to go to the Thai embassy to get a Visa. Does anyone know the whole story on this? Also to register for the test and go how long does that normally take? My goal is to be back in Bangkok as soon as possible.

Edit- I am American
3,019
views
5
likes
103
all likes
59
replies
5
images
17
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is in Cambodia and is interested in returning to Thailand. They are confused about visa options, as they heard from a British national about visas on arrival at the airport, while they believed they needed to visit the Thai embassy for a visa. Community members clarified that Americans can enter Thailand visa-exempt for 30 days, and must register for the Thailand Pass regardless of the visa method. They discussed the importance of documentation, including proof of accommodation and onward travel, and shared updates about the changing Covid-19 testing requirements, particularly the anticipated removal of the pre-flight PCR test requirement starting April 1.
Monika *******
Everybody coming in to Thailand must have Thai Pass no matter which vise
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Osama ************
I read that Thailand are to cancel Preflight PCR test on April 1st as Cambodia has done on 16 of this month.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Falcon *******
DO NOT LISTEN TO ANYONE ON THIS...GO GET THE FACTS FROM THE EMBASSY....
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Bruce *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Do I take the PCR test upon arrival from Cambodia or do I have to go to a hospital here within 72 hours of arrival to Bangkok and have it ready?
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Osama ************
@Bruce ********
 you probably are staying in dirty/dusty Phnom Penh now and you seem to be unhappy staying in Cambodia for any length of time because of that.

May I suggest you take 2-day trips outside Cambodia? It is easy and cheap travel.

I would recommend you visit:

1) Kampot & Kep city ( I lived in this area for 4 years)

2) Siem Reap (I have been many times to this city)

3) Battambang (I currently live in this city)

Those are nice "country like" areas with a lot of greenery.

You can ask your hotel about the bus ticket and schedule.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Bruce *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 I believe I understand this.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
@Bruce ********
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
@Bruce ********
 you can change the flight to an earlier day but your Thailand Pass is only good for your day you applied and 72 hours after. You cannot arrive earlier than your Thailand Pass says.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Bruce *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 I can always change flight to an earlier day. Say April 2nd. This way I can see if the PCR test is not necessary and save $130 in testing fees.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
@Bruce ********
 Thailand Pass is for a specific day and flight so you have to plan it out.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Bruce *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@MarGuyvin **
 My ticket is for a return flight on April 6th but I want to cut my trip short once I get my Thai pass. April 1st or the day after seems likely.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Marguyvin **********
@Bruce ********
 That depends. Are you waiting until after 1-April to return to Thailand? If you do that, all indications are that they are proceeding with removing the PRE-TEST requirement beginning in April. That will save you about $130 (what I heard is the going rate for RT-PCR in Cambo). If you return sooner, then for sure you will need that pre-test. The on-arrival test in Thailand is still in place...no avoiding that yet. ;)
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Marguyvin **********
Reply
Marguyvin **********
Hi Bruce...nice work making out there to Cambo. Just clearing the air on some things regarding your intentions to return to Thailand eventually. As an American, you are eligible for 30-day visa exempt entry to Thailand, with ability to extend one-time additional 30-days while in country, with the caveat that I.O.'s have the discretion on approving you to enter. On your arrival at border entry point (for example, at the airport), when you hand your passport the I.O. will then determine both from your previous travel patterns and from their evaluation upon asking you questions(e.g. financial viability) whether they judge you as "OK" to approve. ALL OF THIS WAS IN PLACE both B.C. and until now A.C. The new stuff you are referring to, (Test&Go, ThailandPass, ASQ) is related to your health status. Health status a second gating factor to entry and is not evaluated by travel patterns, financial viabilty, etc. It is evaluated by a covid test and vaccination history. With all of this said, you can be denied entry from failure to pass health status(you'll be quarantined), OR failure to be deemed eligible to enter by an immigration officer.

IO = Immig Officer, BC = Before Covid, AC = After Covid
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Nirmal *******
thanks for the response šŸ‘
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Marguyvin **********
@Nirmal ******
 Yes of course you still need to register with T-Pass because that is how the health authorities are screening to control virus spread. Even if you had the almighty(and expensive) Elite Visa, you get no special privileges to avoid having to prove you are "virus safe". ;)
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Nirmal *******
@MarGuyvin **
 do you need a TP to enter on visa exemption? proof of test & go?
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Nirmal *******
Reply
Shayne **********
Check out this post of a person with a visa.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Todd *********
@Kevin *****
 Tenerife for a European island, is amazingly cheap. Vietnam also. Laos cheap, but not nearly as beautiful as Thailand or Vietnam
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Kevin ******
@Todd ********
 and cheap of course. Thailand really isn't cheap anymore. If I was to pick somewhere in S.E Asia think I would go to Vietnam. Even laos great countries
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Todd *********
@Kevin *****
 I like it a lot! Can understand living there!
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Kevin ******
@Todd ********
 lived there in tennerife over 20 years ago selling timeshare.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Todd *********
@Kevin *****
 Canary Islands is a great option too!
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Kevin ******
About wage increase that is
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Kevin ******
@Bruce ********
 talk it will never happen
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Bruce *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kevin *****
 I'm thinking about going to Oaxaca Mexico for a month to try it out. I've also heard nothing but good things about Costa Rica.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Kevin ******
@Todd ********
 all I keep seeing is South America from people, diving is great to apparently. just gotta get my thai partner amd 2 year old son back to UK now. Next hurdle of tbis crazy world. Then who knows !
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Bruce *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Todd ********
 there is talk of raising the minimum wage from 330 baht a day to 490 baht a day. That's going to raise the price of things.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Todd *********
@Kevin *****
 haha, fair enough. Iā€™m happy to stay and less people make it cheaper!

Colombia is a great option, Chile is interesting and Argentina has some magic for sure.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Kevin ******
@Todd ********
 non runners more like. So many people are fed up with Thailand and they just don't see it. They have no sense whatsoever I've lived here 9 years and had enough. The country is gonna be totally fucked soon. South America is the place right now. And will be for the next decade for sure.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Nigel *********
@Bruce ********
 I wouldn't worry too much.... these guys had been in Thailand for 2 years.... they had a decent run... I mean, every country has it's immigration laws, I'm not sure about the US but it's actually quite hard for a thai to get in to the UK. Dress smart, have the 3 Proof ofs. Be polite, have a good story
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Bruce *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
This is making me nervous. I do plan on leaving at the end of May. I just have to take care of a few things first.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Shayne **********
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Shayne **********
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Shayne **********
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Todd *********
@Shayne *********
 the new era of visa runs!!
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Shayne **********
Let's just say they weren't happy at the end of the day. I don't know where they went but they didn't come back to Thailand.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Nigel *********
@Shayne *********
 what happened to this person..... s
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Nigel *********
Reply
Bill ********
They do visas at immigration, not at the embassy. The convenient location in the city is closed
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Bruce *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bill *******
 I went to the Thai embassy here in Cambodia and they told me what to bring to get my Visa.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Nigel *********
@Bill *******
 Not entirely correct
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Nigel *********
Reply
Bruce *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I just left the Thai embassy here in Cambodia. They told me what I need to bring. It's this whole test and go that really has me on edge because I hear about people being denied entry.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Jimmy ***********
@Bruce ********
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Nigel *********
@Bruce ********
 Test and go has nothing to do with being denied entry.. If the IO thinks you're up to no good in thailand OR working illegally he MAY deny you entry.... make sure you have the three proof ofs....that is... 20,000thb in cash, onward ticket and proof of accommodation. Best of luck
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Wylie *******
@Bruce ********
 I think you are confusing test and go with the Thailand Pass. Everybody entering needs to apply for the Thai pass, test and go is just one of the schemes you can select. You won't even be able to board the plane without it
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
@Bruce ********
 the test&go has nothing to do with people being denied entry. The people being denied entry are people who were on Covid extensions and left and returned immediately.

And yes they are denying many people because of this right now. Half a plane of people were denied recently.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Nigel *********
What passport do you have. Makes a difference as to what answer you get. This is where,boring and pedantic as it seems,correct terminology matters.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Alastair ******
@Bruce ********
 Visa Exempt will only give you 30 days. If you want 50 days, you must apply for a Tourist Visa from outside Thailand.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Suchanya *********
@Bruce ********
 Onward ticket.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Nigel *********
@Bruce ********
 sorry, i don't know any... try the search facility
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Bruce *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nigel *********************
 any sites you might suggest to get a rental ticket? Maybe I can get one for 30 days out and one for 60 days out
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Nigel *********
@Bruce ********
 It may be that your carrier will want to see an onward ticket within the initial 30 day period.... if so you can just buy a "rental" ticket quite cheaply on line
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Bruce *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nigel *********************
 I was told to have a flight booked out about 50 days from when I arrived back in Bangkok on April 6th so they give me a 60 day Visa. What are your thoughts on that?
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Nirmal *******
@Nigel *********************
 Thanks Nigel, sorry if this is a stupid question but do I still need a TP to enter?, am also currently in Cambodia & want to get to Bangkok asap
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Nigel *********
@Nirmal ******
 Everyone likes Canadians...yes, have have 30 days visa exempt upon arrival. can extend 30 days
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Nirmal *******
@Nigel *********************
 how about Canadian passport holders?
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Nigel *********
@Bruce ********
 You can get visa exempt 30 days extendable for 30. Visa on Arrival is a whole different beast that I shan't bore you with.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Bruce *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nigel *********************
 American
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Bruce *********
Reply
Stuart *********
As for the ThailandPass that can take anywhere from a few minutes to 7 days or more.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Stuart *********
As a British citizen you can get a visa exempt entry for 30 days.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Stuart *********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members Ā· 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
What are the best visa options for a US passport holder visiting Thailand from Panama for 90 days?
27 comments
a year ago
Can Americans get a visa on arrival in Thailand, or is Visa Exempt Entry sufficient?
7 comments
2 years ago
Can I just show up in Thailand with an American passport using the Visa Exempt scheme?
67 comments
2 years ago
What are the current visa application processes for returning to Thailand after Covid?
5 comments
2 years ago
What are the visa rules for a US citizen returning to Thailand after traveling to Cambodia, and what are the options for extending a stay or marrying a Thai citizen?
43 comments
2 years ago
Will I face issues entering Thailand on a visa exempt status and applying for a tourist visa?
14 comments
2 years ago
What are the current requirements for US citizens entering Thailand and how do they differ from the Visa on Arrival process?
44 comments
2 years ago
What are the visa requirements and re-entry rules for US passport holders traveling to Thailand?
11 comments
2 years ago
What are the entry requirements for U.S. citizens arriving in Thailand without a visa for a short visit?
5 comments
2 years ago
What are the requirements for traveling to Thailand from Vietnam on an American passport with visa exemption?
37 comments
2 years ago
Do I need to apply for an e-visa for a 30-day tourist entry to Thailand from the USA?
9 comments
2 years ago
What do I need to know about getting a visa for Thailand as an American?
27 comments
3 years ago
What are the requirements and steps for reentering Thailand from Cambodia after applying for a visa?
97 comments
3 years ago
Can I return to Thailand with a visa on arrival after my Covid extension ends?
12 comments
3 years ago
Is there a transit visa for Thailand and how does it affect visa-exempt entry for US passport holders?
9 comments
3 years ago
What are the current entry procedures and visa requirements for Thailand for a USA citizen?
4 comments
3 years ago
Can I enter Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption and extend it while in the country?
8 comments
3 years ago
What are the current visa requirements for a 35-day trip to Thailand in November 2021?
7 comments
3 years ago
What entry challenges might US passport holders face when using Visa Exemption or Visa on Arrival in Thailand?
13 comments
4 years ago
What requirements does a US traveler need to enter Thailand without a visa during COVID-19?
53 comments
4 years ago
How can an American expat in Manila apply for a visa to travel to Bangkok, Thailand?
9 comments
4 years ago
What are the requirements for the 30-day visa exempt entry to Thailand?
9 comments
7 years ago
What are the options for Americans applying for a Thai tourist visa from Europe without a residency requirement?
16 comments
7 years ago
Can I visit Cambodia while traveling to Thailand for 16 days, and what visa do I need?
18 comments
7 years ago
What are the visa options for Americans traveling to Thailand between May and June, and how can I avoid overstaying?
25 comments
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.