What entry challenges might US passport holders face when using Visa Exemption or Visa on Arrival in Thailand?

USA Passport Holder Visa Exemption Visa on Arrival Thailand Entry Requirements COVID-19 Regulations Certificate of Entry Travel from Cambodia Insurance Requirements Quarantine Regulations

Jun 15, 2021

3 years ago

Bruce *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello, has anyone who qualifies for Visa on Arrival/visa exemption experienced any problems entering Thailand?  

(I'm a US passport holder, traveling from Cambodia. I've searched the group, just want to double-check, thanks.)

1,438

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion centers on the experiences of US passport holders entering Thailand using Visa Exemption or Visa on Arrival. It clarifies the distinction between the two, stating that Visa on Arrival is effectively inactive, and only Visa Exemption applies for entry without advance purchase. Participants emphasize the requirements for Visa Exemption, including proof of health insurance, a negative COVID test, hotel quarantine bookings, and a Certificate of Entry. There are also concerns regarding transitioning to other visa types after entering on a Visa Exemption.

Brahim ******

I did yes with a kilometer of non wanted questions cause I enter thailand every 6 months when I have a break from work.

3 years ago

Ben ********

I have heard conflicting opinions on whether you can transition to other visa types if you enter on exempt. Anybody have first hand experience with this? It scared me enough that I went ahead and got a tourist visa as I plan to transition to education visa.

3 years ago

Maxim ***********

You need to transition to Non o first, then to something else. There is no conflicting report, its been like that forever.

3 years ago

Alastair ******

@Ben *******

I arrived on Visa Exempt, and have now changed to Ed Visa 👍🏼

3 years ago

Bruce *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Alastair *****

Thanks for sharing that. I'm looking to do something similar.

3 years ago

Reply to

Bruce *************

Jonas *************

Well it worked for me to non-o 90 days and then retirement visa, however, you need to have 15 days left of your stay, so I had to do extension first.

3 years ago

Bruce *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ben *******

I’d like to hear more in this. Maybe make a post to get more attention.

3 years ago

Reply to

Bruce *************

Tod *********

Entering as an american passport holder on a visa exempt entry isn't going to be a problem as long as you meet the entry requirements

- proof of 100K USD in covid specific insurance

- negative RT-PCR covid test within 72 hours of your flight

- booked 14 day quarantine at an approves ASQ Hotel

- Certificate of Entry from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

3 years ago

Bruce *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Never figured out that diff between VOA and exempt, but yes, this is what I'm asking about. Thanks.

3 years ago

Tod *********

@Bruce ************

visa exempt means you come from one of the 51 countries where when you show up without a visa you get in for free anyway <- hence the catchy name "visa exempt" :P

visa on arrival means you come from one of the 19 countries where when you show up here you buy a visa at the port of entry for 2000baht and it's good for 15 days.

As I said visa on arrivals are cancelled and have been cancelled since march 26th 2020. ..

They are whores from different go-go bars.. as different as apples and durian :P

3 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

news flash, no one is traveling into thailand on a "visa on arrival" <- that program was for people from 19 countries who BOUGHT visas for 15 days when the arrived here.

You are talking about a visa exempt entry <- which is for people from 51 countries who come here without having bought a thai visa before hand yet who get stamped in for free (the program used to be for 30 days but it is now a 45 day visa exempt entry to cover your time in quarantine)

3 years ago

Michael ********

Deimos Phobos next time your arriving the airport you will see the visa on arrival area.

3 years ago

Tod *********

Deimos Phobos visas on arrival for 15 days were bought by OR sold to the people from those 19 countries when they showed up at the borders and airports for 2000 baht

3 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 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 current entry requirements and potential fees for traveling to Thailand for US passport holders in August 2023?

30 comments