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What is the best option for a 4-6 month trip in Thailand considering visa requirements?

Thailand Visa Tourist Visa Visa Extension STV Visa Travel Plans Immigration Advice

Nov 7, 2021

3 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi guys,

I am trying to figure out how to make a 4-6 month trip in Thailand work. The arrival would be at the beginning of December. 

The STV visa is just too difficult for me to figure out. I was thinking of doing a tourist visa for 60 days and then extend another 30. By that time, hopefully  some restrictions will have loosened up and there will be a decent place to jump out and then jump back into from. Does this seem like a sensible plan? If not does anyone  any other suggestions? 

Also, since the Tourist Visa requires a flight out of the country before it can be granted, does the ticket need to be timed within the 60 day period or can it be 90 days out? 

Thanks, look forward to hearing from you all.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user plans to spend 4-6 months in Thailand starting December and seeks advice on visa options. They consider a Tourist Visa for 60 days, extendable for 30 days, and express concern about the complexities of the STV visa. Comments suggest that the Tourist Visa combined with an onward ticket might be a sensible choice, but caution is advised due to current border restrictions and the need for a timely exit flight. Users share personal experiences and alternative suggestions, highlighting the changing nature of visa regulations amid the pandemic.

Bä ****

Options to get around a RETURN TICKET or ONWARD TICKET.....See options below:

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Todd *********

The border run days are long gone 😂

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Brett **********

How is the STV too complicated? Youve got to show pretty much the same paperwork as any other visa application. Believe me, sealing with immigration over here is more difficult/time consuming. You should do anything you can to avoid it.

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Jaren ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

**********************************************************

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/28/special-tourist-visa-stv/

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Jaren ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I don't have to show a medical exam and a fbi background check to get a tourist visa.

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Brett **********

that must be new then as I didn't have to show that for an STV. Was identical to TV but just had to prove I had more funds. Medical certificate and check was required for an o-a visa. Maybe US consulate is stricter than UK

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Jay ********

@Brett *********

I've been looking at the STV and not seen any requirement for proof of funds? What was required?

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Brett **********

just a bank statement showing minimum of

*****

baht so nothing too crazy if they're now wanting criminal checks and health checks that may have changed.

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Jay ********

@Brett *********

Did you apply recently? Lots of people seem very negative about the STV, how did the application process go for you?

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Brett **********

I did it in July and it was easy, however I then decided to get an O-A instead as they they weren't going to stop the extensions on the STV. In the end though, they renewed for another year. Lot of people's negatively to the STV is that they feel it's restrictive insofar as it cannot be converted to another type of visa however, if you know that you just want 3-9 months and you won't have any need for longer then it seems.to.make perfect sense to me

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Brett **********

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Craig *******

Some countries (Canada) only care about the outgoing flight, not the return.

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Mark *********

I got asked by Cathay 3 days ago when leaving YVR to HK AND BKK for a return ticket.

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Mark *********

I have a 90 day visa and a return ticket from Thailand.

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Craig *******

did you have a one way ticket? Did you have TR or were you entering visa exempt? There is always a risk with airlines, but if faced with that I would simply ask them to sell me a fully refundable ticket out.

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Craig *******

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Aaron *************

Stv is fine, just collecting the right paper work.

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Wannikea *********

60 day changeable flight out and tourist visa that you can extend once, visa exempt is not enough time and will require an extension regardless.

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Phill ******

come in visa exempt , and go from there .

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Jaren ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thinking of doing that too, but again, just not sure where i'd border jump to. The extra 30 days from the TV gives me a bit more time for things to potentially chill out.

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Michael ********

yes agree extra 30 days possible borders opening Jan 1st but who knows

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Greg ********

The TR gives you that 30 day cushion. Go for it.

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Phill ******

you carnt border hop anywhere atm . all borders are still closed . thing here change every day , come VE and take it as it comes .

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Phill ******

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Jared **********

I’m hoping for 5 months myself, I got a TR 60 already and showed my onward ticket for 89 days. I’m hoping there will either be a visa run option or Covid extension to extend the last 60 days. Worse case scenario is hopefully a nearby country is on the list for test and go upon return.

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Jaren ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks, where did you get your flight ticket out to? Back to your home country?

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Jaren ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Ok great, so Malaysia is a possibility to travel to. I'm currently unaware of their travel situation. Do they have strict quarantine restrictions? I imagine you'd have to travel somewhere after your 90 days right?

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Jared **********

I bought a $70 one way ticket to Malaysia, which I should be able to cancel after I arrive

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Jared **********

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Paul *******

Currently boarder jumps by land are not possible. All are closed..

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Michael ********

Probably the best plan (agree stv is too restrictive)

You best plan to have an onward ticket @ 60 days or less.

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Michael ********

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