What is the best visa option for entering Thailand to marry my Thai girlfriend?

Feb 4, 2020
5 years ago
Jamie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello. I plan on entering Thailand in 2 weeks to marry my Thai girlfriend. I’m aware of the process and the paperwork that is required.

My question is; what is the best option for me to enter for 2 months to get everything ready in time? Will immigration allow me to enter on a SETV? I have no overstays or red pen marks, etc. Any tips to ensure entry based on my purpose? Thanks all.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user seeks advice on the best visa option to enter Thailand for 2 months to marry their Thai girlfriend. They are considering a Single Entry Tourist Visa (SETV) but are unsure if it will guarantee entry due to the proximity of their travel date. Community members suggest applying for the SETV online, ensuring to carry proof of funds, lodging, and onward travel, and mention the possibility of entering via a neighboring country to reduce the chances of being denied entry.
Ron *******
A visa in 2 weeks should be pretty doable.

Be sure to read the instruction manual in the link
@T**
provided. It takes you through the application process stage by stage.
Tod *********
All you can do is make sure you have the 3 proof ofz

proof of funds (20K baht or the equivalent) in CASH

proof of onward travel (within 30-60 days)

proof of lodging

Have those, hope for the best AND if you're denied entry by air, see if your airline will let you fly to a neighboring country and then enter thailand by land. You won't have any issues entering by land. It's air entries that get the scrutiny.
Jamie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I hadn't considered this before. Thank you
@Bert ******
for the suggestion.
Bert *******
why not fly to neighbour country from london, and then enter thailand by land? less chance of being denied, and if denied she can try again next day
Tod *********
You apply for ALL thai visas from the thai consulate in London online now. Here's the link;

****************************
Tod *********
The real question IS can you apply online at the thai consulate in London and get everything submitted and approved in time for you to fly here in two weeks. There is no walk up service at the thai consulate in london. it's online.

Seems like you're starting this process awfully close to when you're traveling here :/

IF you don't have the time to get a single entry tourist visa you can fly in and get a 30 day visa exempt entry AND then get a 30 day extension on that for 1900baht at the immigration office once you're here.
Jamie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
There must be a way of entering for the purpose of marriage, it would be an impossible situation if not.
Jamie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
If I get a SETV denied on entry, will I be able to enter via a visa exemption instead? Or, will I be put back on a plane, etc?
Jamie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Interesting. The last time I applied in person, which took two days. I wasn't aware it had changed to online only. I'm surprised it would take so long to approve a SETV. Is it common knowledge that it takes as long as that?

If a SETV isn't possible, is it likely entry via visa exemption will be given, based on the travel history provided? I'm not expecting you to pull out the crystal ball here, just wondering what seems to be standard practice these days?
David **********
You can come as a normal tourist then extend,

No one can tell you what Immigration will do when you get here,
Ellie *******
Try to get SETV in your home country, Immigration officer may or may not let you enter Thailand. Maybe try to flying into smaller airports. Or flying to neighbor country and enter Thailand on land could be an option.

Just s useless though.. Maybe bring all possible papers along with 3-proof-of-s. Don't think any other papers could help much, though. Maybe it helps for IO to be a bit of leniency one of
*****
times if, for example, you have your own wedding invitation and related papers. Anyway if there are some papers, why not bring with you just in case..
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