Ask

Answered4 years ago

What is the best way for an American in Vietnam to obtain a tourist visa for Thailand?

Visa Process Tourist Visa Thailand Visa Visa Extension Americans in Thailand E-Visa

Christopher *********

Christopher *********

OP

asked Sep 29, 2022

2.9k

views

15

replies

6

likes

Hi, 

I'm an American currently in Vietnam.

I'm flying over to Thailand mid-Oct and wanted to stay for 3-months.

Is best option to go on e-visa website and apply for the 60-day tourist visa, then pay for a 30-day extension at immigration after I land? 

I don't want to mess w/ timely border runs or any of that nonsense.

Thank you for your time.

Answer summary

An American currently in Vietnam is seeking advice on the best way to obtain a tourist visa for Thailand for a 3-month stay. The initial plan was to apply for a 60-day tourist visa online and then extend it by 30 days upon arrival. However, due to the distance from the Thai embassies in Vietnam and the related hassles, the individual decided to utilize the 45-day visa exemption upon arrival, followed by a 30-day extension while in Chiang Mai, and subsequently perform a border run to Myanmar to obtain additional time.

15 repliesnewest first

6

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Christopher *********

Christopher *********

OP

*Update* Thanks everyone for the input & advice - glad I checked with this group beforehand.

Anyways, I've decided to NOT apply for a 60-day tourist visa ahead of time.

The reason being is I'm based in Hoi An, Vietnam - and the two embassies in Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh city are quite far away and would require flights, hotel booking, waiting around a few days to process, etc. It's not worth the time & hassle.

So instead - will do the 45-day visa exemption on arrival - then do a 30-day extension while living in Chiang Mai. This will give me 75-days.

After that, will do a border run to Mai Sai, Burma to get another 45-days [has anyone done this recently?]

1

Yogesh *******

Yogesh *******

@Christopher ********

cheapest and quickest would be a direct return flight to HCM. One night there and back next day. So keep some of those dongs. Oh, and no visa fees for many different passport holders both ways.

1

James ********

James ********

@Christopher ********

all Land BORDER locations in Myanmar are CLOSED to foreigners.

1

James ********

James ********

LAOS is open.

0

Tod *********

Tod *********

@Christopher ********

Chiang Khong /Huay Xia is the Lao border you bounce out and back from Chiang Mai, it's about 5 hours from CM city.

There are companies up there that make that run couple times a week or you can figure it out on your own.

1

Christopher *********

Christopher *********

OP

Do you know which Laos route would be easiest from Chaing Mai? Thank you

0

Christopher *********

Christopher *********

OP

oh man, nothing is easy anymore lol. thanks for heads up on this.

1

James ********

James ********

You need to get the SETV Tourist Visa from either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City Thai Embassy/Consulate.

Be sure to read the specific requirements for the tourist visa on their websites.

Ho Chi Minh City requires an appointment to submit your application. At Hanoi you can Walk up to submit your application.

Carefully read the bank statement requirements for the visa.

I have placed the TOPICS of Vietnam on your post...

CLICK on them and all posts about getting a Thai Visa at the Thai Embassy or Consulate in Vietnam will Pop up to read.

2

Christopher *********

Christopher *********

OP

Hi James, thx for the info. I thought I could use the evisa website. it even said this on a pop up about new Sept.26th guidelines stating no longer needed to go physical embassy. Am I missing something? Thx.

0

Ellie *******

Ellie *******

@Christopher ********

That means you don't have to go to the physical embassy ONLY in the country that joins eVisa system, not all around the world.

2

James ********

James ********

@Christopher ********

you use the Evisa online application when you are in your home country.

You are not in your home country. Make application for the tourist visa at a Thai Embassy or Consulate in Vietnam.

Unless you plan on flying from the USA to Thailand.

1

James ********

James ********

@Christopher ********

you are welcome.

1

Christopher *********

Christopher *********

OP

Got it, thx for clarification gentlemen :)

1

Ellie *******

Ellie *******

You are supposed to apply for a visa at the Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate-General in the country where you are currently staying.

The best and right way is to go to the Thai embassy in HCMC or Consulate in Hanoi to apply for SETV.

You will be stamped for 60 days, Then apply for 30 days tourist visa once you are in Thailand. Your stay would be 90 days consecutively, as arrival date is day 1.

10

Dooley ******

Dooley ******

I did this exactly after almost 9 months on the 6 month Multiple Entry Visa.

I went to HCMC Thai Embassy and applied for 60 day. Then in Thailand I extended it by 30 days.

0

Activity

6 joined

Christopher *********

Christopher *********

Christopher *********

Christopher *********

Christopher *********

Christopher *********

6

people

Thai Visa Advice

Thai Visa Advice

...members40% approval

Member 1

Member 2

Member 3

Member 4

Member 5

Member 6

Member 7

Member 8

Conversation Join group

Related

25

Can I enter Thailand on a 30-day visa and extend it while waiting for my METV?

What are the best options for applying for a long-term visa to Thailand for 5 or 6 months?

What is the best visa option for a UK citizen wanting to stay in Thailand for 3-4 months without having 800,000 baht in the bank?

Is it better to get a tourist visa before visiting Thailand or to enter visa-exempt and then apply for an extension?

Will tourist visas for Thailand be obtained online starting January 2025, and what will be the approval time?

What is the best visa option for a 72-day trip to Thailand for UK passport holders?

What visa do I need for a 90-day stay in Thailand from the UK?

Can I get a free 30-day visa upon re-entering Thailand after leaving for Laos?

How can I apply for a 60-day tourist visa to Thailand that can be extended to 90 days?

What are my options for re-entering Thailand after my tourist visa extension in Bangkok?

What steps should my friend take to obtain a visa for a 3-month stay in Thailand from the UK?

How can I obtain a long-term visa to stay in Thailand for a year as a tourist with an invitation letter?

What is the best way for a Canadian to stay in Thailand for 6 months as a tourist?

What is the best way for a UK passport holder to obtain a 90-day visa for Thailand?

Can I apply for a new tourist visa in Thailand after switching from a non-B visa, and what about entering via the visa exemption scheme?

Can I apply for a tourist visa while in Thailand, or do I need to do it from another country?

What are the options for extending a visa after the initial 45 days on arrival in Thailand?

What are the best visa options for a UK citizen looking to stay in Thailand for 90 days without leaving?

Should I apply for a visa online or in person for a 90-day stay in Thailand?

What is the process for staying in Thailand for more than a month?

What are the instructions and requirements for securing a tourist visa to Thailand from the USA?

What is the process for obtaining a tourist visa and extension in Thailand via e-visa?

What is the best visa option for a 60-day stay in Thailand for a UK citizen?

Can I apply for a tourist visa in Thailand without a return flight?

What are the options for extending a tourist visa in Thailand for a family with UK passports?

Resources

Cannabis shops near me Retirement visa extension eSIM for Thailand LTR visa qualification

Need help with your Thai visa?