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What is the difference between a single-entry tourist visa and a visa exemption for staying in Thailand?
Thai visavisa exemptionTourist visaNon-O visavisa extensionimmigration rulesexpat travel Thailandvisa policies
Jan 17, 2026
3 months ago
John *******
ORIGINAL POSTERI'm still a little confused (just saying that will create some unfortunate comments) 😂
If before coming to Thailand l get a single entry 90 day visa, apparently after 60 days l must get a 30 day extension at an immigration office and still pay 1900 Baht ??? So the only difference if that is correct is the cost of the Tourist visa from the Embassy against the 60 day visa exempt on arrivals.
If before coming to Thailand l get a single entry 90 day visa, apparently after 60 days l must get a 30 day extension at an immigration office and still pay 1900 Baht ??? So the only difference if that is correct is the cost of the Tourist visa from the Embassy against the 60 day visa exempt on arrivals.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation clarifies the differences between a single-entry 90-day Non-O visa and a tourist visa that grants 60 days upon entry, which can be extended by 30 days for 1900 Baht. It discusses the conditions under which these visas can be used and the necessity of applying for extensions. Community members emphasize that both the tourist visa and visa exemption offer similar initial stays, but the Non-O visa provides a longer stay without the need for an extension within the first 90 days, which can lead to confusion among expats.
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Leif *******
The possible difference on the 90 day tourist visa is that you don't need a ticket out from Thailand before the first 60 days are over. With Visa free entry you will need a ticket out.
Ian **********
I understand exactly what you are saying, but others seem confused. You are talking about getting a single-entry tourist (TR) visa (60-day), which can be extended in-country for a further 30 days for 1900 baht. This costs about £30, so you would only get one if you have a history of long-term stays in Thailand using visa-exempt entries. If you don't, then there is no point getting the visa, as a free visa-exempt entry will give you the same time in Thailand.
John *******
ORIGINAL POSTERIan Morrison my only query was if you bought a 60 day TV, do immigration look at you more favourable why applying for a 30 day extension. I know it's the individual officer's final say
Ian **********
John Moore If you've no history of staying long-term in Thailand, then getting an extension is a formality. They are only clamping down on people who have abused the visa-exempt system by staying long-term and doing border bounces.
John *******
ORIGINAL POSTERIan Morrison thanks l've been a good boy then 😉
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John *******
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Lynnette *******
Maybe explain what it is you are trying to do. How long do you want to visit for? Are you wanting a long stay beyond 9 days or a couple months holiday?
John *******
ORIGINAL POSTERLynnette Munoz l have since found out from other posts, a single tourist visa is the same 60 days as Visa exempt. And the 90 days is the time you have to activate from being issued from a Embassy. Easy now 😂
Lynnette *******
John Moore Lol. Ok, yes I see where you got muddled.
John *******
ORIGINAL POSTERLynnette Munoz yes quite easy for me 🙏
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John *******
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Greg ***********
John Moore you pay a fee for a service done by Immigration, you do not pay for the extension itself 🙂
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Greg ***********
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Jay *******
No, you get 90 days no visit to immigration with a Non O
Edit: it appears you are getting a 60 day tourist visa that you can extend by 30 days confused with a 90 day Non O
Both a tourist visa and a visa exempt stamp give you 60 days that you can extend by 30 days with a trip to immigration. Neither one is a 90 day visa. Only the Non O is a 90 day visa.
Edit: it appears you are getting a 60 day tourist visa that you can extend by 30 days confused with a 90 day Non O
Both a tourist visa and a visa exempt stamp give you 60 days that you can extend by 30 days with a trip to immigration. Neither one is a 90 day visa. Only the Non O is a 90 day visa.
Anthony ******************
@Jay ******
i arruced Tuesday. They stamped me in for 90 days, ny daughter 60 days. N9t an issue as wecobly plane to stay for one month. It depends on your xountrt of oassport and any visa you migjt hild.Jay *******
Anthony van der Craats if you came in visa exempt and they stamped you in for 90 days, then they made a mistake at immigration
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Jay *******
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John *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jay ******
yes l understand thank youJay *******
John Moore it can be very confusing, I understand.
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Jay *******
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Night *******
On a visa exemption or as a tourist visa, it is now almost impossible to open a bank account. You can enter Thailand without a visa if you already have a bank account. You can first obtain a Non-O and then an extension. For Nob-O inside Thailand, you must also show that the money has come from outside. For an extension, you just show the money. you don't have to show if it has come from outside or been stolen inside Thailand. :)
Brandon ************
I don't really know what you are talking about.
A single entry 90-day visa is a non-O visa.
If you are talking about a tourist visa, then it's not a 90-day visa, it's a tourist visa that grants 60 days on entry. It currently grants the same number of days on entrance as visa exempt. There is no benefit to getting a tourist visa if you qualify for visa exempt, unless you have been abusing visa exempt entries and have been warned you will not be allowed back in without a visa.
A single entry 90-day visa is a non-O visa.
If you are talking about a tourist visa, then it's not a 90-day visa, it's a tourist visa that grants 60 days on entry. It currently grants the same number of days on entrance as visa exempt. There is no benefit to getting a tourist visa if you qualify for visa exempt, unless you have been abusing visa exempt entries and have been warned you will not be allowed back in without a visa.
John *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
sorry l understand now the single entry tourist visa must be used before 90 days from issued. ThanksJohn *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
thanksJayne ********
@Brandon ***********
We are thinking of spending 3 months every winter with my sister in CM so can you extend the tourist visa after the 60 days to get 90 days in total and if so do you have to pay for the extension? Thank youJacinthe ********
Jayne Stuart Only for 3 months, you enter with visa exemption and before the 60 days, you go to immigration and get a 30 days extension for 1900 tb. No need a tourist visa for only 3 months.
Greg ***********
Jayne Stuart you pay a fee for the application to a service done by Immigration, you do not pay for the extension
Night *******
Jayne Stuart If your intention is just to spend 90 days in a year, you don't need a Non-O. You always pay for an extension. Extensions are not free.
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Night *******
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