Answered4 years ago
What is the easiest and most cost-effective way to apply for a 60-day tourist visa in Thailand?
Hi all. I have entered and re-entered Thailand via Air over the past 7 or so months using visa exemption stamps and 30-day extensions. However, I noticed upon my most recent entry that the immigration officer started to ask more questions than usual, so I suspect my luck is running out using this method.
Next time I plan to leave the country and apply for an actual 60-day tourist visa to ensure I'm granted entry. What is the most cost efficient and easiest way to do this? I've heard good things about the overnight sleep train to laos there and back. Is it recommended?
(note- I'm aware I could just fly to another country but I'm exploring other land based options)
Thanks!
Next time I plan to leave the country and apply for an actual 60-day tourist visa to ensure I'm granted entry. What is the most cost efficient and easiest way to do this? I've heard good things about the overnight sleep train to laos there and back. Is it recommended?
(note- I'm aware I could just fly to another country but I'm exploring other land based options)
Thanks!
Answer summary
The conversation revolves around an expat's experience with visa regulations in Thailand, discussing the potential challenges of relying on visa exemptions and the need for a proper 60-day tourist visa. The expat inquired about the most economical and straightforward methods to acquire this visa, considering a train journey to Laos. Responses suggest that while applying for a 60-day visa is generally advisable, it does not guarantee entry, and past immigration patterns could affect re-entry. Several commenters recommend Savannakhet in Laos as a favorable option for obtaining a visa without an appointment, also cautioning against overly frequent border runs. Some suggest exploring alternatives like the Elite or Long-Term Resident (LTR) visas for longer stays.
28 repliesnewest first
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Abbie ********
At this moment in time I wouldn't do anymore flying in and out of the country, we did this and just yesterday we were stopped at immigration and held to one side for over an hour and we weren't allowed back in the country unless we had a pre-booked flight ticket to another country, we are looking to get a visa now which I think is your best option too
Eric *******
Two visa exemptions prolonged and then a proper 60 days tourist visa, you should be ok for this time (if you don't look like a hippie too much and even if land borders are easier on looks than airports).
However, after you extend this last one for another 30 days here in the country,, you're done for a good chunk of months, during which you're gonna have to show your face elsewhere buddy.
Take care.
However, after you extend this last one for another 30 days here in the country,, you're done for a good chunk of months, during which you're gonna have to show your face elsewhere buddy.
Take care.
Incognia **********
Go Savannakhet.I just got yesterday.And entered yesterday.Without any hassle.No question(my history is even very long stay in Thailand.Enter from Mukdahan the best choice
Craig **********
OP@Stelar ******
did you just get a bus from Bangkok to Savannakhet? Were you able to cross over and get the tourist visa and come back same day? Cheers!Incognia **********
@Craig *********
i went by my motorbike.Came back tomorrow.Not in same day.Applied morning.Got visa tomorrow 2pm.Already processing 2days.
Steve *******
Laos is probably your best bet, however having a visa doesn't guarantee you entry, it'll be mainly down to your past history of entries.
Philip *****
For extra peace of mind it might be worth applying for the Elite Visa.
Craig **********
OP@Philip *******
I'm only planning on staying here until summer.. it would be a waste of moneyTodd *********
@Philip *******
the only application criteria for 'elite' is 1 million baht. But applying for LTR is a much better situation if you have the means.Incognia **********
@Todd ********
*****
0baht also 5 years.Todd *********
@Stelar ******
true. Or 50k baht for 10 years of LTR. I prefer spending 50k to spending a million for the same thing.
Roberto *********
Your time as a "tourist" may be drawing to a close, irrespective whether you have a "tourist visa" or visa exempt. You cannot live continuously as a tourist in Thailand, and eventually you'll be denied entry. Perhaps it's time to be looking at a substantive visa if you're planning on spending a long period here?
Roberto *********
@Todd ********
And many are also denied entry. But if people want to keep scampering to borders to keep their tourism visa up to date I guess it's their call. In my younger days I travelled more, visiting a variety of countries in the region. These days it seems people just want to stay in Thailand. That's why they created the Elite Visa. But not good for Cheap CharliesTodd *********
@Roberto ********
some are definitely denied. Not sure ‘many’ would be accurate. But none of will ever know the real answer 🤷♂️And yes, they even went a big step better than Elite with LTR visas. But ur right, not for cc crowdTodd *********
@Roberto ********
you actually can though. And many thousands do. And have for decades. The challenge for people under 50 to find ‘substantive visa’ in Thailand is an issue. Which is why the ‘underground’ so strongly existsRichard *********
all depends on where in Thailand you are>>
Richard *********
Fly to PP ( Less than $100 R/T) and use an agent ,visa is than $60
Todd *********
@Richard ********
Or fly to Phu Quoc. No entry visa required.Todd *********
@Richard ********
yes, that is true. Only re-entry on a 45 day (until 31 Mar). But I'm not sure at all that the 60 day visa is going to be a difference maker for the op.Richard *********
@Todd ********
cant get a thai visa thereCraig **********
OP@Richard ********
BangkokTodd *********
The 60 day visa does NOT guarantee entry unfortunately. It’s good to have in hand though especially as luck may be running out. Penang is a good option. Vientiane. Phnom Penh. All good.
Remember you are only allowed 2 land entries per year
Remember you are only allowed 2 land entries per year
Stuart *********
@Todd ********
Two land entries using visa exempt. No limit if using an actual visa.Todd *********
@Stuart ********
thx 🙏 good to know!!
Brandon ************
If you go to Vientiane they require an appointment to apply for a visa.
Savannakhet accepts walkins with no appointment necessary.
All the requirements are on the website of each consulate and they are very strict on them.
Please note that having a tourist visa does not guarantee you'll be let into Thailand. Someone that's been in Thailand will be very easy to be denied entry and told they are not a tourist, because they're not a tourist after 7+ months.
Savannakhet accepts walkins with no appointment necessary.
All the requirements are on the website of each consulate and they are very strict on them.
Please note that having a tourist visa does not guarantee you'll be let into Thailand. Someone that's been in Thailand will be very easy to be denied entry and told they are not a tourist, because they're not a tourist after 7+ months.
Craig **********
OP@Brandon ***********
so in your opinion it is not worth applying for the tourist visa instead of an exemption considering my travel history? It would not influence the immigration officers decision at all? Thanks for the replyBrandon ************
@Craig *********
the odds are better with a tourist visa than without one. Especially if re-entering through land border with Laos since they are known to be lax. But you're probably running out of time that you'll be allowed in Thailand without a long term visa.Craig **********
OP@Brandon ***********
It should be the last time I'm re-entering for a while as I'm moving elsewhere in 3 months. Thanks for the help!Activity
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