Answered3 years ago

What options does my friend have for traveling to Thailand without his eVisa in time?

Thailand Visa eVisa Issues Visa Exemption Travel Options for Expats Onward Travel Requirements Visa Extension Procedures

Ken *************

asked May 19, 2023

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My friend (not on Facebook) booked a 45 day trip on Ana airlines.  When applying for EVisa from LA he had a bunch of problems with their payment and it didn't get sorted until 11 business days before he leaves next week. He doesn't expect the visa in time and now is exploring other options, like a quick trip out/back to ensure the airline lets him board.

Any advice from this group on options?

Answer summary

The poster's friend is concerned about not receiving his eVisa in time for a 45-day trip to Thailand. Comments suggest that he can enter Thailand without a visa under the visa exemption policy, which allows a 30-day stay. It is advised that he book a short onward flight out of Thailand, such as to Kuala Lumpur, to meet entry requirements. If his eVisa arrives after he enters Thailand, he would need to exit and re-enter to activate it. Alternatively, he can also extend his stay at Immigration if needed.

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Steve *******

Book a cheap onward flight/travel within 30 days.

3 years ago

Mitchell *******

As Stuart says, Yes, come in on visa exempt. Book a short flight to Kuala Lumpur to satisfy the proof of onward travel within the initial 30 days. If your visa doesn't come through, you will either have to leave the country for a few days (go to Kuala Lumpur etc) or get an extension at Immigration.

3 years ago

Gorgon *****

exactly my situation last fall..received my delayed evisa on the very day my (then) 45 day visa exempt expired. Entered Laos then to initiate it, and critical to have onward flight booked to satisfy departure within limits of the visa exempt period..it is totally the airline's scrutiny, admission for visa exempt went without a hitch...(Canadian PP and departure point)

3 years ago

Stuart *********

He can enter with no visa and would get 30 days on arrival. He can extend that in country once for 30 days. If his visa arrives after arrival he’d need to leave an reenter to activate it.

If worried about boarding he can get an “onward ticket”. Google it and you’ll find loads of companies selling them.

3 years ago

Christopher *******

@Stuart ********

delta initially denied me boarding because my trip was 31 days. This seems to happen frequently. I booked a 120 dollar throw away ticket to Cambodia. Delta wasn't even interested in it. They just called their supervisors and put on some sort of override.

My question is, yes, your friend can get in, AND pay for an extension if needed. But if there is already an approval in the works, does it absolutely have to be issued bunches LA consulate?

3 years ago

Ken *************

@Christopher ******

There are four US sites. I used the Washington office (told they handle Texas) for myself and son (wife/daughter have Thai passport). That office took 11 business days for me, but about 20 for my son. The Evisa is not set up for family/children. They came back twice asking for more info for my son

3 years ago