Answered2 years ago
What potential issues should I expect at immigration in Bangkok when arriving on a visa exemption as an Irish citizen?
Arriving in BKK shortly, with a return flight 73 days later.
We are intending to get a 60 day stay using the visa exemption programme (Irish citizens) and immediately apply for a 13 day extension at a local immigration office. We have the visa extension form and have completed it.
If there are any issues, we can fly to SIN for a day or two.
Are there likely to be any issues at immigration in BKK on our first arrival in the Kingdom?
We are intending to get a 60 day stay using the visa exemption programme (Irish citizens) and immediately apply for a 13 day extension at a local immigration office. We have the visa extension form and have completed it.
If there are any issues, we can fly to SIN for a day or two.
Are there likely to be any issues at immigration in BKK on our first arrival in the Kingdom?
Answer summary
The user is concerned about potential issues at immigration in Bangkok upon arrival with a return flight scheduled 73 days later. They plan to use the visa exemption program for a 60-day stay and apply for a 13-day extension. Community responses indicate that airlines are more likely to enforce the onward ticket rule than immigration officials, with suggestions that an onward flight ticket may be needed at check-in. The ability to apply for an extension varies, often requiring a waiting period before applying (typically between 7 to 45 days before the visa expires). Overall, the consensus suggests preparing an onward ticket can alleviate potential problems.
46 repliesnewest first
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Bent *************
You can’t get the30 days extension I the airport or Immigration as soon as you arrive! Must wait until less than a couple of weeks before 60 days expore
David ********
never once been asked for an outward ticket
Benjamin *********
You'll be fine, don't worry about it. If you need peace of mind, book a dummy ticket from an onward ticket website. For stamp extention you may need to wait until 45 or 30 days remaining instead of doing it immediately.
Glenn *********
OPI was hoping NOT to go to KL. I have (so far) a single ticket for KL. That will get me past airline/immigration difficulties.
If the Office in Hua Hin will not issue an extension pre-Xmas, I can a) go to KL or b) go to the immigration office in Kantang before the 60 days are up.
If the Office in Hua Hin will not issue an extension pre-Xmas, I can a) go to KL or b) go to the immigration office in Kantang before the 60 days are up.
Tim ********
I have flown to BKK 15 times over the last 7 years some one way mostly round trip I have never had any issues with airline or immigration. This last trip I arrived on July 13th (yep stupid on my part two days and I would have gotten the 60 day) my departure is Dec 13. They only gave me 30 days 2 days before I went to immigration and receive 30 more days. Went to taiwan came back received 60 days went to immigration got the other 30 days current visa expires on the 13th dec leaving same day. What I'm saying i have never had any issues when I come back in June I am applying for the 5 year visa I will see how that works
Richard ********
@Tim *******
I’ve flown to Bangkok 9 times in the last 12 months and been questioned 3 times and had to show onwards ticket once.Glenn *********
OPSo, I now have a flight to KL booked. Therefore Lufthansa and immigration at BKK will be happy. I'll try to get an extension at the immigration office in Hua Hin shortly after arrival... and wing it from there.
If needs be, we'll fly to KL and return shortly afterwards, well before we depart for the Trang islands.
I certainly don't want to be put up at the "Bangkok Hilton" at all...
If needs be, we'll fly to KL and return shortly afterwards, well before we depart for the Trang islands.
I certainly don't want to be put up at the "Bangkok Hilton" at all...
Stuart *********
@Glenn ********
Why would you need an extension? Obviously depends on the dates you’re proposing to go to KL but if that’s within 60 days you don’t need an extension
Tony *********
My return flight to England is 120 days after my flight to Thailand. No one asked it said anything. IO examined my tickets and passport carefully, as usual. They stamped it for 60 days.
Emirates staff never said anything either
Emirates staff never said anything either
Luit *****************
@Tony ********
People not caught while they do not comply to the rules should not be a recommendation for others to ignore the rules.Tony *********
@Luit ****************
are you insinuating I have broke some rules? If so then I’d like to know whichLuit *****************
@Tony ********
you suggest in your post only a return flight in 120 days. If you also have an onward flight, you might have mentioned that to complete your story.Tony *********
@Luit ****************
are you under the impression I won’t have onward travel within 60 days?Luit *****************
@Tony ********
Quite simple, one of the requirements for visa exempt is having onward travel within 60 days.Richard ********
@Tony ********
not guaranteed though.Tony *********
@Richard *******
maybe, but I didn’t have any problems. I’m just adding a positive slant to it to level up the scalesRichard ********
@Tony ********
I think in these situations it’s better to air on the side of caution.
Dennis *********
Praying for early implementation of the eta system and this question posted multiple times a day, just goes away. Only to be replaced by why was my eta denied, at least will be a change.
Johnnie ********
No issues, I just signed a waiver for airline liability
Simple
Simple
Bart **************
@Johnnie *******
this should happen a lot more often. Leave the responsibility with the traveler. Where it should be.Luit *****************
@Bart *************
Where the responsibility is, is a bit more complicated, Thai government is putting this responsibility to the airlines, because this prevents people coming to the country without the correct requirements, just as they check for a valid passport.Luit *****************
@Bart *************
I agree with you, but why do people see it as normal their passport is checked, and is there aways discussion about visa and other requirements.Bart **************
@Luit ****************
they put it to the airlines strangely enough to protect travelers. If airlines wouldn't pre-check entry eligibility, nothing stops the Thai authorities from still doing that and just let people fly back. But that's an expensive joke; the airline will charge whatever they want and if you can't enter Thailand you have not much of a choice but paying (or even taking debt). So the intention is good, but it puts airlines in a aan uncomfortable spot. Obviously they cannot refuse a paying customer who is eligible to enter. As the fines that countries impose take away any room for the opposite error, they don't have room for any. They must always make the exact right decision. Travelers however are less likely to step up for their right, so in case of doubt, it's understandable they go for the refusal. So a measure that aims to protect travelers actually makes paying customers who are eligible to enter getting refused boarding.
Travelers are required by the airline's terms and conditions to take care of their own entry eligibility anyways. So the waiver could solve the above challenge. If they'd do this more often and consider the pre-check on entry eligibility just advisory, then all those unjust refusals could be a thing of the past.
Glenn *********
OPAny idea how long it takes to approve a 90 day e visa??
Graham ******
@Glenn ********
Check the Embassy website as they are all differentStuart *********
@Glenn ********
Via the London embassy usually only around 3-5 working days. Use the evisa system here.
************************
Jay ****
Buy a dummy for sure.
Luit *****************
@Jay ***
dummy tickets don't exist and if they existed are useless, because at check-in they can check.What you mean are tickets that are bought on your name and then cancelled after a number of hours, something you also can do yourself with any fee.
Myles *******
Best onward ticket is your friend
Pete *******
To arrive on visa exemption your exit ticket must be within the granted 60 day period. You won’t get as far as BKK as you may be denied boarding depending on the airline policy. When you can get the extension depends on the policy of the Immigration office your applying to.
Glenn *********
OPMmm. Flying with Lufthansa.
Marc ********
@Glenn ********
Lufthansa most likely asks for onward ticketBart **************
@Glenn ********
German strictness. Prepare to be forced to buy a ticket.The one time in the past I did the same, it was also with Lufthansa, and they were strict.
Luit *****************
@Bart *************
I experienced same with LufthansaStuart *********
@Glenn ********
No idea on their policy. You could try and call them to ask.Bart **************
@Stuart ********
calling will not help. Even if they are not very strict at the counter, on the phone they would never reveal that. But I suspect they might be strict at the counter anyway so at least a backup plan is needed.
Richard ********
@Stuart ********
if he call they will say he cannot I never had problem with Lufthansa flying with a one way ticket 99,99% of the time no one check this the best thing is to do a self check-in with only cabin luggage
Luit *****************
@Stuart ********
Why should they need more than carry on luggage?you can buy anything you want in Thailand, but then you need extra luggage going home.
Richard ********
@Stuart ********
yes I always travel light with only cabin luggage even for 6 months or more but up to them they can even ship a container if they want !!!!Stuart *********
@Richard *******
They have those, but would you want to limit yourself for 73 days with a carry on bag only?Richard ********
@Stuart ********
no laundry and shops in Thailand ?Stuart *********
@Richard *******
If they’re coming for 73 days I suspect they may need more than carry on luggage.Stuart *********
You may have an issue with your airline who may insist on a ticket out of Thailand within the allowed 60 days. Some insist some don’t seem to care. Immigration almost certainly wouldn’t have an issue. They rarely ask for onward ticket details.
You can’t get an extension right away. You’d need to wait a bit to apply. Some offices allow 45 days prior, most 30 days prior, but some only 7 days or less.
If you were going to go to Singapore then that solves both issues. If you have a ticket there (within 60 days) then the airline will be covered. When you come back from Singapore you’ll get a new 60 day stamp so won’t need an extension anyway.
You can’t get an extension right away. You’d need to wait a bit to apply. Some offices allow 45 days prior, most 30 days prior, but some only 7 days or less.
If you were going to go to Singapore then that solves both issues. If you have a ticket there (within 60 days) then the airline will be covered. When you come back from Singapore you’ll get a new 60 day stamp so won’t need an extension anyway.
Richard ********
@Stuart ********
this is the best adviceGraham ******
Your issue could be with your airline at check-in as they usually apply the onward ticket rule. In most places you cannot get the 30 day extension until you have 30 days remaining, a few places just 7 days.
Brandon **********
Not on arrival but ur airline might hold u up at departure
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