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What should a UK citizen consider when traveling to Thailand for 32 days under a visa-exempt entry?

Visa ExemptionThailand VisaSETVTourist VisaImmigrationVisa Application ProcessOverstay PenaltiesNon-O VisaTravel Tips for Expats
May 28, 2018
6 years ago
David ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
UK citizen.Booking flights for Xmas/New Year 32 days from arrival to departure at BKK. 2 days over the visa exempt. Been 12 hrs over in the past and no issues.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A UK citizen is planning to travel to Thailand for 32 days, which exceeds the 30-day visa exemption period. Previous experiences indicate that minor overstays (up to 12 hours) resulted in no issues, but there are concerns about potential problems with airlines at check-in without a proper visa. Suggestions include applying for a Single Entry Tourist Visa (SETV) before traveling, as it allows a longer stay and avoids overstay fees, which can reach 1000 baht after a two-day grace period. Recommendations also point to the importance of ensuring proof of residence when requesting a visa extension in Thailand.
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Rab *****
Its 25-30 quid for a 60day tourist visa in UK. Why not pay it and save yourself any hassle
6 years ago
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David ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Exactly my thoughts
6 years ago
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David ***********
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Brian **********
Hi, I sent in my application for a SETV last November 3 weeks before travel, along with a self addressed prepaid special delivery envelope which is a bit cheaper than the £10 fee. Posted on the monday and it arrived back on the Thursday. I’ll be doing the same this year.
6 years ago
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Ադամ ********
Why do so many people plan on short overstays?
6 years ago
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David ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
It's mt sister-in-laws birthday the day after we arrive and my twin granddaughters 5th birthday the day before we leave.

Looks like it's best to apply at the Thai embassy in London.
6 years ago
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David ***********
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Steve *******
It's possible you'll have issues boarding the flight with no visa and no return flight/onward travel within 30 days
6 years ago
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Bill *********
All up to your circumstances
@David **********
. It would be less hassle for myself to just come into the Kingdom on a Visa exempt if i wanted 32 days 👍👍
6 years ago
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David ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Looks like applying to the Thai embassy is the way forward then 👍
6 years ago
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Steve *******
@Bi**
. Yes, let's hope the OP's ok, I was just putting it out there as a possibility.
6 years ago
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Bill *********
@Steve ******
 But if thai immigration did'nt give the extension then they would give 7 days get out of thailand stamp, so I think the OP will be OK in this scenario 🤔😁
6 years ago
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Steve *******
@Bi**
. Fair enough but I know a couple people who were refused boarding at Heathrow without the correct visa. The extention of stay in Thailand is at the discresion of the Immigration Officer so it's not a 100% given.
6 years ago
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Bill *********
The person will be travelling within the immigration laws by explaining my above post and I have never had a problem travelling from Heathrow, Steve
6 years ago
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Steve *******
@T**
. Quite possibly but if they're flying from Heathrow they are notoriously strict there.
6 years ago
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Bill *********
No issues boarding the flight, I have done this and explained to UK check in staff that I will be extending my Visa exempt after I have been in the Kingdom 2 weeks.
6 years ago
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Tod *********
they do have a flight out 32 days, I think they'd be okay checking in with their airline.
6 years ago
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Tod *********
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Tod *********
As a rule under 24 hours when flying back out from the major airports don't get assessed the 500baht overstay fee. However TWO days past your admitted until stamp will get you 1000baht fine and the overstay stamp in your passport.

You could just get a single entry tourist visa from the thai consulate in your country BEFORE you come here. That'd stamp you in for 60 days and you'd be fine.
6 years ago
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Miek ********
👏
6 years ago
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Bill *********
Too right Glen 👍👍
6 years ago
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Glenn ******************
Yes Bill on the old website they did ask for a SAE I still send it because its easier to write it on an envelope than a piece of paper. But to be honest who actually cares as long as you get it back.
6 years ago
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Bill *********
6 years ago
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Bill *********
@Glenn *****************
, all they ask is for return address they dont ask for an envelope. The extra £10 covers them supplying the envolope
6 years ago
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Glenn ******************
Really they ask for it I always have besides it allows me to send one of those padded ones to protect the passport. "Each applicant must enclose return address and pay an extra £10 on top of the visa fee to cover the return of passport by Royal Mail Special Delivery."
6 years ago
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Bill *********
Glen I have never sent a self addressed envelope for a SETV to the Thai Embassy in London
6 years ago
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Glenn ******************
SETV definitely the way to go depending on your frequency of visits and length of stay you might later look at getting a Non O visa based on marriage. Presuming of course the in laws are Thai. You download the visa application from the website there are even samples of how to fill in if you google them.Don't forget the PO is £35. You can apply in person but its two visits as they process them for next day pickup.
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-How-to-Apply-for-a-Visa-by-Post.html
6 years ago
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David ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Glenn *****************
 staying with the in-laws in Surat
6 years ago
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Glenn ******************
Since it is not known where the OP is staying plus these things change better to err on the side of caution
6 years ago
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Tod *********
@Glenn *****************
 you should probably state that SOME immigration offices want the TM.30 (alien in residence) form filled out for 30 day visa exempt extensions

NOT every office does.
6 years ago
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Glenn ******************
The Thai embassy in London is very good send it registered post and include a PO order for fee and return postage plus a Self addressed envelope. Your other option is to get a 30 day extension from immigration whilst you are in country 1900 baht. Depends on where you are staying. Note they now ask for proof of residence and you have to be registered so I would suggest the Embassy route as easier.
6 years ago
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Tom ************
I got the single entry tourist visa by post in Feb from London queensgate and it was a 5 working day turnaround
6 years ago
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David ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you. That's exactly what I'm looking for
6 years ago
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David ***********
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