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What should I do about my visa situation for traveling to Thailand with my family if I'm facing a change from 45 days to 30 days on arrival?
Visa rulesVisa on arrivalTourist visaOverstay finesExtension of stayImmigration proceduresTravel planning
May 16, 2023
3 years ago
Paul *********
ORIGINAL POSTERHello - I booked a flight for the family arriving Dec1 and leaving jan 1 (10pm) flying 2am. At the time I booked it was 45 visa on arrival. I have now found out that its been changed back to 30 days. Do you think I would be ok to just pay the overstay on the way out, or do I need to show a visa when I land in Bangkok.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is concerned about their visa situation for a family trip to Thailand after discovering that the visa on arrival has changed from 45 days to 30 days. They inquire if they can pay the overstay fines at the airport or if they need a visa upon arrival. The community suggests applying for a tourist visa in advance for a longer stay, extending the visa while in Thailand, or being cautious about boarding without verifying airline policies. It is recommended to avoid overstaying due to potential fines and complications, with multiple users emphasizing the benefits of obtaining a visa for peace of mind.
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John *******
Why are we still getting questions with this issue first it was never 45 days on arrival that is totally different visa it was 45 days visa exempt for the countries that qualified now in your case you did not view the wording of entry for this at that time it was always going to end on 31st of march was only speculation and dreaming of some people hoping it go longer now if you get correct tourist visa before you leave your country or get 30 day 1900 baht extension for each person at immigration in thailand you have no problem it is not good to have overstay stamp in passport and depends on the io at the time was happens you have no control over the io in front of you he or she will do what they want
Paul *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John ******
well sorry if I asked a question. If it offends you that much, don't comment.John *******
@Paul ********
don't be sorry because iam not your post is about 9 weeks behind the times most normal people would have been on top of it by now obviously there is still people out in the big open world with their head still in the sand end of storyPaul *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John ******
you are a complete an utterly dick.Reply to
Paul *********
Reply
Ken ********
You can extend for another 30 days just go to immigration a few days before your original 30 days runs out
Sue **********
You will have checked in and gone through security on the 30th day. So you will be ok 👌
Paul *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Sue *********
32nd daySue **********
@Paul ********
ahh Kk. Then 1 day overstay is still cheaper than extension 😊Paul *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Sue *********
it's not the price, it's if I would have issues entering Bangkok or even at the check in at UK airport.Sue **********
you’l be fine 😊
Reply to
Sue **********
Reply
Joe ******
If you arrive on the 1. December and fly out on the 1. January at 2am, you will go through immigration on the 31st December, so absolute no problem. At worst, you'll pay 500THB.
Joe ******
@Paul ********
So you pay 1"000THB on exit. If you're just a regular tourist, that isn't a big problem.Yeah it's well known that foreigners get problems for overstaying but they are mostly people with a long history in Thailand.
Paul *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Joe *****
I fly 2nd. Pass through immigration on 1stJoe ******
@Paul ********
For peace of mind, you can go at any time to a local immigration office and get an extension of stay for 1'900THBPaul *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Joe *****
I've just had a quick look on the website and I don't need to send the passports away to consulate. So not as bad as I thought.Reply to
Paul *********
Reply
J ******************
45 days originally only planned to finish end March 23 ,it was only ever speculation it would be extended. Only a reality when it is Gazetted.
Bob **********
You can extend the exempt stamp for 30 days 1900 baht each but the tourist visa would be the best way to go
Mikkel *******
You can extend your stay while here in Thailand. One time, for 30 extra days. For 1900 baht per head at immigration here.
Or you can apply for a tourist visa for the adults, before coming here. (Adults being anyone over 16 yo) anyone not adult, will noy get fined for overstay so they are fine, and will just get a stamp in the passport when leaving saying they overstayed.
Don't remember what a tourist visa cost, and requirements is different from embassy to embassy. Some required bank info fo4 example.
Easier just to extend the adults visa free entey when already here.
Or you can apply for a tourist visa for the adults, before coming here. (Adults being anyone over 16 yo) anyone not adult, will noy get fined for overstay so they are fine, and will just get a stamp in the passport when leaving saying they overstayed.
Don't remember what a tourist visa cost, and requirements is different from embassy to embassy. Some required bank info fo4 example.
Easier just to extend the adults visa free entey when already here.
Steve *******
@Mikkel ******
Bad advice! If their stay is more than 30 days they'll need a visa or onward travel within 30 days to board their flight. Much easier and cheaper and less hassle to get the tourist visa before leaving.Mikkel *******
@Steve ******
and it might be cheaper to get the visa.. Not sure.. But it could be easier with just an extension depending on your local thai embassy requirements. As said, some require bank statements.Steve *******
@Mikkel ******
The main problem comes boarding the flight without the correct visa for the length of stay!Mikkel *******
@Steve ******
not if you have a return ticket within 60 days with most airlines..Reply to
Mikkel *******
Reply
Mikkel *******
@Steve ******
most airlines will accept a return ticket before 60 days, as once you are here, you can get the 30 days.But you are right though, if they got a picky airline. Could call and ask them..
Steve *******
@Mikkel ******
Nope, they dont accept the 60 days return because the extention isn't a given.Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
Edna *******
Never overstay . Fines involved and you may or may not be able to return to Thailand.
Martin *****
@Brett *********
If you overstay for a few days you only will have to pay a fine from 500 baht a day at the airport and you will not be blacklisted. SimpleBrett **********
@Martin ****
did i say he'd be blacklisted? No, I didn't. He is more than welcome to pay an overstay fee at the airport if he wishes. Will the stress of dealing with that and any consequences of being stopped by the police in that short period of time between visa expiring and departure be something the OP is fine with? Only he can say. Financial saving of paying a couple of days overstay vs spending a few minutes getting a tourist visa to cover his entire stay that will guarantee no possible issues with boarding in the first place, to me, isn't worth it. Seems like a lot if risks for a £10 savingReply to
Brett **********
Reply
Martin *****
Just pay the overstay at the airport when they are leaving. 500 baht for each day. Simple
Martin *****
@Edna ******
. What a joke. Not for a one or two days overstayBrett **********
@Martin ****
try explaining that to the police if you're unfortunate enough to get stopped in that period of overstay. Paying £30 each in advance to get the tourist visa will give ease of mind and avert any other issues like not being allowed boarding in the first placeMartin *****
@Brett *********
. You dont even life here. And know it all. Yeah whateverBrett **********
@Martin ****
if you'd like to point out anything I've said that is incorrect then please go ahead. And what do my current whereabouts have to do with it (i assume you meant live)?Reply to
Brett **********
Reply
Stuart *********
The hangup may be with your airline. They may insist on a flight out within the time allowed for your initial entry allowance. Some won’t care. Many will.
You and your family certainly wouldn’t be the first to have overstayed and pay a fine. Although it’s always best not to break the law.
A tourist visa which allows 60 days on entry is cheaper to buy than getting an extension in country and would cover both issues of flights and fines.
Aim to apply around two to three weeks or so prior. That’s the peak season so give yourselves time. They’re valid for 90 days from issue.
You and your family certainly wouldn’t be the first to have overstayed and pay a fine. Although it’s always best not to break the law.
A tourist visa which allows 60 days on entry is cheaper to buy than getting an extension in country and would cover both issues of flights and fines.
Aim to apply around two to three weeks or so prior. That’s the peak season so give yourselves time. They’re valid for 90 days from issue.
Paul *******
@Brian ******
They don't nitpick over the dates. Check-in clerks aren't immigration experts. If your flight is 30.5 days later then you'll get a boarding pass and it's your responsibility to ensure you don't overstay by either doing a border run during your stay, getting an extension or applying for a visa in advance.Brian *******
@Paul ******
Ho hum...Reply to
Brian *******
Reply
Brian *******
@Stuart ********
Important point - actually getting on the plane. I know that if I tried that in Australia with Jetstar I'd have a problem.Paul *******
@Brian ******
I haven't had any problems flying from Australia. They're certainly not going to check anything if they see a ticket out in the system sort of around 30 days after departure. In that case, the traveler needs to decide on the best course of action, such as getting a tourist visa or extension in country. Or doing a quick trip to Cambodia or Laos for a night and coming back halfway through the trip.Brian *******
@Paul ******
I know they check from personal experience. "They're certainly not going to check anything. . ." - your personal experience? or just off the cuff nonsense. . .Reply to
Brian *******
Reply
Sven ************
@Stuart ********
yes but visa requires 50% hotel bookings which is bullshit if you are travelling aroundStuart *********
@Sven ***********
Book a cancellable hotel. Cancel once you have the visa.Reply to
Stuart *********
Reply
David *******
Get a Tourist Visa, you’ve plenty of time. You app,y online. Do it 2 months or so before travel. You could have problems when you check in at the airport and, in any case, you don’t want to overstay if you can help it.
Paul *******
check they maybe able to extend the visa which is no major headache.
Brett **********
You could apply for tourist evisa which will give you 60 days. You've plenty of time to sort it out.
Nigel *********
@Brett *********
what he 👆 saidReply to
Nigel *********
Reply
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