What should I do about visa requirements for my upcoming trip to Thailand?

Oct 15, 2024
2 days ago
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello,

This is kind of urgent so would appreciate your advice!

I am a Brit and am due to from London to Bangkok on Wednesday 14 Oct and am scheduled to fly back 16 January.

I have just gone in to check in for my Eva Air flight, but it won't let me proceed without uploading travel documents and is indicating I needing a paper travel visa to enter the country.

I was under the impression from previous research that, as a UK citizen, I could enter Thailand and apply for a visa there, which I could then apply to extend later while in the country, or leave and do a visa run.

This situation is somewhat urgent and unexpected , so I would really appreciate any advice on what to do.

If necessary, I would be happy to get an e-visa in advance but is this possible within 48 hours?

Many thanks in advance!

- UPDATE -

Thank you all so much for your helpful replies - I truly appreciate it. I was able to check in and now I will keep my fingers crossed at the airport, but your messages have been very reassuring to someone who was in a panic. Thank you again! πŸ’™
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A British traveler is facing issues checking in for a flight to Thailand due to visa documentation requirements. They believe they can enter Thailand visa-free for 60 days but are concerned because their return flight is beyond this period. Community members suggest securing an onward ticket within the 60-day window to satisfy airline requirements, as airlines often require proof of exit. Suggestions include booking a cheap flight to a nearby country or a bus ticket as proof of travel. The traveler posted an update confirming successful check-in after receiving guidance.
James *********
As an aside, your music is Wonderful. Please let me know if you'll be playing in the Northeast whilst you're in Thailand πŸ’―πŸŽ―πŸ™
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James ********
ahh thanks so much James. I'll be in Chiang Mai and Pai November and December, if you're around then it would be great to meet! thank you πŸ’™
James *********
@Dan *****
any performances? DM me if soπŸ™πŸ‘
Michael ********
Just put your passport details in where it asks for for Visa details and see what happens.
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *******
thank you - i just ignored this section and it actually let me proceed despite saying i couldn't! πŸ’™
Julie ********
Maybe buy a return ticket somewhere else within 30 days to get out there. Sort visa out once there
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Julie *******
thank you πŸ’™
John ********
Buy a bus ticket to Cambodia from Bangkok
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *******
thank you πŸ’™
Scott ********
Can't you leave the returm flight date open-ended as per a flexi-ticket so you can confirm it at a later date?
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Scott *******
already booked, but thank you! πŸ’™
John **********
It's not unusual for an airline to require a return ticket if you are coming in visa exempt. They are responsible for taking you back if you are refused entry and a return ticket is an official entry requirement
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you both πŸ’™
Jon *****
@John *********
... or an onward ticket
Tara ********
Just check in at the airport
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tara *******
thank you πŸ’™
Terary **********
I think the options are a Visa or the minimum requirements for visa exempt. The requires would be something like proof of more than 20,000 baht, hotel stay, onward travel. You should already have to the first two and onward travel can be satisfied with a bus ticket.
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Terary *********
thank you πŸ’™
Ralph *******
Get a ticket out of Thailand within the first 60 days. You will then meet the entry requirements.
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ralph ******
thank you πŸ’™
Klaus ********
I arrived with a eva return ticket (89 day) 23rd september. Online chick in: I left the Visa section empty, as I entered on a visa exempt. Online check in was successfull and physical check in: not a word asked! Arrival BKK: Not a word asked! I had my onward ticket prepared, was not needed. But good feeling for 10$.
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Klaus *******
thanks mate πŸ’™
Ralph *******
@Klaus *******
That’s a cheap onward ticket - who did you use?
Klaus ********
*****************************
Frankie *******
Call your Airline n change your return date to 60 n try again to check in
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Frankie ******
thanks πŸ’™
Tim ********
Never had that issue with EVA have always booked 3 months. Maybe new change, I normally book at least 6 months in advance to get best prices
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tim *******
thank you πŸ’™
Brian **********
If you want peace of mind and no complications then do as has been suggested several times, book a flight out of Thailand to Vietnam or Cambodia and have a few days there , when you fly back in you get another 60 days stamped into your passport so you don’t need to bother with extentions. Go see Angkor wat at Siem Reap and chill out
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brian *********
thanks my friend πŸ’™
Chris ******
Get a bus ticket online to Laos a tenner extend your visa before 60 days are up only losing a tenner
Chris ******
Google 12go that's where got mine
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chris *****
thanks my friend and will this hold water with an airline, do you think, as proof of onward travel?
Chris ******
I did it last December when only had 30 days
Chris ******
@Dan *****
did for me it's proof you are leaving before the 60 days worked for me
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chris *****
thanks Chris - sounds good advice πŸ’™
Chris ******
@Dan *****
did it this year worked no problem
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chris *****
thanks Chris, when you say it worked, did the airline or Thai immigration ask you to show it? Thanks mate πŸ’™
Chris ******
@Dan *****
airline asked immigration were ok just show them proof of your bus ticket going out of country I just got cheapest I could find which was a bus ticket to Laos Vientiane from nong khai
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chris *****
ahh just seen this, thanks mate!
Ronald *********
Wednesday is the 16th of October, I fly out on Thursday the 17th.
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I got my dates wrong while in a panic posting, forgive me - I fly in 17 October and leave 14 Jan, so 89 days, I believe πŸ’™
Ronald *********
@Dan *****
Exactly the same itinerary as mine, flying from Manchester UK.
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ronald ********
maybe/hopefully see you there, mate!
Frank-Steven ***********
@Ronald ********
Good point. That might just reduce it to the max legal period.
Maksym ***********
So many answers that not related to the question .. why?)))
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I'm checked in now, thank you both πŸ’™
Frank-Steven ***********
@Maksym **********
While incomplete, they sort of all (partially) are. As the question implies more than one issue.
Maksym ***********
Funny. But correct answer is - just ignore this question and continue. Eva air's check in form is a bit confusing, but you can left it empty and finish checkin
Andreas *********
@Maksym **********
When checking in online on your mobile phone, there is no option to click on continue or best if the visa number is not entered. Just like with Etihad and many other airlines. The system stops at every position. That's why many people only check in directly at the airport.
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andreas ********
thanks my friend - i managed to do it via the website πŸ’™
Frank-Steven ***********
@Maksym **********
Agreed for the EVA Air check-in part. Also, likely nobody will ask for this at the airport. However, the dates mentioned by the OP are 92 nights / 93 days. That will get him into trouble either way. So, something needs to be done.
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you both so much for taking the time out to answer and help. I was able to ignore that section of Eva Air and am now checked in, thankfully! I will see what happens at the airport regards them asking for proof of onward travel. And, yes, sorry I was in a panic last night and posted the wrong dates! I fly in 17 October and leave 14 Jan, so 89 days, I believe! πŸ’™
Maksym ***********
@Frank-Steven **********
it will be 94 days. but they can do +30 and +7, I don't see any issue here, except they can be asked about tickets. And, why to answer 6 times same about dates, when question was about checkin on Eva air, that ask about visa always in same way:)
Frank-Steven ***********
@Maksym **********
Fair enough. The 89+30+7 may be a viable option, in theory. Albeit at an additional cost of 1,900 THB. Also, I highly doubt that people not sure how to check-in will know about this option. So, better to give a more detailed heads-up about options available. And as for multiple answers: I would blame Facebook. When I wrote my (detailed) reply, it seemed I was the first to answer. Only later, additional, earlier responses appeared. You can thank Facebooks underlying technology (in particular too heavy use of React) for this.
Andy ********
I'm sure if you have a flight out of Thailand within 60 days you will be okay when you check in at the airport. Get a cheap flight to Vietnam as its a great place to visit anyway. Phone them up but I'm sure you will be okay as it's on the UK.Giv website you don't need a visa
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andy *******
many thanks Andy! πŸ’™
Andy ********
@Dan *****
I hope you got your flight okay πŸ‘
Andy ********
Oh and if you were going to get a visa exempt stamp and a 30 day extention you will still be over the 90 days based on your flight so will need to leave Thailand anyway.
Frank-Steven ***********
You are correct, that "Brits" get stamped in for 60 days (59 nights) without a visa upon arrival. But you have your terminology wrong: you don't get a visa on arrival. What you get is not a visa at all, but a visa exemption (or visa waiver if you wish).

That visa exemption can be extended once in Thailand one time for another 30 days - giving you a total of 90 days / 89 nights in Thailand. Day of arrival counts in Thailand, hence the difference between permitted days / nights.

So, your booked dates won't work, as the distance between your mentioned dates is 92 days. You would need an actual visa to legally stay for that period. However, there is no ordinary tourist visa good for 92 days (expect for the DTV, which would allow for 180 days stay / each entry). There are common TR tourist visa good for 60 days (59 nights) that can also be extended another 30 days in country. So, TR tourist visa and your planned visa exemption entry are currently no difference with regards to permitted days.

While Thai immigration rarely checks for return flights, your operating airline is well within their rights to ask for proof of a return flight within your allowed days of stay - as they would be the ones responsible to transport you home in case of denial of entry. Strictly speaking, that would be 60 days - though most airlines would be okay with a return flight within 60+30 days = 90 days / 89 nights. I personally have never been bothered by any airlines (including great EVA air) with this, even though I usually fly one way without any return flight whatsoever. Still, the airline is within their rights.

Not sure what the best advice would be now. Maybe someone else with experience from the UK could chime in. The Royal Thai Embassy in London is one of the fastest in the world to issue visa, though I doubt they would be that fast.

Maybe you would need to change your return flight date. As mentioned in another response, getting a cheap throw-away flight out of Thailand within the initial 60 days would also do the trick - you would still be overstaying for 2 days. Maybe best to actually leave Thailand for a few days to a neighboring country midway in between if you don't intend to change your intercontinental flights.
Frank-Steven ***********
As pointed out in another reply, you might have mentioned the wrong dates (14.10 instead of 16.10) - so you might just be staying within the legal max stay on visa exempt + extension. In that case, just leave the visa number field on EVA Air blank and enjoy your stay. And if someone at the airport really asks you for a return flight within the initial 60 days, just book any cheap flight / transport out of Thailand on the spot.
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Many many thanks
@Frank-******
and Greg - that's super helpful and reassuring advice. I did make a mistake posting my dates and will be in the country for 89 days - I was aware of that before booking. I was able to check in by ignoring the visa part as you recommended, despite there being an asterix indicating it wasn't to be skipped. I will now look into onward flights as insurance, but do you think I could wing getting this up until getting to Heathrow airport and seeing if it's an issue with Eva Air? Am I likely to be challenged by Thai immigration on onward travel documentation/plans or is it just something that happens with the airline before outbound flights to Thailand? Many thanks to you guys again πŸ’™
Graeme ******
@Dan *****
yes you can buy an onward ticket at the airport if needed, just go early so you have time if needed. The thai immigration don't normally check but that will depend on how often to hane been in thailand previously. If you have been lots of times with extensions then they will probably ask
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graeme *****
thanks so much for your reply. I’ve never been to Thailand before, but maybe I’ll book a cheap bus ticket to Cambodia as insurance πŸ’™
Graeme ******
@Dan *****
go enjoy your visit I'm back in December
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graeme *****
ahh thank you so much - and I really appreciate all the reassurance and advice here πŸ’™
Graeme ******
@Dan *****
you should be fine if you have never been before
Greg ***********
@Frank-Steven **********
β€œyour operating airline is well within their rights to ask for proof of a return flight within your allowed days of stay”

only half correct . . .

It doesn’t have to be a β€œreturn flight”.

It can be any flight β€œout of Thailand” within the 60-days visa exempt

Any one-way flight with a budget carrier, like Air Asia from Hat Yai to Kuala Lumpur, would be accepted by his airline as proof of onward travel
Frank-Steven ***********
As for the field on the online check-in of EVA Air: I am pretty sure that the field asking for your visa number is optional. Just leave it blank and likely nobody will bother you upon arrival at the airport. But just in case, be prepared to book a journey out of Thailand on the spot then, if they do.
Graeme ******
You need to get yourself a flight that leaves Thailand within the visa exempt time line I.e. 60 days. They will then let you fly
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graeme *****
thank you πŸ’™
Greg ***********
buy a cheap REAL ticket of a one-way flight out of Thailand within the first 60 days. Like Air Asia Bangkok DMK to Siem Reap. it should cost around 35 USD and that is proof for the airline that you have an onward travel out of Thailand
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Providing the airline will let me proceed to travel after I call them tomorrow, do you think a bus ticket out the country would also work as an option to provide proof of leaving after 60 days?
Greg ***********
@Dan *****
no bus ticket. Buy a REAL one-way flight ticket and print it
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Greg **********
thank you Greg πŸ’™
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks for explaining. I would buy a ticket out of the country, if necessary, to deal with this.

However, in order to proceed with check-in, Eva Air wants me to provide "the type of document you will use to enter the destination country."

When I click down on this, it only offers the option of a "paper travel visa" and wants me to enter the following:

"Document number

"Document expiration date"

-" Document Issuing Country/Region"

It's spooking me because I did not expect this and I'm not sure what I can do at such short notice.
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Big thank you to everyone who kindly offered helpful advice - I was in a bit of a panic as the Eva Air contact line shuts in the evening. This forum helped a lot in the meantime πŸ’™
Ron ******
@Dan *****
your passport details
Carlo *******
@Dan *****
instead of repeatedly posting this maybe ring the airline?

Like the reasons make sense but only they can help with their specific processes.
Greg ***********
@Dan *****
if you are a citizen of Britain, you don't need a visa to enter Thailand
Stephen ********
Just book the cheapest flight out you can find within 60 days of entry. It's because your return flight is past the visa exemption 60 days.
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stephen *******
Thanks for explaining. I would buy a ticket out of the country, if necessary, to deal with this.

However, in order to proceed with check-in, Eva Air wants me to provide "the type of document you will use to enter the destination country."

When I click down on this, it only offers the option of a "paper travel visa" and wants me to enter the following:

"Document number

"Document expiration date"

-" Document Issuing Country/Region"

It's spooking me because I did not expect this and I'm not sure what I can do at such short notice.
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you all so much for your advice - I think I've resolved it now and sorry for my panic πŸ’™
Lester *********
@Dan *****
Can you say how you resolved it because I’m planning on doing the same using emirates. I was going to fly on 8th November and return 23rd January
Peter ****************
@Dan *****
I don't know if a friend of mine used online check in with EVA, but he had to sign a paper at the check in counter that EVA was not resposible for a returnflight if he got refused entry in Bangkok. This was 3 weeks ago from Amsterdam to Bangkok. Calling them is always a good idea.
Ted ********
@Dan *****
I think they are asking information about your passport.
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Providing the airline will let me proceed to travel after I call them tomorrow, do you think a bus ticket out the country would also work as an option to provide proof of leaving after 60 days?
Stephen ********
@Dan *****
yes, any proof of onward travel. Its illegal for a carrier anywhere in the world to fly someone into any country they not have the correct papers to do that stay. If the Thai immigration refused you entry, the airline would have to take you back..
Brandon ************
Sounds like you have a round-trip ticket from October to January? If that's the case, then they know you don't have permission to stay in Thailand for that long. You will have permission to stay in Thailand for 60 days when you land if you don't have a passport. The airline may require you to show proof of leaving Thailand within 60 days, as many airlines require this since proof of onward travel in the number of days you will receive on arrival is a legal requirement, extensions do not count.

By the way, Oct 14 until Jan 14 is 93 days, so a visa exempt and extension will not cover your trip. Even a tourist visa will not cover this amount of time, as that is the same 60 days on arrival with a possible 30 day extension. You should buy a ticket out of Thailand and show that you will be leaving the country within 60 days. You could google "onward travel ticket" for services that offer this.
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Providing the airline will let me proceed to travel after I call them tomorrow, do you think a bus ticket out the country would also work as an option to provide proof of leaving after 60 days?
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you guys so much for your advice πŸ’™
Graham ******
@Dan *****
ask Eva when you call them
Tony **********
@Dan *****
go to onwardticket.com and spend shall amount for ticket to Cambodia
Dan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
Thanks for explaining. I would buy a ticket out of the country, if necessary, to deal with this.

However, in order to proceed with check-in, Eva Air wants me to provide "the type of document you will use to enter the destination country."

When I click down on this, it only offers the option of a "paper travel visa" and wants me to enter the following:

"Document number

"Document expiration date"

-" Document Issuing Country/Region"

It's spooking me because I did not expect this and I'm not sure what I can do at such short notice.
Brandon ************
@Dan *****
I've never flown EVA so I'm not familiar with their system. Worst case scenario you just wait until you arrive at the airport to check-in?
Cat ********
Brandon Thurkettle I checked in at the airport

I was told I needed a visa as I had 6 months return date. I explained we were visa exempt ( staff appeared to have NO KNOWLEDGE about Thai visa requirements) explained I was visiting other countries, thank her for helping and explaining I had it in hand. She then proceeded to check me in. First time of being asked though in 5 years .
Tony **********
@Cat *******
your ticket is outside the 60 days of your visa exempt status. It is even outside of the 90 days if you were to get an extension. Note that 90 days is not 3 months. It's actually 89 nights starting with the first night of your arrival.
Cat ********
Tony Birnseth It's cool. I am going to other countries also then flying home from BKK πŸ™ƒ
Tony **********
@Dan *****
just use your passport number
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