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What should I do if I have issues with photo uploads and booking requirements for my SETV application in Thailand?

SETVThailand visaphoto requirementsaccommodation detailsflight informationvisa application process
May 7, 2025
2 months ago
Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
So having been stopped at immigration last time I visited and advised to get a proper visa I am now in the process of applying for and SETV. Every photo I upload seems to have an issue although you can clearly see who I am it appears to be the background that's the issue is this likely to cause me a problem as I don't have any clearer photos? It requires flight details even though a visa has not been issued so do I book a flight and take a chance that I might be refused? It asks for accommodation details although my plans are fluid you cannot just put a one night stay in an hotel as it requires you to advise of all your intended stays for the duration of your intended stay which is 41 days in my case. Your advice is greatly appreciated TIA
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster (OP) seeks guidance on issues encountered while applying for a Special Tourist Visa (SETV) to Thailand. They are facing problems with uploading photos due to background issues and uncertainty regarding flight and accommodation details for the visa application. The discussion suggests that while some embassies require a flight itinerary or proof of accommodation for the entire stay, others may accept a refundable hotel booking for the first night. Several comments share experiences about photo uploads, with suggestions including taking photos against light backgrounds or using mirrors. Some users caution the OP about potential scrutiny due to their travel history, emphasizing the importance of proper visa compliance.
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Simon *******
Try taking your picture in the mirror with as much lighting as possible.

I once sorted out this problem that way
2 months ago
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John **********
Be aware that while a SETV is a visa it is a tourist visa. Better than a visa exempt but not a visa for coming to visit as frequently as appear to be doing, you still stand a fair chance of being pulled up given your history.
2 months ago
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Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
 I was told by immigration to get a visa didn’t specify which one. I would get an METV if I was sure to be visiting again within the time frame but at this moment in time I do not know. I don’t think my history is that bad compared to others I know
2 months ago
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John **********
@Mike ******
 I think what you said was you were told to get a "proper" visa. To me that's one that matches the purpose of your visit. Good luck.
2 months ago
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Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
 thanks 🙏
2 months ago
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Ian ********
@Mike ******
 The purpose of your visit is holiday , therefore a tourist visa does match your purpose , or am I being naive.
2 months ago
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Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ian *******
 in principle but TIT
2 months ago
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Mike *******
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Ian ********
@John *********
 I obtained a METV at the end of last year , I entered mid January no questions asked at all . I stayed 32 days then returned to u.k for work . I am returning to Thailand next week . I am using the visa exactly how it is intended.
2 months ago
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John **********
@Ian *******
 my response was not for you but the OP
2 months ago
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Ian ********
@John *********
 Yes , I know John . It was just a comment I thought I'd post because you thought the OP would have difficulty trying to enter on a tourist visa .
2 months ago
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John **********
@Ian *******
 an METV is designed to allow multiple entry, quite different
2 months ago
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Ian ********
@John *********
 OK, thanks .
2 months ago
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Ian ********
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Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
this is just getting harder !
2 months ago
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Steve **********
I remember having the same issue, taking photo after photo until they finally accepted. Sheesh, so picky!
2 months ago
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Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I have had to go with what I think is the best photo but still says issue with the background
2 months ago
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Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I ironed and hung a white bedsheet but still not perfectly flat even though I weighted it down !!
2 months ago
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Steve **********
@Mike ******
 I had to put a separate light on the white towel background to provide enough contrast to my white hair, at least that is what finally got accepted. Good luck.
2 months ago
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Steve **********
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Ian ********
I had a similar issue with uploading photos for my METV through the Thai embassy in London . They advised me to take a selfie in a bright room against a light coloured background , I ended up taking the selfie in my bedroom against the white walls with the light on , the photo got accepted no problem. Just out of curiosity how many times had you entered and what duration before they advised you to get a proper visa ?
2 months ago
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Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ian *******
 I entered 4 times in the last year only 1 extension 30 to 60 days no overstays and no issues until arrived back in February, only did less than 30 day visits.
2 months ago
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Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
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/24 -left within 30 days
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/24-extension left within 30 day extension
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/24- left within 60 days
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/25 which is when I was questioned left within 60 days.sorry can't be more precise as used automatic checkout so no stamp
2 months ago
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Ian ********
@Mike ******
 I was just curious because of all the scrutiny there is now , I thought it was the people that maxed out , extended then left for a day or two then re-entered that were getting questioned and advised to get a proper visa.
2 months ago
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Ian ********
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Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
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2 months ago
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Ian ********
@Mike ******
 Ah OK , good luck with your visa application , I take it your applying through London , they were quick with mine , about a week that's including resending photos .
2 months ago
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Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
yeah me too was very surprised. I left for 3 weeks due to hospital appointments and explained that too her but she wasn't interested and I had a return flight booked
2 months ago
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Mike *******
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Brandon ************
Flight details does not mean a flight booking. It means details of your flight. Look up a flight and put the details of that flight into the system. But each embassy sets their own requirements and some embassies might require a flight ticket.

Same goes with hotels. Most just want your first booking, but there may be some embassies that want to see proof of bookings for your entire stay. Easy enough to get a refundable booking on Agoda for your visa application.
2 months ago
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Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I intend on booking flight today as I intend to travel in 2 weeks time. It does ask for duration of stay at initial location and the asks for further addressee’s thought of putting my GF's address in but asks for accommodation name but as a private address does not have this.should I just put her name and telephone number?
2 months ago
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Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
are they likely top call her? it's not a problem just need to let her know what's happening as we will be going there
2 months ago
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Tony **********
@Mike ******
 probably not. This is a "fill in the blanks" process...
2 months ago
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Tony **********
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Brandon ************
@Mike ******
 that should be fine
2 months ago
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Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 Hi Brendan applied from the UK so London Embassy. Here are the list of requirements from here:- copy of Passport, recent photo, evidence of current location ( I used my council Tax bill) evidence of booked flight, evidence of booked accommodation ( i used booking dot com with free cancellation on 2 hotels) if you are staying with family or friends you need a letter of invitation, 3 months bank statements (upload 1 document only so need to combine) the website is a little chunky and fell over many times during the process but does appear to keep all the info you uploaded. It was a little stressful but it helps to have everything ready in advance as is it is not clear at the beginning as to what is required.Hopefully now look forward to receiving visa 🤞
2 months ago
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Mike *******
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Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 thanks 🙏
2 months ago
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Mike *******
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