What should I do if my Non-O Visa approval arrives late while entering Thailand on a 60-Day Visa Exempt?

Question

HELP! I fly today USA-Bkk w/Taipei layover. BUT my Non-0 90 Day Single Entry VISA approval made online thru LA Consulate didn’t make it in time. So now I’m arriving on 60 Day Visa Exempt. People on this thread recommend overland border run or quick flight out/in to activate the Non 0 Visa in a few days when hopefully visa approval does land in my inbox.  Will Immigration be understanding and accepting of the legit explanation for why my Port of Entry no longer lines up with the specific flight # and arrival airline that was indicated on my Non 0 Visa application? Or do they normally just see a Visa and stamp it without further details needed? Just trying to find out least-friction way to activate my late arriving approval of Non 0 Visa, thanks!

Ask Thailand · Answer

The poster is concerned about entering Thailand on a 60 Day Visa Exempt status while awaiting a late-approved Non-O Visa. They seek advice on whether Thai Immigration will be understanding of their situation regarding flight discrepancies associated with their visa application. Commenters reassure the poster that Immigration is generally understanding of such changes and emphasize that only a valid visa is needed upon entry. Suggestions include extending the Visa Exempt or doing a border run to activate the Non-O Visa once it arrives.

Brian ********* · Answer

Wait the 60 days

Paul ******************* · Answer

Just give immigration 5 or 10,000 Thai baht

Terary ********** · Answer

They won't care.

You may get questioned about it but in the end, they won't care.

If you do get questioned about, keep calm be ultra respective, compliment Thailand, people  food, etc.  (Some westerns think its a good idea to get an attitude in these situations - it's not a good idea).

Ray ********* · Answer

It shouldn't matter, I had a visa recently but I didn't want to use it straight away, cause I was flying out the next day. I had to explain to the IO that I'm flying out tomorrow and it I use my visa now it's wasted and I wanted ti use it on my return from Lao. They them stamped me visa exempt. They knew I had a visa even though I didn't hand in my paperwork. It's on their system.

Janelle ***** · Answer

.:: you don’t need a visa lol

Peter **************** · Answer

What Brandon says. No problem if you do that border bounce before the ending validity date from y'r visa. (.pdf file). Maybe a small advantage is, should you go for a year extension later, that now you can decide a bit conc. the date that year extension expires. That date is 90 days after you enter Thailand. E.g. I entered Thailand with non O on 11 October and got stamped for 8th January. Already 7 years my expiring date of the year extension is 8th January. So depending of the date you make the border bounce you can shift the date a bit for y'r convenience.

Tony ********** · Answer

I had the same issue and entered in 60 day exemption.  After I secured housing (couple of weeks) I did a border run to activate the non-o (got evisa in email 2 days after arrival).  None of the entry info is on the Evisa.  Relax and take your time.  It actually gives you more time to get things together rather than feeling rushed to get things done in 30 days

Cliff ********* · Answer

You should not have any problem with the flight number or date on your visa application.

Flights change and get cancelled often. Plans change.

Immigration is aware of this.

Jim ********* · Answer

It’s my understanding that you no longer need to apply for a visa before arriving in Thailand.  You now automatically receive a stamp for 60 days, you then apply in Thailand for the additional 30 days.  That’s what I’m doing in about 30 days.

John ******* · Answer

Curious, when did you apply, since you mention several times that the visa is late arriving?

Jhon ***** · Answer

On day 59 or 60 of your visa on entry, go to immigration and pay 1900 Baht for 30 day extension.

What should I do if my Non-O Visa approval arrives late while entering Thailand on a 60-Day Visa Exempt?

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