This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
What should I do if my STV application is rejected for my upcoming trip to Bangkok?
STV VisaThailand Visa ApplicationTravel to ThailandCOVID-19 RestrictionsVisa ExtensionsBangkok TravelThai Immigration Procedures
Jun 10, 2021
5 years ago
Greg *******
ORIGINAL POSTERFirst of all, let me say I appreciate this group and the info gleaned from other travelers. Secondly, I'm fairly certain this question has been addressed, but i've been scrolling and unable to locate a direct answer. So, at the risk of annoying the mods and others here, here I go:
Traveling to Bangkok in two weeks and wanting to stay for a minimum of 90 days (with my sights set on 180 days). Accommodations for ASQ booked, I'm vaccinated, etc... However, the COE site keeps rejecting my STV and is telling me now to apply for a visa via the consulate (mail-in application). With two weeks before I leave, this is getting a bit anxiety-inducing. Any advice on how to proceed?
Traveling to Bangkok in two weeks and wanting to stay for a minimum of 90 days (with my sights set on 180 days). Accommodations for ASQ booked, I'm vaccinated, etc... However, the COE site keeps rejecting my STV and is telling me now to apply for a visa via the consulate (mail-in application). With two weeks before I leave, this is getting a bit anxiety-inducing. Any advice on how to proceed?
TLDR : Answer Summary
A traveler is seeking advice after their Special Tourist Visa (STV) application was rejected shortly before their planned trip to Bangkok. They wish to stay for 90 to 180 days and have booked accommodations, but options are limited as they need to apply via consulate due to the rejection. Commenters suggest alternative visa options such as visa exempt entry or a tourist visa, advising to avoid the STV due to its poor reputation and current restrictions.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Thai Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Stuart *********
Which embassy/consulate are you referring to? Scrap any plan on getting a STV. It’s a horrible option. Depending on your nationality you can opt for a visa exempt entry for 45 days or buy a tourist visa for 60 days and work out ways to extend in country after that. Both options allow for one extension for an extra 30 days for 1,900 baht. Perhaps they may still be selling the “unable to travel due to Covid” extension which would give you a further 60 days.
Lex *****
@Stuart ********
he has his sights set on staying 180 days. Why is STV a horrible option in that case?I will be coming 1st July for 160 days and making using of STV.
Please expand on why it’s such a bad idea in your option.
If arriving before 3rd July then one extension of 90 days will be allowed.
Stuart *********
@Lex ****
on paper it looks like a good way to spend 180 days plus in Thailand. In practice it’s been an absolute nightmare for people who want to extend past their 90 days. The requirements to do so are horrendous. Greg *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart ********
-- so, let me ask you.... With only two weeks before I land in Bangkok, i dont have enough time to apply for a visa... But what type of COE do you think i should apply for if STV is a bad option? Stuart *********
@Greg ******
there is only one type of certificate of entry. You have enough time to apply for a tourist visa or if your nationality allows just come visa exempt. I can’t say the STV won’t work for every situation but it seems like from the stories we see here that it’s a horrible choice and you’d be far better off options wise using a regular tourist visa or going exempt. Greg *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart ********
- I’m a US citizen, and the Thai consulates here are saying 15 business days to process the visa. Stuart *********
@Greg ******
ok. Didn’t know that. I thought that they stopped selling the STV months ago. Reply to
Stuart *********
Reply
Stuart *********
@Lex ****
The STV Is a horrible option because you have to have fully paid up accommodation for the entire time, you need fully paid up insurance and you cannot change to any other visa in country. If you enter after July 3rd you can’t even extend the visa. You’re much better off coming in on a standard tourist visa (or exempt) and getting extensions in country with no commitments to accommodation or insurance other than what’s required for the COE. Lex *****
@Stuart ********
for many situations yes I do agree. However in Greg’s position it could work pretty smoothly as he’s coming in 2 weeks and wanting to stay 180 days. Very similar to me.FYI, I have already had my STV issued from thai embassy in UK last week. They were happy to accept my condo contract with only 2 months on it (as I informed them I will renew in August when it’s time). Similarly with my Heath insurance they accepted only 2 months cover (again as I said I will extend in August when it’s up).
My point is just that it’s not all doom and gloom for everyone with the STV. Personally, I like that fact I will only require one extension to take me through to December when I will be returning to uk for Xmas regardless.
Steve *******
@Lex ****
If you only have 2 months insurance it's very possible that Immigration will only stamp you in for 2 months regardless of the visa you have.Lex *****
@Steve ******
thanks Steve. Will up it prior to arrival to be on the safe side.Stuart *********
@Lex ****
Ok. If it works for you then great. I only see what others in this forum have gone through to get their extensions and the hoops they’ve had to deal with. Lex *****
@Stuart ********
thanks for the heads up Stuart. Time will tell and who knows, but I’ll make sure I’m as prepared as possible when extension time comes! Stuart *********
Please let us know how it works out for you. I promise I won’t say “I told you so”. 😀
Reply to
Stuart *********
Reply
Jim *********
you know there are no STV extensions after Sept right?
Reply to
Jim *********
Reply
52 comments
2 years ago
22 comments
2 years ago
3 comments
3 years ago
28 comments
4 years ago
3 comments
4 years ago
17 comments
4 years ago
20 comments
4 years ago
25 comments
4 years ago
43 comments
4 years ago
14 comments
4 years ago
57 comments
4 years ago
27 comments
4 years ago
19 comments
4 years ago
11 comments
4 years ago
36 comments
5 years ago
15 comments
5 years ago
26 comments
5 years ago
12 comments
5 years ago
24 comments
5 years ago
9 comments
5 years ago
11 comments
5 years ago
4 comments
5 years ago
44 comments
5 years ago
43 comments
5 years ago
0 comments
7 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.