This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
What should I do if the Thai Embassy in France delays my tourist visa application before my family's trip?
Thai visaTourist visaVisa applicationEmbassy issuesFamily travelVisa extensionThailand immigrationTravel adviceExpat experiences
Oct 14, 2023
3 years ago
Sonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTERThe embassy of Thailand in France is pretty useless when it comes to getting a tourist visa.
I requested one for me, my husband and our 2 kids more than a month before we leave. We prove everything requested (money, utilities bills etc).
1 day before we leave France, we get a request for more information (mariage certificate, even though our married names are on the passports, birth certificates for the kids) with the comment that we should move our trip by a week or so, as they now need more time and they will not issue the visa once we left France (we do for 2 weeks in the UAE, so would have been plenty of time).
Of course I am not postponing my trip and paying another 4k euro or so.
Simply means I have wasted 140 euro and still need to find a way to extend while we are in Koh Lanta.
Especially annoying as my friend who went through the same in the Netherlands didn't have any of this and got it sorted in 2 weeks.
I requested one for me, my husband and our 2 kids more than a month before we leave. We prove everything requested (money, utilities bills etc).
1 day before we leave France, we get a request for more information (mariage certificate, even though our married names are on the passports, birth certificates for the kids) with the comment that we should move our trip by a week or so, as they now need more time and they will not issue the visa once we left France (we do for 2 weeks in the UAE, so would have been plenty of time).
Of course I am not postponing my trip and paying another 4k euro or so.
Simply means I have wasted 140 euro and still need to find a way to extend while we are in Koh Lanta.
Especially annoying as my friend who went through the same in the Netherlands didn't have any of this and got it sorted in 2 weeks.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user expresses frustration with the Thai Embassy in France for requesting additional documents just one day before their trip, causing potential travel delays and financial loss. This has sparked comments sharing similar experiences and frustrations with embassies in various countries, as well as suggestions for obtaining visa extensions while in Thailand. Some highlight the differences in processing times and requirements across embassies, emphasizing the importance of applying well in advance.
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
Dani *********
Seriously the country is not worth the hassle and disrespect shown. Visit Vietnam it's cheaper less crowded and very interesting
Tamara ***************
It sounds like they thought you were applying for a nonimmigrant B visa, which is for working. In that case they need the marriage certs and birth certs for the dependents' visas. Only reason to ask for those docs, because tourist visa doesn't require them. So maybe the staff just didn't look carefully and assumed, since many people just get the automatic visa on arrival and extend. Just a guess, but the only thing that makes sense from my experience (lived/worked in Thailand and travelled there for visits in between since 1992).
Sonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tamara **************
yes, maybe, but they will never let me know they made a mistake. They did not look at it until one day before we travelled and then said: oeps, too late to do it now.Useless, but learned a lesson. When I want to go for my retirement visa it will not be through them
Reply to
Sonja *******
Reply
Shane ************
Even worse trying to get something done in Thailand. Go to Vietnam.
Martin *********
There all useless
Dennis ***********
In Canada 🇨🇦 it is also difficult to get the required Visa in the 10-15 day timeline that the Thailand Embassy E-Visa website claims.my last Visa application was ongoing request for documents already submitted,many emails/phone calls and finally received visa 24 hrs prior to departure (was checking to rebook my flight details at that moment)When I could apply for my Thailand visa at the (now closed consulate)I only required my passport-flight info and $ fee and I would pick up my visa 24 hrs later.
Kay ******
Thanks for this ‘enlightening’ post. I’m an Italian/US citizen residing in France with a flight to Thailand on December 16. I think I’ll apply today for the visa. In two months, they better get it done! Thanks for sharing your experience. I wish you and your family a great holiday!
Sonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kay *****
oh yes, definitely start now. Hope you're experience is better than mine.Reply to
Sonja *******
Reply
Alan *******
If you get an extension to your visa exemption, you’ll have to take a boat then taxi to either Trang or Phuket immigration and take the first boat in the morning so you have time.
Waste of a day but can get it sorted out. Trang immigration is closer and should be a lot less busy.
Waste of a day but can get it sorted out. Trang immigration is closer and should be a lot less busy.
Sonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Alan ******
thanks!Reply to
Sonja *******
Reply
Terary **********
" and they will not issue the visa once we left France ". I suspect, if you are doing eVisa, they will continue to process your visa. The Thai Embassy in US says they will not process the visa unless the individual is physically in the US. Twice I have gotten visas from the the Thai Embassy US, while being outside of the US. It's been my experience what they say on the website is a 'guideline' and not an absolute rule.
I would continue to jump through the the hoops and see if you can't get your visa while in UAE. You've already spent the money.
I would continue to jump through the the hoops and see if you can't get your visa while in UAE. You've already spent the money.
Sonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Terary *********
they actually wrote that I need to postpone my flights if I want my visa, but, hmmm, that is true. Maybe I should just serve it to them as there is nothing to lose.Reply to
Sonja *******
Reply
Jørgen ********
You could do a border run. Flight from Krabi to Kuala Lumpur. When you return to Thailand you will get another 30 days. With ThaiAir the tickets are cheep and the flight takes just 1h30m
Sonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jørgen *******
yes, I thought of that as an alternativeReply to
Sonja *******
Reply
John *******
France on The whole #shambles
Elisa *******
I had similar experience in Paris. Realized quickly it was a waste of time and sorted it out in Thailand.
Sonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Elisa ******
yes, that is what I will do too. From now on I avoid the Embassy in FranceReply to
Sonja *******
Reply
Falcon *******
not just France almost every country.
JC ***************************
The issue is that you and your family are possibly not French nationals but from a third country which has no visa on arrival arrangements with Thailand and so all applications are vetted via the Royal Thai embassy in your country of origin and it does take longer to process
Sonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@JC **************************
I am Dutch which indeed has visa exempt, just like the French have. Nothing was vetted, they just did not look at the application until the day before we left. And requesting a marriage and birth certificate is not something they do at any other Embassy for a 60 day tourist visa.Karen ****
@Sonja ******
we are also French residents & had exactly the same problem … the consulate in Paris were so unhelpful, it drove me nuts.In the end we had to do the extension in Thailand. I just don’t bother trying to get a visa in France anymore.JC ***************************
@Sonja ******
in that case the easiest thing is to arrive and get a 30 day exempt tourist visa and pay the 1900 THB for a 30 day visa extension and that way you get your 60 daysSonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@JC **************************
I know that is my only way now, but the whole thing about getting the 60 day visa is that I do not have to drag my kids to an immersion office to spend the day waiting for a stamp.จอนห์ *******
@Sonja ******
you won't have to wait a day, just get there before the immigration office opens, fill out the extension forms and have your photos, and you should be in and out within 2 hours. Then go do some holiday exploring.Sonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@จอนห์ ******
Do you know if you need to do it in person or can I take my husband's passport and details to extend both at the same time?จอนห์ *******
@Sonja ******
you will all have to report to the immigration office, with all your passports.จอนห์ *******
Get photocopies of all the passports ID
page, and the corresponding entry stamps of the passport holders arrival into Thailand
page, and the corresponding entry stamps of the passport holders arrival into Thailand
JC ***************************
@Sonja ******
oh well there's not much that you can do about it nowReply to
JC ***************************
Reply
Henrik *****
In many countries the procedure is to process the applications by departure date, not the the date when applied.
That is to the benefit of the tourist, as they then will get the longest possibel validity of the visa to go to Thailand.
That’s why the visa will be granted 1-2 weeks before deperture.
It’s because you travelplans are out of the ordinary, where the average tourist travel directly from country of residence to Thailand.
So nothing to blame the embassys for.
That is to the benefit of the tourist, as they then will get the longest possibel validity of the visa to go to Thailand.
That’s why the visa will be granted 1-2 weeks before deperture.
It’s because you travelplans are out of the ordinary, where the average tourist travel directly from country of residence to Thailand.
So nothing to blame the embassys for.
Sonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Henrik ****
no it isn't. I am a resident in France, and an EU citizen. So nothing strange about traveling to Thailand from France. It also has nothing to do with my time of leaving. You need to use your visa within 3 months of being granted and the 60 days start the day you cross the border in Thailand.Henrik *****
You write that you left France 14 days before to go to UAE, so you won’t be flying in from France, like most people will do, and that travelpatern is part of you problem.
And to let you have the longest possibel time, to enter thailand, they issue the visa 1-2 weeks before departure.
Thats normal procedure in most European and other countrys.
So you haven’t been treated different from every body else.
And to let you have the longest possibel time, to enter thailand, they issue the visa 1-2 weeks before departure.
Thats normal procedure in most European and other countrys.
So you haven’t been treated different from every body else.
Sonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Henrik ****
pfff, the visa does not start any sooner if they issue it a day before travel or a month. Once they give the visa you have to enter the country within 3 months, so issuing it a day ahead instead of 3 weeks ahead of my travel date makes no difference to me at all. My ticket to Thailand started on the first lag and the stopover had nothing to do with the issue at hand.
If you read the comments, this is an issue many people have with this particular embassy.
Dani *********
@Sonja ******
Thailand can do no wrong to most over 50s with a Thai wife. Seriously visit Vietnam.Reply to
Dani *********
Reply
Jack *********
That's insane
Ron *************
Same in America, completely useless!
Nippanut ***************
4 weeks at least for visa to be processed and issued in France.
Sonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nippanut **************
yes, which is why we started in time, but they still waited until the day before we would fly.Nippanut ***************
if reviewed and further docs requested, add 1-2 week
Reply to
Nippanut ***************
Reply
Kev *********
When I applied for retirement visa at Thai Embassy London, they told me my ORIGINAL police record certificate was unacceptable and needed to be notarised by a lawyer. The lawyer told me she could not sign my original but could copy and sign that the copy was a true copy. Thai embassy accepted that. 🤣😂
Incognia **********
@Kev ********
555Reply to
Incognia **********
Reply
Simon *******
for 1 entrance tourist Visa ?
Sonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Simone ********
yes 60 day tourist visa for 4.Simon *******
@Sonja ******
Wow, I did the same for my daughter and my girlfriend ( we are not married ) in 3 days in the Rome embassySonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Simone ********
yes, that seem like normal lead times. So annoying. They have their own little KingdomReply to
Sonja *******
Reply
Seán *******
Sorry to hear that! Makes no sense seeing a couple with 2 children as some sort of threat 🙄
Seán *******
😂so true! safe travels I hope you can get sorted and get to enjoy the wonderful place that's Thailand,
Sonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Seán ******
I know, it was not even denied, but they wanted to see additional documents to prove we are married and the kids are born. No other country seems to ask that and they do not have an option to add these extra documents either. Just really annoying French red tape, but the timing and asking us to postpone our flights is the most irritating.Seán *******
@Sonja ******
Its the same coming to Europe from Thailand my stepdaughter denied holiday visa for Ireland to visit her mother. No logical reason given just waffle about not returning to Thailand despite me sponsoring her. It seems tit for tat petty one-upmanship game playing with real people.Sonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Seán ******
they are like tax inspectors, they have their own kingdom and nobody to question themReply to
Sonja *******
Reply
David ********
a lucky escape for you
Harry *********
A bit more info would go a long way because french nationals don't need a visa for Thailand. You have 30 days visa free entry.
Sonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Harry ********
tourist visa is 60 days, which is what I wantedWylie *******
@Harry ********
based on their post it seems they wanted to stay more than 30 days. Not sure if it's more than the 60 days they could get with the extension. Even if it wasn't I know I'd rather take the time and apply for the tourist visa ahead of time which gives them 60 days on entry than to have to lug my family to immigration for a half to full day while on vacation. Getting the tourist visa is usually pretty easy and doesn't take that long at most embassies.Joanne *********
@Wylie ******
half a day at immigration is a lot cheaper than new flights for 4 people 😀Wylie *******
@Joanne ********
of course, and it sounds like the op has no choice now, but they were trying to avoid that.Joanne *********
@Wylie ******
all goodReply to
Joanne *********
Reply
Sonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Wylie ******
exactly what I was thinking. But France sucks!Reply to
Sonja *******
Reply
Lisa ************
Canberra, Australia were fantastic 8 day turn around with registered post to Perth
Sonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Lisa ***********
A lot of countries have that, but you can only apply from the country you are in.Lisa ************
@Sonja ******
yes I’m fully aware of the visa rules 😊Lisa ************
@Sonja ******
yes glad I’m Australian by the sounds of itSonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Lisa ***********
I am Dutch, but still, you can only request from the country you are in. Good to keep in mind if traveling 😁Henrik *****
You are supposed to apply from you country of RESIDENCE
Sonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Henrik ****
no unfortunately you are not. You have to apply from the country you fly from, which is a pain in the...Reply to
Sonja *******
Reply
David *******
Thai embassy london are terrible, feed you information and go back on their word. Different if your chinese
Terry ********
@David ******
Their service used to be dreadful after Hull closed but everything seemed to change with Covid and I must say I have found their service excellent. Not needed them in the last 3 years as I have a Retirement visa so not sure how things are now. I did wonder whether the positive change was due to a change in Ambassador.Gary ****
@David ******
Hull was awesome many years ago, when it was still open. Would sit and chat with a coffee while they processed your visa.David ********
@Gary ***
that place was the best so informalReply to
David ********
Reply
Lisa ********************
@David ******
I've always found London Thai embassy to be 5 star.Andy ********
@Lisa *******************
I agree 100%Reply to
Andy ********
Reply
Tulip ********
What do you expect when you cross French bureaucracy with Thai bureaucracy
Kev **********
Had problems with them as well gave up in the end! Lost my money..they don't care. Suspect it's the French Staff..the French love paperwork. Went to Thailand on a visa exempt now have retirement visa in Thailand
Sonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kev *********
yes, that was my idea as well. The communication and way of working seemed very French. Pffff, should have knownReply to
Sonja *******
Reply
Duncanc **********
This is very harsh criticism for highly paid civil servants living in the dangerous environment of Paris at taxpayer expense 🤭
Thomas *******
@Duncanc *********
same could be said for the civil servants in the U.S.. I work for the Govt. here and you would think that asking them to do their job, by their reactions is just so over the top. I hope everything works out for you @Sonja ******
.Robert **********
@Thomas ******
U.S. government is absolutely hostile to expats, tourists, and (legal) immigrants. Try visiting a US Embassy or applying for a tourist or marriage visa for your SO, or requesting citizen services.John ***********
@Thomas ******
lmao 🤣Duncanc **********
@Thomas ******
Worldwide problem with “public servants”Noel **********
@Duncanc *********
on the contrary, I find public servants in many countries are keen to provide good services, but just like the private sector are often subject to weak management and inadequate policies. A lot of us have had good experiences with Thai Embassies.Sonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Noel *********
don't get me wrong, I think many are fine, it is just Paris that sucksNoel **********
@Sonja ******
yes I get you.Reply to
Noel **********
Reply
Sonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Duncanc *********
well, my donation of 140 euro has contributed to the 5 minutes they took to look at my application.Reply to
Sonja *******
Reply
Brandon ************
Are you staying anywhere before you go to Koh Lanta? You can apply for your extension then
Sonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
we are 3 days in Bangkok when we arrive.Brandon ************
@Sonja ******
you can go to IT Square Laksi and apply for your extension as soon as you arrive (and it's not a weekend). Just make sure your hotel files a TM30 for you before you go.Sonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
ok, I will try that! Thank youReply to
Sonja *******
Reply
26 comments
2 years ago
17 comments
2 years ago
10 comments
2 years ago
118 comments
2 years ago
52 comments
2 years ago
9 comments
2 years ago
4 comments
2 years ago
42 comments
2 years ago
38 comments
3 years ago
10 comments
3 years ago
9 comments
3 years ago
9 comments
3 years ago
3 comments
3 years ago
32 comments
3 years ago
3 comments
3 years ago
21 comments
3 years ago
40 comments
4 years ago
21 comments
4 years ago
23 comments
4 years ago
5 comments
4 years ago
41 comments
4 years ago
34 comments
4 years ago
10 comments
7 years ago
26 comments
8 years ago
7 comments
9 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.