What should I know before applying for a Thailand eVisa through the consulate?

May 1, 2024
8 months ago
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
ATTENTION MEMBERS

The eVisa portal for visas to thailand.

We get a lot of people posting questions about the eVisa website and the requirements for specific visas, etc.

You have to realize that the consulates/countries using the eVisa website each have their OWN criteria for the different visas (usually listed on that consulates' web-page).

Once you pick your country, and the appropriate thai consulate based on where you are in that country, you follow the criteria to get a visa from that specific consulate and your visa application is processed by that specific consulate.

This is why we say READ the requirements for the visa at the thai consulate you're applying at.

-Most consulates say you have to be IN the country where the thai consulate is located to apply for an eVisa thru them

-SOME consulates want confirmed hotel/lodging for the whole duration of your stay (on tourist visa), meaning they won't accept just a booking that isn't confirmed, where as some only need a few days or a reservation of booking

-Some consulates require proof of onward travel within the days you'll get stamped in for (on tourist visa), some don't require it

-Almost all consulates require you show proof of flight from the country where that consulate is to thailand although some are more flexible than others

-Processing time varies a LOT between the consulates <- meaning they are NOT the same :O Sometimes even between the consulates in the same country :/

So again, if you're applying for a visa to thailand thru the eVisa portal the first place you need to go to is the website of the consulate you're applying thru for requirements, processing time, etc

The Consulates are pretty good about emailing people for more information if they require it during the application process.

Go SLOW, take your time, get the data entered correctly, upload the asked for documentation. You can stop in the application process and save your progress then go back to it and resume applying.

READ the User Manual as it has good info if you haven't done an eVisa before.

I think right now there's 25 countries that participate in the eVisa system with 41 thai consulates in those countries using it.

Something to keep in mind is a single entry tourist visa and a single entry Non-Immigrant visa are both valid for 3 months after they're issued <- meaning you have 3 months to ENTER thailand and get stamped in for the amount of time that visa allows.

That means there's no reason to wait until shortly before you travel to apply for single entry visa and run the risk of it not being approved in time for your flight here.

We wish everyone success in their eVisa application endeavors (y)
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TLDR : Answer Summary
This post provides crucial information about the Thailand eVisa application process, highlighting that each Thai consulate has its own specific requirements and that applicants should carefully read these requirements on the respective consulate's website. Key points include the necessity of being in the country where the consulate is located to apply, varied requirements for lodging confirmations, proof of onward travel, and processing times. Users share their experiences and tips for successful applications, emphasizing the importance of providing accurate documentation and being prepared for potential additional requests from the consulate.
Peter **********
Also, keep in mind that some countries use dd/mm/yyyy format while other countries use mm/dd/yyyy format. If one is refused, try the other one.

Should the website not proceed to the next page then scroll up to see if there is an error listed. When clicks on buttons don’t work and you see no error, try another browser, because in some cases the website can be picky.

But it’s a really straightforward process, nothing to be afraid of when following the prompts and explanations. I got my Non-O after an hour of input or so and a later upload of better proof of income.

They rejected my first upload, kept the application live and I could replace my first upload with better evidence. I uploaded it the day before Songkran and received the visa the 2nd day after their Songkran holiday.
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Peter *********
use the calendar drop down if they have one 🙂
John *************
Thanks
@Tod ********
. A detailed but very logical advice!
Greta *****
Thanks for all the information. However, as much as I'd like to give them the benefit of the doubt, at least in the country that I applied (Australia) they seem to be utter useless!

That are actually doubting if I hold an Australian passport just because I answered truthfully that I was born in a different country! Even though I submitted a copy of my Australian passport, applied within Australia to the Thai embassy in Australia.

There were several attempts to explain them that what they say does not make sense but it's like talking to the wall!
Greta *****
@Colin ********
Ok. Well I'm not sure what your question was. I said what they required. Can't answer for something they didn't require
Colin *********
@Greta ****
question was the second half of my original response to your comment, ending with "? "
Greta *****
@Colin ********
Sorry can't help you. And not sure if anyone can...
Colin *********
@Greta ****
ok, no worries. It's not really important right now anyway
Greta *****
@Colin ********
I uploaded a copy of my passport. They asked for the biodata page of the passport
Colin *********
@Greta ****
right, I realised that, but that wasn't my question
Colin *********
@Greta ****
just curious, as my passport is Australian, but having been born in a different country many years ago. w

Was there any requirement, or opportunity to enter a copy of other ID documents that would confirm ID, other than the passport, e.g. Citizenship Certificate?
Bryan *******
Thank you Todd!

I'm a US citizen who recently applied for a Thailand Tourist Visa while I was in South Korea. In regards to additional documentation beyond what is asked for on their eVisa portal, they emailed me a couple days after submitting the application requesting flight tickets leaving Thailand and bank statement of the last 3 months showing ending balance no less than
*****
0 won. After emailing that to them, they emailed me again requesting a photo of my K-ETA entry stamp on my passport for South Korea and hotel confirmation for the full 60 days of my stay in Thailand.

I wish this was added to their eVisa application saving a week of back and forth emailing of documents but it is what it is plus I much prefer this than having to go physically to the consulate. If you're applying from South Korea, I'd recommend doing so at least 2 weeks before your flight to Thailand since they will definitely need additional information.
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