What should my Filipina friend prepare for her visit to Thailand regarding the Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme and potential travel issues?

Question

I have a Filipina friend wanting to  visit Thailand… She is a first time traveller outside her country, but she will have the 20.000 Bahts along with an Address of accommodations as well as the Return Ticket required -after her 60 or 90day stay as is the New Rules published on July 15th  for the Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme for Philippines…

I did read a few articles on Sponsoring, but as a Foreign on long term visa here in the Kingdom, I am not even sure if that is an option although the Officer could check with a few clicks that the place of residence is  a match to her Declaration as well as I been living here for over 10 years, so that could at the very least give Validity to her Declaration.  Thanks in advance for your educated advice.  Very much appreciated

Ask Thailand · Answer

A Filipina intending to visit Thailand should prepare required documents such as proof of funds (20,000 Baht), a confirmed address of accommodation, and a return ticket. Given her status as a first-time traveler, potential red flags may arise during her departure from the Philippines, including scrutiny regarding sponsorship and her travel history. It’s advisable for her to gather additional documentation like proof of employment or income, an invitation letter, and bank statements to avoid issues with Philippine immigration.

Jim ********** · Answer

Im from the Philippines and with your friend’s case, there is a huge possibility that she might be offloaded and not allowed to exit PH.  Try to read our Immigration Office travel stories.

There are (2) possible red flags:

1. Sponsorship

2. First time traveller.

Unless, she is able to secure all the documents: source of income- like certificate of employment, or business certificate, roundtrip tickets, purpose of travel, a letter of invitation, funding, bank account statement, they even check exchange of personal messages from the sponsor (thru Viber/Messenger)

Steve ******* · Answer

She'll need the return/onward travel to be within 60 days to comply with airline and Immigration requirements if questioned.

Stuart ********* · Answer

They are more likely to have an issue leaving the Philippines than entry to Thailand. I’m certainly not an expert on that side but see lots of posts of issues leaving.

Brandon ************ · Answer

The only "sponsoring" you could do is to write an invitation letter saying someone is staying with you that they could use if they are asked about where they are staying.

What should my Filipina friend prepare for her visit to Thailand regarding the Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme and potential travel issues?

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