What type of visa should my brother get for a 6-week stay in Thailand, and can he extend it?

Visa Extension Visa Requirements Thailand Pass Tourist Visa Test and Go Scheme SHA Extra Plus Hotels COVID-19 Regulations Immigration Procedures

Jan 25, 2022

3 years ago

Elle ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi guys,

Few questions. I've tried to get my head around all this independently but I'm getting confused so have come to the experts!

My brother is hoping to come mid-February for 6 weeks until the end of March. Visa on arrival allows 30 days but the would be more like 45/6. What's the best visa to get? Can he get an extension while here?

As I understand it he'll have to book into a SHA hotel for the first and 5th(?) night for tests under the new test and go scheme. I'm guessing these will both have to be in BKK (as that's where I live and where he'll be arriving).

Also, the new test and go starts February 1st right? At the moment this can't be selected on the web page.

Thanks in advance!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A person inquired about the best visa option for their brother who plans to stay in Thailand for 6 weeks, as a visa on arrival only allows for 30 days. It was clarified that he can enter on a 30-day visa exempt stamp and extend it by another 30 days at immigration for 1900 baht. As for the new Test and Go scheme starting on February 1, the brother must book SHA Extra Plus hotels in Bangkok for days 1 and 5, with Covid tests included. Discussions also touched on the possibility of day 5 testing in other locations, which may depend on hotel availability.

Tina ********

Check out your country's embassy website to confirm, but he also could apply for a 60 day tourist visa. In my case it took a couple of weeks to be confirmed, but it seemed easier than having to go to immigration part way through a trip.

3 years ago

Luc ************

1900baht for extension is correct but your return ticket can not be longer than 30 days if you go on visa exempt. Airline will not let you on the plane if you dont have a return ticket within 30 days if you dont have a visa.

3 years ago

Stuart *********

Unsubstantiated reports that test and go is only available for Bangkok arrivals (where you book day 1 and day 5 in an approved hotel). Hotels in Bangkok have an arrangement with a testing centre. In Phuket the initial test is at the airport so have no idea what happens on day 5. Won’t really know specifics until it’s published.

3 years ago

Roger ********

@Stuart ********

hmm, what if I wish to to do the day 1 test in bkk and day 5 in say hua hin?

3 years ago

Stuart *********

@Roger *******

in theory that should be fine if there’s an appropriate hotel in Hua Hin.

3 years ago

Reply to

Stuart *********

Elle ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

OK, well he's coming to BKK so he'll book the appropriate hotel.

Thanks for your help always!

3 years ago

Reply to

Elle ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Excellent. Thanks guys

3 years ago

Wayne *********

30 day exempt stamp on arrival allows an extension of plus 30 days total 60 days. The extension Costs 1900baht at immigration, so for 45 days he doesn't need a visa just extend his 30 days exempt entry stamp.

3 years ago

Brandon ************

The hotel needs to be SHA Extra Plus if in Bangkok, not SHA Plus.

Yes he has to book 2 nights (1 and 5), pay ahead of time, and get a booking confirmation that clearly states that it includes Covid tests and pickup from the airport.

Registration won't be available for Thailand Pass until February 1st.

The law allowing this has not been published in the Royal Gazette yet so all of these details are not confirmed until then.

3 years ago

Roger ********

@Brandon ***********

can the tests be booked separately from hotel booking?

3 years ago

Brandon ************

@Roger *******

not in Bangkok. It has to be through the hotel, and that's what SHA Extra Plus means, the hotel is partnered with a hospital for testing and you're not allowed to leave your hotel room until your test results come back negative.

3 years ago

Roger ********

@Brandon ***********

oh ic, so day 1 test isn't done at the airport on arrival?

3 years ago

Brandon ************

@Roger *******

only in Phuket is it done at the airport. In Bangkok it's done at the hospital on the way to your hotel or at the hotel itself.

3 years ago

Roger ********

@Brandon ***********

got it, thank you 👍