Answereda year ago
What visa requirements should I know as a US citizen traveling to Thailand for the first time?
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Hello everyone!
I am new to the group and would like to introduce myself. My name is Rob Pegues, from Brooklyn, NY. I will be traveling to Thailand for the first time, and would like to know specifically what information (i.e. Visa requirements, etc.) I need to complete prior to booking my trip? How does that process work as a US Citizen.
I am new to the group and would like to introduce myself. My name is Rob Pegues, from Brooklyn, NY. I will be traveling to Thailand for the first time, and would like to know specifically what information (i.e. Visa requirements, etc.) I need to complete prior to booking my trip? How does that process work as a US Citizen.
Answer summary
Rob Pegues, a first-time traveler to Thailand from Brooklyn, NY, seeks information on visa requirements and travel considerations as a US citizen. Comments highlight that US citizens can enter Thailand visa-exempt for 60 days, with a process to fill out the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online. It's advised to have proof of onward travel, such as a return ticket, and to consider obtaining travel medical insurance. Additionally, there is discussion about the possibility of a 30-day extension on the initial entry and suggestions for securing a flexible return ticket.
19 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Bill **********
AND it’s not easy. You don’t wanna know about it as a tourist just visiting for a short period.
James ********
Folks, Posts about getting a Thai Visa or entering Thailand are valid questions.
To reply ....by telling the person asking a question ...to Google it yourself or search a Thai Embassy or Consulate website is not really that helpful.
New members in particular, simply are seeking helpful advice. Let's be kind by doing so.
To reply ....by telling the person asking a question ...to Google it yourself or search a Thai Embassy or Consulate website is not really that helpful.
New members in particular, simply are seeking helpful advice. Let's be kind by doing so.
Rob ********
OP@James *******
as a newbie, I found this group by doing a Facebook search and felt it could help me tremendously. I am extremely appreciative for those who gave me such valuable information. Looking forward to learning more.
James ********
@Rob *******
Welcome to Thailand and the Thai Visa Advice forum 🤗Dave *******
As a US citizen, you can enter Thailand on 60 day visa exempt with an option to renew for a further 30 days for a fee of 1,900 baht. You only need your passport plus a form called a TDAC (online ) which you complete within 72 hours prior to arrival
You need to determine what your goals will be in visiting Thailand , and related activities /place to see.
Determine a budget based on number of days . You can take cash and change to baht in Thailand, credit cards can be used at hotels , larger stores without any fees. Smaller stores typically charge a 3% fee on top of the purchase amount. Debit cards can be used at ATM , however you are charged a fee of 250 baht each time , so you want to optimize the amount taken out .
Ensure you take out travel medical insurance to cover you for your time out of the US
You need to determine what your goals will be in visiting Thailand , and related activities /place to see.
Determine a budget based on number of days . You can take cash and change to baht in Thailand, credit cards can be used at hotels , larger stores without any fees. Smaller stores typically charge a 3% fee on top of the purchase amount. Debit cards can be used at ATM , however you are charged a fee of 250 baht each time , so you want to optimize the amount taken out .
Ensure you take out travel medical insurance to cover you for your time out of the US
Rob ********
OPA follow up question. I see a lot of talk about having money in a Thai Bank. How does someone open a Thai Bank account? What are the requirements?
Dave *******
@Rob *******
if you are on a tourist visa or visa exempt, not possible to open a Thai bank account.Bill **********
@Rob *******
That’s only relevant for those applying for retirement or other longstay visas that require a Thai bank deposit.
Mike ********
@Dave ******
220 baht. KBank withdrawal up to 30k, Bangkok Bank 25k, most others 20k.
Fred *********
@Dave ******
Advise your credit/debit card provider that you’ll be tapping the card from a non-‘merican location or they’ll probably reject any transaction.Rob ********
OP@Dave ******
this is really good information. I have spoken with my bank and thankfully they don’t charge any foreign transaction fees. This is good news! In addition, I was informed that they will reimburse me if an ATM charges me. They also explained that when I withdrawal the money, do so WITHOUT Conversion. The reason for that is because some banks will tack on their own fee exchange to make money. 
Tod *********
There are no visa requirements for US passport holders (or 89 other nationalities)
You can show up here and get stamped in FREE for 60 days on the visa exempt entry program,
You will have to fill out a TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) <- which you can do from 3 days before your flight here until you're standing in the arrival hall (there are kiosks there)
You can show up here and get stamped in FREE for 60 days on the visa exempt entry program,
You will have to fill out a TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) <- which you can do from 3 days before your flight here until you're standing in the arrival hall (there are kiosks there)
*******************************
Rob ********
OP@Tod ********
thank you so much for your detailed explanation. I wasn’t fully aware of how that actually worked, and with you providing the proper link helps me out a great deal.
Michael *******
@Rob *******
I haven't seen it mentioned in this post yet, but when you plan to enter visa exempt, you will need proof of onward travel, e.g. a return ticket. This isn't for Thai immigration, it is an airline policy, to protect themselves.Rob ********
OP@Michael ******
ok, and thank you for that information. I’ll choose that option.Rob ********
OP@Michael ******
this would be my first tour going to Thailand as I mentioned. My ultimate goal is to live there by next year. I’m in communication with a few condo building staff members in Pattaya. I think it’s called their Jurist Office. I’m looking at that area because of the beaches and slower pace. I’m a New Yorker so I don’t really need to be in the city. I’ve done that in my life.
Michael *******
@Rob *******
If you want to be really safe, have a flexible return ticket. Having an actual tourist visa avoids these concerns.Tod *********
@Rob *******
nope I can't recall that happening. Meet the requirements, apply, pay the 1900baht get the extensionRob ********
OP@Michael ******
ok. Thank you because I was wondering about that. Now I need to see how long I plan to stay. Question: Does the 30 day extension ever get denied for a foreigner? I want to make sure when choosing my return flight that I don’t have any issues.
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