When is the best time to apply for the Certificate of Entry (COE) if flying to Thailand from the UK on January 15?

Dec 12, 2020
4 years ago
Laurence ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I’m planning on flying from 🇬🇧 on the 15th January, when would be the best time to apply for COE as I’ve seen that it take 3 working days for embassy to process the application, then have 15days to book ASQ & flights, then resent back and another 3 days for final approve, then rt-pcr test 72hrs before: Is there a time limit on this or can you sit on the COE for a while? Anyone from England done this? Might be a stupid question but good to hear people experiences. Thank In advance
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The best time to apply for your Certificate of Entry (COE) is as soon as possible to avoid any potential delays, especially given the current situation with COVID-19 and limited hotel availability for the ASQ (Alternative State Quarantine). The process usually takes around 3 working days for the embassy to process the application, and then you'll have 15 days to book your ASQ hotel and flights before resending your application for final approval, which also takes about 3 days. It's important to note that the COE does not expire immediately after issuance, allowing you to apply sooner if your travel dates are confirmed.
Neil *********
I agree that going for the tr visa is better than the usual 30 day exemption one.
Corey *******
Can someone offer advice? I'm doing the online application for the visa and COE. It is asking for my ticket confirmation and health insurance. Do I need to book a flight before I can apply for a visa? 😳
Corey *******
@Carlo ***********
thank you! But it's like a 10,000 baht application fee, right?
Ricky *********
@Corey ******
Don't know. I can barely keep up with changes regarding my route (O visa)!
Corey *******
@Carlo ***********
thanks, the admin of this group replied and saying it was 10k at first by an agency, but now embassies will do it for $250
Ricky *********
@Corey ******
admin is really good. He answered one of my questions also.
Ricky *********
@Corey ******
I heard you can now get a TR visa upon arrival (see posts). But your way is better (applying in advance). My lawyer said I need to book the flight & ASQ before applying (bu that was 3 days ago!!).
Corey *******
@Carlo ***********
thank you for your reply. I would like the TR VISA. I saw the post, but it is for the free 30 days, and I would like 60+.

Wow! It's a bit risky? What if they deny entry? 😳
Jessica ****************
@Corey ******
get a refundable ticket or check the airlines current policy on changes. I'd get your flight, then CoE application, then ASQ, then Visa.
Ricky *********
@Corey ******
Things are changing. If you have a decent bank balance, the STV option is now open to all & it's max is 270 days.
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Ray *****
To give you an idea of how quick they can go. Applied for mine last Sunday (assume they were closed) approved Monday lunchtime spent Monday booking hotel and flight uploaded docs Tuesday and approved within 3 hours. Had covid test Tuesday result back Wednesday night. Flight left Friday. The London Embassy seems very quick. However now they have announced normal tourist visas can be applied for the number of applications could go way up
Leigh ********
I started COE process on a Friday (
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) & rec'd certificate on the following Sunday. Hardest part of process was finding ASQ hotel.
Ian ***********
This might help

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David *********
Don’t worry about the Coe, you should get your asq booked as they are filling up fast especially the mid to lower budget ones
Heidrun ********
Got mine a few weeks ago for 15 Jan. Not UK, but same principle. It doesn't expire, so if you know date/flight, why not sort it now?
John ********
Book flight and ASQ then COE. They day of arrival
Neil *********
I agree. I’m flying jan 31st and I’ve got everything in place except the Coe which I’m applying for tomorrow. Everything else done
Mike *****
@Neil ********
I'm looking at flying that date as well..I haven't started anything as yet..
Neil *********
@Mike ****
yeah I would too. As you may find they’ll be much slower if it gets busy again.

Plus if there’s some sort of lockdown here again the embassy closes and you need them open to get the visa and stuff
Neil *********
@Mike ****
I’d get things moving. The insurance is easy I used eis on here they have an Axa one which works well and is reasonable. The quarantine hotel you need to move along with to get good price with too
Mike *****
@Neil ********
I was waiting till new year..but I'll start next week.
Jim ********
Get cracking on it all now mate. I had all mine sorted out and everything booked at least a month prior to my travel date 👍
Jared **********
“Result issued” isn’t the same as test taken/sample received
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