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Why was I asked about my tourist visa application if I don’t need one as a Spanish citizen?

Nov 26, 2025
a day ago
Diana *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi everyone!

I applied for tourist visa and paid.

Now they ask me why i do that, since im from Spain i dont need visa. I did because i was already in Thailand 2 times this year...

I guess i will not have the money back? Thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user from Spain applied for a tourist visa to Thailand even though they did not need one due to the visa exemption for Spanish citizens. The community responded with insights that the visa application fee is generally non-refundable, regardless of eligibility for exemption. They suggested that the user could still apply for the tourist visa for various reasons such as ensuring a smooth entry into Thailand or personal preference, but reiterated that the money spent would not be reimbursed.
Mike ************
Your tourist visa will ensure that you enter with no problems.

good luck
Rene ******
@Mike ***********
nope visa ensures nothing
Mike ************
@Rene *****
ensures more than exempt
Rene ******
@Mike ***********
"X will i sure that..." implies for me a 100% succesrate... But having a (tourist) visa improves the odds ofcourse...
Rene ******
@Mike ***********
odds are better indeed.
Diana *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Rene *****
so for what it is? Because they told to my husband next time he will need visa. Now we apply and they said we don't needed
Frode *********
@Diana ******
I'm sure they did mean a propper visa for him. As they not look at him as tourist anymore. Tourist visa is just the same, and many times have not been any different from Visa exemption. In past Tourist Visa could give 60 days, and exemption was only 30 days. But both are for tourist, so thats why maybe. Propper visa for long stay is what they talk about.
Diana *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Frode ********
Why not? 67 days in a full year is not means living there ..
Frode *********
@Diana ******
But it also means that you are not a normal tourist, as they stay around 15 days they claim. In ther logic, not mine. If I only had 15 days, I would never travel repeatedly to TH.
TattiBa********
@Diana ******
they told to me the same. I will apply from Vietnam next week
Linda ************
TattiBarletta😎 Keep us updated! Curious!!1
Benjamin *********
Michael ***********
You get 60 days visa exempt as a tourist. Just need a passport with six month validation remaining and an onward flight (return flight) when you board your airline. That's it. No visa required as a tourist. You will not be reimbursed.
Graham ******
@Michael **********
the 6 month passport thing is not required by Thai Immigration but many airlines will require this to allow you to fly
Diana *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael **********
I know but since they are very strict now i though it was better for me yo have a visa
Michael ***********
@Diana ******
If you plan on being here less than 60 days, just a valid passport (6 months remaining) and a scheduled return flight. If you show up as a tourist and start bouncing across the border to reset your 60 days, yes, you will be met with resistance with immigration. That is who the Thai government is targeting, those taking advantage of a loophole. They claim that if you are doing this, you need to search and find a visa that matches your intentions in Thailand. My Visa is good for 90 days with the option to extend another 60 and extend another year after that. There is more fine detail along the way but that is the jist of things.
TattiBa********
@Michael **********
what is a tourist visa for then? If you as tourist you dont need a visa? I have been here twice this year and immigration told me next time apply for a tourist visa
Marcels *********
@Diana ******
and u did the right thing! with your travel background the chances were low that they will refuse u. but with a visa the chances are much much higher that they will let u in. see it as money for peaceful sleep before your trip starts ;)
Jacobus **************
See it as a kind of charity... They also won't refund you.. But the feeling will be a bit better...
FirstNam*********
Only you can answer why you did that

And no refunds, it tells you that when you apply
Tania ********
You can still get a (paid) tourist visa even if you are also eligible for visa exemption. You will not get your money back for sure.
Jan **********
No refunds
Callum ****************
Lol
Brandon ************
Tell them you are traveling to Thailand and you want a tourist visa as you are traveling as a tourist. It doesn't matter that you qualify for something else.
Steven *********
Too bad you did not do research first . They are not giving money back for sure
Pete *******
Guess not….
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