Answered7 months ago
Will the Thai 60-Day Tourist eVisa be reduced to 30 days? How far in advance can I apply?
If 60-day Visa exemption is reduced to 30-day...
Then does it mean that today's 60-Day Tourist eVisa will also be cut off to 30-Day? Or has it always worth 60-day of stay since forever ago?
I know my flight to Thailand is still months ahead, December to be precise. We will stay for 51 days. I've posted this once, and Tod was greatly advicing me to get an eVisa for Tourist instead of relying on political uncertainty, ease of mind rather than going through all these months in anxiety. -- i'm the type who cant have peace of mind unless everything is done and ready perfectly with all "IFs" eliminated
(And yes, i rather not wasting all day to queue at Bkk immigration office close to new year eve! Been there, done that and it was HORRIBLE!)
Lastly, how far ahead can you apply for Tourist eVisa? Considering the "possibility" of 60-Day Tourist eVisa gets slashed off to 30-Day (that means i really cant avoid visiting immigration office by the end of year), can i technically apply for Thailand Tourist eVisa this month and succesfully get it now? Or will my online application be flat-out rejected for the obvious reason that i still have 8 months to go.
Thanks.
Then does it mean that today's 60-Day Tourist eVisa will also be cut off to 30-Day? Or has it always worth 60-day of stay since forever ago?
I know my flight to Thailand is still months ahead, December to be precise. We will stay for 51 days. I've posted this once, and Tod was greatly advicing me to get an eVisa for Tourist instead of relying on political uncertainty, ease of mind rather than going through all these months in anxiety. -- i'm the type who cant have peace of mind unless everything is done and ready perfectly with all "IFs" eliminated
(And yes, i rather not wasting all day to queue at Bkk immigration office close to new year eve! Been there, done that and it was HORRIBLE!)
Lastly, how far ahead can you apply for Tourist eVisa? Considering the "possibility" of 60-Day Tourist eVisa gets slashed off to 30-Day (that means i really cant avoid visiting immigration office by the end of year), can i technically apply for Thailand Tourist eVisa this month and succesfully get it now? Or will my online application be flat-out rejected for the obvious reason that i still have 8 months to go.
Thanks.
Answer summary
The 60-day Tourist eVisa has traditionally allowed a 60-day stay upon entry into Thailand, separate from any potential changes to the visa exemption period that may reduce it to 30 days. Visa exemption and tourist visas are governed by different regulations; thus, any potential reduction in the visa exemption does not directly impact the validity of the tourist visa. Concerning the timing for applying for a tourist eVisa, the application can typically be made up to 3 months in advance of travel, so applying now for a trip in December may not be feasible. It’s advisable to apply no earlier than mid-October. Additionally, if the entry duration changes to 30 days, a 30-day extension is possible at an immigration office to cover the required stay.
71 repliesnewest first
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Peter **********
Good question……Inshaliah
Craig *******
With what is going on in the gulf they probably go back to much better visa entry
Neemo *****
Worst case if they drop it to 30 days just extend 30 as you're allowed which covers your trip, 🙏🏽
Incognia **********
Neemo Ali so if i need 70 days what can i do?
Ian *********
Still 60 on entry for now
Lisa *********
I'm also going to Thailand in December, for 40 days. Not worrying about the visa situation until at least November, then things should be more stable
James **********
Listen to Tod, he has already told you what to do
John *********
Has no effect on actual visas.
Jonas *********
They generally don't give out tourist visas if you're from a country that gets visa exemptions. My brother applied for one (why, I'm not sure) but it was instantly declined.
Jiji ***********
Jonas Persson Where did you hear that?
I've applied for & received tourist visas multiple times, and my nationality (UK) has never not been eligible for visa exempt.
(Well, not unless you want to go back decades and decades, that is.)
I've applied for & received tourist visas multiple times, and my nationality (UK) has never not been eligible for visa exempt.
(Well, not unless you want to go back decades and decades, that is.)
Jonas *********
Jiji Handforth My brother tried it. He was told they would not process it as he could just use the visa exemption.
Family******
OPJonas Persson i did not know that at all. Yes, i am from the country that for now, is part of 60-day visa exemption. But the uncertainty is killing me, and i already had my flight booked roundtrip. I wouldnt worry about applying Tourist eVisa if Royal Gazette can assure me that the implementation to cut off 60-day visa exemption back to 30-day, is for NEXT YEAR.
Jonas *********
FamilyPacker They don't need to publish that in the gazette, it's a policy change, not a law change.
Phil ******
@Family. Read the current eVisa website guide anf thats current as of today. Tomorrow is a new day and maybe new rules
Pat *******
Thailand is run on "if" "when" and "but". Don't sweat what hasn't happened because you'll go mad.
Elías ********
No. The visa is one thing, and the visa exempt entry is another. They're telling about reducing the later.
Robert ********
The eVisa (aka Single Entry Tourist Visa) will remain at 60 days. The Visa Exemption may be reduced to 30 days as it was several years ago.
Peter **********
I know you want too sort it all out but I wouldn't worry too much. Even if you can't find another way, I think worst case you could do 30 days then overstay 21 days it would only cost you £210 ($280) for the fine.
Geoff **********
Peter Marshall worst advice ever, for manyvreasons, heres just one, many countries ask when applying for a visa if youve ever over stayed in another country. Presumably it would count against you when lodging your application.
Peter **********
Geoff Le Cren thanks for that I wish I hadn't done it now. It was made out to me like it was ok and normal to do.
Gethin *******
Peter Marshall
Unless you get stopped by police and end up in prison 🤦♂️
Unless you get stopped by police and end up in prison 🤦♂️
Peter **********
Gethin Evans I was lead too believe it was ok and normal too overstay, it also seemed that way at the airport. I actually called immigration and they said just pay at the airport. Google seems too say different though.
Gethin *******
Peter Marshall
No it’s not ok.
It’s illegal to be in the country if your visa has run out.
It is correct as you say to just turn up at the airport and pay a fine and I think it’s up to 7 days you will get no more than a fine and a stamp in your passport and that’s the end of it.
As said though if you get stopped by police for any reason and they ask for ID and they see your right to stay in the country has expired they are taking you straight to prison and you will be deported.
No it’s not ok.
It’s illegal to be in the country if your visa has run out.
It is correct as you say to just turn up at the airport and pay a fine and I think it’s up to 7 days you will get no more than a fine and a stamp in your passport and that’s the end of it.
As said though if you get stopped by police for any reason and they ask for ID and they see your right to stay in the country has expired they are taking you straight to prison and you will be deported.
Alan **********
Peter Marshall No, overstaying is NOT OK.
For ONE day, it'll be no problem and they likely won't even fine you for a 1-day overstay. I;m guessing they realize the difficulty of scheduling exactly the number of days between landing and leaving, as well as late night flights just minutes PAST the 60th day causing 1-day overstays.
So, they just ignore the 1-day overstay. More than that and you'll be paying a fine for each day, AND it'll be stamped in your passport - you don't want that because if you do come in again, the immigration officer will consider that in deciding to allow you in or not.
For ONE day, it'll be no problem and they likely won't even fine you for a 1-day overstay. I;m guessing they realize the difficulty of scheduling exactly the number of days between landing and leaving, as well as late night flights just minutes PAST the 60th day causing 1-day overstays.
So, they just ignore the 1-day overstay. More than that and you'll be paying a fine for each day, AND it'll be stamped in your passport - you don't want that because if you do come in again, the immigration officer will consider that in deciding to allow you in or not.
John *********
If your visa exemption stamp is for 60 days, that's what you have, makes no difference if they change to 30 days the day after you arrive 👌
Dca *****
There have been RARE Exceptions for only a FEW countries in the Very Distant Past where a Thai Tourist Visa from a Thai Embassy/Thai Consulate outside Thailand was NOT TR–60 ( TR–40, TR–14, TR–30 ), but a Thai Tourist Visa and especially now that ALL Thai Embassies and Thai Consulates are ALL on the Thai eVisa Website and ALL Thai Embassies and Thai Consulates issue Thai Tourist E–Visa PDF Files, a Single Entry Tourist E–Visa will be TR–60
Incognia **********
Dca Dca this is like museum 555
Johan ***************
Dca Dca Please write this in a less cryptic way. What does "NON TR-60" and "TR-60" mean, and is "Single Entry Tourist E-Visa" different from "Thai Tourist Visa"? What are you actually recommending?
Dca *****
Johan E. Bengtsson the OP's Question was will a Single Entry Tourist E–Visa « TR–60 » Entry Stamp possibly be reduced down to TR–30
The Answer has been for decades, and my sample/example shows from February 1994, a Tourist Visa Entry has been « TR–60 »
I am not recommending anything, but showing what people have got stamped in their passports over time
The Answer has been for decades, and my sample/example shows from February 1994, a Tourist Visa Entry has been « TR–60 »
I am not recommending anything, but showing what people have got stamped in their passports over time
Nico *************
My opinion: Thailand wants to reduce the 60-day visa exemption to 30 due to the nuisance caused by a certain group of tourists who do not take the norms and values in Thailand very seriously and who come to blows with each other at the slightest provocation. I have no problem with that, because then I will simply apply for a tourist visa through the Thai embassy where I live. But given the situation created by a certain president, Thailand has other things on its mind for the time being…
Colin *********
Same question asked two weeks after the first time 🙄 what a waste of time... while it's known what the Thailand Election outcome is, as far as who will be Prime Minister and the fact that it will again be a coalition, nothing else is official and unless there are legal challenges, it will be April before the new Government becomes official. Until then at least, nothing will change❗
Graham ******
Colin Boyland The PM has been elected now so the cabinet will be selected next then the parliament can sit
cruis******
I had applied for an tourist E Visa5 weeks ago.
Paid the application fee. Sent additional info they required and heard no more.
Sent 2 emails to ask about progress on my visa application,
Nothing! 😕
Paid the application fee. Sent additional info they required and heard no more.
Sent 2 emails to ask about progress on my visa application,
Nothing! 😕
Patrick ********
Omg so many these posts
David **********
If you are staying 51 days, it is no problem if 30 or 60 days as you can for a fee of 1’900 thb get a 30 day extension at any immigration office. You can also get second extension of 7 days at the same price. You are allowed a total of 2 extensions in a 265 day period, although depending on the immigration office, they give you more.
Alan **********
David Perrelet I believe you are only entitled to ONE extension per visit. The 2nd one your mention, the 7-day extension, is NOT in addition to the 1st one, but instead would be gotten after a 2nd ENTRY very soon after the previous exit. On the 2nd ENRTY, you would only get a 7-day extension.
Further, there is no maximum number of days or visits specified. And I assume you meant 365 days.
Further, there is no maximum number of days or visits specified. And I assume you meant 365 days.
David **********
Alan Rothwell yes 365 days.
The written guidance from the Thai authorities is that you are allowed 2 extensions per calendar year, one of 30 and one of 7 days and that final decision is down to the officer who can, without right of appeal, use discretion to either grant or reject entry or extensions.
The confusion arises from this as they can invoke a multitude of reasons for rejecting, such as 20’000 THB (which is not a true requirement) or an excess of entries or applications. I have often had back to back extensions of 30 days.
The truth is that rejection are rare but always published in a dramatic way on social media, creating a climate of fear
If as Family packer’s posts, he wants to stay 51 days, he would be very unlucky for it to be a problem.
Furthermore is the worse came to the worse and was granted only 30 days without extension, he can fly or take the train to Laos and apply for a visa from there, as it normally takes 3 to 5 days for it to be granted.
The written guidance from the Thai authorities is that you are allowed 2 extensions per calendar year, one of 30 and one of 7 days and that final decision is down to the officer who can, without right of appeal, use discretion to either grant or reject entry or extensions.
The confusion arises from this as they can invoke a multitude of reasons for rejecting, such as 20’000 THB (which is not a true requirement) or an excess of entries or applications. I have often had back to back extensions of 30 days.
The truth is that rejection are rare but always published in a dramatic way on social media, creating a climate of fear
If as Family packer’s posts, he wants to stay 51 days, he would be very unlucky for it to be a problem.
Furthermore is the worse came to the worse and was granted only 30 days without extension, he can fly or take the train to Laos and apply for a visa from there, as it normally takes 3 to 5 days for it to be granted.
Bob **********
It’s whatever your stamp says they don’t change that
Max ********
Immigration took 20
Minutes and I landed without any cards. Don’t stand in the long line. Look for the express counter. You can buy your way through literally everything at this magic desk. Welcome to Thailand. You bout to see why it’s the land of smiles.
Minutes and I landed without any cards. Don’t stand in the long line. Look for the express counter. You can buy your way through literally everything at this magic desk. Welcome to Thailand. You bout to see why it’s the land of smiles.
Nico *************
@Max *******
I was in the long line and it took also 20 minutes. Depends how many airplanes arrive at a certain time. Fingerprints, photo and check my previous stamps and ready.. very fast. Exchanging cash at SuperRich took a little longer, but you get the best conversion for foreign money there.
Max ********
Nico Carpfishing as with everything you read your mileage may vary.
Chris ***********
The visa exempt isn’t a visa. It’s just free entrance without a visa. The tourist visa will remain the same
Roger **********
Get a visa before traveling. Check the website of your nearest Thailand embassy or consulate around 3 or 2 months before travel.
That means you will get the validity of the visa, the number of days you can stay in Thailand as well as the general and local requirements to submit as part of you submission on-line.
That means you will get the validity of the visa, the number of days you can stay in Thailand as well as the general and local requirements to submit as part of you submission on-line.
Preben *******************
Visa exemption still 60 days.
Malcolm **********
Visa 'exemption' or waiver means that you don't need to get a visa to enter the country if you meet the requirements, if you don't meet the requirements for a visa waiver then you have to get a visa before travelling or get a 'visa on arrival'. All 3 are completely different and changes to 1 do not necessarily impact the others. The changes, that I keep hearing about and are not decided yet, are to the visa waiver not the tourist visa unless there are also changes to that and I haven't heard of them. Your best bet is to check with the Thai embassy in your country but normally when you get a visa it states the duration it is valid for and how long you can stay or if you enter Thailand on a visa waiver or visa on arrival the duration of your stay will be the current terms and states on the passport stamp when you have to leave but you can normally get a 30 day extension at an immigration office for a fee.
Charlie *******
Malcolm Whitlock he's clearly talking about the Tourist Visa
Malcolm **********
Yes but in the title he says "If the 60-day Visa exemption is reduced to 30-day....." so I'm trying to explain that they are 2 separate things.
Charlie *******
Malcolm Whitlock fair enough, buddy 👍
Stuart *********
A tourist visa is valid for 90 days from issue. That means you have 90 days to enter Thailand and on entry you’ll be stamped in for 60 days.
It’s completely useless to attempt to apply for one 8 months prior to your intended arrival date. The embassy will almost certainly refuse the application and you’ll have lost the application fee. Even if it somehow got approved it would be completely useless as it’s only valid for 90 days.
There is a proposal to cut the visa exempt entry to 30 days but it’s still 60 as of now. There is no proposal to change the length of time an actual tourist visa gives someone on entry.
Most people would probably apply 6 weeks or so prior to their intended arrival date to ensure that they have given enough time for an embassy or consulate to process their application, but most embassies tend to only take a few days or perhaps a couple of weeks at most.
It’s completely useless to attempt to apply for one 8 months prior to your intended arrival date. The embassy will almost certainly refuse the application and you’ll have lost the application fee. Even if it somehow got approved it would be completely useless as it’s only valid for 90 days.
There is a proposal to cut the visa exempt entry to 30 days but it’s still 60 as of now. There is no proposal to change the length of time an actual tourist visa gives someone on entry.
Most people would probably apply 6 weeks or so prior to their intended arrival date to ensure that they have given enough time for an embassy or consulate to process their application, but most embassies tend to only take a few days or perhaps a couple of weeks at most.
Steven **********
@Stuart ********
your answer seems that you know such things,have you any idea how long the change from 60-30 would take to implement IF the do make that change?its later march now and i will soon look to book for late may/early june for a just under 60 day stay,im hoping if they made the change that it might take 3 months or so to implement,hate to book today,then they change and implement it for april 1 or something like thatLisa *********
Steven Eastwood Stop worrying! So far in advance, simply enjoy life & work it out when the time is right
Stuart *********
I’d echo what
@Bra****
said. Usually very little notice. A day or two perhaps. You might get a couple of weeks notice but that would be rare.
Brandon ************
@Steven *********
most of the time changes like this are done with only a few days or weeks of warning.
Wannikea *********
You can't apply for an actual tourist visa this far away from your planned December trip, maximum is 3 months in advance, I suggest you make your application mid October
Daniel ************
just the visa excemption - tourist visa is 60 days
Neil *********
Daniel Schwarting I read yesterday Is going back 30, as soon as it goes through soon a staring date will be announced soon, I just hope they have in place where if someone has already booked and paid airfare and hotels they allow those people in. No it doesn’t effect me
Will ************
Tourist visas are 60 days always have been
Bruno *****
@Will ***********
free waiver was 30 days a few years back, not very long ago. Rules changes often here.
Pui *****
Bruno Zen tourist visas and visa exemptions are totally different things. The OP asked about an evisa so is talking about an actual tourist visa, not a visa exemption, or waiver as incorrectly you call it.
Peter **********
Pui Suu It IS called Visa WAIVER.
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