Can I go to Thailand for 30 days without a visa and then get a 60 day tourist visa in Thailand?

Are you planning a trip to Thailand and wondering if you can stay for 30 days without a visa and then get a 60-day tourist visa while you're there? This post will help you understand the rules for visiting Thailand and how to extend your stay.

Visiting Thailand for 30 days without a visa

First, let's talk about visiting Thailand without a visa. Citizens from many countries can enter Thailand for a short period without needing a visa. This is called a visa exemption or visa-free travel. For most of these countries, you can stay in Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa if you arrive by air, or up to 15 days if you arrive by land. You will need to show proof that you will leave the country within the allowed time, like a plane or bus ticket.

However, the list of countries allowed for visa-free travel may change. It's important to check with your local Thai embassy or consulate before your trip to make sure your country is still eligible for visa-free travel to Thailand.

Getting a 60-day tourist visa in Thailand

Now let's talk about getting a 60-day tourist visa while you're in Thailand. The first thing to know is that you cannot apply for a tourist visa inside Thailand. You must apply for a Thai tourist visa at a Thai embassy or consulate in another country before you arrive in Thailand.

If you want to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days (or 15 days if arriving by land), you can apply for a tourist visa before your trip. A tourist visa will allow you to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days, and you can extend it once for another 30 days at an immigration office in Thailand. This means you could stay in Thailand for up to 90 days with a tourist visa.

To apply for a tourist visa, you will need to visit a Thai embassy or consulate in another country, fill out an application form, provide a passport-sized photo, and pay a fee. You may also need to show proof of your travel plans, like a ticket to leave Thailand and proof that you have enough money for your trip.

What if you're already in Thailand?

If you're already in Thailand without a visa and want to stay longer, you have a few options. One option is to do a "border run" or "visa run." This means leaving Thailand for a short time (usually one day) and then coming back with a new visa exemption or a tourist visa. You can do this by traveling to a nearby country, like Cambodia, Laos, or Malaysia, where there is a Thai embassy or consulate.

Another option is to apply for an extension of stay at an immigration office in Thailand. You can apply for a 30-day extension if you entered Thailand with a visa exemption. However, remember that you can only extend your stay once, and you will need to pay a fee and provide documents to support your application.

In conclusion, while you cannot get a 60-day tourist visa in Thailand after entering without a visa, there are options for extending your stay. If you need more help planning your trip to Thailand, feel free to contact us for a consultation. We're here to help make your Thai adventure as smooth and enjoyable as possible!