Hi, Me and my girlfriend stupidly booked flights with a total stay duration of 4 months...We have now looked at getting Visas and have seen that you can only get a Visa of 3 months and they wont let you in if you dont have a flight to leave within this time...Is there anything we can do?
I have seen about Visa Runs and other ways but there is so much information and Im just hoping somebody can tell us in simple terms what the best thing for us to do is?
Thanks
4 Month Stay In Thailand? Plllease Help!
First off, you don't say where you're from. That can make a difference.
Most western countries, especially if applying in your home country, will grant double entry tourist visas. You're best off applying through a consulate though, rather than The Embassy. So, if you're a Brit, you'll get a double entry from Hull with no problems.
That will allow you 60 days on arrival and the stay can be extended by 30 days here for 1,900THB. You then exit Thailand and re-enter using your second entry. Another 60 days and 30 day extension, although you won't need that. This type of visa will cover your stay here.
As far as entry to Thailand is concerned, it's really the airline at check-in that will scrutinise your visa rather than Imm here at the airport. If you have a tourist visa, there is no need to have a return ticket or proof of onward travel. That only applies for those arriving on 30 day visa exempt stamps, so you've got nothing to worry about.
If you come here on a single entry tourist visa, you'll be fine for 90 days with the extension and then you will have to make border runs for visa exempt stamps. If you enter by land or sea, you'll only get 15 days but there's no limit to how how many of these you can make. If you fly out and return by air, you'll get 30 days, but you might run foul of the return ticket/onward travel rule at check-in.
The double entry tourist visa will take care of everything.
Most western countries, especially if applying in your home country, will grant double entry tourist visas. You're best off applying through a consulate though, rather than The Embassy. So, if you're a Brit, you'll get a double entry from Hull with no problems.
That will allow you 60 days on arrival and the stay can be extended by 30 days here for 1,900THB. You then exit Thailand and re-enter using your second entry. Another 60 days and 30 day extension, although you won't need that. This type of visa will cover your stay here.
As far as entry to Thailand is concerned, it's really the airline at check-in that will scrutinise your visa rather than Imm here at the airport. If you have a tourist visa, there is no need to have a return ticket or proof of onward travel. That only applies for those arriving on 30 day visa exempt stamps, so you've got nothing to worry about.
If you come here on a single entry tourist visa, you'll be fine for 90 days with the extension and then you will have to make border runs for visa exempt stamps. If you enter by land or sea, you'll only get 15 days but there's no limit to how how many of these you can make. If you fly out and return by air, you'll get 30 days, but you might run foul of the return ticket/onward travel rule at check-in.
The double entry tourist visa will take care of everything.
Personally, I'd use Hull. Applications can be made by post and they're very efficient - you should have your passport and visa back in about 3 working days.
For more information see here:
http://www.thaiconsul-uk.com/
I'm sure all Thai missions are the same price. Currently, tourist visas are free until March 2010, but I think that only applies to single entries, not double and Hull have a small handling fee for single entries to cover their work.
If you go for the double entry (and I think you should), then don't apply too far in advance of your visit. The visa will be valid for 6 months from date of issue and you've got to use the second entry before it expires.
For more information see here:
http://www.thaiconsul-uk.com/
I'm sure all Thai missions are the same price. Currently, tourist visas are free until March 2010, but I think that only applies to single entries, not double and Hull have a small handling fee for single entries to cover their work.
If you go for the double entry (and I think you should), then don't apply too far in advance of your visit. The visa will be valid for 6 months from date of issue and you've got to use the second entry before it expires.