Visas

[albaker]

Hi will be in Hua Hin in January and should get a 30 day visa on arrival at airport .
We are now thinking of extending our stay for a further 2/3 weeks and wondering if we can get a visa or extension to the 30 day on arrival visa in Hua Hin .
Or would it be better to get a 60 day visa here in UK ?
Thanks in advance for any and all replies !
Alan

[Big Boy]

My personal opinion is that it would be a lot easier to obtain the correct documentation before you travel. You can then enjoy your holiday without any stress or worrying about how to stay a bit longer.

[Takiap]

I agree with BB. If you rely on the 30 stamp at the airport when you arrive over here, you can only extend it for 14 days, and you might, but I'm not sure, be able to extend again for 7 days. Extensions cost 1900 baht, ans silly visa runs a lot more once you factor everything in.

[lomuamart]

Actually, I think the OP is only likely to get a one off extension of 7 days to a 30 day entry stamp and that isn't a God-given right as Imm usually want to see a ticket out of the country within those 7 days.
Definitely much easier to get the tourist visa at home first and save a border run somewhere whilst here.

[Governor]

It's worth adding that unless you have a return ticket, or at least a ticket for travel outside of Thailand valid for travel within 30 days of your arrival in Thailand, then unless you have a valid visa your carrier may deny you boarding in the UK.

As others have said, probably best to get a visa.

[margaretcarnes]

It's worth adding that unless you have a return ticket, or at least a ticket for travel outside of Thailand valid for travel within 30 days of your arrival in Thailand, then unless you have a valid visa your carrier may deny you boarding in the UK.

As others have said, probably best to get a visa.

That would be my main concern as well. And until MaiSot is open (pigs? flying?) getting either down to Ranong or across to Cambodia is a full day gone and at least a couple of thousand baht ++

[Takiap]

What's that "visa on arrival" desk you see at the airport. Can one not apply for a visa there? Always wondered about that but never bothered asking.

[Governor]

What's that "visa on arrival" desk you see at the airport. Can one not apply for a visa there? Always wondered about that but never bothered asking.

No, that's for nationals of countries that need a visa to enter Thailand, but can get a Visa on Arrival in certain circumstances.

Indian nationals for instance need a visa to enter Thailand but can get a Visa on Arrival when entering as a tourist for stays of up to 15 days.

UK nationals are the other way round, they don't need to a visa to enter Thailand as a tourist for up to 30 days, but do require a visa for longer stays.

[Pleng]

As others have said, get the Visa before you go. It's the simplest, most cost effective, and least time consuming of the options.