Do you think I'll need a Thai visa for a 31 day visit?
 

According to Thai Embassy web info, US tourists are allowed into Thailand for 30 days without obtaining a visa. Our itinerary is for arrival BKK at 11:45 PM, November 8 (so if we're even a few minutes late or slow walking to Customs area it could technically be November 9 when we "arrive"). We depart BKK at 6:00 AM, December 10.

What are your thoughts on the need to obtain a visa for this extra day or two? I've emailed and phoned the Thai Embassies in DC, LA, NY and Chicago with no response so far.

Thanks.

I believe that immigration would stamp you in on November 8, even if you were slow to reach the desk, as they will take a look at the flight# you arrived on and go by that date.

If it were me (and I know it isn't) I'd go ahead and get a visa. Thais are cracking down on people overstaying their visas.

By the way, if you are leaving Thailand during that month to travel to a nearby country, you'll get another 30 day stamp when you return, so won't need the visa.

Isn't it a 33-day stay if you enter on the 8th? Nov 8-30 is 23 days and Dec 1-10 is 10 days. So 33, not 31.

If you enter on the 9th then it is 32 days.

Even if it is 31 days that length of stay happens to be LONGER THAN 30 DAYS. This is a no-brainer.

You need a visa.

Get a visa. Why chance it and possibly end up in a bad situation? Happy Travels!

After several tries, I received the following reply from Thai Consulate. Thanks to all who replied. I will obtain our visas before departing.

<i>Thank you for your request for information regarding visas for Thailand. If your airline tickets show that your stay in Thailand will be more than 30 days you should obtain the appropriate visa. The forms and information are available on our web site at http://www.thai-la.net. If you need additional information, please feel free to contact our office by E-mail at [email protected] or by telephone at (323) 962-9574 extension 230 during our office hours (Monday through Friday from (9:00 a.m. to Noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.). Thank you.

Visa Section
Royal Thai Consulate General,
Los Angeles</i>

It's '30 days' and stamped in your passport with the final date, 29 days is ok, 30 is ok, 31 isn't.
If it's over 30 get a visa.

mrwunfrl put it right, it is 30 days, don't confuse it with being 1 month.

If you are due to arrive at 11:45 PM, by time you eventually get off the plane and walk a mile to customs it will be around 12:30 AM on 9th if not a good bit later if your plane is late which is common.

What's the worse thing that can happen? You will be asked to pay 500 baht ($15) for each day (one) overstay. I was. No big deal. Getting a visa is a lot of hassle and more expensive.

What's the worse thing that can happen?

The worst thing that can happen is that between the 30 day entry period ending and your departure time you get stopped by the police for something, they check your visa, see your overstay and send you off to the immigration detention center. If you're taking a side trip to Ankor Wat for example then you will get another 30 day stamp however some entry points are enforcing the requirement to have a valid onward ticket.... just get a visa imo.

Gee, you are just full of bad advice today, kaneda. A 90 day tourist visa from the Thai consulate in LA costs US$25. That's less than two days overstay fee.

Here is a far worse scenario than paying a fine: When you check in for your international flight to Thailand and the airline agent sees your ticket is for over 30 days, and sees you have no visa in your passport, he/she will not allow you to board. The reason is: If the Thai authorities deny you entrance, your carrier will have to return you to your country of origin at its cost.

I have used my fingers to count it up, that is 33 days as mrwunfrl put it, get the visa and relax!

twofortheroad also has a good point !

Was there something about my saying &quot;We'll get visas before departing&quot; that didn't come through? You guys are beating a dead horse.

TC, I think that people were responding to kaneda's post which told you not to bother (I certainly was).

Thanks, Kathy. I thought I'd made a gross mistake. Seems I take a beating quite often on this board.

I hope not here on the Asia board! With a couple of rare exceptions, I think we're a pretty friendly and helpful bunch. Have a great trip!

Thanks again, KathIE (sorry about the misspell before). I took a hardy right hook on the Africa board recently, so maybe my feelings were out on my sleeve a bit. Still working out kinks in this holiday, but most advice has been most helpful and greatly appreciated. I've posted on this forum for many years and met lovely people who have added much value to a lot of our journeys. I'll stick around -- regardless.

Cheers.