Thailand Visa Question No. 255/21: Apply for Visa Exemption
Questioner: Herman
On this website I am now reading various stories about the CoE application. And now it still has a few question marks. Myself, on October 26 I have an appointment at the Thai embassy for a Special Tourist Visa (STV). This because I want to stay with my girlfriend for 2 to 3 months.
Now I read that only a CoE application is also sufficient. According to a reader submission, with an “11 'Exempt medium term visitor” application, you can stay in Thailand for 45 days and extend it there for another 30 days at an immigration office.
However, I read conflicting stories and therefore have a number of questions.
- Does an 11 'Exempt medium term visitor' visa entitle you to 30 or 45 days?
- Is it now or not possible to extend another 30 days with an 'Exempt medium term visitor' visa? Because I read somewhere that this is not possible.
- Do you necessarily have to book a return ticket? Perhaps in due course I will consider flying to Bali or something like that
If the above is possible, then in my opinion it is not necessary to apply for another Special Tourist Visa and I will book my flight immediately as soon as I have received my CoE.
Thanks in advance for your responses.
Reaction RonnyLatYa
With a “Visa Exemption” you get 30 days upon entry and you can extend it once by 30 days. This extension must be done at immigration.
If you depart without a visa, ie on “Visa Exemption”, an airline may request proof that you will leave Thailand within 30 days. That does not have to be a return to the Netherlands. That may be anywhere in the world.
You should inquire yourself whether your airline asks for this.
If you want to stay longer, it is best to apply for an ordinary Tourist visa. (No STV). You get 60 days upon entry and you can extend it in Thailand for 30 days if you wish.
Or you can apply for a Non-immigrant O Retired if you qualify. You immediately get 90 days.
An STV is not required for a 60 or 90 day stay. Considering the demands placed on an STV, it is not worth it.
A CoE is still required, regardless of whether you leave with a Visa, Visa Exemption or Re-entry. You will need to have already completed your flight to get your CoE.
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