Thailand Visa Question No. 300/21: Visa Exemption and Thailand Pass
Questioner: Edward
On November 28th I will fly to Thailand. Unfortunately no visa can be obtained before that time (Non Immigrant). Now I can just go on a tourist visa, apply for an extra 30 days and then arrange an annual visa in Thailand. But now I run into the following:
- can my plane ticket remain at 4 months?
- the mandatory COVID insurance 4 months
- how should I do with the Thailand Pass because eventually leave on a tourist visa?
Thanks in advance,
Reaction RonnyLatYa
That is a Visa Exemption, ie a visa exemption of 30 days that you get when you go to Thailand without a visa.
– As has been repeated here several times in recent weeks, the airline can, among other things, request proof that you will leave Thailand within 30 days if you leave on Visa Exemption. I don't know if your airline will actually require this. If she demands it, it is best to set that plane ticket for 30 days return and adjust it again later in Thailand, or a cheap onward flight ticket will suffice, or maybe a signed statement will suffice for them or maybe they don't demand anything at all. Ask them, preferably by email, so that you have proof of their decision at check-in.
– I understand there is no longer a mandatory COVID insurance, but now a general insurance is required that also covers COVID.
– I don't know how the Thailand Pass reacts if you enter that you will stay for 4 months but still leave without a visa. Readers may already have experience with it.
– Do you have a visa question for Ronny? Use it contact form.! -
I filled in 51 days on the Thailand pass and just received it, now waiting until I can arrange my e-visa at the end of November. no problem gr.
I also fly on November 28 (KLM) and have the same challenge: entering on visa exemption and then applying for an Immigrant Non-O at Immigration Jomtien as soon as possible.
I myself do not take the risk and booked a ticket with a return flight within those 30 days, after receiving the Non-O visa, rebook the original return date to a later date.
KLM is currently quite flexible with regard to rebooking.
https://www.thailandblog.nl/vliegtickets/klm-gaat-langer-door-met-flexibel-omboeken/
PCR test in NL: as an ANWB member at coronalab.eu attractive discount.
Good trip.
Thanks for the tip, Tony! I see that even without that discount, the test at coronalab.eu only costs 69 euros. Last December I paid 150 euros with them. Tested in the morning, results and certificate in the course of the evening. Incidentally, it became even more expensive due to a parking fine that – I had missed the mail – eventually amounted to just under 140 euros, but that was Eugene's fault, of course…
Tip for the Belgians:
A Covid test by the UZA costs € 50
Available at various places in Antwerp, such as the UZA hospital and at
the central station.