Only got a one way to Thailand - what do I do about visas?
Replies: 23 - Last Post: Oct 15, 2012 11:02 AM Last Post By: sjaak327
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Only got a one way to Thailand - what do I do about visas?
Hi peeps...Well, as my travel planning is so free form I decided to get a one way ticket to thailand and see where the wind takes me, I'm planning on getting a 60 day visa as I want to get my bearings but I don't know how to get one.
I've also read you need a valid onward ticket in Thailand or you might get turned away at the desk... Have I made a massive and expensive mistake by being so liberal?!
For info, my plan is to stay in Thailand for about 40/50 days (waiting for friends who are travelling elsewhere) and then doing Cambodia, Laos etc.. before hoping to go to Aus to earn some more cash... Any advice for a N00b appreciated!
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but I don't know how to get one.
Seriously?? Have you never heard of a place called an "embassy"? Google "Thai embassy *****" where "****" is the name of your country. Then follow the link which says "visas". Sheesh.
I've also read you need a valid onward ticket in Thailand or you might get turned away at the desk
That really only applies if you're turning up without a visa and are relying on getting the 30 day visa exemption stamp. Just get a proper 60 day tourist visa and you'll be fine.
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planning on getting a 60 day visa as I want to get my bearings but I don't know how to get one.
They sell them in Tesco, on the shelf next to the Spanish wine, but if they are out of stock you'll need to contact your nearest Thai consulate.
Jeez, if you can't figure that out you are nowhere near ready to travel Thailand. The Scam Society are following your every move from now on in. Wise up or lose big!
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Cheers for the advice from the people who gave it... Apologies for the lack of info (I'm from the UK by the way), and to the other little jibes? I'm in no way stupid, I've just never done this before and I'm throwing myself in at the deep end - as they say, you live and learn, no point in getting at someone who is innocently searching for information. If I get scammed I get scammed.... but it wont happen twice, that's how most people learn is it not...7
Hi,Ok OP, take the slightly harsh stuff in your stride. In all honestly day after day the very guys that are helping here get real silly requests from folks who are just to lazy to use their typing fingers. Ask what you like, just think a little before you ask and make it clear what you are asking. Some real informative folks here, not counting me of course.
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If I get scammed I get scammed.... but it wont happen twice, that's how most people learn is it not...
Well, it is if you want to learn the hard way. The easy way is to do some research on "Thailand scams" either on this board or elsewhere. There are hundreds of posts. Don't be one of those people who have their trip ruined through a lack of simple research. Forewarned is forearmed, as they say.
Just to start you off, have a look here. Travel safe.
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All taken on board Brax, although in my defense I had googled it and it seemed a million shady websites offering to sell me visas had appeared and I'm not overly clued up on embassys(sp) and the sort as you don't need them to travel to the places I've been! I'm also in the stage of thinking "What the hell have I done!" after deciding to shelve a sheltered life for the travelling lifestyle so I'm probably being a bit reactive!All info taken in though, and I'll be all up on google trying to find out what to look out for in the way of scammers!
Cheers Everyone.
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Well that's your kicking over with!You don't have to use the Thai Consulate in Hull but I've always found them to be fast and efficient.
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a million shady websites offering to sell me visas had appeared
Don't use any of them. Go directly to The Thai Embassy UK Website. All the info you need is on that page. You can either go in person to one of the consulates listed in #3 on that page, or post it off if none are local. If you do the latter, the Hull Consulate mentioned above gets good marks for quick service.
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Seriously?? Have you never heard of a place called an "embassy"?
While I'm big on snark, you really should be right first, before you're snark. An embassy is a diplomatic mission; its job is to represent one country in the capital of another. No one in the embassy wants to talk to tourists.
Tourists are the job of the consulate.
I've also read you need a valid onward ticket in Thailand or you might get turned away at the desk
That really only applies if you're turning up without a visa and are relying on getting the 30 day visa exemption stamp.
Thailand never seems to enforce that rule at all. They realize perfectly well how many people intend to leave by surface transport, or just make arrangements later.
The risk is, the airline won't let you board the plane. They are responsible for you: if Thailand won't admit you, they have to fly you back (and then dun you for the cost of the flight). They don't want to take that risk, so they will check your paperwork before they let you on the plane.
The good news is, most airlines seem to be aware of the Thais' rather lackadaisical attitude towards border security and know that a Western passport is pretty much a guarantee of admission.
My last three flights to the Land of Smiles I didn't have a return ticket and no gate agent said a word (and no Thai immigration officer looked at my ticket at all).
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An embassy is a diplomatic mission; its job is to represent one country in the capital of another. No one in the embassy wants to talk to tourists.
Maybe you should be right before you accuse others of not being. An embassy is first and foremost a diplomatic mission, but also fulfills other tasks such as passport and visa applications. If you live in London and want to apply for a Thai visa in person, you go to the Thai Embassy. If you want to do it by post, you send the application to a Consulate. Consulates are like minor embassies which carry out the same functions other than the diplomatic ones.
