Soneva
-
Posts
136 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Downloads
Posts posted by Soneva
-
-
On 10/6/2019 at 12:51 PM, SteveK said:
"if we give you 60 days you go to Cambodia, not come back to Thailand?"
Why are they so scared of people spending lots of time (and money) in Thailand?
In my case, Thailand has definitely "lost" many tens of thousands of USD, literally, that I would have been even more happy to spend traveling within Thailand. It's not my loss, as I equally enjoy my travels around the region to other beautiful countries. But the fact remains that even more of my foreign sourced income would be contributed to the Thai economy if circumstances did not force me to go on visa runs.
Re the original post, the simple fact is that the OP chose the absolute worst airport to fly into as a person with a history of tourist visas. Even BKK would have probably been easier, and some other airports or land borders would have been highly unlikely to even bat an eyelid at a METV...
-
1
-
-
On 10/1/2019 at 4:40 AM, Tayaout said:
Yes it is calendar year. Before I got my long term visa I did one entry for 3 consecutives months: November, December and January.
To clarify what was said in this thread there is no 180 days limit. This was scraped years ago.
There is no limit of entry per year via any airport but the computer system gives an alert after 6 to warn the immigration officer to use more scrutiny. It seems if you do a lot of short stays then there is no issues. If you have a long history of stay, use the max duration of each entry stamp, do extension, had ED or many consecutive tourist visa, and/or do border run then you probably won't reach 6 consecutives entry before being denied.
There is plenty of updated information on this page: https://www.thaivisaservice.com/
Thank you very much for this information.
So, in my case the situation is that I still have my two visa exemptions available for 2019. I have a relatively clean passport with only two SETVs in it, and never have had an overstay or other problematic incidents.
Could I possibly get two months (2*30 days) out of these visa extensions by doing two border hops during the remainder of this calendar year?
I live within easy day trip driving distance of Aranyaprathet. I know this has a reputation for being a potentially problematic land boarder, but if I did this properly - I would be using one of the "agents" working at the border to facilitate expedited service on both the Thai and Cambodian sides, for a fee - would it make sense to try to use up my two visa exempt entries?
Otherwise, would the same potentially work at another land boarder?
As long as the count re-sets at the beginning of 2020, I am perfectly okay with using my visa exempts in the remainder of 2019. The reason I typically do not use these is to preserve them for a fallback option in the case of a botched visa run. That is not a concern if I get two more in January anyway.
-
8 hours ago, Tayaout said:
You can only get 2 visas free entry via land border per calendar year. Get a visa or try via the airport.
Is this indeed per calendar year, as opposed to a rolling twelve month period?
If that is the case, I might as well be using my entries toward the end of each calendar year. Ordinarily I refrain from using them, to preserve that option as a plan B if I ever failed to get a visa as planned.
-
1
-
-
3 hours ago, Boycie said:
'On an METV you do not need an outbound flight-ticket.'
I thought the rules of a METV when applying is to show a valid return flight ticket?
Just my 2 bobs worth.
I always have a departure ticket when I enter Thailand, even if I intend to cancel it. With all of the unwritten 'rules' in place, immigration is never an exact science. I think the more supporting documentation one can reasonably have is a good idea. Then there is one fewer reason the IO could use to potentially deny entry.
Sometimes I purchase my actual departure ticket for my next visa trip in advance, and print out that itinerary receipt for immigration/visa purposes.
I am a believer in flying into Laos, Cambodia, or any other regional country first, and then working my way to friendly land borders. It just so happens that there are lots of nice places to visit on both sides of these borders, so it works out very nicely if one can work border/visa runs into nice getaway trips in the region.
As an added benefit, sometimes international flights into other cities in the region can be less expensive than purchasing a direct flight to BKK, which can further offset the cost of an additiontal stopover stay.
-
1
-
-
I think it's very unlikely BKK would deny entry based on all the information you have provided.
I agree with the advice above to use land borders for subsequent entries on the METV, and many such boarders are convenient and can be combined with nice getaways in the region. Also, some land borders align conveniently with domestic airports within Thailand, if you are traveling from/to bkk or other airports like cnx.
If you do prefer to fly into Thailand for subsequent entries, CNX airport has quite a few direct flights within Asia.
-
With a tourist visa, you are unlikely to be denied entry at CNX. However, if you want the security of returning by land from Yangon, take an overnight VIP bus from Yangon to Myawaddy and enter Thailand at Maesot (possibly the best border crossing into Thailand). Although flights are a little pricey these days, Maesot airport is close to the border with frequent flights to Bangkok. If you have not previously visited that area, there is much to explore within easy reach of Maesot.
EDIT: Travel from Maesot to Chiang Mai is easy, and quite scenic.
Thank you for this very useful advice! I am saving this information for a trip closer to the end of the year, lining up with the ideal time to be in Chiang Mai.
I am willing to take a gamble on CNX if it is better than BKK. I have been here for years in and out on tourist visas. If the worst case scenario would be denial of entry and return to Yangon, and if that is not particularly likely, it may be worth a try. What I do not want is to be detained or sent back to my home country, the US, which is why I have stopped entering through BKK in favor of land borders.
Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app -
Kuala Lumpur these days seems to be OK if you meet the requirements on their checklist. Penang is to be avoided for tourist visas. Kota Bharu is apparently the friendliest consulate in Malaysia for tourist visas (but not that convenient to reach from Bangkok, and a boring town).
Bali is OK if you strictly follow the rules prescribed by Jakarta, but time consuming.
Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are good. Vientiane (as you suggest) is good, but you must make sure you decide to go there well in advance so you can make the now necessary appointment.
Also to be considered is Yangon, though you need a Myanmar visa (most easily applied for as an evisa online).
Thanks so much again.
It definitely seems like Vietnam is the path of least resistance, and in July should be a pleasant place to be even with some rainfall.
If I go to Vietnam or Bali, the return will be via Laos anyway, with a stopover stay in Vientiane. Therefore, Vientiane and Savannakhet are fallback options in those cases. However, fortunately it seems a properly documented application meeting all requirements would be unlikely to be denied in VN or Bali.
I am saving Yangon for several months later for better weather for an extended stay. It would also be great to line that up with a stay in Chiang Mai, but I will have to figure out the best land boarder and ground transportation option for return to Thailand. I am tempted to try the flight on PG into Chiang Mai, but I seem to recall reports of entry denial at CNX.
Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app -
I discourage people from using Phnom Penh. If you only have one SETV in your passport, a second from Phnom Penh should be fine, but there are better places to apply.
A voided SETV in your passport would not look good. You might still get tourist visas elsewhere, but the voided visa is bound to attract unwelcome scrutiny from other consulates.
Thanks. Yes, that is what I am afraid of, and therefore I probably should not apply in Phnom Penh again. There is the possibility of a voided visa ending up in my new passport.
Other options I am considering are:
Ho Chin Minh
Hanoi
Hong Kong
Vientiane
Bali
Kuala Lumpur
Penang
I haven’t heard anything negative about these recently. Are are any of these particularly stress free and user friendly these days?
I have heard that Hong Kong and both in Vietnam basically ask no questions if minimal documentation requirements are met. Vientiane in my experience requires no documentation of any kind.
How are Bali and the Malaysian consulates?
I am fine with all standard documentation such as bank statements and airline tickets, but still want to be asked as little as possible. -
On 7/11/2018 at 10:47 AM, lkv said:
No problem with a clean passport, got one from Europe and two consecutive ones from Phnom Pehn in my current passport.
Use an agent though, it will cost 10 dollars more on top of the regular USD 40 fee. Not many people walk into the Embassy, and it's better that way in my opinion, for multiple reasons.
Docs as stated above, exit ticket and bank statement.
I am contemplating trying Phnom Penh once more for a second (consecutive) SETV from this consulate. Does anyone think this is not advisable?
It would not be a problem if I had to move along to Saigon or Vientiane as a fallback.
I suppose the worst case scenario would be a voided SETV in my passport. If this were to happen, would that have any negative impact on future applications at other consulates or with Thai immigration?
-
Which visa agency is currently best for SETV in Phnom Penh? I know there are
several, and would appreciate any advice on which has recently produced good results. I have a totally clean passport and can meet all documentation requirements. Thank you.
Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect -
In this case, an SETV in Phnom Penh should be OK, possibly even recommended. If you ever plan to apply in Phnom Penh, this is the right time to do it. Ensure all required documentation (such as flight reservations) are satisfied. I understand your concern about a voided visa, but I think a properly documented application could only be denied under the following circumstances. It might happen if you have applied for SETVs in Phnom Penh before on older passports (perhaps involving some drama) and consular officials recognise you. I have never heard of an SETV being denied in Phnom Penh for a first SETV in a passport, certainly for a Westerner.
Thank you, I really appreciate your advice.
No, I have never been to Phnom Penh before, and have no negative history with this or any other consulate.
I will, as always, be prepared with a ticket out of Thailand within 60 days. Also the usual bank statement, and ฿20,000 cash for my return to Thailand.
That was exactly my thought process, since I want to experience Phnom Penh, now is the time to do it and get a single SETV out of it. Subsequent trips will be to Hanoi and Saigon, routing through Vientiane for my return. Routing through Laos upon return adds a built in fallback option for the visa application, and it’s no hardship as I love traveling in Laos anyway. Furthermore, diversifying consulates avoids potential problems with too many applications in Laos.
Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app-
1
-
-
I plan to apply for an SETV in Phnom Penh. The main reason for this is that I want to see the city and I now have a fresh passport.
By “fresh” I mean a brand new U.S. passport. It does, however, have an immigration stamp in it stating that my current stay is also a tourist visa.
Given that I have no history apart from that stamp, should I be okay?
In the worst case scenario, flying onward to Laos as a plan B would not be that bad. What I absolutely do not want is a conspicuous “Void without prejudice” on the first pages of my new passport, or worse yet a red/blue stamp. I hope that a visa agent will be able to advise whether an application is likely to succeed or not.
-
Good luck. Be well prepared with the answer to why you are spending so much time in Thailand. Also, be well groomed and ensure you have 20,000 baht cash equivalent on you.
I would also suggest having a ticket out of Thailand within 60 ~ 90 days. It can of course be the actual ticket one intends to use on one’s next trip.
I think three consecutive visas is unlikely to be a major problem. And, I at least have a theory that at BKK one is likely to be let through provide all above criteria are met. It is undoubtedly easier for the IOs to grant entry than it is to deny it. So, unless one is sticking out like a sore thumb as someone potentially working illegally, and totally unprepared to answer questions, it is still quite safe.
I, however, prefer using land boarders coupled with domestic flights back to BKK. It is a much better feeling to just walk right out of BKK off of a domestic flight than it is to have to deal with immigration.
I am glad to hear that Saigon is so easy. That will be my next trip after Phnom Penh. I want to get a SETV out of Phnom Penh while I still have a fresh new passport, ans use that opportunity to experience the city for the first time.
Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app -
Thanks. This is going to be an adventure for sure. It’s a good thing I actually like flying and traveling to all of these places as a pastime, otherwise I would really tire of jumping through hoops.
I’m definitely going to have to leave this as an open ended trip, making reservations as I go along. And that’s just fine.
Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect-
1
-
-
Your "permitted stay" stamp will be copied into the new passport along with a note that this came from a Tourist Visa (and note of an extension, if you have one).
Given their attitude at that consulate, and their penchant for putting ugly "VOID" visas in passports, you might want to spend some time in Cambodia before applying - to put some time-space between your last Thai exit-stamp and application-date there. I don't know how long they would like to see, but the more the better - even a few days being better than "the next work-day."
I am scheduled to arrive on a Sunday. I would prefer to get the visa within one week, i.e. I do not plan on necessarily being there longer than about eight nights. It is conceivable that I might extend if I really end up enjoying the place.
How quickly might agents be able to get the visa back to me?
Do you think waiting until Wednesday or Thursday of that week will improve their perceptions? I do not want to get into a situation in which the visa substantially delays my onward travel, but a few extra days would not bother me.
I definitely want the visa returned to me by no later than Monday or Tuesday of the following week, i.e. nine days after my arrival. I would be happier to get it over with within the first week, in order to keep my subsequent travel options more flexible.
Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app -
I'm currently in Phnom Penh and visited Lucky Lucky visa agents last week with a view to getting a SE tourist visa. I have no previous tourist visas from PP as I've lived here for years. They told me its highly likely they'd "void without prejudice" after issuing the visa and I'd be 50 dollars down with a useless visa in my passport - although I do have a history of visa-exempt entries to Thailand as I visit there at least 6 times per year. Phnom Penh is now only for newbies with no TV/visa-exempt history who require a Thai visa. They told me the voiding of visas is extremely common for all nationalities, including Cambodians, at PP now.
I'm going to Ho Chi Minh City today and applying for SETV tomorrow - I'll report back how I get on.
I am leaning towards Phnom Penh at the moment for this trip, purely because it is the destination I would rather experience at the moment.
I will have a new US passport, with my current Vientiane visa apparently “transferred” into it. I have no idea what that looks like or what other markings will be in my passport.
I am willing to take a chance on PP, because I can easily fly to Laos or Viet Nam from there if necessary.
Are there any recommended visa agents to use in Phnom Penh? I would especially be interested in any agents who can simplify the process or enhance results.
Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app -
If that's the case then skip Saigon. As I stated good consulate overnight setv and not many people. USA are not visa exempt for Vietnam.
Check with others, but as I understand it for PP, many folk use an agent.
I believe there is an easy visa application process, online even as I recall. I see no reason to avoid Saigon for that reason.
I am leaning towards Saigon or Phnom Penh for my next trip. I will surely do both eventually.
Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app -
Are you visa exempt for Vietnam? If so I would go to Saigon in a blink. Also straight forward overnight setv. However that means fly in most likely to don mueang. Your history will be important.
Thanks. I am a US citizen, I do not recall if exempt or not, but I am not concerned about that. Is the process any easier in SGN than in PNH?
I am not pressed for time, as the visa aspect is only part of a longer itinerary. Actually, provided that there are no hang ups, the idea if having an agent do it without my setting foot in a consulate or embassy is appealing. Does anyone have any information re these services in PNH or SGN (if available)?
I am not worried about flights - I always fly out of BKK, but will return through land borders only. I would never risk entering at DMK.
Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app -
There are other border crossings in Cambodia that are not difficult to reach. The best to use will depend on where in Cambodia you have as your starting point, and where in Thailand you want to end up. Two to consider are Ban Laem and Koh Kong/Hat Lek.
If you try Aran/Poipet anyway in spite of the warnings, when Thai immigration deny entry and tell you to fly into Thailand, ignore them and go to Ban Laem (about four hours away by public transport as I recall).
Now, Koh Kong/Hat Lek has me thinking about combining this with a trip to Koh Kood. And then it would be possible to fly back to BKK from Trat on Bangkok Airways.
Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app -
All are OK on the Thai side except for the one at Poipet/Aran. There tend to be more or less avoidable scams going on at most Cambodian crossings on the Cambodian side. These only, at worst, drive up the cost. They do not prevent exit and re-entry.
Thanks. Unfortunately, Aranyaprathet is the only one to my knowledge that would be convenient for me to use if returning by land from Cambodia. Is this checkpoint an absolute no go for SETVs?
In the past I did a couple of border hops for visa exempt entries there. But, that was years ago, and I recall paying someone a significant amount for “expedited” service.
I suppose I will not risk Aranyaprathet, as I would not want to get all the way there only to have a problem.
Cambodia is unfamiliar territory to me, so I am cautious about attempting ground transportation and a land border crossing. I guess I should stick to my original plan of onward travel to VTE on the direct flight, as I always like visiting Vientiane anyway.
Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app -
Are any of the Cambodian land border crossings friendly checkpoints?
Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect
-
Is Manilla a good place for a SETV, or best avoided?
Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect -
The embassy in Kuala Lumpur has gotten friendlier than Penang recently. Just complete this checklist and you will not have a problem getting the visa there. http://www.thaiembassy.org/kualalumpur/contents/images/text_editor/files/Notes_1_1 Toursit TR_1_0 application(1).pdf
You could fly into KL and then take a train to Padang Besar to enter the country at the train station.
This in an excellent idea. I would actually like to combine this with a short trip in Langkawi before returning to Thailand.
If taking the train to Pedang Besar, is there through service by train, or connecting service, to somewhere close to one of the nearby domestic airports within Thailand?
Is this checkpoint friendly for long stayers, provided that I have the usual documentation (same as used for visa application) and ฿20,000 cash on hand?
Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app -
Avoid Singapore. In Phnom Penh and Bali, it takes longer. Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Kuala Lumpur would be good choices IMHO. Yangon and Hong Kong are other possible options
Be aware that getting the visa is not the only issue to consider. Returning by air to Thailand, you might encounter an immigration official who thinks you have spent too much time in Thailand. The new passport will not prevent immigration from seeing the full history of your visits to Thailand.
Thanks very much for the advice. For this exact reason, I return by land even when I get visas further afield. I have friends in Vientiane and enjoy the city there anyway, so that works out perfectly.
This way I also have the Vientiane consulate as a plan B. Therefore I like to go elsewhere when possible, to preserve VTE as a fallback option.
Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app-
1
-
The Multiple Entry Tourist Visa Topic (METV)
in Thai Visas, Residency, and Work Permits
Posted
For 8,9, and 10; this assumes that everyone is either employed or a student. What about someone who is neither employed, nor a student, but does have adequate financial means?