Thailand approves extension of free tourist visas to August 2017

[ubonjoe 47,485]

4 minutes ago, sapson said:

About to go to Vientianne for a SETV  visa.this week.

Is it still the case that they DO NOT require an air ticket or bank statements like Savannakhet.

 

Vientiane does not require tickets or bank statements.

[CarlGabe 0]

Hi! Is it possible to apply for this free visa in other countries than your home country? I am traveling at the moment and would like to apply for it in Vientiane, Laos. Could I do that?

[ubonjoe 47,485]

1 minute ago, CarlGabe said:

Hi! Is it possible to apply for this free visa in other countries than your home country? I am traveling at the moment and would like to apply for it in Vientiane, Laos. Could I do that?

You can get one in Vientiane. 

The free visas are not restricted to only your home country unless you are from a country that can only get any visa there.

 

[wijipa 11]

Ubon Joe,, I have been coming to Thailand since 2010, firstly for 4 weeks at a time. Last year I came for 6 months and intend to come back at the end of April for another 6 months. Last year I got a Multi entry Visa, I think it cost me $250 NZ. Is it now free.

Regards

[ubonjoe 47,485]

4 minutes ago, wijipa said:

Last year I got a Multi entry Visa, I think it cost me $250 NZ. Is it now free.

No it is not. Only a single entry tourist visa is free.

[sapson 1,452]

21 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

Vientiane does not require tickets or bank statements.

Thanks Joe , found the links for the Vientienne SETV Visa form download on this site but its dated 2015, I guess that form is still ok?

[ubonjoe 47,485]

8 minutes ago, sapson said:

Thanks Joe , found the links for the Vientienne SETV Visa form download on this site but its dated 2015, I guess that form is still ok?

I think it is the same as this form on their website. http://vientiane.thaiembassy.org/upload/pdf/Visa Application Form_new_V_13_8_2558.pdf

[Straight8 678]

4 hours ago, heybuz said:

brisbane australia consul has not been informed yet.

not pleasant talking to over phone either. got lecture on border runs, which i have never done

 

Try Hobart.. they seem much more pleasant to deal with.

 

Wasn't aware of the free visa, and sent in my $45AUD for a TR, opened the return replied sachel and saw $45.00 stapled to a letter saying FREE until 28 Feb, 2017

[yogavnture 493]

so what u are saying is if I'm in Vietnam for example. i can go to thai embassy and get a free 60 day visa?

[ldiablo72 394]

So it seems the quality tourist campaign has ended already.

[ubonjoe 47,485]

3 minutes ago, yogavnture said:

so what u are saying is if I'm in Vietnam for example. i can go to thai embassy and get a free 60 day visa?

Yes you can.

[F4UCorsair 3,551]

5 hours ago, Jackie66 said:

While good news i wonder does this actually stimulate tourism? Is the 25USD for the visa really a decision maker if you will fly half around the world on a 2 week holiday considering the other costs associated with it?

I can't Imagine $25 making a difference unless a traveler was tossing up between two SE Asian countries, and the visa cost for  the other was $100.00, and he  didn't have a strong preference for one or the other.  Too many If's.

[yogavnture 493]

2 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

Yes you can.

but nows the new hassle. so I can lets say I'm in india or lao go to thai embassy and get a free 60 day visa ?????  I wonder if the hassle of that experience is better or if its just better to pay the 1900 baht here.:  ???  I just got 30 days more at krabi immigration.   took me 5 minutes.. in and out

[johnsjourney 13]

54 minutes ago, F4UCorsair said:

I can't Imagine $25 making a difference unless a traveler was tossing up between two SE Asian countries, and the visa cost for  the other was $100.00, and he  didn't have a strong preference for one or the other.  Too many If's.

The news item says " had resulted in a 12% increase in foreign tourist arrivals ".

As with any business drop the price even a little bit and get more customers.  It is a surprising improvement though, perhaps they should drop visa extension charges too :)

[Brer Fox 4,079]

7 hours ago, Jackie66 said:

While good news i wonder does this actually stimulate tourism? Is the 25USD for the visa really a decision maker if you will fly half around the world on a 2 week holiday considering the other costs associated with it?

Tourist don't even get to keep the US$25 to spend on whatever they choose. Before when this visa discount was announced the Hotels Association immediately recommended to their members they put their prices up 10%.  No doubt some other grasping tourist retail/food outlets likewise jacked their prices to snatch (I love that word) that money back out of their hands.