Visas and border crossings forum

Free Tourist Visa

rledez1990

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Does anybody have information regarding the free Thai tourist visas? According to this website http://thailandlandofsmiles.com/visa/ and others, a scheme granting free 60 day tourist visas has been extended to March 2011. My queries are a) whether you have to travel before March 2011 or whether I could get one of these free visas for my trip in June and b) how do i get one?
Any information would be greatly appreciated!

#1 Posted: 16/2/2011 - 01:09
Anandshivan

newbie
Posts: 3

I just got a 60 day free Visa and I have to enter Bangkok before April 2011.... my friend in Belgium's was free as well.. same entry deadline..... so if you get yours by the end of March you might be able to use it in June depending on where you obtain your Visa....

#2 Posted: 16/2/2011 - 01:45
Captain_Bob

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"a) whether you have to travel before March 2011 or whether I could get one of these free visas for my trip in June"

You can still get one "free" in March and have it valid for 90 days and not pay more when you enter.

"b) how do i get one?"

Apply at any Thai embassy or consulate before the end of March deadline, but...
some consulates have a "service charge" AND I wouldn't be surprised if Thai Immigration extends the "free" policy (without notice) as per the same policy (they've never given advance notice).

#3 Posted: 16/2/2011 - 02:11
rledez1990

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@ Captain Bob: So if i apply for one now will it be valid for a June entry to Thailand, or should i wait until March to apply? And is there a way of applying for the free visa by post? I got a Tourist Visa last year but paid the £28; i remember the postage being quite expensive so don't want to send an evelope with no money and then have it returned.
Thank you for your help

#4 Posted: 16/2/2011 - 02:48
Captain_Bob

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Since you reside in the UK check out the Thai consulate in Hull
http://www.thaiconsul.co.uk/downloads-and-visas.aspx
They do double and triple-entry tourist visas by mail for about £8 at last check (during the "free" promotion until at least end of March). The visa is usually valid for 90 days (or 180 if you get a triple entry).

#5 Posted: 16/2/2011 - 19:23
greektravel-
ler

noodle lady
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i just received my tourist visa for 2 entries. 60 days each for free from London thailand consulate in victoria street.

#6 Posted: 16/2/2011 - 19:24
greektravel-
ler

noodle lady
Posts: 43

i just received my tourist visa for 2 entries. 60 days each for free from London thailand consulate in victoria street.

#7 Posted: 16/2/2011 - 19:24
rledez1990

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@greek traveller
Would you mind tellimg me what is the 'visa must be utilised before...' date on your visa stamp?

#8 Posted: 17/2/2011 - 04:14
chriswotton

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As others have said, if you apply for the triple entry visa (which is included in the freebie promotion) it'll have a 'visa must be utilised before...' date of 6 months from the date of issue. Return postage fee for the (always very reliable) Hull-based service is indeed £8 (they use Special Delivery to return your passport to you). Mine have always been turned around by them in 24 hours and back to me within 2 days.

#9 Posted: 17/2/2011 - 04:37

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rledez1990

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Thanks for your help everyone!
Just to clarify for anyone else who's stuck, I rang the Thail Consul at Hull today and spoke to a nice lady who explained that as long as the date i apply is no earlier than 3 months before the date i travel, then i'll get my free visa! So if i'm 14th June i need to apply for it AFTER 14th march but BEFORE 31st march! Have to put a reminded on my phone for that one!
Thanks again!

#10 Posted: 17/2/2011 - 16:51
mikethediver

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Hi Chriswotten, all of my Thai visas are only valid 3 months from date of issue, not 6 months, is this a change?

Also, I understand (from their web site) that Birmingham charge a 12 pound 'service fee'; does anyone know if this is still so. Are they totally free if applied for in person in London?

#11 Posted: 28/2/2011 - 01:47

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mikethediver

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Hi Chriswotten, all of my Thai visas are only valid 3 months from date of issue, not 6 months, is this a change?

Also, I understand (from their web site) that Birmingham charge a 15 pound 'service fee' and that multi entry visas are NOT free; does anyone know if this is still so. Are they totally free if applied for in person in London?

#12 Posted: 28/2/2011 - 01:49

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