Tourists arriving in Thailand without a valid visa in their passport do not have to worry because they will have the passport stamped at the immigration desk. Many visitors believe that the stamp in their passport is a visa. It is not, it is a Visa Exemption Stamp. This stamp allows the passport holder to remain in Thailand for a period of thirty days. Immigration procedures are normally hassle free and the visitor will proceed a greeting and a smile. Sometimes though visitors may be asked to provide evidence that they have enough cash to support themselves during their holiday.
The Visa Exemption stamp does not apply to the citizens of all countries. Some are expected to have obtained a proper visa in their own country before they left. Diplomatic agreements mean that some countries will get more than thirty days. Wherever you are coming from it is best to check with the Thai Embassy a month or more before your departure from your home country.
The Visa Exemption is also granted to visitors arriving by land border but these are different in that only give 15 days.
Whether you are given 30 or 15 days it is highly advised that you do not overstay your granted allocation. There are heavy fines in place for those who do and there is even a possibility of imprisonment as well as a fine. If you make it to the airport or land border you will only be fined.
To extend your visa exemption is straightforward enough but you will have to leave the country and re-enter. This is commonly known as the 'Visa Run'.
The 'Visa Run' is simple enough. Most Hotels and travel agents are well used to the procedure and can advise. Every day of the week there are coaches and minibuses heading towards the borders. Some services are described as luxury and charge a little more. Shop around. It is often worthwhile paying that little bit extra for what is a very tedious, tiring and boring bus ride.
You could of course 'do it yourself' but unless you have your own car you will have to rely on public transport. This will make a long day much longer. None of the main tourist spots in Thailand are anywhere near a border.
The Visa Run can be a bit of an adventure. You see parts of Thailand that the average tourist never sees. You will meet people on you 'run' who will be very different from you and sometimes friendships are formed.
Crossing the border and back will give you another 15 days in Thailand. Fly out and back and you will get another 30 days. A return flight to Singapore can sometimes be a worthwhile consideration. It is a case of examining your options. The possibility exists to leave Thailand by land and stop outside for one or two days and here you can then get a proper Tourist Visa which will allow you to stay for 60 or 90 days. It could well be worth it.
The land and water visa run to Myanmar is quite special and could be a tourist trip of its own. Similarly trips to Laos or Cambodia for visa extensions can turn an ordinary holiday into an adventure.
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