I`ve taken 2 r-t flights to Thailand from the US, one for 8 months and
one for 4, without any mention of a visa requirement by the US travel
agents or the airlines on which I flew (China Airways and EVA), so I
don`t know why this is such an issue in Germany. Thailand has the same
visa rules for both the US and Germany, I believe, so why don`t the US
travel agents mention this?
Also, I`ve never been turned back by the Thais at the BKK airport for
lack of visa or onward ticket, or even had the issue mentioned by Thai
immigration. I simply get the 30 day entry permit, so what`s said and
what`s done is very contradictory.
I`ll probably end up shelling out 25 USD for the 2 month Thai visa,
and hope that will be enough (though obviously it won`t cover a 6
month visit. I don`t think I can even get a 6 month visa). As I said,
I`ll only be spending a month in Thailand anyway. The rest will be
elsewhere. It still seems stupid.
"Sjoerd" wrote in message news:<3f9b2750$0$58700$e4fe514c@news.xs4all.nl>...
> "Thomas F. Unke" schreef in bericht
> news:HnCAFA.HnE@news.online.de...
> > dblaisdenotmyrealemail@yahoo.com (AsiaWanderer) writes:
> >
> > > hi all,
> > >
> > > I`ll be travelling from Berlin to Bangkok for 6 months and
> > > then returning to Berlin. The travel agent here says that
> > > Lufthansa and other local airlines require a visa covering the
> > > length of your stay, or they won`t let you board.
> > > The Berlin Thai embassy will only give me a 2 month visa,
> > > so, what to do?
> >
> > I have the same experience with several airlines in Germany.
> >
> > I normally flew to Thailand without a visa at all, having my return
> > flight several months later.
> >
> > At checkin, they ask for a visa. I thell them that I don't need a visa
> > for a stay of 30 days. They complain that my return flight is later. I
> > tell them that I travel to neighbouring countries, returning to
> > Thailand at the end of the tour. They make a lot of noise, check their
> > computer about Thai visa regulations. I show them my credit cards and
> > other funds.
> >
> > Finally they let me fly. But it was a hassle. And I'm not sure about
> > the future. This happened with LH, BA, KLM.
> >
> > In case you have a visa, the situation may be better. Thailand would
> > not refuse you with a visa, even if your return flight is after the
> > visa has expired.
> >
> > Stupid regulations. The airlines now start to do some preemptive visa
> > check, just like a passport officer. But these are just ground
> > stewardesses without any knowledge.
> >
>
> Nothing stupid.
>
> Here are the official rules from Thai Immigration:
>
> Passport required (recommended to be valid 6 months after
> period of stay. However, Thai immigration will accept passports
> which are only valid for period of intended stay).
>
> Visa not required for a max. stay up to 30 days provided
> holding confirmed return/onward ticket. Extension up to 10 days
>
> possible. Fee THB 500.- (1 photo required).
>
> If holding APEC Business Travel Card together with passport:
> visa not required.
>
> Entry may be refused if of "hippy" appearance.
>
> Airline staff may travel on standby ticket together with an
> airline-identity card.
>
> Visitor must hold all documents for next destination.
>
> If being over 12 years of age visitor must also hold
> sufficient funds (e.g. letter of credit, vouchers, MCOs
> or well-known credit cards) to cover period of stay (not
> applicable if holding re-entry visa).
>
> Non-compliance with the visa regulations will result in:
>
> - refusal and immediate deportation of passenger;
> - fines for the airline of THB 20,000,-;
> - overstay fine for passenger of THB 200,- per day.
>
>
> Timaticweb Version 1.3
> 25 October 2003 |