Embassy of the United States

Non-immigrant Visas

Frequently Asked Questions

1. If I already have a 10-year visa and I change my name (either through marriage, or for other reasons) can I use my old visa?
2. Do I have to use the appointment and the courier passport return systems?
3. I have a valid United States visa in an expired (old) passport. Can it still be used?
4. Do I need a visa to go to the United States?
5. How do I pay the visa fee?
6. My visa was denied. Can the decision be overturned?
7. What documents do I need for my visa to be approved?
8. I have a student visa that was approved, when can I enter the United States?
9. I need to leave immediately, can my appointment be expedited?
10. What should I do if I lose my Appointment Confirmation Letter before my interview?
11. What happens if I lose my passport and obtain another one after I scheduled my appointment but before my appointment date?
12. What happens if I cannot attend the interview on the appointment date? Can I give the appointment to someone else to attend instead?
13. Am I going to be fingerprinted?
14. I am an American citizen and would like to accompany my Thai friend/fiance/wife, colleague/etc. into the visa waiting area and assist him/her during the visa interview.  Can I do this?

Q: If I already have a 10-year visa and I change my name (either through marriage, or for other reasons) can I use my old visa?

A:  Yes.  As long as your passport is still valid for at least six months beyond the date you plan on traveling, you may still use it.

Q: Do I have to use the appointment and the courier passport return systems?

A: Yes, these systems are mandatory, and designed to speed up visa processing.

Q: I have a valid United States visa in an expired (old) passport. Can it still be used?

A: Yes, if you will be entering the United States for a reason consistent with the type of valid visa you have. You should carry the old passport that contains the valid visa and your current (new) passport. You will use both for entry to the United States.

Q: Do I need a visa to go to the United States?

A: Thai citizens require a visa to enter the United States. Some nationalities do not require a visa. For details, please see the Visa Waiver Program.

Q: How do I pay the visa fee?

A: Most applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee of US$131 or 4454 baht.  The fee can be paid at any Thailand Post office in the Bangkok Metropolitan area and at any of the 246 "Pay at Post" counters found in Thailand Post offices nationwide.

Q: My visa was denied. Can the decision be overturned?

A: One must reapply and have a second interview for the case to be reconsidered. A refused applicant may reapply at any time should circumstances change or should they become able to present additional evidence of compelling ties to the home country.

Q: What documents do I need for my visa to be approved?

A: Consular officers evaluate applications on a case-by-case basis. There is no one document that guarantees issuance (or refusal) of a visa as each case is different and what may demonstrate strong ties in one case may not do so in another.

Q: I have a student visa that was approved, when can I enter the United States?

A: You can enter the U.S. no earlier than one month before the start date listed on your I-20 Form.

Q: I need to leave immediately, can my appointment be expedited?

A: All applicants for tourist and business visas are encouraged to apply early. We expedite legitimate business, APEC Business Travel Card holders and educational travel based on pressing need. To apply for an expedited appointment, please send an email in English to visasbkk@state.gov with the subject line "Request to Expedite a Non-immigrant Visa Appointment."  Please provide your full name, appointment confirmation number, a contact telephone number in Thailand, and the reason for requesting an earlier appointment.

Q: What should I do if I lose my Appointment Confirmation Letter before my interview?

A: You should attend your interview as scheduled with all the required application documents.

Q: What happens if I lose my passport and obtain another one after I scheduled my appointment but before my appointment date?

A: You can attend the scheduled appointment and present the new passport. If you are not able to obtain a new passport before your appointment date you must contact the Visa Information Service again and cancel or reschedule your appointment. You will not be able to apply for a visa without a valid passport.

Q: What happens if I cannot attend the interview on the appointment date? Can I give the appointment to someone else to attend instead?

A: If it is impossible to attend the interview on the date you scheduled you can contact the Visa Information Service again and cancel and/or reschedule your appointment. Another person cannot attend your appointment. The appointment is non-transferable. Only the person(s) scheduled will be allowed to enter the Consulate.

Q: Am I going to be fingerprinted?

A: Fingerprints will be collected during the interview process. The 10 fingerprints are done using an inkless, electronic process. This requirement will not increase significantly the length of your interview.

Q: I am an American citizen and would like to accompany my Thai friend/fiance/wife, colleague/etc. into the visa waiting area and assist him/her during the visa interview.  Can I do this?

A: Unfortunately, no.  Only individuals applying for a visa are allowed to enter the building and to participate in the visa interview.  Exceptions ARE NOT made for American citizens who are family members, colleagues, or friends of the applicant.  The only exceptions are for children under the age of 13 and applicants with disabilities who may be accompanied under certain circumstances.