Comparative Study: Thai and US Visas

A visa is an initial requirement that is needed when travelling in Western countries and other developed countries. On the other hand, Asian countries also require visa, but you can enter an Asian country initially without a visa, except for Japan. There are different types of visas for each country, and each country has different requirements.
Study shows that it is harder to enter the United States of America than the Kingdom of Thailand. One can initially enter Thailand as a tourist, using a visa free entry. Foreign nationals can stay in Thailand for a period not exceeding 30 days, reckoned from the date of entry. However, since foreign nationals can extend their stay in Thailand twice, the said foreign national can stay in Thailand using a visa free entry for a maximum period of 90 days. After which, the foreign national has to secure the proper nonimmigrant visa depending on the purpose of his stay. The duration of allowable period in which one can stay in Thailand under the visa free entry depends on how said foreign national entered Thailand, that is, whether by airport or by crossing border through neighboring countries.
On the other hand, before one can enter the United States, the foreign national must secure a nonimmigrant or immigrant visa already, depending on the desired purpose of his stay. Exceptions to this policy are those who are eligible to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. However, it is not an absolute guarantee that a foreign national can enter the United States even if one has already secured a visa. Said visa only allows the foreign national to travel the United States as far as the port of entry only (no distinction between airport and land border crossing). It is in the port of entry that an immigration officer decides on whether the foreign national will be allowed to enter the United States, depending on the foreign nationals eligibility. Regardless of the purpose and the number of days a foreign national will be staying in the United States, the foreign national has to secure a visa first.
By this comparison alone, it can be deduced that it is harder to enter the United States than the Kingdom of Thailand. Stringent rules and requirements have to be complied with before one can enter the United States on a K1 Visa or K3 Visa from Thailand.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dennis P. Ramm
Dennis P. Ramm is Partner with Siam Legal International which is Thailand Largest Legal Services Network with offices in Los Angeles, London and Bangkok. Dennis works with American Attorneys, UK Solicitors & Barristers, German Lawyers, and Australian Solicitors providing global immigration services including US Visas in Thailand for Thai Fiancees (K1 Visa) and Thai Wives (K3 Visa) of US Citizens. Dennis has over 19 years of experience assisting Thai Nationals with US Visas. In 1993, he obtained a US Visa for his Thai Fiancee to reside in the US and adjusted her status to permanent residence.