Overwhelming Paperwork

Getting organised to leave is exhausting. We are packing and sorting, repacking , adding , removing, forgetting and remembering items.

So far we have 4 large suitcases packed and a fifth on the horizon. Each of us will also have a backpack or messenger bag.

The visa process is the most complex and sensitive document to procure, with many documents required to ensure we are not a burden on Thailand and their economy. We are not allowed to stay longer than 6 months ( although a cheeky wee 30 day extension is permissible once there , hence the blog title, for a fee) or to work.

We have been gathering all of the required letters of employment , photos for the visas and international drivers permit, copies of bank statements, birth and marriage certificates , copies of our return tickets ( must have a return flight booked) and of course a large check for the visa fee. Phew. Almost there.

One of the requirements of the multiple entry visa is to leave Thailand every 60 days to validate the visa. This will be a trip to Vietnam and to Malaysia. Not sure if it’ll be by plane , train or minivan but we will post about it.

The visa starts the moment it is handed over the counter to us from the embassy in Los Angeles and so we are leaving it until the week before we leave to apply. It also happens to be Labor Day weekend. Talk about cutting it fine.

Our plans are coming together for our return flights and we should be booking soon , hoping to include another stop in another foreign land on the way.

4 weeks and counting….