Answered5 years ago
Am I at risk of being denied entry to Thailand after multiple uses of the 30-day visa exemption?
Hi all, I travel to Thai every 2-3 mnths (pre covid) and use the 30day permit granted on arrival. By using that so many times, am I risking not having it granted at some stage?
Answer summary
The post discusses concerns about the risk of being denied entry into Thailand after using the 30-day visa exemption multiple times. Community comments reflect on the past experiences of travelers who have frequented Thailand, suggesting that pre-COVID, there might have been scrutiny after exceeding certain limits. While some reported no issues with repeated entries, others experienced questioning from immigration. Current sentiments suggest a more lenient approach toward visitors post-COVID, though caution is advised for those with frequent short stays.
20 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Wayne *********
Prior to covid and for 5 years I went to Thailand every month for 13 days on visa exempt from Australia. Never ever got stopped or questioned, yet I have heard of people being stopped.
Hopefully I will restart doing the same from December.
Note, I own apartments, have thai license and bank accounts, don't know if this makes any difference though.
Hopefully I will restart doing the same from December.
Note, I own apartments, have thai license and bank accounts, don't know if this makes any difference though.
Josh *********
Why are people going to so much trouble to go to Thailand?
Josh *********
Thanks. I've had a place in BKK for over 30 years. But we're in Mexico waiting it out. Getting into Thailand is like applying to uni. Too old for that :)
Declan ***********
@Josh ********
- Family…… Otherwise Tbh., I’d be back doing Close Protection Work in BRASIL where there is little or no Bureaucracy…… 🥺🇧🇷🥺
Jim ********
@Josh ********
family Bryan **********
I just got pulled at immigration for same reason, I've entered 4 times in the last year. Told me this was last time I can enter on visa exempt. Get a visa mate.
Michael ********
@Bryan *********
First time have heard of it since covid restrictions. Work offshore ?Bryan **********
@Michael *******
work overseas yeah 28 days on 28days off. but call thailand home. Michael ********
@Bryan *********
yes trueBryan **********
@Michael *******
elite visa is what they want you to buy, but 500k. Thats a no for me.Michael ********
@Bryan *********
Same as me but do repars not regular shifts. Need special visa for us there are a lot of us with spending power
Robert ********
OPThanksyou, looks like I'll be ok for 5 maybe 6 short stays each year.
Carsten ************
On DMK Airport the limit is a max of 180 days/ p.a. but on BKK they are not that serious about it.
Michael ********
@Carsten ***********
once you get flagged doesnt matter where you come in. Land border any airport all the same.Michael ********
Before covid yes if more than 6 months in 1 year they could get funny about it and red flag you.
At moment though i think they are grateful for visitors
At moment though i think they are grateful for visitors
Michael ********
@Ulrik ********
it is actually written down somewhere in the rules I have seen it. I will try and find it.Yes i was 20 years doing it like that but i got two passports 555
Ulrik *********
@Michael *******
If you are able to find the rule in writing please direct it my way. I have previous searched myself, but couldn't find anything official on the matter. 🙂 Ulrik *********
@Michael *******
what is the reason that more than 6 months per year on visa exempt can cause problems? Michael ********
@Ulrik ********
More than six months they say you are not a tourist anymore and you should be on long stay visa. I was actually told that by immigration, I work on ship repair which can be a few days or few weeks I never know so I always came in visa exempt even though i showed them my seamans book and proof i work on ships, they red flagged me and told me to get a marriage visa.Pre covid times a lot of people working illegally
Ulrik *********
@Michael *******
Thank you for the explanation 🙂 It seems that it is entirely up to the IO, and not a written rule if they let you in or not.
I was living here for around 7
***
years on tourist visa, visa exempts, extensions and a few EDs before I got pulled aside in DMK coming home from a holiday in Bali. He was certain that I was working in the country, and wouldn't let me in.. I called for his superior and after showing proof of international transactions for the entire period of stay, I got my exemption. After that, I only extended 1 more time, did a border run over land, and went for a month long holiday in my home country. I figured it was time for a new strategy and had to fork out for an EV as I had no other options.EDIT : What I wanted to say before I started my bedtime story is that it seems a bit odd, that you have the right to unlimited visa exempts if you go by plane, but only 2 by land border. Why not add a rule that you can only have a certain amount in total per year, or clearly state that you can only stay up to 6 months per year on exempts if that is the way they want it to be. The uncertainty if you get your exemption or not, is imo an unnecessary headache.
Activity
9 joined9
people
Related
25Does my 90-day report start over when I re-enter Thailand with a multiple re-entry permit?
2.3k17293mo
What are the requirements for a 90-day report on a Non-O visa in Thailand?
1.2k354mo
What happens if you have an overstay due to flight cancellation and can you still enter Thailand again?
11k721795mo
What changes have been made to same-day border runs between Thailand and Laos for expats?
9.9k761295mo
Can you get questioned at Thai immigration after multiple long stays and still enter on a visa exemption?
1.4k1298mo
Is it easier to obtain a marriage visa or a DTV visa in Thailand?
11.2k861489mo
Can I visit Thailand for three trips of less than 60 days each without a visa?
2.9k27219mo
What are the chances of being denied entry at immigration with no DTV after multiple long stays in Thailand?
11.7k9213310mo
Can I pay the overstay penalty for my DTV Visa with a credit card at the airport?
4.2k29431y
Can I receive a visa exemption a third time when traveling to Singapore and back to Thailand?
2.5k2631y
Should I complete my 90-day report before doing a visa run in Thailand?
3.1k21391y
What should I expect while clearing customs with a work visa and multiple bags at Suvarnabhumi airport?
5.3k44531y
Why was my visa exempt entry to Thailand declined at the Nong Khai border?
14.4k1021952y
When is the 90-day report due for a DTV visa after multiple entries into Thailand?
938462y
Will I face issues traveling to Thailand with a one-way ticket?
18k1371252y
How many times can I enter Thailand on a visa exemption without facing issues?
15k841692y
Will I have issues entering Thailand on a one-way ticket while applying for a retirement visa?
2.6k21152y
Can I return to Thailand on an education visa after obtaining a re-entry permit?
1.4k4172y
Can I do a border run in Thailand after my Muay Thai education visa ends?
2.8k23123y
What are the experiences and challenges of crossing from Poipet, Cambodia into Thailand?
6.6k42863y
Should I apply for a tourist visa or use visa exemption for my upcoming trip to Thailand?
2.3k13304y
Can I obtain a work permit in Thailand with a 30-day visa exemption and a 60-day extension for family reasons?
2.2k14245y
Does an O-A Multi Visa serve as a re-entry permit for Thailand?
35618y
Will frequent visa exempt entries cause issues in Thailand?
606229y
What are the rules for obtaining a tourist visa after canceling a work visa in Thailand?
4.7k44249y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served