Answered7 years ago
Are there any restrictions on frequent visa-exempt entries for Americans in Thailand?
I'm flying into BKK tomorrow via Japan from the US. The last time I entered (via Saigon) the Immigration Officer cautioned me about numerous use of VOA but didn't put the warning stamp in my passport.
I visit 2 times a year... 3 at most. Is there any formal restriction on this? Saigon trip was the first "Visa Run" I've ever made. Most of the time it's back and forth to the US.
Thanks for the add
I visit 2 times a year... 3 at most. Is there any formal restriction on this? Saigon trip was the first "Visa Run" I've ever made. Most of the time it's back and forth to the US.
Thanks for the add
Answer summary
The original poster (OP) is inquiring about any formal restrictions on frequent visa-exempt entries into Thailand, as they travel multiple times a year. Community responses indicate that there are no strict limits for Americans entering Thailand under visa exemptions, although it can depend on the immigration officer's discretion. Suggestions include considering alternatives like the METV visa for longer stays, especially if the OP is married to a Thai national. Others caution about having necessary documents ready for immigration and the current travel restrictions due to external circumstances.
22 repliesnewest first
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Tod *********
okay and the O/P got the new 30 day visa exempt entry and he can get a 30 day extension after that for 1900baht if he needs to AND as he is NOT actually married to a thai he CANNOT get the 60 day visit thai family extension :( ,
Good Luck (y)
Good Luck (y)
James ********
Robert Lagas prepared this...
You can still get the Visa on Arrival for Laos at the border,
To apply for the visa:
Copy of:
front&back of the original marriage certificate
front&back of your thai wife's i/d card
thai wife's house book listing
data page of your passport
lao visa and entry stamp (only Vientiane or Savannakhet)
2 passport sized photos
a filled out application form
Show the original wedding certificate
you sign everything with your name on it, your wife signs everything with her name on it meaning you both sign the marriage certificate
90 day single entry Non-O visa based on marriage.
In Savannakhet and Vientiane fee 2.000 Thb
1 year Multiple Entry Non Immigrant O visa based on marriage
In Savannakhet, Fee 5.000 Thb
You can still get the Visa on Arrival for Laos at the border,
To apply for the visa:
Copy of:
front&back of the original marriage certificate
front&back of your thai wife's i/d card
thai wife's house book listing
data page of your passport
lao visa and entry stamp (only Vientiane or Savannakhet)
2 passport sized photos
a filled out application form
Show the original wedding certificate
you sign everything with your name on it, your wife signs everything with her name on it meaning you both sign the marriage certificate
90 day single entry Non-O visa based on marriage.
In Savannakhet and Vientiane fee 2.000 Thb
1 year Multiple Entry Non Immigrant O visa based on marriage
In Savannakhet, Fee 5.000 Thb
Jack **********
OPI thought I remembered something about getting a certified translation???
Jack **********
OP@James *******
does the Marriage Certificate need to be translated into Thai? 10 years ago we did a Wat ceremony but never did the paperwork. But it sure made her Mom and Dad happy. Of course we were already in our 60s. :-)Tod *********
the first "visa run" <- as in you went to the thai consulate in HCMC and BOUGHT a visa for thailand? OR you just border bounced? flew out to another country and flew back for a new 30 day visa exempt entry.?
Jack **********
OP@Tod ********
border bounced....only needed a few weeks moreJames ********
Jack...may I ask...
Are you married to a Thai?
As you may be age 50+ why dont you obtain a METV VISA for your many visits to Thailand.
The METV gives you 6-9 months stay in Thailand. Less stress to have a VISA in your passport vs many free visa exempt arrivals.
Are you married to a Thai?
As you may be age 50+ why dont you obtain a METV VISA for your many visits to Thailand.
The METV gives you 6-9 months stay in Thailand. Less stress to have a VISA in your passport vs many free visa exempt arrivals.
Warren *******
@James *******
, @Tod ********
& @Benjamin *****
Keep up the incredible great advice & hard work under these difficult times. It is appreciated, no matter how frustrating it can be!!!!!!Jack **********
OP@James *******
I did a family visa for the 5 months it took us to build this 9 years ago.Jack **********
OP@James *******
that was the plan but I have not had great luck with the Washington Embassy.I have great insurance ( Cigna International ) but getting them to complete the "official" Thai form hasn't worked yet.
Wife was born in Thailand and immigrated to the US 50 years ago. It may be worth the hassles. Looks like the FBI has to give me a clean bill of health too.
James ********
Please report back your arrival experience as it helps others better know the arrival happenings.
Benjamin ******
This also isn't the best time to holiday in Thailand either; I'd cancel your vacation and go back home if I were you :\
James ********
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.htmJames ********
This is the IATA (bible) guide used by airlines in making decision to allowing you to fly...
James ********
The Medical Certificate NOT yet required for Americans.
James ********
As an American you will be asked to submit a health questionnaire on arrival...and be monitored for 14 days following arrival with daily online reporting required using special APP.
James ********
@Benjamin *****
Good advice IMHO.James ********
Good Luck...and be prepared if denied entry. Be sure to have 20,000 Thai baht or equal in CASH, your address stay booking and your ticket departing Thailand...if questioned by Thai Immigration.
Re the departing ticket: Note that Cambodia not allowing Americans to enter...and other SE Asia countries are in process of considering limiting access.
And the bars, clubs, social places are closed in Bangkok and Pattaya...possibly elsewhere too.
Re the departing ticket: Note that Cambodia not allowing Americans to enter...and other SE Asia countries are in process of considering limiting access.
And the bars, clubs, social places are closed in Bangkok and Pattaya...possibly elsewhere too.
Jack **********
OP@James *******
not a party person. We have a house in a rural area outside Prachinburi. Benjamin ******
>s there any formal restriction on this?
No. An American gets "unlimited" visa exempts by air, based on the immigration officer's mood.
>Saigon trip was the first "Visa Run" I've ever made
What's a "visa run"? Did you border bounce the same day, or did you purchase a new visa?
No. An American gets "unlimited" visa exempts by air, based on the immigration officer's mood.
>Saigon trip was the first "Visa Run" I've ever made
What's a "visa run"? Did you border bounce the same day, or did you purchase a new visa?
Jack **********
OP@Benjamin *****
I was scheduled to fly to Hong Kong to visit my daughter for a week and return... Then the virus hit and my flight was cancelled. It was 2 days before my visa expired ( already had 30 day extension ) so I did a "same day " flight to Saigon and back. No choice at that point.Activity
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