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Can a South African with two visa-exempt entries return to Thailand after visiting Vietnam?

south african visa visa-exempt entry Thailand immigration border bounce Visa On Arrival travel between Thailand and Vietnam tourist visa rules

Jun 24, 2023

3 years ago

Stephen *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Sorry to bother you all but I have a friend that is a little confused.

He is a South African that came to Thailand with family on a VOA by plane in early March. They extended by 30 days at immigration.

His family returned home and he did a a border bounce in Ranong by boat mid May and has just extended for 30 days at immigration. 

He has booked flights to a Vietnam in early July for 2 weeks and a return flight back to Thailand mid July and will stay in Thailand for 1 more month.

Will he have a problem returning from Vietnam as he has read that he can only enter twice on a VOA.

Sorry if this is a question asked a lot, just can't find a proper answers on the net.

Thank you in advance

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A South African individual who initially entered Thailand with family under the visa-exempt scheme and subsequently extended their stay is concerned about returning to Thailand after a trip to Vietnam. They plan to re-enter Thailand after two visa-exempt entries, as they have conducted a border bounce and extended their stay. The clarification is provided that the individual is not using a Visa On Arrival but rather the visa-exempt entry, which has different rules. While there are limits on entries by land, air entries generally don't have set limits. It is advised that upon re-entry, he should have necessary documents ready to show at customs.

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Ellie *******

First of all, he is not entering Thailand on VOA - Visa On Arrival. He is using the visa-exempt scheme. Those are totally different. While visa-exempt entry is for 30 days for free and eligible for 30 days tourism extension, VOA is for 15 day stay by paying the 2000 baht official fee at the entry point and is NOT eligible for tourism extension.

The rule is, the limit of TWO visa-exempt entries by land per calendar year. No written rule for the limit on visa-exempt entry by air .

But he has a good chance to be questioned at passport control, better have proof of accommodation, funds of

*****

baht cash, and onward tickets when entering Thailand again, and be prepared with an explanation as a genuine tourist.

3 years ago

Stephen *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks so much for the info, glad i messaged here as I was convinced it was VOA and could find no decent info, that would be why. Thanks again

3 years ago

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Stephen *********

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