ask
Search
Ask
Answered5 years ago

Can a US citizen be denied a visa exemption stamp for entering Thailand more than twice in one year?

Nathan *********
asked Jul 21, 2021
1.7k
views
10
replies
0
likes
Hello All,

I am a US citizen married to a Thai woman. I have been visiting with the visa exemption stamp.

The embassy website says that the US visa exemption stamp is only granted to a person twice per year. I'm currently already here on my 2nd exemption visa stamp issued this year.

My question is, has anyone here ever been denied for asking for the visa exemption stamp more than twice in one year? I will be heading home in the near future but, returning again after a few weeks.

I believe I can apply for a visa based on marriage but the exemption stamp is pretty convenient and free.

Thanks in advance for the input!
Answer summary
A US citizen married to a Thai woman inquired about the possibility of being denied a visa exemption stamp after using the exemption twice in a calendar year. Community responses clarified that, historically, individuals can obtain two visa exempt entries by land or unlimited by air, provided it's not deemed as abuse by immigration officials. It was pointed out that previously, travelers faced minimal issues with multiple entries, especially with outbound tickets, and no recent denials have been reported since COVID-19 policies have relaxed. However, the advice emphasized researching the appropriate visa, such as a multiple entry Non-O visa based on marriage, to ensure long-term access without complications.
10 repliesnewest first
5

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Benjamin ******
Benjamin ******
I'm shutting this down:

1. NEVER Trust what a foreigner embassy says about Thailand immigration policies. The foreign embassy has no motivation to verify the information as correct.

2. A person from a visa exempt country can have TWO visa exempt stamps, by land, in a calendar year.

3. A person from a visa exempt country can have UNLIMITED visa exempt stamps, by air, in a calendar year, as long as the immigration officer does not believe the visa exempt system is being abused.

4. IF an immigration officer believes the visa exempt stamp is being abused, they will reject the entry, and a person will go to the Immigration Detention Center until they can get another flight out of Thailand. However, there has been NO reports of any rejections since the airports reopened to international travel.

5. The groups advice is to always get the right visa for your needs. If you are married to a Thai national, and you are frequently traveling in and out of the country, get a one year multiple entry Non-O visa based on marriage to a Thai national. It's only 5K THB in local currency, and it'll give you a peace of mind that you won't be rejected at the airport.

Thank you
Matti *********
Matti *********
Pre-covid used to have 20 to 30 visa exempt entries a year when working outside. Never any issues.
Nathan *********
Nathan *********
OP
Matti *********
Matti *********
@Nathan ********
I guess the thing was that each stay was only few days or two weeks the most. So they see that I was not abusing the system to stay long periods.
Cole ***********
Cole ***********
If you have an outbound ticket then you should be OK. I used to visit 8-10 times a year. Rarely for more than a week and always with a return ticket.
Nathan *********
Nathan *********
OP
@Cole **********
Thank you! That's makes me feel a bit better.
Tod *********
Tod *********
the OLD rule was you could get two visa exempt entries per year entering by LAND, and there was no real official limit based on entering by air.

Given the current covid shit show going on along with the fact that land borders are closed AND the more stringent entry requirements I don't think you're gonna have any issues entering by air with a visa exempt entry for the foreseeable future

AND

if when you were stamping in you got grief, the next time you could get a tourist visa from the thai consulate in the US before you came again
Nathan *********
Nathan *********
OP
@Tod ********
thank you!
Benjamin ******
Benjamin ******
>The embassy website says that the US visa exemption stamp is only granted to a person twice per year.

First rule to remember about visiting Thailand is never, ever, trust the information that's posted on your country's embassy website. They are always the last to know about changes, and they have no obligation to keep the information updated.

>My question is, has anyone here ever been denied for asking for the visa exemption stamp more than twice in one year?

IN PRE-COVID-19 days, a person is allowed TWO visa exempts by land in a calendar year, and "unlimited" visa exempts by air, until the immigration officer believes the unlimited visa exempts are being abused. Since COVID-19 happened, I have not heard of ANYONE being denied entry on a visa exempt yet.

>I believe I can apply for a visa based on marriage but the exemption stamp is pretty convenient and free.

It sounds like you're one of these people who work overseas, and visits Thailand once or twice a month. I highly recommend contacting your nearest Thai embassy and seeing if they sell a multiple entry Non-O visa based on marriage to a Thai national. This visa is valid for a year, and on each entry allows a person to stay for 90 days (so if timed correctly, you may be able to stay as much as 15 months or more). There has been no rejections on people entering multiple entry visas based on marriage to Thai nationals.
Nathan *********
Nathan *********
OP
@Benjamin *****
Thank you so much! Your assumption of my situation is correct. I always enter by air so, seems this should be a non issue.

Appreciate the thorough response!

Activity

5 joined
Nathan *********
Nathan *********
Nathan *********
Nathan *********
Nathan *********
5
people
Thai Visa Advice
Thai Visa Advice
...members40% approval
Member 1
Member 2
Member 3
Member 4
Member 5
Member 6
Member 7
Member 8

Related

25
Can I enter Thailand on a visa exemption before my re-entry non-O visa expires and still apply for a one-year extension?
665665d
Can I get a 30-day extension for my visa while waiting for my newborn in Thailand?
2.7k291612d
Can my partner travel to Thailand on a tourist visa for our wedding without facing entry issues?
6.2k54692mo
Why can't I open a Thai bank account on a visa exemption?
20.4k1572823mo
Can I enter Thailand more than three times in six months?
7.5k291735mo
Can I enter Thailand again in March 2026 after three visits since May 2025?
12.5k9411010mo
Can I apply for a Non-O visa in Thailand while on a visa exemption, and what are my options for staying longer?
3.6k35191y
Can I apply for a Non-O visa in Thailand if I have a visa-exempt stamp and am married to a Thai citizen?
1k761y
Is it common to face questioning upon re-entering Thailand?
8.5k661002y
Do I need an e-visa if I have a US passport and have been to Thailand frequently?
5.1k46422y
Can I enter Thailand in January on a visa exemption after multiple previous entries?
4.9k38532y
Is the 60-day visa exemption for German citizens the same when entering Thailand by land as it is by air?
5.3k33352y
Can South Korean citizens cross into Thailand multiple times by land without visa restrictions?
4.6k33482y
What is the rule for 2 times visa exemption in Thailand per calendar year?
6.3k45342y
How many times can a US passport holder extend their stay in Thailand on a visa exemption?
9.6k91722y
How many times can I enter Thailand on a visa exemption in a year?
2.5k13222y
How can I extend my Non-O visa online in Bangkok and what are the options available?
5.1k51264y
What is the time frame for extending a Non-O visa as a newcomer to Thailand if married to a Thai citizen?
2k9304y
Can I stay in Thailand for 45 days on a visa exemption after my TR visa ends?
685414y
Is it safer to apply for a tourist visa rather than entering Thailand on a visa-exempt stamp?
4.1k37254y
Can my mom extend her stay in Thailand beyond 144 days with her SETV?
1.5k10144y
Can I apply for a METV after being in Thailand with a TR visa, or re-enter using a visa exemption?
1.8k14104y
When can I apply for the Covid extension in Thailand and when will it start?
954655y
How can I apply for a new Non-O visa based on marriage to a Thai citizen?
1.6k10126y
Can I extend my tourist visa in Thailand by leaving and re-entering on a visa exemption?
1.2k1039y

Resources

Need help with your retirement visa?