Can Canadians on a 6-month multi-entry visa leave and re-enter Thailand at land borders, specifically Myawaddy, and do they need to visit a Thai consulate before re-entry?

Thai Visa Rules Multi-Entry Visa Visa Extensions Border Runs Immigration Policy Myawaddy Border Crossing Canadian Expats in Thailand

Feb 15, 2023

2 years ago

Denise ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

My husband and I are Canadians and are in Thailand on a 6 month multi entry visa. We know we need to leave Thailand and re-enter every 60 days to receive another 60 day stamp in our passport. We have a couple of questions that need clarification…

1.  Can we leave and re-enter at a land border or does it need to be at an airport immigration? 

2.  If it’s ok to leave and re-enter by land, can we use Myawaddy border crossing and receive 60 day using our multi entry visa? 

3.  Is it necessary to visit a Thai consulate/ embassy at country outside, then re enter on our multi entry visa?

I thought I understood this visa…that we had 60 days in Thailand, visit another country and receive another 60 days on return, for the validity of the visa (6 months). However…friends have said different so I thought I should check.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post discusses the re-entry procedures for Canadians on a 6-month multi-entry visa in Thailand. Key points clarified include that both land and air departures are allowed, although current restrictions on the Myawaddy border make it less viable for foreigners, who can only execute a border run. It's confirmed that a visit to a Thai consulate is not necessary for re-entry; one can simply cross the border and return. Alternatives to Myawaddy, such as border runs to Laos, are suggested for a smoother experience.

Aaron *******

You can get a 30 day extension in Thailand. Thus you only need to leave and re-enter once. Yes, you get the full 60 Days on re-entry, just be sure to have paper copies of MEV, and hand it to immigration officer, and check you were stamped in for 60 Days.

2 years ago

Richard *********

depends on where u are in Thailand<

Malaysia land border> Laos/Cambodia ( but need pay for visa) and possible donation for quick return

2 years ago

Paul *******

Myanmar is the most obvious choice for same day returns, due to the peculiar arrangement they have set up, with one day passes for those not holding visas. However, at present only one land border is even open (a second one, Ranong, appears to allow Thai citizens to visit some of the islands in the south), but the rest are for trading purposes only at this time, with ordinary Thai and Burmese citizens not even allowed across.

The one open land border is Mae Sot-Myawaddy. For foreigners, only a border run is allowed. You cross the bridge, get your passport stamped and return immediately. You're not permitted to visit Myawaddy. Only Thais get this privilege at present but even they're not allowed to leave town and can only use a day pass (unless the 7 day pass has been re-instated, but that's not something I have knowledge of). Even if it has been, they're only allowed to remain within Myawaddy in any case. No one, except Burmese citizens, has permission to travel along the highway connecting Myawaddy with the rest of the country via Kawkareik and Hpa-an, due to regular fighting, bombings and instability.

A less stressful option is a border run to Laos, though the Lao visa cost will be higher (unless you're Russian, Swiss or an ASEAN national, who all get free entry for

*****

days, respectively).

2 years ago

Stuart *********

1. You can leave by land or air (or sea).

2. Myanmar borders are mainly closed to foreigners (I’ll let others confirm if the one that was announced as open still operates for foreigners).

3. You don’t need to visit a Thai embassy. Depending on the border you could walk across and walk straight back.

2 years ago

Denise ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you all! You have confirmed what I had originally understood. I appreciate the clarification.

2 years ago

Denise ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

and receive 60 more days correct?

2 years ago

Paul *******

@Denise *******

Yes, you should be able to do a border run at Myawaddy BUT do note that you won't be allowed to enter Myawaddy township to go sightseeing, to the ATM or for any reason whatsoever.

There will probably be some "tension" in the air when border guards sight you. Don't worry, it's for your own protection. They'll usher you into the room, stamp your passport, hand it back to you and ensure you head straight back to Mae Sot.

Foreigners, except Thai citizens, are prohibited from visiting Myawaddy at present.

Please give us a trip report to let us know how it went as I have not heard any reports, first or second hand, since the border reopened. All I've seen are reports of Thais crossing over.

2 years ago

Denise ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Paul ******

thank you. And Mae Sot immigration is familiar with the METV and would give us the 60 day stamp?

2 years ago

Reply to

Denise ********

Brandon ************

@Denise *******

You will receive 60 days every single time you enter Thailand before the expiration date on your visa.

You are also eligible to apply for a 30 day extension on each of your entries, so you could also go get the 30 day extension at your local immigration office before leaving and re-entering now.

2 years ago

Reply to

Brandon ************

Maxim ***********

@Stuart ********

Yep, with METV u won't get bothered at any border that is open. Border run can be completed within 30min to 1h.

Can also buy cheap round trip to Kuala Lumpur and come back few hours later.

2 years ago

Reply to

Maxim ***********

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Do I need to show a flight out of Thailand upon arrival on a Canadian Exempt Visa and can I do a border run?

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