Answered2 years ago
Can I do border runs to extend my stay in Thailand using a 60-day visa exemption?
Hello i have a question.
i've been seeing so many people saying that they come to thailand on 60 day visa exemption then leave for a few days then come back and get another 60 day visa exemption!
i've been seeing so many people saying that they come to thailand on 60 day visa exemption then leave for a few days then come back and get another 60 day visa exemption!
Answer summary
Many expats are curious about the practice of entering Thailand on a 60-day visa exemption, exiting for a short period, and then re-entering for another visa exemption. While this is possible, it's important to note that immigration officers may grow suspicious if travelers frequently use this method, potentially limiting future entries. Some suggest obtaining a 30-day extension before leaving for another country, which may be a safer route for those planning extended stays. Additionally, there are long-term visa options available for expats, such as retirement visas or the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), which offers longer stays with fewer restrictions on border runs.
116 repliesnewest first
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Henrik *****
Use the option to extend 30 days at the Immigration office (1900 Baht) , before going out of Thailand, for new visa excempt.
Less border crossings, less risk of being denied entry.
Less border crossings, less risk of being denied entry.
Chayut **************
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Upasaka ********
Yes its a 60 days voa, completely normal.
Arnold **********
So what’s your point
Carl ********
OP@Arnold *********
my point has been answer by people who actually read the thread
Terary **********
I too have a question.
What is your question?
What is your question?
Carl ********
OP@Terary *********
wow... i didn't know squirrels could talk!Terary **********
@Carl *******
Nutty squirrels can!
Edward ******
I have done it 4 times this year but I’m always out for at least 30 days and overall I’m out of Thailand more than I’m in Thailand.
But the real answer unfortunately is YMMV.
Too many is defined only in the mind of your particular immigration officer.
But the real answer unfortunately is YMMV.
Too many is defined only in the mind of your particular immigration officer.
Eddie **********
Borderline
Max 2 time per year with car/taxi
Buss/boat
Max 2 time per year with car/taxi
Buss/boat
Roman ********
I just went ahead and got a DTV visa. Required:
1. Cost USD B$400
2. You do have to show that you’re working for a company, that you have at least $15,000 in the bank.
3. the place to stay in Thailand.
They did ask me for a copy of my current tax returns from the IRS .
The entire process took about five weeks total . 
Reason why I got this visa is it is a multiple entry visa good for five years and you could stay in Thailand six months per visit. This is a good visa because if something happens and your current plans, do not work out with whomever you are staying with in Thailand. You could always move out and stay somewhere else on your own. You don’t have to leave when the relationship breaks up. You can just simply go to Bangkok or wherever and get yourself a house or an apartment for under $500 a month and live like a local. And also you don’t need a two way ticket 
1. Cost USD B$400
2. You do have to show that you’re working for a company, that you have at least $15,000 in the bank.
3. the place to stay in Thailand.
They did ask me for a copy of my current tax returns from the IRS .
The entire process took about five weeks total . 
Reason why I got this visa is it is a multiple entry visa good for five years and you could stay in Thailand six months per visit. This is a good visa because if something happens and your current plans, do not work out with whomever you are staying with in Thailand. You could always move out and stay somewhere else on your own. You don’t have to leave when the relationship breaks up. You can just simply go to Bangkok or wherever and get yourself a house or an apartment for under $500 a month and live like a local. And also you don’t need a two way ticket 
Gigi ****
What about using 2 different passports alternatively to enter ?
Kirsten *********
@Gigi ***
they finger print you on entry and it will show up. The limitations are on you as a person not on having two nationalities.
Danny *******
First time?
Lee ***********
Understanding is from these groups, no longer a limit on land sea air crossings. Thailand want tourists along with every other country.
Patrick ********
Visa agent told me yesterday in Pattaya, you can do border run as many times you like..
Nongnuch ********
@Patrick *******
. .you should not believe in everything a visa agent tells you . . . . . . the REAL answer is, you can do as many border runs without a visa, UNTIL the Immigration officer at the border says "NO, this was the last time, you are misusing the visa-exempt entry as a means for longstay"
Lisa **************
I just got back from Cambodia Monday overnight toyesterday. Been doing it for a year. Cambodia 3 times and Malaysia 2 twice
Charlie *******
@Lisa *************
Cambodia - was that landborder please or did you fly? Did they ask for ticket to your country of origin please?Lisa **************
@Charlie ******
flyBenjamin *********
Who's doing that? Better to get 30 day extension before doing a border bounce ( and can do it same day, no need to leave for days)
John *****
Just avoid female immigration officers at the airport, everyone I know questioned was by a female
Sally *******
@John ****
women are always better at their jobs. 😆
Denice *******
My husband and I are thinking of moving to Thailand can we come and get a long term visa without having to leave and come back for extension. Can we come and get a visa to live only? Please and thank you.
Michael *******
@Denice ******
Apply for a Non-immigrant O visa in your country.This gives you 90 days .Then convert to retirement visa in Thailand .You have to immediately open a bank account and deposit baht800k each.This amount must remain in account for 2months before applying for retirement visa.Cost is 1900 baht.Kirsten *********
@Denice ******
sure check your Thai embassy website for information on the retirement option. All information is clearly there.
Eric ********
@Denice ******
yes been here 3yearsDenice *******
@Eric *******
great ty
Aaron *******
@Denice ******
There are long term visa options for people over 50.Denice *******
We are going to retire to Thailand can we go to local Thailand offices and file for a retirement visa to become a local resident.
Kenny *****
I don’t see a question being asked. What you type is correct if you have a USA passport or holding one that Thailand allows a 60 days visa exemption.
James **************
Yes
Michael ********
How is Vietnam for a quick visit?
Paula ********
@Michael *******
We did a one month stay in Danang - loved the beach, the healthy food and the 30% cheaper costs lolMichael ********
@Paula *******
Did they treat you well, and access in / out ok?Paula ********
@Bev *******
air asia
Bev ********
@Paula *******
What airline did you fly from Vietnam?Paula ********
@Bev *******
yes I did fly back. They didn't ask for proof, just when I was planning to leave.Bev ********
@Paula *******
Did you fly back to BKK? Did the airline ask you for proof of onward travel?Paula ********
@Michael *******
you mean in Vietnam or returning. Both were fine. We left again recently at about 45 days into our second 60 day stay to attend a conference in a neighbouring country and came back 5 days later and got a new 60 day stamp but we are leaving after 35 days anyway so not issue. The immigration person on return into BKK did ask when we were leaving but that was all. We are going to apply for the DTV next time we leaveRod *********************
@Michael *******
ya never know until you goRod *********************
You can do 2 land crossings then you have to fly out to renew again
Rod *********************
Looks like I'm staying for longer next time then💪
Luc ************
@Rod ********************
that rule has gone. You can enter by land as many times you want, until the IO stops you.Rod *********************
@Luc ***********
they stop me after two times every time...Benjamin *********
@Shaun **************
you can speak to visa agent / border bounce people. Or limit yourself to 2 land entries.
Shaun ***************
@Benjamin ********
Can you tell me where I can find this rule written out? I’ve scoured so many articles thanks.Benjamin *********
@Rod ********************
that's the old rules. It changed in July with the introduction of the 60 days instead of 30.
Bob *********
I did it!!! I like to get a stamp in the country I visit, so they border agent has something to look at
Rod *********************
Yes
David ***********
You can probably do it twice. After that, Immigration might look at it and decide you are not a tourist. All depends on who checks you
David ***********
Yes. I was told not to do it again.
Shaun ***************
@David **********
they sent my son back to Malaysia. Where is currently waiting for Visa approval trying to get back in. In Malaysia, he was greeted by a bunch of security guards yelling at him as if he is a criminal. Not fun for an 19 yr old. Insane! I’m only posting this because had we known this in the beginning, Would’ve pushed harder for a Visa before he left.
Jay *****
@David **********
nice guessDavid ***********
It's always a guess
David ***********
I was questioned and told to get a visa next time
David *********
And ?
Eric *******
On the new DTV, is there a service someone will take your passport to Cambodia or something get it stamped and bring it back for you if you’re not physically able to travel for it?
Greg *********
@Eric ******
what does DTV stand for? Something Tourist Visa, I’m sure, but… D???Eric ********
@Greg ********
digital
John ********
@Greg ********
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
Jessika *******
@Greg ********
Destination Thailand Visa
Angeil ********
@Greg ********
No - it’s a Visa that allows you to stay up to 180 days (6mo) and can apply for a 180 day extension… unlimited entry, 5 year visa. What I do it take vacations and each time you come back your 180 days starters over. I would never need to pay for an extension I’ll rather pay for a mini vacation.
Benjamin *********
@Greg ********
yes and no. Is a specific type of visa. Look it up.Greg *********
@Jessika ******
is a Destination Thailand Visa just another way of saying a tourist visa?Greg *********
@Jessika ******
thanks.Greg *********
@Jessika ******
thanks.
Ning ******
@Eric ******
no.......Michael *******
Come in on 60 days.
Get 30 days more from immigration for 1900 baht.
Fly to KL come back and repeat. Did it last year. Very easy process. 👍
Get 30 days more from immigration for 1900 baht.
Fly to KL come back and repeat. Did it last year. Very easy process. 👍
Twan ***********
@Michael ******
For asking, how many days you needed to stay in Kuala Lumpur?Michael *******
@Twan **********
I stayed one night👍Michael *******
Because i achieved my maximum time.
With going to KL, they wanted to see my flight booked ticket going back to uk. And not going over the limit. They would not let me pass until seen👍
With going to KL, they wanted to see my flight booked ticket going back to uk. And not going over the limit. They would not let me pass until seen👍
Michael *******
I applied for 60 days online in uk before i came 👍
Graham ******
@Michael ******
You didn't get 60 days last year and things have changed since the 60 days Visa Exempt was brought in just over 3 months ago.Michael *******
@Graham *****
i applied for 60 in uk online! 😉👍Carl ********
OP@Michael ******
thank you mate
Pelle **********
Yes?
Tony *********
No more than 3-4 times per year , normally....it depends on how weak up an immigration officer
Wylie *******
You only do that if you don't know you can go to immigration and get a 30 day extension for 1900 baht. Then you do a border bounce and can get another 60+30 days. You can only do that for so long though before immigration may start to think you're trying to live here on visa exempt and will tell you to get a long term visa and/or deny you entry.
Davide *********
I'm on it! For 2 months, I did the extension for another 30 days (total 90 days). I will be traveling to Vietnam for a weekend vacation and then go back and hopefully get another 2-month stamp.
Vova *******
@Davide ********
How soon can you do the extension for another 30 days after you enter Thailand with 60 day visa exemption? And how to do it? Thank youDavide *********
@Vova ******
even 45 days before your 2-months stamp end and check the last comment before yours, I replied with my experience doing it.
Erin *******
@Davide ********
What documentation did you need to take to the mmigration office besides TM-30 to request an extension?Davide *********
@Erin ******
, in my experience, getting the extension was not as quick as people always say. I am in Chiang Mai, so perhaps it could be different in another city. Bring with you the TM30, check that all the information in it matches, print a copy of your 2-month stamp on your passport and another copy of your main page with the photo and information, 1 passport-type photo with a blue or white background (I cannot remember if it's 3cm x 2cm.. you can see this on the form TM7), your physical passport, and 1900 baht. Don't forget to bring your own pencil because you will need one to complete another form, the TM7. You can get this one at the immigration office, usually at the entrance; grab one and fill it out, do all this with enough time, dont wait until last day.Erin *******
@Davide ********
Thank you so much for the detailed explanation. I really appreciate it!
Astrid **********
@Davide ********
if I have a ticket , return in three months and not have a visa for the last 30 days…( as we get 60 days on landing ) the airline will not let me board . I need to either have an ongoing ticket after 60 days or a visa for longer stay in Thailand arranged before I fly .
Kev *********
@Astrid *********
get an online bus or train ticket for Laos or Cambodia. Only a few hundred baht.Michael *******
@Davide ********
note. They do want to see a flight booked ticket back home! They are strict on this.Michael *******
Had the 400.000 in bank for along while.
Thank you for info 🙏🏻
Thank you for info 🙏🏻
Kev *********
@Michael ******
are you sure it has to be a flight back home and not any onward travel out of Thailand? For example, a bus ticket to Laos?Michael *******
@Kev ********
yes! 👍🙏🏻Kev *********
@Michael ******
Congratulations Michael. Non Immigrant O visa. 400,000 baht in bank. Do you know about the documents you'll need for visa application?Michael *******
@Kev ********
i get married to my thai fiancee in jan. I will apply for 1 year thai marriage visa!Kev *********
@Michael ******
I've lived in Thailand for 10 years on OA long stay retirement visa for which I had to have TGIA approved health insurance. I already had a good health insurance but the company wasn't part of TGIA group. I went to Cambodia to void my OA visa and back same day. On return to Thailand I had 60 day visa exempt stamp. After 30 days I applied for and was given 90 day Non O visa. I needed to show 800,000 baht had been in a Thai bank for 3 months prior to my Non O application.I shall apply for Non O 1 year extension at the end of November on grounds of retirement.Michael *******
@Kev ********
i would say onward. Eventually you will run out of days. As i did. I managed 180 . Which is the maxDavide *********
@Michael ******
just in case, yes, I have my ticket flight back home activated. I just postponed it until January.. but still there and is the first time that I am doing this, I am working remotely so I will be happy if the allow me to stay here for xmas and eve year.
David ********
@Michael ******
not true It's the traveler not the airline. If a country gives you a visa you have until that time to leave. You can leave via any means and maybe earlier or later. Apply extension whatever.
Jacques *****
@Michael ******
just book a onward res. Costs $15 or less
Martin *********
@Carl *******
its easy 60 days extend at local immigration 30 days then boarder run 30 days then iam sure you can actually extend at local immigration again.Jacques *****
@Carl *******
buy a reservation for $15 and show immigration at the boarder you have a ticket leaving BKK. They will let you back inJacques *****
@Carl *******
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Carl ********
OP@Jacques ****
how do you do this?Carl ********
OP@Davide ********
thanks for the information mate 👍Martin *********
@Davide ********
yes but only so many within the calendar year
Steve *******
@Martin ********
Technically there's no limit. You can do it untill Immigration deny you entry
Andrew ***********
Same same
Martin *********
@Steve ******
yes I had a tug
Kace *******
only so many, you say?? what about using fast pass when you get to “ too many “?
Steven *******
@Davide ********
If you don’t have an unusual history, you shouldn’t have a problem.
John **********
So what's your question?
Carl ********
OP@John *********
sorry. so is this allowed?
Andy ********
@Carl *******
yes 👍John **********
@Carl *******
it's allowed but after one or two times you will likely be question by immigration and possibly denied entryJohn **********
@Jay ****
really? I did say likely and with the introduction of 60 day visa exempt entries they've got much stricterJay *****
@John *********
where do you get that information. 1 or 2 times is absolutely incorrect
Tony ******
@Carl *******
until immigration say no yes you canActivity
63 joined63
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