This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
Can I enter Thailand in January on a visa exemption after multiple previous entries?
Dec 16, 2024
a year ago
Dario *********
ORIGINAL POSTERHello everyone,
This year I have entered Thailand 3 times with visa exemption, and at the airport immigration I was suggested to enter with a proper visa the next time.
My last exit was at the end of August.
Can I again enter Thailamd with visa exemption in January since it's a new year?
Thanks
This year I have entered Thailand 3 times with visa exemption, and at the airport immigration I was suggested to enter with a proper visa the next time.
My last exit was at the end of August.
Can I again enter Thailamd with visa exemption in January since it's a new year?
Thanks
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking clarification on re-entering Thailand with a visa exemption after having entered three times in the same calendar year. They received a warning from airport immigration to obtain a proper visa for future entries. Community responses indicate that multiple entries on visa exemptions are under scrutiny, and it's suggested that the user should consider obtaining a proper visa, especially after recent warnings from immigration officers.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Retirement Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Terary **********
I have been told a couple of times, to come back with proper visa.
They always let me in.
The last time (a few weeks ago), they leaned on me, that I should get the proper visa.. This time they seem kinda serious. In the past year or so there are a lot of new and different visa options... I am sure you can find something that will work for your situation.
You can always do what you want. but if the deny you entry at the airport, where you go from there may not be your choice. They could deport you to your home country or they could simply allow you to fly to another country of your choosing.
They always let me in.
The last time (a few weeks ago), they leaned on me, that I should get the proper visa.. This time they seem kinda serious. In the past year or so there are a lot of new and different visa options... I am sure you can find something that will work for your situation.
You can always do what you want. but if the deny you entry at the airport, where you go from there may not be your choice. They could deport you to your home country or they could simply allow you to fly to another country of your choosing.
George *******
In the good old days, I used to enter back2back on visa exempts both at land borders and by air. Did it for years, until an IO., got peed off looking through my passport to check the previous visa and stamped me in with a Red warning. After that I got an 'O' non-immigrant one year multiple entry. No problem once I had that visa, which has now been discontinued unfortunately.
Dario *********
ORIGINAL POSTERThank you everyone for your answers 🙏
Bonnie *********
You might want to do what immigration suggests.
Rene ******
Are those warnings noted in the system?
Dario *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Rene *****
have no idea cause the IO didn't write anything apparently. However, I saw many foreigners had similar issues at that time at the airport. They have been questioned a lot in a separate place. About my case, first she just asked me to wait and left, then she came back and asked me a couple of questions and let me enterPovilas *****
@Dario ********
What airport?Dario *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Povilas ****
SuvarnabhumiReply to
Dario *********
Reply
Olivier *********
An Immigration Officer warned you. Do as you want at your own risk.
Chris **********
My partners daughters boyfriend is an Immigration Officer. He has told me that it is now policy to flag multiple entries on exemption Visas and direct the visitor to alternatives. I have just been caught out on the same issue.
Ian ********
@Chris *********
Was he able to elaborate on what is regarded as multiple visa exemption entries is it back to back visa exemption entries or per year ?Chris **********
@Ian *******
per 12 months...not necessarily year. I thought I would get away with 180+ days because of change of year. Nope. I was told 60 days only, no extension of 30 days leave the country for 60 days return on an DTV Visa, or similar.Ian ********
@Chris *********
Right ok thanks . Can I ask if you only use visa exemption on your previous visits ? I spent about 50 days only in Thailand in the last 10 months on 3 separate trips .I just came back last week and I've booked another trip middle of January for 35 days .
I'm getting a bit concerned about all this . I've only ever used visa exemption.
Chris **********
@Ian *******
I have used Visa exemption/on arrival successfully for the past 8 years without any problems. But I am now retired and have been staying in Thailand far more recently with a view to moving to be with my girlfriend permanently. I think I have been put on notice purely because of the frequency and length of my visits. I think given that you have only been in the country for 50 days you should be OK. I cannot see Immigration refusing you at this stage (don't hold me to that! ) but if you are changing your pattern of stays I would perhaps be a bit cautious.Ian ********
@Chris *********
Ok Chris , thank you . I take it you were told about 60 days only with no extension as you tried to enter Thailand again . I suppose in a way they are trying to help you from being denied by advising you about other visa options available . I just wish there was a clear set of rules to follow . I've got no problem following the rules if there were any !Luit *****************
@Ian *******
I think the rules are clear, for a lot of purposes there are appropriate visa. When there is one for your purpose, you should use it.
The visa exempt is meant for tourists just having their holiday in Thailand, for tourists travelling around there is METV.
Not applying for METV when you travel around and enter Thailand multiple times on visa exempt might work, but you deliberately take a risk.
Ian ********
@Luit ****************
That's my point , I am only going there on holiday. I don't max out my stay , never stay the full exemption time , never extend and certainly never overstay . I prefer to have 3 or 4 short trips in a year as opposed to 1 or 2 long ones . I hope that makes sense . I am now looking at an appropriate visa but the Thai e visa website keeps freezing on me !Dario *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ian *******
I think in your case, it is fine. I never overstayed, but a couple of times, I stayed 2 months plus I extended 1 month. I didn't know it could have been an issue. Now I knowIan ********
@Dario ********
Yes , I am sure my situation is ok , I can honestly say I haven't abused the visa exemption . When I say about the rules I mean I wish there was something written saying something like , only "X" amount of exemption entries is permissable per year or 12 month period or a set amount of days allowed in Thailand on the visa exempt per year or 12 months , if you want to stay longer then you need a proper visa . Then everyone knows where they stand , including the I.O's . It would even make their job easier in a way . But hey , T.I.T !Dario *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ian *******
you are right though. I think I am gonna apply for a proper visa. It was just easier to enter with the visa exemptionIan ********
@Dario ********
Yes exactly , it's the convenience of the visa exemption , if there was rules and regulations clearly stated to the use of it people would follow the rules . It's the ambiguity of the rules , nobody seems to know even the I.O's !Chris **********
@Ian *******
Spot on.Reply to
Chris **********
Reply
Bart **************
You speak of August but if you max that one out, it puts you in November. Then there's not all that much time between that one and a new entry in January. It will also matter whether your other two entries were maxed out and back to back, or not.
Either way the safer bet is to not plan that it'll work.
Either way the safer bet is to not plan that it'll work.
Graham ******
@Bart *************
exit in August ;)Dario *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Graham *****
yes, my last exit was at the end of August. If I enter in January, it means already more than 4 months outBart **************
@Dario ********
that's better, but not free of risk.Reply to
Bart **************
Reply
Gardar ***************************
I have to agree with what Brandon says, either you meet an IO with a good hair day or not.
Are you over 50 you can apply non-oa based on retirement, if under maybe invest in a tourist visa and have what you need. Booking, 20k and an exit flight.
Are you over 50 you can apply non-oa based on retirement, if under maybe invest in a tourist visa and have what you need. Booking, 20k and an exit flight.
Brandon ************
A new year means nothing. Every entry is at the discretion of the immigration officer you're standing in front of. If you are worried then either get a visa or pay for VIP entry with an agent which is a guaranteed entry in Bangkok or Phuket airport. Costs around 2000-4000 baht depending on your history and barely costs more than fast track alone (which you also get as part of the service)
************************************
Andrew ***********
@Brandon ***********
I have been quoted 8000 for this do you know any for 4000 thanksBrandon ************
@Andrew **********
8000 through the link I sent?Andrew ***********
@Brandon ***********
yes mateBrandon ************
@Andrew **********
interesting as I was told 2-4000 baht just a few days ago. Either the prices changed or your passport tells an "interesting" story of time in ThailandAndrew ***********
@Brandon ***********
I don't really mind along as it's guaranteed just for this time until I can do an dtv visaBrandon ************
@Andrew **********
it is guaranteed. An immigration officer meets you and takes you to their line and stamps in you. It's all pre-arranged.Andrew ***********
@Brandon ***********
excellent appreciate your advise on here thanksReply to
Andrew ***********
Reply
Jamie ******
@Brandon ***********
the link you sent is the VIP entry agent or fast track ,or a combination of both ? ThanksBrandon ************
@Jamie *****
bothIan ********
@Jamie *****
I'm interested to know this also .Reply to
Ian ********
Reply
12 comments
a year ago
32 comments
a year ago
14 comments
a year ago
4 comments
a year ago
24 comments
2 years ago
9 comments
2 years ago
3 comments
2 years ago
29 comments
2 years ago
7 comments
2 years ago
6 comments
2 years ago
21 comments
2 years ago
13 comments
2 years ago
25 comments
3 years ago
6 comments
3 years ago
22 comments
3 years ago
40 comments
3 years ago
2 comments
3 years ago
21 comments
4 years ago
7 comments
4 years ago
58 comments
4 years ago
16 comments
6 years ago
9 comments
6 years ago
9 comments
6 years ago
10 comments
8 years ago
6 comments
8 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.