Answered2 years ago
Can I enter Thailand in January on a visa exemption after multiple previous entries?
Hello 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
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.
38 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
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 *********
OPThank you everyone for your answers 🙏
Bonnie *********
You might want to do what immigration suggests.
Rene ******
Are those warnings noted in the system?
Dario *********
OP@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 enter
Povilas *****
@Dario ********
What airport?Dario *********
OP@Povilas ****
Suvarnabhumi
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 ********
@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 !Dario *********
OP@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 , 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 *********
OP@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 ********
@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 !
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.
Chris **********
@Ian *******
Spot on.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 !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 *********
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.
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 *********
OP@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.
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 ***********
excellent appreciate your advise on here thanksBrandon ************
@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 ***********
I don't really mind along as it's guaranteed just for this time until I can do an dtv visaBrandon ************
@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 ***********
yes mate
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 .Activity
16 joined16
people
Related
25Can I enter Thailand on a visa exemption before my re-entry non-O visa expires and still apply for a one-year extension?
665665d
What visa should I consider for longer stays in Thailand while working remotely?
3.9k71112mo
Can I enter Thailand more than three times in six months?
7.5k291735mo
Can I get a 30-day extension on my retirement visa in Thailand before it expires?
2k15217mo
Can I enter Thailand again in March 2026 after three visits since May 2025?
12.5k9411010mo
What should I do if my e-visa payment shows as 0 after applying for a non-O visa based on marriage?
1.1k861y
Can I enter Thailand on a 60-day exemption while waiting for my Non-O visa approval?
3k21292y
Is there a limit to visa-exempt entries in Thailand for US passport holders?
10.3k821202y
Can I re-enter Thailand on a 60-day visa exemption after staying one night in another country?
1.9k572y
Can I leave Thailand on a visa exemption without canceling my Non-O business visa?
1.5k1262y
How many times can a US passport holder extend their stay in Thailand on a visa exemption?
9.6k91722y
Can I convert a Visa Exemption to a Non-O visa based on marriage once in Thailand?
2.4k21112y
What are the best visa options for expats in Thailand with a marriage-based background who frequently travel for work?
4.9k43362y
What visa options are available for attending a job interview in Thailand?
6k40783y
What are the steps and timelines for applying for a Non-O visa in Thailand as a retiree?
1.4k9124y
Can I apply for a Non-O Visa at immigration in Phuket after entering Thailand with a visa exemption?
1.3k5184y
Can my French wife apply for a retirement visa in Thailand if she enters on a visa exemption?
3.1k28234y
Can I apply for a Non-O visa for my father inside Thailand if he comes on a Thai Pass and visa exception?
1.3k8105y
Is it easier to become a dependent after marrying a work permit holder in Thailand, and should I get a visa before arriving?
1k675y
When can I apply for the Covid extension in Thailand and when will it start?
954655y
Can a US citizen be denied a visa exemption stamp for entering Thailand more than twice in one year?
1.5k10125y
Can I apply for a second 60-day extension on my visa in Thailand?
1.5k10126y
What are my options for extending my Non-O visa (family) in Thailand without marriage documentation?
1.8k1697y
When is the earliest I can return to Thailand after using a 90-day Non-O visa?
838479y
Is there a limit on the number of times you can enter Thailand with a visa exemption stamp?
1.8k11179y
Resources
Need help with your retirement visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served