Answered3 years ago

Can I enter Thailand on a visa exemption after two land border runs?

Visa Exemption Tourist Visa Thailand Immigration Rules Air and Land Crossings Thai Visa Policy

Jonathan ******

asked Jun 30, 2023

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Hey guys, I have a question. I'm from the UK and did 2 land border runs to Cambodia between Jan 1st and end of June 2023. No problems so far. I flew back to UK and wondering if in July i can fly in on visa exempt? Or if I need to get a tourist visa. The rules say 2 land border crossings per year. Or 3 air crossings per 6 months. So just wondering how they interact? Thanks for your help.

Answer summary

The individual from the UK is inquiring whether they can enter Thailand using a visa exemption in July 2023, after having completed two land border crossings to Cambodia earlier in the year. Comments in the thread suggest that, although it might be possible to enter under the visa exemption, it is recommended to apply for a tourist visa to avoid potential issues with immigration, as rules limit border crossings per year and authorities have become stricter post-Covid.

11 repliesnewest first

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Tod *********

@Jonathan *****

@Tom ********

suggested you should get a single entry tourist visa from the thai consulate in london using the online eVisa system before you come here. While it won't guarantee you entry it will look less suspect than you comin' back on a visa exempt entry after burning your 2 free land entries already this year 🙂 ESPECIALLY if you're flying in to either bangkok airport.

You apply here

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3 years ago

Tom *********

I’d strongly recommend getting a tourist visa if you have time to do so. You may be ok without it but if you have an immigration officer who has had a bad day there’s a chance with multiple entries already this year they can refuse entry or delay you with lengthy questions about your stay and why you haven’t applied for a longer visa etc. visa exempt isn’t designed to spend a lot of time in Thailand and ever since Covid are cracking down on multiple exempt entries etc. for peace of mind and a lengthier stay the 60 day tourist visa will be much easier

3 years ago

Martynus ********

@Tom ********

You're right 😉 I'm married and they start asking me "Where's your visa if you're married, why did you arrive without a visa?" I reply that I don't need a visa... And I see them angrily stamping me for 30 days 🤣🙈🤣

3 years ago

Tom *********

@Martynus *******

same I started getting questioned and stern looks/warnings so I bit the bullet and got an education visa 😅

3 years ago

Tod *********

@Tom ********

just so everyone is clear about it

Holding a tourist visa isn't a guarantee of getting in thailand 😮 all it does is IF you get in you get in for the amount of time it gives you; 60 days.

BUT

I will agree wtih you (y) a tourist visa looks far less suspect than someone who already did two free visa exempt entries by land so far this year (which means they flew in on one as well BEFORE the land bounced) 🙂

3 years ago

Tom *********

@Tod ********

agreed it’s not guaranteed but like you said less suspect after 3 entries and gives more time.

3 years ago

Tod *********

@Tom ********

well spotted and sound advice, thanx for suggesting it to him (y)

3 years ago

Ellie *******

The actual written rule is "visa-exemption are eligible to enter Thailand without visa through land border checkpoints ONLY TWICE a calendar year".

That's it.

3 years ago

Jonathan ******

@Ellie ******

ok thanks. Can I ask then why it says you can enter 3 times by air? This is on the thai embassy website. Presumably 3 times by air wouldn't be possible based on the above rule. Or does the above only refer to land border I.e. not by air? Thanks

3 years ago

Ellie *******

@Jonathan *****

, that what you have to ask to the website owner why they write those. the rule is as I wrote. there is NO rule about the limit on entering Thailand on visa exempt by air.

3 years ago