Can I enter Thailand visa-free for a short layover while carrying a TR visa?

Question

Some advice needed please. I arrive at Suvarnabhumi on October 9th but then flying straight to Hanoi. I have checked baggage with emirates  to BKK and my onward flight is with Vietnam Airways. I am in the far east until December but only in Thailand between November 6th and 16th December (41 days). I am getting a TR visa for the 41 days.

My question is…… because I have to collect my checked in BKK, I will have to clear immigration first, collect my bag then check in again for my flight to Vietnam. I am therefore legally entering Thailand albeit for maybe 1 hour. How does that work with regards my TR visa which I don’t want to start until November 6th. Do I have to enter on the visa or can I enter visa free for the 1 hour and not use it until November 6th.

Thank you

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is seeking clarification on whether they can enter Thailand without using their TR visa for a brief stopover before heading to Vietnam. They have a checked baggage policy involving two separate airlines, which requires them to pass through immigration in Bangkok. Comments from the community suggest that it may be possible to explain the situation to immigration officials and request not to activate the visa until their planned entry date in November. However, the final decision rests with the immigration officer, and some users advise confirming with airlines about transit procedures to avoid complications.

James ********** · Answer

I did it before, I explained that I was only in Thailand for 2 weeks before going to Vietnam and that I wanted to save my METV until I returned, they stamped me in for 30 days. If you explain to them, show your flight out you should be OK.

Greg *********** · Answer

the problem is, you will get stamped in on yout tourist visa. You just cannot ask to be stamped in for a transit, if you need to enter Thailand

Bradley ******** · Answer

Another concern

Carry on bags for Vietnam Airways cannot be greater than 7kilo (15lbs) or they make you check the bag for an additional fee.

A lot of times they walk around with a scale in the sitting area and they do check

Especially bigger bags that people are trying to carry on

Bern ****** · Answer

We did this a month ago.  Smile & be pleasant to the immigration agent & explain that this is a stopover to fly out on a different airline.  Have your boarding pass in hand just in case. We also completed the entry card.  No problem, passport stamped with my thank you and him stating have a good flight!

Rock ******** · Answer

You could  apply for your Thai visa when you arrive in Vietnam .

Matthew ******** · Answer

An hour layover? No way you'll go thru immigration, collect your bags, go back thru immigration  and catch your flight..There is a transit pathway to your next flight...best you check again.

Lynnette ******* · Answer

Check if Emirates have code share for your flight to Vietnam and if they'll book you through to destination. So you don't collect bags.  If not, make sure you've plenty of time to do immigration, bags, and check back in at domestic.

Sean ********** · Answer

I had to do this once, flying through to China, you have to go through immigration, I just said to the immigration that I was passing through for a few hours so please could I use my visa when I got back in 10 days. And he was fine, stamped me in on exemption. Then flew back and used the visa to enter.

Graham ****** · Answer

If you have to use it get a re-entry permit on your TR60 as you depart for Vietnam so that you can use it for your re-entry then a 30 day extension will get you to your departure flight.

Noreen *********** · Answer

You may not need to clear immigration as you are "in transit " and not leaving the airport , but you need to speak to Emirates on this , it may be the case that as your onward flight is not with the same airline , different procedures  may have to followed

John ********** · Answer

You can ask the immigration officer you will stand in front of if that's possible but if you have a visa they may insist you use it. The choice will be their's not yours.

Can I enter Thailand visa-free for a short layover while carrying a TR visa?

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