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Can I extend my stay in Thailand after my initial 60-day entry, or do I need to do a border run?
Thailand Visa RulesTourist Visa ExtensionBorder RunVisa ExemptionUS Passport ThailandImmigration Advice
Nov 22, 2024
a year ago
Teresa ********
ORIGINAL POSTERComing to Thailand for 120 days. US passport gives me 60 days. Can I extend for 30 days and then another 30 days or do I need to do a border run. TIA
TLDR : Answer Summary
When entering Thailand with a US passport, you typically receive a 60-day visa exemption. You can extend your stay for an additional 30 days once, but this is the only extension allowed per entry. To reach a total of around 120 days, a border run to a neighboring country (like Cambodia) is recommended before your initial 60 days expire. It's also advised to ensure you have onward travel documentation upon re-entry into Thailand. Alternatively, obtaining a visa before arriving in Thailand may simplify your travel plans.
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Shaun ***************
My advice is to get a visa. Forget all the border runs and how many days to stay, extensions and problems with immigration officials. Get a visa before you leave your homeland. If we knew 7 months ago, what we know now, we would have pushed harder for the ED visa.
Bart **************
You need to do a border run, you can only extend once. So to reach about 120 days you might do the border run at 60, and save the cost and hassle of the extension. To be exact, it gets you 119 calendar days because the one you do the border run on will count double.
Greg ***********
@Bart *************
excuse me, you shouldn't do the border run "after 60 days" because "after 60 days" you already are on overstay. The border run should be done before the 60-days stay permit expiresBart **************
@Greg **********
corrected, thanks 👍Reply to
Bart **************
Reply
Teresa ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bart *************
Thanks so much!!!!Greg ***********
@Teresa *******
stay in the neighbour country for a few days, this will make your calculation safer. And keep in mind that the airline might want to see an onward travel proof out of Thailand within the first 60 days. So if you book a cheap budget airline ticket, for example to Luang Prabang, Siem Reap or Penang, you will be well preparedReply to
Greg ***********
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Warren *********
Do a trip to Cambodia and get another 60 days and it's got some nice things to see and the visa isn't expensive like Vietnam.
Darren *******
@Warren ********
single entry evisa for VN is USD25. Cambodia evisa in advance is more expensive than Vietnam. Not sure what Cambodia's fee is on arrival but I bet it's not cheaper than USD 25Karen *******************
@Warren ********
How long do you need to stay in Cambodia or Vietnam before returning for 60 days?Frans ******
@Karen ******************
there are NO guarantees...especially now. Please keep that in mind.Karen *******************
@Frans *****
I’m actually hoping to either teach or take a Thai class and get an Ed Visa. But I wanted to just get some info just in case😀 Thank you 😀Baz *********
@Karen ******************
There are jobs for English language teachers in Thailand but you really need some kind of teaching skills or qualifications for the best chance of a good job..Don't expect western standard salaries either as these are not high paying jobs by western standards ..
If you are careful with your money you can survive on a teaching salary but that's about it..
Have a look at the DTV visa
"Destination Thailand Visa"
Depending on your financial situation and your longer term plans perhaps it's an option ?
But keep in mind you must be outside Thailand when you apply for a DTV and it can be done at a Thailand embassy in most counties.
Reply to
Baz *********
Reply
Baz *********
@Karen ******************
Personally I would consider a flight to Phnom Penh Cambodia and stay overnight a couple of nights and have a look..It's a interesting city.
If you buy a return ticket in advance they can be cheap..
Just take a carry on bag to Phnom Penh for a short visit and tickets are cheaper on the budget airlines without luggage..
It's quite a journey to the Cambodian border to do a border run..
Especially there and back in 1 day by road is quite painful..
Just check your visa entry requirements for Cambodia before you decide
Karen *******************
@Baz ********
Yea I would definitely want to visit those places too😀 I just wanted to know if there was an amount of time before you could come back 😀 Thank you so much for the info ❤️Gary *********
@Karen ******************
I always do a Week in Cambodia then Come Back..Friends of mine Did a 3day Trip and Immigration Weren't going to Let them back to Thailand..Siem Reap Is Beautiful check it outBaz *********
@Karen ******************
Siem Reap Cambodia could also be a good option to consider..Plenty of flights available between Bangkok and Siem Reap.
The Temples of Angkor Watt are simply amazing and it's one of the biggest tourist destinations in SE Asia attracting millions of visitors every year..
Allow a minimum of 2 nights in Siem Reap (3+ would be better) as you need an entire day to visit Angkor Watt and a few of the other main temples..
Warren *********
@Baz ********
totally agree with you on that.Karen *******************
@Baz ********
Thank you so much! I will definitely keep this in mind ❤️ We will be arriving in Thailand for the first time in January 😀Nongnuch ********
@Karen ******************
a flight ticket to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, departing before the first 60 days are over, booked in advance, would automatically serve as an onward travel proof for the Airline, when checking in to the flight to Thailand. Keep in mind some airlines ask for the proof, or they will no allow you to board the flightReply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Warren *********
@Karen ******************
you can just go get the stamp and come back there are places that do the border runs but if you go do a couple of days it's very nice and lovely people.Arild **********
@Warren ********
just be careful what you drink . People have died from drinking bad alcohol in Cambodia.Karen *******************
@Warren ********
Thank you 😀Reply to
Karen *******************
Reply
Baz *********
You can only get one 30 day extension per visa exemption entry..
Rather than bother with doing the extension you may want to consider taking a trip over a border to get an additional 60 days ..
Keep in mind when calculating your 60 days that your day of entry is day 1 of the 60 regardless of the time of day you arrive.
Rather than bother with doing the extension you may want to consider taking a trip over a border to get an additional 60 days ..
Keep in mind when calculating your 60 days that your day of entry is day 1 of the 60 regardless of the time of day you arrive.
Teresa ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Baz ********
Thank you!Reply to
Teresa ********
Reply
Brandon ************
You can only obtain a single 30-day tourism extension on each entry.
Tin **********
@Brandon ***********
how many a yrDoug ********
@Tin *********
probably two in one year... but, there could be push back after one time. It's up to the individual immigration officer. The law is still new and untested.Tin **********
@Doug *******
2 land unlimit airKen ***********
@Tin *********
those were previous guidelines and no longer relevant.Thaimer ******
@Tin *********
there is no any land limitRob *******
@Tin *********
discretionary by air, not unlimited.Phil ******
@Tin *********
no its unlimited now but Brandon us right in saying dependent on IMMIGRATION OFFICER.Reply to
Phil ******
Reply
Brandon ************
@Tin *********
That depends on how many times immigration lets you enterReply to
Brandon ************
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