Answered10 months ago
Can I frequently visit Thailand for short stays on a tourist visa as a US airline pilot?
I'm a airline pilot for a US Company holding a US Passport and i get 10 days off a month which i want to spend in Thailand could this be possible on a tourist visa/visa exemption entry. It would be monthly entry but short stays.
Answer summary
It's feasible for a US airline pilot to visit Thailand monthly for short stays (around 10 days each visit) using a tourist visa or visa exemption entry. While many users have experienced no problems with such frequent visits, there are suggestions to be aware of potential scrutiny, especially after multiple entries. Recommendations include having return tickets, being prepared to explain your travel pattern to immigration, and possibly considering a multiple-entry tourist visa if concerns arise.
89 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Andy ******
Short time ok for the Thais ,long time is problem haha 😂😂
Paul *********
Check if you qualify for LTR visa. Work from Thailand Professional
Pierre-Paul ********
I can remember talking to a Scottish guy who worked on the oil rigs on a flight to Bangkok who said he used to work a month ( l think it was ), then two weeks in Thailand. This were quite a while back so it could have changed
David *******
Hi Fed, I think technically you can. But like others have said, maybe after the
To the group , if he gets 30 days on his first visit what happens when he comes back 20 days later ?
***
/6th time they might ask you questions. I doubt that there is a visa for 10 days a month, so you fall into a grey area. You could ask your local Thai embassy the story seems perfectly acceptable it’s just wether an immigration officer might think you are here on “business” once a month? To the group , if he gets 30 days on his first visit what happens when he comes back 20 days later ?
Federico **********
OP@David ******
yes this is what i'm thinking as well
EmeraldC********
My kids and i live in bkk and my husband lives in vietnam. He travels to see us once a month or so, staying 1-2 weeks each time on visa exemption. No issues so far. We have australian passports. As long as youre a tourist and not living here, that's fine
Steve *******
Yes, you can come and visit for 10 days as many times as you want.
You don't need a visa.
You don't have to worry about being denied entry.
And you don't have to listen to the uninformed fear mongers.
You're coming here as a tourist and not trying to stay long term by staying 60 days and then leaving for 1-2 days before you come back.
You don't need a visa.
You don't have to worry about being denied entry.
And you don't have to listen to the uninformed fear mongers.
You're coming here as a tourist and not trying to stay long term by staying 60 days and then leaving for 1-2 days before you come back.
Ben ********
God everyone’s answers are so annoying,
You can enter on a 60 day visa exemption
Because you only want to stay 10 days you’ll be able to do that every month because in a year you won’t go over the 120 days
You can enter twice a year on visa exemption of 60 days total 60x2 =120 days , there’s extensions but don’t need to talk about that
You can enter on a 60 day visa exemption
Because you only want to stay 10 days you’ll be able to do that every month because in a year you won’t go over the 120 days
You can enter twice a year on visa exemption of 60 days total 60x2 =120 days , there’s extensions but don’t need to talk about that
Frankie *******
Sorry u r only allowed 3 stays per year in thailand
Ralph *******
@Frankie ******
No. There is no published limit.
Tohksic ******
I do the same. Showing company ID automatically negates any questions they may have.
Per-Arne ***********
I used to do it several times a month ( for years a long time ago )then got an extension of stay based on retirement with yearly extensions and now I moved on to LTR visa. Excellent option if you qualify.
Bob **********
Yes
Charly ***************
Ask ur airline
Miguel **********
Don't they have special exceptions for airline pilots? Just call your embassy in Thailand instead of asking here or ask your company to help fix it
Todd ********
@Miguel *********
there’s no exemption of any sort. How someone earns money at home has nothing to do with personal leisure traveling abroad
Jay *******
You can do visa exempt until they start questioning you. If they ever do you could then apply for a multiple entry tourist visa(METV). If you're only staying 10 days each time you should be able to make it work
Wayne ********
Just to be safe why don’t you get a tourist visa multiple entry?
Ben *******
All I can say is I think you will be fine until you are not. I did it six times in a year, and it was fine. So long as you are holding a return ticket.
Kevin *********
Because of new immigration rules, I think it might be 2 entries a year via visa exemption (VOA).
Because of your pilot status, you might be eligible to enter more than twice. You can read the entry rules via Thai Immigration website.
Because of your pilot status, you might be eligible to enter more than twice. You can read the entry rules via Thai Immigration website.
John **********
You will get away with it a few times then you risk being denied entry. For a guardian visa I'm not sure how that would work when you're not actually the guardian as you spend so much time out of Thailand. How old are you?
Federico **********
OPJohn **********
@Federico *********
get a 90 day Non-O visa based on retirement outside of Thailand and then extend for 12 months at an immigration office inside Thailand along with a multiple re-entry permit (you'll also need one for the 90 day non-o but can buy at the airport)
Guy ********
Try DTV you might be able to tailor what you have to fit their requirements, might be a gamble worth taking.
Doug ********
Lots of good and lots of ba info here. I lived in Thailand 15 years. Many friend who worked oil or construction would fly in every, 15, 30 or 45 days for 7 - 30 days stay (no off days at work site). Never a problem. Also depends on country of passport. A problem if you continuosly stay 30, fly out, and return within a few days for another 30 days.
VP *********
You can, no issue for short term stay. I was in an out of Thailand about 5 times this year (1week to a month each time) without any issues.
Jared ********
*this year.
Jared ********
@VP ********
I went 4 times last year. But the rules have changed.VP *********
@Jared *******
I guess it didn't effect me because I didn't stay long enough.
Graham ******
@Jared *******
The Embassy is not Immigration, they are telling you the worst case scenario, every case is different and depends upon individual travel histories ;)Jared ********
@VP ********
yeah I've just done two weeks trips... contacted the embassy explained my pattern of travel. They told me only 2 visa exempt allowed per year now.Dan *******
Check out the METV , it should work well for your needs. Either that or the DTV. You can go in and out with the visa exempt but they are being more stringent with that because of several problems associated with it. You would face scrutiny but given your profession and reason for visiting , it’s unlikely to be a problem. Just be prepared to answer the immigration officers inquiries and read up on the requirements for entry.
Hotel itinerary and cash on hand are the two big ones.
Hotel itinerary and cash on hand are the two big ones.
Robin *******
You should be fine, but I would on my first 10 day visit, go to an immigration office and explain what you want to do, they will advise you,
Terry *******
You won’t have a problem,just have a return ticket.I’ve been going regularly for 25 yrs.
May ******
They mainly seem to be balking around the 150 days total as 180 days triggers tax implications.
You should be fine.
You should be fine.
Ralph *******
It should be ok if they are short stays. You don’t actually say how short though.
Steve ********
@Ralph ******
He does , read his Original post , he states it clearly .
Paul **********
Expect scrutiny after a few visits. Thailand has been cracking down on repeat entries because it's an activity associated with various crimes. Also, don't expect any favours from your US passport when #47 is pressuring the Thai PM to a peace deal so he can win his precious Nobel Peace Prize when a) Anutin has people and territory to protect and b) the US is threatening punitive tariff regimes affecting Thai manufacturing industry much more severely than they would impact the Cambodian economy.
Dennis **********
No problem , a friend works 2 weeks on 2 weeks off and spends the time off in Thailand so he goes 12 times a year
Marshal *******
Yes We can , We on the same boat . I do it every month , no question asked . Just have ur Crew cred
Dan *******
Great response. Thank you for helping Federico
Mitchell *******
I would bet you should have no issue with that setup. Pretty easy to tell you are not trying to live visa free.
If you are planning to stay with a local every time, you would need to know their address, and they would need to file appropriate forms to be fully legal. Not always checked for though. Booking a hotel for your first 2 nights would get around that issue usually, as the hotel does it for you automatically.
If you are planning to stay with a local every time, you would need to know their address, and they would need to file appropriate forms to be fully legal. Not always checked for though. Booking a hotel for your first 2 nights would get around that issue usually, as the hotel does it for you automatically.
Nairit *******
Get a tourist visa multiple entries or buy the Thai privilege card costs 20k USD excluding service fees for 5 years
Upadhyay *********
Get a multiple entry tourist visa
Todd *********
@Upadhyay ********
Absolutely useless in this case. Not neededJared ********
@Todd ********
literally what the thai embassy told me when I asked them about going 4 times a year to visit my partner. Get an METV.Jared ********
@Todd ********
It's like $200... and it's not complicated. I mean if you literally ask the government and that's the advice they give me am I going to ignore that?Todd *********
@Jared *******
if that’s what you feel you need to do, go right ahead. It’s only your time and money.Dan *******
As is yours.
"It's better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than open it and remove all doubt,"
"It's better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than open it and remove all doubt,"
Jared ********
@Todd ********
so you've got no source and result to insults.. who were you calling infantile?Todd *********
@Jared *******
you seem to have all the answers you need. And you seem like an infantile prick. So be off with you. 👋Jared ********
@Todd ********
You actually seem like someone who thinks they're smarter than everyone else. What's the source of your apparently gold standard advice?
Chester *******
The main issue will be how long in between the visits and if you go back to your home country after leaving
Donald **********
I used to do it with visa-exempt, frequently but not monthly. A couple of times I was asked how long the visit would be for and when I replied ‘maybe two weeks’ I was waved through with no further comment.
Todd ********
I’m a flight attendant /us citz been flying to Thailand 25 years for short stays each time until i got a retirement visa. It seems like they are after those that get extentions on visa exempt stays Even 10 days for 12 months is only 120 days. Seem flagged at 150 days.
Pauley **********
@Todd *******
how long is your retirement visa and what the requirements?
Wannikea *********
Not a problem
Steve ******
I think you will be fine. If they ask you at immigration why you have been entering so much, simply tell them you’re a pilot and you like to spend your 10 days holiday in Thailand . And just be clean shaven dressed appropriately and I think you will be fine.
John *********
@Steve *****
all airline crew have to pass through a dedicated channel at immigration, no need to tell them you are a pilot 👩✈️ unless you are not on official duty and in uniform.John *********
Good answer 👌
Sean *********
@John ********
technically true but thats the GD line. Ive used it many times. This pilot is not entering on GD (which FYI the Thai AIP allows 60 days stay)
Ronnie ****************
👏👏👏👏
Federico **********
OP@Steve *****
Thank you steve
Cary ********
Thais change things every day.
Paul ***************
Not sure if you can do that 12 times a year .
Federico **********
OP@Paul **************
my children and wife are on Education visa and i can get a guardian visa but the first visa is a 90 day single entry until the yearly visa is givenFederico **********
OPgood idea thank you i'll look into it
Zasha ********
@Federico *********
my husband is a US citizen retired FBI he got is Non-B visa for 1 year at Washington for $100 only why dont you do that ;
Nigel **************
Yes it should be possible, until an IO says it isn't any more. 😅😅😅😅
Jared ********
@Nigel *************
I recently emailed the thai embassy about this and their reply was limited of 2 visa exempt entries for the year and told me to get an metv.Nigel **************
Yeah but he is only staying 10 days at a time not 60 or 90.
Federico **********
OP@Nigel *************
Thank you
Bradley ***********
I read that it’s not amount of times you enter Thailand, the issue is I don’t think you can exceed over like 180 days in a year. One they see that many days you might get flagged
Paul ****************
Yes you can
Federico **********
OP@Paul ***************
Thank you Paul
Phil ********
Nobody knows which Country you're from so nobody can answer.
JP **********
@Phil *******
I’m going to guess U.S. since he has a U.S. passport.Wayne ********
@Phil *******
can you read English? If not, you’re excused.Dan *******
And year you feel the need to snarly reply.
Robin *******
@Phil *******
come on Phil ease up on the day drinking
Dave *********
Read the post again smart arse! US citizen.
Nick *******
@Dave ********
Irony is not your strong point smart arse. 🤣🤦Dave *********
@Nick ******
you w⚓️Todd ********
@Phil *******
…er holding a US Passport(as written ) is a good clue 🤨 less me guess. US CITIZENPhil ********
@Todd *******
Err, you're a bit slow to the party. OP has edited it.
My message 6 hours ago, his edit 4 hours ago.
Todd ********
@Phil *******
if being on FB ****
is your idea of a party. No thanks. I guess ill never be a top contributor like you …but hell i’ll have fun in Thailand in other ways. Happy holidaysNick *******
@Todd *******
Think he was being ironic, you’re American so you don’t get it 🤣🤦.Federico **********
OP@Phil *******
US Citizen
Bobby ********
@Federico *********
yes you canActivity
57 joined57
people
Related
25What are the new entry restrictions for foreigners at the Mukdahan border in Thailand?
2.9k17523d
What is the maximum number of days you can stay in Thailand on a tourist visa within a year?
8.1k421612mo
Is it safe to return to Thailand soon after a visa-exempt stay?
4.6k47334mo
Will I be refused entry back to Thailand after traveling with a tourist visa?
5.1k41605mo
Are FIFO workers from Australia eligible for the DTV in Thailand?
2.5k191510mo
Will my frequent tourist visits to Thailand raise concerns at immigration?
17.5k15017810mo
Will I have issues with visa exemption traveling to Thailand multiple times a year under new rules?
5.6k42661y
Can I enter Thailand with a 60-day tourist visa on arrival if I have no return ticket?
4.8k36521y
Can I stay in Thailand for over 8 months on a multiple-entry tourist visa?
736361y
Can I repeatedly enter Thailand for 60 days at a time as a tourist, and how often is it allowed?
10.3k791212y
What should I consider before returning to Thailand on a single entry tourist visa after previous visa types?
2.1k15132y
Is visiting Thailand multiple times a year problematic for immigration?
7.9k60672y
Can I extend my stay in Thailand for an additional 2-3 weeks after initially booking a month?
904543y
What do I need to know about getting an English teaching job in Thailand with a tourist visa?
2k15133y
What is the maximum amount of time I can spend in Thailand within a year using tourist visas or visa-free entry?
1.9k6233y
How long is the visa valid for when returning to Thailand from Cambodia on a British passport?
1.1k683y
Can you stay in Thailand for 45 days on a tourist visa?
1.7k11134y
Is it okay to have a return flight 60 days later when entering Thailand without a visa?
2.4k18184y
Can you enter Thailand as a tourist immediately after your education visa expires?
1.5k10124y
Can a Canadian citizen re-enter Thailand on a tourist visa after a previous stay in the same calendar year?
1.1k857y
Is it possible to extend my stay in Thailand after receiving a 30-day visa-exempt entry stamp?
1.5k10117y
Can I extend my stay in Thailand if I entered by land on a 30-day visa exemption?
557218y
Can I extend my 30-day stamp in Thailand without leaving the country?
3k28168y
Do I need to report my stay to immigration while on a 30-day visa exemption in Thailand?
2.3k2369y
Are immigration officers still checking for 20,000 THB cash upon entry in Thailand?
4.6k41339y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served