Answered4 years ago

Can I re-enter Thailand after using COVID extensions and doing a border bounce to Laos?

Thailand immigration Visa rules COVID extensions Border run Tourist visa Long-term visa options

Cait *********

asked Aug 19, 2022

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Hey y'all, I've been here for 7.5 months (first on a 3-month tourist visa, and then on 3x COVID extensions). If I do a border bounce to Laos and back, does anyone have any information on the likelihood that I'll be allowed right back in? Have you or someone you know tried this after getting multiple COVID extensions?

Answer summary

The likelihood of being allowed back into Thailand after a border bounce to Laos, especially after multiple COVID extensions, is uncertain and depends on the discretion of the immigration officer at the time of re-entry. Community members suggest considering applying for a tourist visa while in Laos to avoid potential issues with re-entry, as relying solely on COVID extensions is deemed unsustainable. It is also advised to obtain a long-term visa if planning to stay in Thailand for an extended period.

9 repliesnewest first

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Will ************

If you've been here a long time then you should get a proper longterm visa to stray. They will want to know why you are staying here without it and will think you are working or volunteering illegally.

4 years ago

Cait *********

@Will ***********

only want to stay another 2.5 months, so wouldn't make sense :/

4 years ago

Brook ********

@Cait ********

Doing the right thing doesn’t “make sense” because it doesn’t fit your schedule?

4 years ago

Sam *********

Why not just get a tourist visa, eliminating the question of “will I have an issue or not” Covid extensions are not really a sustainable way of staying in the kingdom..

4 years ago

Cait *********

@Sam ********

is it legitimately more likely to get back in if I get a tourist visa in Laos? Happy to, but as far as I've understood it, one can still be denied trying to re-enter whether on a tourist visa or border run.

4 years ago

Sam *********

@Cait ********

if you have a visa in your passport, unless there is some special circumstance, you will be able to enter. Officially, the final word is up to the officer, but I have never heard of a normal case of someone possessing a visa and getting denied entrance.

4 years ago

John **********

Nobody can give you an accurate answer. It'll be down to the immigration officer you speak to when trying to re-enter. You might want to consider applying for a visa while in Laos rather than just bouncing out and back

4 years ago

Cait *********

@John *********

is this typically a safer option?

4 years ago

John **********

@Cait ********

I would say so. They're less likely to give you grief if you have a valid visa.

4 years ago