Can I return to Thailand on a visa exempt 60-day stay in 2025 after my previous stays and extensions?

Question

In 2024 I traveled to thailand on a 60 day tourist visa then got a 30 day extension. I then went to Laos and returned on visa exempt stay and stayed for 60 days. I returned to the US September 17th 2024 (Been in US 5 months now) Am I fine to return on a visa exempt 60 day stay since it is a new year 2025? I am seeing conflicting info on google, emabassies, and even here. Any clarification would help thanks!

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is inquiring about the possibility of re-entering Thailand on a visa-exempt 60-day stay in 2025 after having stayed in the country for a total of 90 days on such entries during the previous year. They have been away for 5 months and are receiving mixed opinions on the matter. Responses indicate that while there is technically no limit on the number of visa-exempt entries, repeated prolonged stays may lead immigration officers to view the individual as trying to live in Thailand rather than visit as a tourist. Recommendations include coming prepared with the necessary documentation and possibly obtaining a tourist visa beforehand for guaranteed entry.

Russell ******** · Answer

If in doubt, buy a visa in your country before you leave. It's inexpensive and easy.

Longy **** · Answer

get a tourist visa before you leave

Jonathan ********* · Answer

Ultimately it is still legal and ultimately it’s up to the immigration officer dealing with your passport. And as long as I’ve been living here, over a decade, that’s the way it’s always been. Now that they have the DTV immigration may well be getting more stringent I. Order to sell more DTVs. But who knows…

Paul ******* · Answer

If you get the 60 day visa exempt stamp and extend by a further 30 days at the Immigration office, Immigration class you as a tourist. If you then attempt to enter again on a visa exempt stamp, Immigration rightly consider that after on 90 day stay in the country that you are no longer a tourist but that you are attempting to live long term in the country. While there is no legal limit to the number of Visa exempt entries, once the Immigration officer believes that you are no longer visiting the country as a tourist he will deny you entry. 3. If you have already stayed for 90 days on a visa exempt entry, then in future to guarantee entry into Thailand, you need to obtain a long term visa suitable to the reason for your stay.

Wannikea ********* · Answer

On the face of it you only came twice last year using visa exempt, you've also been away for 5 months, really not an issue for entering again IMHO. But of course you may encounter an IO having a bad day. Have the three proofs as mentioned if you are concerned.

Alex ********* · Answer

I'm also considering applying for DTV soft power from the US. But if I don't and go visa exempt I wanted to avoid flying there and being told I have too many stamps, even if it's a new year and it's been 5 months since I have been there.

Rob ******* · Answer

As mentioned, it's up to the IO at the airport but as you have been away for 5 months, it's fairly clear that you are not trying to live here on visa exempt and extension stamps so you should be ok provided you have the 3 requirements when you arrive, if asked for them.

John ********** · Answer

A new year makes zero difference. It will be up to the Immigration officer you will stand in front of to make that decision

Lloyd ******** · Answer

Only the IO that you face can tell you that. Make sure you have the big 3 when you come, onward travel, 20k cash and confirmed accommodation, that is all you can do. Or buy a tourist visa before you come.

Can I return to Thailand on a visa exempt 60-day stay in 2025 after my previous stays and extensions?

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