Answered4 months ago
Can I still be refused entry to Thailand even if my tourist visa is approved?
If your a repeat visitor to Thailand and you apply for the tourist visa to be safe and it’s approved are you safe to fly to Thailand? Keep seeing people being refused here
Answer summary
While having an approved tourist visa allows entry into Thailand, it doesn't guarantee it. Entry decisions are ultimately made by immigration officers who assess an individual's travel history and intent. Travelers with frequent visa-exempt entries may face scrutiny and potential refusal. It is advised to present proof of accommodation, funds, and return travel when arriving.
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Steve ********
19 years of travelling twice a year for between 3 and 7 weeks and never had an issue was advised once to get 30 day extension ( when it was a 30 days limit) which I was going to do anyway.
David *******
I enter Thailand multiple times a year and never have had any issues. But that's because it's clear that I'm an actual tourist, staying for 1 - 2 weeks at a time. You'll have zero problem unless your travel habits look more like you're trying to actually live in the country rather than just visit it.
Ryan ********
@David ******
they’re going to pull you up eventually.their definition of “living in Thailand” doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.
Wayne ***********************
I've been 8 times in 2 years. Only 1 trip was longer that 2 weeks. I've never had any issues. I think they are blocking people that are approaching 6 months per year....
James ********
@Wayne **********************
watch the new rules. You may be under the radar.David *******
@Wayne **********************
Totally agree. They're clearly focusing their crack down efforts on people who obviously aren't bona fide tourists.James ********
@David ******
how many times is Multiple ? Are you now Married to Thai or the Father of a Thai child?David *******
@James *******
4 - 5 times a year. I'm retired so spend most of my time traveling now. I use BKK as a base for all of Southeast and Central Asia. Good place to stop and chill and do laundry between bigger trips. Don't use any family or other connections in Thailand. The key is that my visits are measured in weeks, not months, so they know I'm not trying to live there.James ********
@David ******
it's going to be a luck of the draw when you arrive into Thailand each time seeking to enter as Visa Exempt Entry. You're clearly on the Thai Immigration RADAR, with your many times visiting each year.
Good Luck 🍀... and with EACH arrival, be sure to have 20,000 Thai baht or foreign currency in Cash, Address of your first week booking, Proof of a ticket departing Thailand within the 30 days of the day you arrive into Thailand.
Watch for updated information about the new rules to be started 15 days after they have been published in the Thai Royal Gazette.
The First 30 days arrival may be extended for 30 days at your local Thai Immigration office for 1,900 Thai baht.
The second extension sought will only be a 7 day extension. To leave Thailand.
Haydn *******
Coming in on a tourist visa entry is never guaranteed. If Thai immigration consider you to NOT be a genuine tourist then can still refuse you entry at the border. Any country can do the same though so it's nothing new.
Ryan ********
@Haydn ******
any country CAN do the same, but the competently run ones have clear rules that are applied consistently and don’t depend on how some official feels that day.
Cliff *********
Notice that the "people " making these reports are Anonymous or have a blocked profile.
Draw your own conclusions.
I have been in and out of Thailand 30+ times no problems.
Draw your own conclusions.
I have been in and out of Thailand 30+ times no problems.
Ryan ********
@Cliff ********
Your profile says you live in California. You have entered Thailand 30+ times over what period? How many times since last November when this latest “crackdown” really started ramping up ?
Jonathan ***********
@Cliff ********
you may be unaware that having a blocked profile is a legal thing and I have one for certain legal reason
Tony ********
Bob **********
Totally depends on your history traveling to Thailand every IO is different and it’s totally up to them so buying a visa is no guarantee entry
Tod *********
Just so everyone is clear, having a tourist visa to thailand doesn't guarantee you get in to thailand. All it does is guarantee that IF they let you in you get stamped in for the number of days the visa allows.
The officer at passport control can see your entry/stay history going back 10+ years with the press of a key. As other posters said it comes down to your previous entry/stay history that is gonna control whether you get in or not.
As Tony pointed out, have the 3 proofs when you go to stamp in (funds/lodging/onward travel) and hope for the best..
The officer at passport control can see your entry/stay history going back 10+ years with the press of a key. As other posters said it comes down to your previous entry/stay history that is gonna control whether you get in or not.
As Tony pointed out, have the 3 proofs when you go to stamp in (funds/lodging/onward travel) and hope for the best..
Tony ********
@Tod ********
Thanks ToddTony ********
Totally depends on your past immigration history.
Keep
Return ticket
Accomdation in thaikand
Then you should be fine if theres not too many visa exempt entries in the recent past
Keep
*****
baht or equivalent in cash.Return ticket
Accomdation in thaikand
Then you should be fine if theres not too many visa exempt entries in the recent past
James ********
That question can only be answered by the Thai Immigration officer who greets you on arrival into Thailand.
Reality is that if you have a history of using Visa Exempt Entry AND 30 day extensions in recent year or years, you are not considered a tourist.
While having a tourist visa normally is good...it will not guaranteed entry.
Suggest you look at getting another type of Thai Visa for your many entries in Thailand.
You did not say what your passport nation is... nor WHY you really want to visit Thailand many times.
Reality is that if you have a history of using Visa Exempt Entry AND 30 day extensions in recent year or years, you are not considered a tourist.
While having a tourist visa normally is good...it will not guaranteed entry.
Suggest you look at getting another type of Thai Visa for your many entries in Thailand.
You did not say what your passport nation is... nor WHY you really want to visit Thailand many times.
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