Can I use Visa Exemption for one night and activate my SETV upon returning to Thailand?

Nov 10, 2019

5 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi, I'm planning to arrive in Bangkok on 25/11 spend one night then fly to Sri Lanka for one week, returning to Bangkok 3/12. Can i enter Thailand on the Visa Exemption for that first over night stay and then activate (?) my SETV on the 3/12? Advice greatly appreciated...

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The inquiry is about entering Thailand on a Visa Exemption for an overnight stay and using a Single-Entry Tourist Visa (SETV) upon returning. Participants in the discussion suggest obtaining a re-entry permit before leaving for Sri Lanka to ensure smooth re-entry into Thailand and recommend checking with immigration officers regarding entry policies, as it often depends on their discretion. Multiple comments also evaluate the cost-effectiveness of single versus multiple-entry permits, emphasizing that travelers should prepare for potential delays in obtaining permits.

Saffy *************

You need longer in Sri Lanka as its a diverse fascinating country 🇱🇰

5 years ago

Sarah *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I know! I will just have to make another longer trip when I can :-)

5 years ago

Reply to

Sarah *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you - I'm also planning to make one visit to Burma by land & re-entering, so would it be worth getting a multi entry?

5 years ago

Ellie *******

that information is a bit old. re-entry counter is now on the same floor to passport control counters on departure 2. fee is same 1,000 thb + 200 thb for processing (or whatever) if you don't have all the documents including application form with you. 10-20 minutes plus (depending on how many people want to do of course).

5 years ago

Sarah *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

That's really useful thank you. My next question was how long it might take to get the re-entry permit and can I get one at Bangkok airport before heading on to Sri Lanka, but I think i've found out ... Yes & allow up to 4 hours

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But sounds like it could be worth trying my luck to start with an exemption on first entry and if they insist on activating the SETV, I'll go & get the re-entry.

5 years ago

Peter *******

@Sarah *******

multi entry permit is B3800 so you are better off with 2 singles at B1000 each

5 years ago

Reply to

Peter *******

Tod *********

All you can do is ask AND if they say no, that you have to enter on your tourist visa. When you go back to the airport to fly out as

@Peter ******

said get a single re-entry permit for 1000baht so that you get stamped back in on the entry from the tourist visa.

5 years ago

Brett *********

I was once stamped in for 30 days visa exempt when I have a valid ME Non O visa. I think it was because I wrote that I only wanted 8 days as I was flying out again to India. As Robert says, it might be up to the IO. But def. put number of days as one. Maybe it was an error I don't know. But also don't put your visa number on the TM6 it might trick them in to giving you a visa exempt entry if your passport allows it.

5 years ago

Peter *******

Your SETV will be activated ehen you first enter. To keep it going when you leave for SL buy a re-entry permit

5 years ago

Tod *********

she can ask the immigration officer IF she can enter visa exempt while holding a tourist visa. Sometimes they let people do it, especially if you can prove you're leaving really soon.

5 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Robert *******

you should ask, but it all depends on the leniency of the immigration officer. Alternative buy the re-entry permit before you leave to Sri Lanka

5 years ago

Reply to

Robert *******

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