Answered7 years ago

Can I visit Koh Lipe from Malaysia twice a year without a visa?

Visa Rules Thailand Travel USA Passport

Abby ******

asked Jan 30, 2020

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I live in Malaysia, but have a USA passport.  I used to live and work in Thailand (work permit and visa).

I want to take a just-for-fun holiday to Koh lipe, which is super easy to get to by land from Malaysia.  I would stay for a few days (weekend) and then go back to Malaysia.

Can I only do this twice per year without getting a holiday visa?  (Taking a boat into Thailand rather than a plane).  

If I do get a 60 day holiday visa stamped into my passport, is it possible to get the re-entry stamp before boarding the ferry?    If I like Koh lipe I may want to go again for an upcoming weekend before the 60 days are up.

If I take a plane into Thailand but exit into malaysia by boat does this effect my possibility of coming into Thailand again?

Thanks in advance for you help!

Answer summary

An individual with a USA passport living in Malaysia can enter Thailand twice a year under the Visa Exempt Entry policy, even if entering by boat, which is considered a land entry. If they wish to stay longer than 30 days, a 60-day tourist visa can be obtained, and it is possible to get a re-entry stamp prior to exiting Thailand if planning to return within the visa timeframe. Using a plane for entry and exiting by boat does not count against the yearly entry limit.

7 repliesnewest first

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Tod *********

Just so everyone is clear entering thailand by water (in a boat) counts as a LAND ENTRY because you stamp in on land..

7 years ago

David ************

Hopefully you stamp in on land even if you enter by air. 😂😂

7 years ago

Ellie *******

If you are living in Malaysia legally and gonna visit Koh Lipe area often, getting METV (multiple entry tourist visa) might be another option.

Flying in and boat out doesn't count as one of those two times limit.

7 years ago

Robert *******

With an USA passport you can visit Thailand twice a calendar year using the 30 day Visa Exempt Entry. a Visit by boat is seen as a land border entry. You do not get holiday visa for Thailand, you apply for a Visa at the Thai Consulate before you make your way to Thailand.

7 years ago

Robert *******

Get the 6 months valid Multiple Entry Tourist Visa, cheaper than a single entry visa and re entry permits

7 years ago

Abby ******

Ok the visa I'm thinking of is the 60 day Holiday/ single entry tourist visa. If I get this visa before I enter Thailand, but I only stay for a few days, can I get a re-entry permit? Say I want to come back another weekend 20 days later 🤔

Or better to just apply for a new one each time?

Right now it's looking like it might save a bunch of headache to just fly in which is honestly too bad bc it seems like such a short distance to make a silly flight

😥

As always thank you thank you for your help and patience !

7 years ago

Abby ******

Ok, this is good info. I was hoping that bc it's not a visa run it's just a legit holiday that will be super short I could slide under the radar.

I feel like I should save my visa exemptions at land borders for in case of some kind of emergency (can't imagine what, but 2 is not many

7 years ago