Can you repeatedly do visa runs by land in Thailand, and how does immigration handle them?

Visa Runs Thai Visa Policy Immigration Border Bounces Visa Types Retirement Visa Savannakhet Consulate

Jul 7, 2023

a year ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Has anyone tried a third visa run by land before? Is it left to the discretion of the immigration officer?

790

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

Many users agree that there are no limits on visa runs when entering Thailand with a visa, as long as the embassy or consulate issues a visa for re-entry. Visa-exempt entries, however, are limited to two per year at land borders. It's important to note that while immigration officers have discretion, policies exist governing border bounces. Some users shared personal experiences, with one mentioning a turn back on their third bounce, necessitating a flight back to Thailand. Others recommended Savannakhet for its efficiency in handling visa applications.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

Paul *******

My daughter inlaw was turned back to Malaysia on her third bounce. She had to fly back into Thailand .

a year ago

Mark ********

I always go to Savannakhet. It has been the easiest for me and the consulate is easy. Also good food and coffee there. And they sell cheap, good Laos whiskey at the border before entering Thailand. I always get a bottle.

a year ago

Stephen *******************

@Mark *******

Do they issue 1 year retirement visa at Savanakhet or do they just do T/R there ? Any ideas?

a year ago

Mark ********

@Stephen ******************

Their list is here and they tell you exactly what they need. You simply drop off your documents and passport to a window outside, from 9-11am. Then return the next business day to pick it up from 2-4pm.

*************************************************************************************************

*****

a year ago

Stephen *******************

@Mark *******

very helpful my friend thank you 👍

a year ago

Reply to

Stephen *******************

Hongting *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you so much for you all answering! Appreciated🙏

a year ago

Graham ******

Everything is at the discretion of the IO but as this is law and if you're doing it back to back he has very little discretion to help you

a year ago

Steve ********

No limit on visa runs provided the embassy/consulate is prepared to issue a visa

a year ago

Brandon ************

If you're asking about doing border bounces then no, it's not at the discretion of the immigration officer. It's a written policy.

a year ago

Jason *********

@Brandon ***********

What if you enter twice by air then can you enter once by land? I feel like they might confuse the policy and say no, you've already had 2 exemptions, you can't enter by land.

a year ago

Reply to

Jason *********

Brandon ************

You can do as many visa runs as you want because there's no restrictions on number of times you can enter with a visa. It's only visa exempt that's restricted to 2 times per year at a land border.

a year ago

Hongting *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

Thanks Brandon. Visa on arrival is not limited to twice a year as well?

a year ago

Brandon ************

@Hongting ****

most land borders will not allow visa on arrival. That's only the airports that let people from the few countries that can apply for and pay for a visa on arrival.

a year ago

Reply to

Brandon ************

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Join the Group

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

What are the current rules for border runs in Thailand?

136 comments