Do I need a visa to visit Thailand multiple times a year, specifically from the USA?

April 15, 2023
a year ago
Tebatso **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi All

I was in Thailand in February 2023 and planning to go again in September 2023. Will I need a visa? And how many time a year can I visit Thailand without getting a visa?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The necessity of obtaining a visa to visit Thailand multiple times a year primarily depends on the individual's passport nationality. For travelers from the USA, there are generally no limits on entries by air, but if entering by land, there are restrictions (only 2 land border entries visa-exempt within a calendar year). While some stories suggest an unofficial rule of 180 days stay in a year exists, this is not formally enforced, and entry ultimately rests on the immigration officer's discretion. For longer stays (like a year), appropriate visa documentation is needed beyond just a passport.
Meredith *******************
Relating to the above feed, I'm coming from the USA, hoping to stay for at least a year to see if it's a fit again. What documentation, other than my passport, does the government say I need to come? (Having a lot of difficulty just getting in touch with the consulate here...) Thanks so much ahead of time, Meredith Carlisle
Meredith *******************
Relating to the above feed, I'm coming from the USA, hoping to stay for at least a year to see if it's a fit again. What documentation, other than my passport, does the government say I need to come? (Having a lot of difficulty just getting in touch with the consulate here...) Thanks so much ahead of time
Meredith *******************
Relating to the above feed, I'm coming from the USA, hoping to stay for at least a year to see if it's a fit again. What documentation, other than my passport, does the government say I need to come? (Having a lot of difficulty just getting in touch with the consulate here...)
Steve ********
Give the group members a clue and tell us which country you are from? That way you get better responses
Steve ********
@Wayne ********
I'm sure some of these posters just like to play mind games. How easy it to state what nationality or passport you have? 🤣🤣
Tebatso **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve *******
totally forgot to include that. I’m from South Africa
Wayne *********
@Steve *******
That would require some thought into a post
Wayne *********
@Steve *******
what mate you broke your crystal ball again ?
Stuart *********
Will you need a visa? That depends on your passport country.

There is no technical limit on how many times you can enter with no visa (if applicable), but you’re only allowed 2 land border entries visa exempt in a calendar year.

By air as stated there is no limit - until the immigration officer suspects you are trying to stay long term in Thailand without a correct visa and denies you entry.

You will see some people post on here that they were told by an immigration officer that you can only stay 180 days in total in a year. Some officers do spout that, but it’s not an official rule.

If you seem to be a genuine tourist or have specific reasons for entering (like have a house or family here) then you could get away with 10 times or more.

If they think you’re trying to buck the system they could deny you on your second or third entry. It’s up to the officer so no one can say for sure.
Tebatso **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
thank you. I’m from South Africa
Tebatso **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you. Truly appreciate this.
Stuart *********
@Tebatso *********
Then you don’t need a visa for a stay of less than 30 days. You’d get a free visa exempt entry stamp for 30 days.

If the immigration officer doesn’t suspect that you’re trying to stay here long term (and probably work) with a visa exempt entry then you’d generally have no issue.

The fact that you were here in February and plan to return in September will generally never raise any red flags for them.
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