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Answered15 days ago

Do I need to apply for a tourist e-visa for my third visit to Thailand this year as a UK passport holder?

Adrian ******
asked Oct 12, 2026
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Hi All

I'm a uk passport holder

I visited Thailand twice already this year staying for 2 weeks and 3 weeks.

I've just booked a return flight for December staying for 3 weeks.

Because this would be my third visit this year would i need to apply for tourist e-visa to come again this time.

Many thanks Adrian
Answer summary
The original poster, a UK passport holder, inquired whether they need to apply for a tourist e-visa for their third visit to Thailand within the same year, having already visited twice. Community responses suggest that while there is no strict limit to entries for tourists by air, frequent visits may lead to increased scrutiny by immigration officers. It was advised that having a return ticket and being prepared to show it could help reassure officials. Overall, opinions leaned towards the poster being fine to enter as a genuine tourist without needing to apply for an e-visa, but some recommended applying for one for peace of mind.
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Simon *******
Simon *******
You will be ok how long are you staying for
Adrian ******
Adrian ******
OP
Simon Adams staying for just under 3 weeks
Simon *******
Simon *******
Adrian Marr you will be ok no need for a visa.
Tony ***********
Tony ***********
This is my 3rd visit this year, once in January for two weeks,then I was here april to july,im now here for 3 weeks,I used the e gates at the airport upon arrival on visa exempt. No problem on visa exempt.
Adrian ******
Adrian ******
OP
Tony Karkoszka thank you for taking the time to reply
Rob ***********
Rob ***********
I assume that you will enter using the electronic gate, so there would be no immigration officer.
Dave ******
Dave ******
Rob Blackwell just an unblinking eye. I'm not reassured. I remember Hal.
Rob ***********
Rob ***********
Your choice, Hal or the IO with an enormous amount of discretion. I know where I'm going. 😉
Graham ******
Graham ******
Rob Blackwell only entering visa exempt and having entered Thailand previously with the same passport from one of the 60 qualifying countries
Rob ***********
Rob ***********
Graham Seal Yep, according to the post, he fulfils those conditions.
Ronny *********
Ronny *********
You can enter Thailand twice per calendar year (from January 1 to December 31) via land border checkpoints under the visa exemption scheme.

For arrivals by air, there is no strict numerical limit published as a hard cap in the same way, though frequent entries and long stays remain subject to the discretion of immigration officers at the port of entry. If they see that you are a regular tourist there will be no problem, for sure if your stays are only for few weeks.
Adrian ******
Adrian ******
OP
Ronny Liekens thank you for taking the time to answer
Ronny *********
Ronny *********
Adrian Marr Some extra information, if you do 'border runs' in place of returning your home country, reentering is limited to 2 times a year But still a lot depends of the immigration officer
Wannikea *********
Wannikea *********
You will have no problem you are a genuine tourist and your pattern shows such. It wouldn't hurt to have your return ticket available to show them.
Adrian ******
Adrian ******
OP
Wannikea Wanblee thank you
Frank *********
Frank *********
Just come Visa exempt. You will have absolutely no problem at all.
Adrian ******
Adrian ******
OP
Frank Marczan thanks
Graham ******
Graham ******
Typical tourist behaviour, no problem but if you really are that worried it costs just £30 (RTE London price) for a 60 day tourist visa online
Adrian ******
Adrian ******
OP
Graham Seal thank you
Dave ****************
Dave ****************
I'd say it's worth the £50 to get the visa.

Some say you can only get 2x visa exempt stamps per year, others say it's just about the 180 day a year limit.

As always it's down to the officer and if they don't like the look of you you're off home.

Phuket is being particularly strict at the moment (recent experience)
Sam ********
Sam ********
@Dave ***************
both of those are wrong, can still get past the immigration officer questioning with 180 days and more than 2 entries if you answer them properly.
Malcolm *******
Malcolm *******
You are a tourist , no problem .
Paul ********
Paul ********
It’s all down to the immigration officer but I think they are looking for serial offenders who extend visas here to avoid getting a real visa.
Adrian ******
Adrian ******
OP
Paul Durkan thank you for taking the time to answer
Donny Wonit

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