Do I need to leave Thailand and re-enter right before joining a ship as a crew member on a visa exempt status?

March 18, 2024
6 months ago
Alexander *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am a Norwegian entering Thailand on visa exempt, 17 days before joining a ship as a crew member.

Will i need to fly out and enter again the day before joining the ship?

I will be less than 30 days in the country, also counting the days on board.

Thank you in advance.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A Norwegian individual entering Thailand on a visa exemption for 17 days before joining a ship is concerned whether they need to leave and re-enter Thailand before boarding. Comments suggest that typically crew members are stamped out upon boarding the vessel and stamped in again upon returning to shore. As a visa-exempt traveler, they can stay for up to 30 days and can extend their stay if necessary. It seems unnecessary to exit Thailand before joining the ship, provided they ensure they receive the proper exit stamp before departure.
James ********
I believe that the OP has the answers needed for his question.

Thanks all for your helpful replies.

Comments Closed
Patrick *******
I don't know about Thailand but make sure you are stamped OUT.

I worked as a military contractor in the Middle East and Central Asia. We would fly in commercial and fly out military. Often we would have to look for somebody to stamp us OUT. In several cases someone would fly in to Doha, fly out USAF and when the tour was over fly USAF back to Doha. Well, they didn't stamp out and it's looked like a 5 month vida overstay. Big, big problem for them.
Alexander *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Patrick ******
yea all about getting the stamp out. Shouldnt be a problem as immigration will come on board and stamp us out. I was wondering if there were other rules in place, because ppl on board were making a fuzz..seems its just about getting the stamp out within 30 days. No problem
Patrick *******
@Alexander ********
In my case, we were responsible for making sure. Perhaps a ship will be a bit more accommodating.
Scott ***********
Depends on the company you are working for if u will be stamped out or not In Thai waters…. If ur working in Thai water it’s
*****
.

I’ve worked many times offshore Thailand on vessels and sometime stamped out others not.

But there is no reason to leave Thailand before joining the boat.

But I suspect if ur arriving on visa exempt u will be stamped out.
Scott ***********
The OM / camp-boss will sort this out once ur onboard… u can always email the boat and ask also… always a good move… but I reckon they will email with joining instructions soon enough
Alexander *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Scott **********
on a cruise ship. We will head to Cambodia 3 days after i join. I'll tell clearnace officer i need to be stamped out - just to make sure. Thx
Scott ***********
@Alexander ********
if ur leaving Thai waters u will 100% be stamped out… i thought the work would be on a boat working in the gulf… disregard my last comment about OM and campboss… I don’t think cruise ships have these haha
Alexander *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Scott **********
my dads an OM, but he wont help for sure 😁

Yea normal procedure is we all get stamped out when leaving territorial waters. Idk why they were screaming onboard...

Cheers
Scott ***********
@Alexander ********
yes it’s normal procedure in most countries to stamp out but some Thai companies don’t do it..: easier I suppose
Russell ********
No
Vanzanten *******
Crew members that board a ship for international waters will usually be stamped out of Thailand upon boarding & stamped in again when you leave for shore upon berthing.

As you’ll get 30 days both times, you should be fine.
Tod *********
@Vanzanten ******
good point 🙂 (y)
Tod *********
You'll be fine comin' in 30 day visa exempt as a Norwegian passport holder you get 30 day free entry and you can extend that once by 30 more days if you wanted to at the immigration office for 1900baht
Alexander *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
thx Tod!

Someone on board told me I might have to leave and enter closer to joining the ship.

I didnt see any reason why, as I will be stamped out when the ship leaves Thailand - all less than 30 days.
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