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Do I need to provide a ticket for a 30-day exit when returning to Thailand from Laos to get a visa exemption?
visa exemption30-day visaBORDER BOUNCEtravel from LaosThailand immigration rulesflight proof requirement
Apr 17, 2023
3 years ago
Axl ******
ORIGINAL POSTERHello all! I was hoping for some quick insight from someone who has been in a similar situation. If I fly into Laos and back to Bangkok to get my 30 day visa exemption stamp, do I have to present a ticket showing I will leave the country in 30 days, or can the ticket for 60 days later seeing as I will be getting another 30 day extension once I’m back?
TLDR : Answer Summary
When re-entering Thailand from Laos to obtain a 30-day visa exemption, travelers should be prepared to show proof of an exit ticket within 30 days if flying. However, if opting for a border bounce (land border crossing), no such proof is typically required. It's advisable to execute a same-day border bounce and to consider avoiding certain border crossings like Poipet, especially for those with a complex visa history.
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James ********
IF you fly.. expect to be asked to show PROOF of your flight departing Thailand within the 30 days stamp on arrival...
IF you do a BORDER BOUNCE...
No proof of your flight departing Thailand required.
Suggest you do a simple same day BORDER BOUNCE.
AND if you have a recent history of staying in Thailand with use of various visas and COVID extensions, do not fly into Thailand.
AND if doing a BORDER BOUNCE.. avoid Poipet Border crossing.
IF you do a BORDER BOUNCE...
No proof of your flight departing Thailand required.
Suggest you do a simple same day BORDER BOUNCE.
AND if you have a recent history of staying in Thailand with use of various visas and COVID extensions, do not fly into Thailand.
AND if doing a BORDER BOUNCE.. avoid Poipet Border crossing.
Axl ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *******
We just stayed in Thailand for 90 days using a tourist visa and an extension. Does this make it risky? Unfortunately our flights to Laos and back have already been booked 🙈Tod *********
@Axl *****
have proof you're going back to YOUR country in a month if you're comin' in on a free entry stamp. have proof of 20K baht or the equivalent in CASH, and have proof of where you're staying here That's what they will ask for if they're going to deny you entry or give you a hard time.
You would have been way better off to bounce out and back by land with a service that takes you to the border and back, rather than flying in but good luck with it. Be prepared to be questioned about why you're still here 🙂
Axl ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tod ********
Final question, sorry for the barrage! I do indeed have a flight back home, but my girlfriend got a job in Thailand and will be starting in May. She just needs her 30 days to sort out her work visa. Do you think they will accept that as an explanation?Ellie *******
@Axl *****
, The verbal explanation may not work much. If she can get the letter or note from her new employer, it could help (not 100% though).Axl ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ellie ******
She can definitely get a note from her employer, but the fact that we can’t be 100% sure it will work is stressful!James ********
@Axl *****
so both of you are flying out and returning. Good LuckAxl ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *******
Yes indeed. Does doing it together decrease our chances? Should we go through immigration separately?James ********
@Axl *****
go together.Axl ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *******
Would it be safer to just take a bus back into Thailand from Laos and sacrifice that ticket? Feeling a bit stressed about it all.James ********
@Axl *****
it's your choice... BUT I would follow the good advice of Tod Daniels..."I think fly up, come in at Land BORDER of Nong Khai is their best choice"
Cross INTO THAILAND by Land BORDER crossing.
Our best wishes for your success in returning to Thailand.
Comments Closed
Axl ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tod ********
Thank you! Wish we had indeed gone the other route!Reply to
Axl ******
Reply
Tod *********
@Axl *****
, BOY that was a piss poor choice to pick flying out and back for a free entry stamp after you've already been here 90 days on a tourist visa/extension. 🙁 Who recommended you do that? Especially with either bangkok airport?
James ********
@Axl *****
if ONLY been in Thailand 90 days, you should be OK. BUT Ask your airline IF they will ask you to show PROOF of your flight departing Thailand within 30 days of your arrival into Thailand.Reply to
James ********
Reply
Axl ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *******
Thank you very much for the info!Reply to
Axl ******
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