How does the Visa Exempt entry work for Thailand when crossing from Laos by air compared to land?

Thai visa rules Visa exempt 45-day visa policy Vientiane border crossing Land versus air entry visa Visa extension TR visa Canada to Thailand immigration

Jan 1, 2023

2 years ago

James ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I arrived on a TR visa from Canada in November and have applied for and gotten the 30 day extension till the first of February. I will be flying to Vientiane on that date and returning the following day and get the Visa exempt 45 days and then 30 day extension. I thought that you had to fly out of the country and return to get the Visa exempt 45 days and that doing just a land crossing that you would only get 15 days?

498

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The Visa exempt entry for Thailand currently allows for 45 days of stay regardless of the means of entry. As of April 1st, the exemption will revert to a 30-day limit. Previously, there was a distinction in the duration permitted for land entries (15 days) versus air entries (30 or 45 days), but these rules have changed. However, it's important to note that visa-exempt arrivals can only make two land re-entries each calendar year.

Robert ************

15 days by Land was the old rule many years ago. As above Posters noted, now doesn't matter how you enter. Except, note that for countries listed as "Visa Exempt", you are only permitted two (2) Land re-entries per calendar year.

2 years ago

James ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

2 years ago

Reply to

James ***********

Todd *********

45 days by land or air...

2 years ago

Graham ******

@Todd ********

or sea ;)

2 years ago

Graham ******

We have them in the UK called the RNLI

2 years ago

Todd *********

@Graham *****

seen any floating immigration offices? 😉

2 years ago

Reply to

Todd *********

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

Visa exempt entry is 45 days regardless of how you enter the country. (Until April 1st when it goes back to 30 days regardless of how you enter the country)

2 years ago

James ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

2 years ago

Reply to

James ***********

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