How many times can I cross the land border into Thailand on a visa-exempt entry?

Question

Hi Lovely Folx,

Q about land border crossings- I did one Mukdahan/Savannakhet (RT) land border crossing and the other was Vientiane/Nongkhai (I flew into VTE). Am I allotted only 2 per calendar year? The immigration officer didn’t mention anything when I was stamped into Nong Khai & didn’t take a look over. FWIW, I’m on an American passport.

I plan on going to Malaysia via Pedang Besar fr Hat Yai, Will they stamp me back in or should I just plan on flying into Thailand via KL?

Many thanks💐💐💐

Ask Thailand · Answer

The immigration policy for land border crossings into Thailand allows for a maximum of two visa-exempt entries per calendar year. This limit applies regardless of the specific land border used, meaning if you have already entered Thailand twice using this method, you cannot do so again without a proper visa or until the next calendar year. If you wish to enter again after reaching this limit, you could either apply for a visa at a Thai embassy in a neighboring country or consider flying back into Thailand, as flying does not fall under this limit.

Ellie ******* · Answer

I approved this post to make this clear again.

The limit of twice per year is applied to any visa-exempt entry to Thailand through any land border. It is not the limit on border bounces by land only.

On the other hand, you can leave Thailand via land borders without limit.

And this limit of twice is not applied to visa-waiver entry or VOA (if the border allows these)

Graham ****** · Answer

If you're getting visa exempt entry stamps then it is limited to 2 per calendar year. If you have a visa there is no limit.

Ellie ******* · Answer

Visa-exempt entries are limited to 2 times per calendar year. If you already entered Thailand on visa-exempt (without a proper visa) twice,   you are done for 2023 with land entry without a visa.

Your options would be:

- apply for SETV at the Thai embassy in a neighbouring country, then enter Thailand visa land border or fly in.

- fly back to Thailand on visa-exempt again

You have stayed in Thailand long enough to be possibly questioned on your entry. Be ready with proofs (funds of 20K thb cash, accommodation, and ticket leaving Thailand within the allowed stay) and an explanation.

How many times can I cross the land border into Thailand on a visa-exempt entry?

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