How many times can I enter Thailand on a visa exemption in a year?

Visa Exemption Entry Limitations Thailand Immigration Visa Rules Long Stay Visa Border Runs Visa Extensions

Jun 10, 2024

5 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi folks,

I assume this has been asked/answered a number of times on here, but could anybody tell me how many times per year i can enter Thailand  on visa exemption.

I flew in from the UK on visa exemption, then extended for 30 days. I just went to Malaysia and came back into Thailand on visa exemption and will once again extend.

Is that my limit, or can i do it once more?

Thanks for any help you can offer.

Best,

Matt

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The consensus is that while there is no concrete limit to the number of times you can enter Thailand on a visa exemption, immigration practices tend to allow for two entries per calendar year by land borders. If you have already extended your stay significantly, you might face scrutiny on subsequent entries, especially if you attempt to re-enter soon after a short trip out. It's advised that you keep an eye on your total days in Thailand—often, repeated entries and extensions may raise flags with immigration officials. For longer stays, it's recommended to consider alternative visa options.

Bart **************

A third time will probably be ok still, but don't plan on going beyond as you may then get refused. You can't stay forever on visa exempt.

5 months ago

Jo **********

it’s all in how you do it. In one year I came 12 times visa exempt. But I had no extensions and left by air each time for 7-10 days. If you come in visa exempt stay the full 30 days then extend 30 and leave country for 1-2 days and repeat you are very likely to have a problem. It’s all about the pattern and may I say abuse

5 months ago

John **********

I'd suggest you use a border run agency for your next bounce. They pretty much guarantee to get you back in. You can do two land border crossings per annum

5 months ago

Joe *********

@John *********

What if you do your border runs by flying in and out… Is there a difference between this way and doing land crossings? 🙏🏻

5 months ago

Matt *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks very much for the advice 🙏

5 months ago

John **********

@Joe ********

flying in is the most problematic and most likely to get denied entry if you've already spent a bit of time in country

5 months ago

Reply to

John **********

Jim ********

You won't get a straight answer because there isn't one. It's more to do with patterns. If your history looks like a typical tourist you won't have a problem. If you have a pattern of being in Thailand for two months, leave for a day and come back again for another two months it raises flags. And as

@J**

has indicated, although there's no "180 day" rule, many immigration officers use this number as a benchmark

5 months ago

Jo **********

@Jim *******

exactly what I said and you are so right. see my answer below

5 months ago

Reply to

Jo **********

Henrik *****

When going to Thailand for 31 - 60 ( 90 )days, the 60 days touristvisa is the best option.

It is cheaper than visa excempt + 30 days extension.

No need of a onward ticket ( 90 days 1 onward ), if returnticket within 60 days.

It is easier to apply from the comfort of your home.

thaievisa.go.th

If visiting the nearest Thai Embassy website, you may find informations, that make it much easier to apply online.

Not wasting holiday time to find, go to and waiting at a immigration office ( 90 you would need that ).

Then no need to leave Thailand in up to 90 days.

5 months ago

Matt *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Great. Thanks very much, folks. Much appreciated 👍😁

5 months ago

Tony ********

Via the airport, its not the number of entries that are a concern. They are concerned at the number of days previously spent in Thailand. You will have 120 on exemption/extension stamps, which in all probability will give rise to a warning to you that its the last time and to get a proper visa.

5 months ago

Jan ******************

You’ve stayed 120 days in total in Thailand on visa exemption. There’s no official or written limit, but the turning point is often 180 days in a year without a long stay visa. I feel quite confident you’ll be able to turn around and do one more exemption, but you might risk the IO will pull you aside and tell you to get a proper visa next time.

5 months ago

Graham ******

The only official limit is two per calendar year by land border but every entry is at the discretion of the Immigration Officer holding your passport.

5 months ago

Reply to

Graham ******

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Can I leave Thailand and return on another 60-day tourist visa exemption after extending my current one?

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