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

Question

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

Ask Thailand · Answer

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 ************** · Answer

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.

Jo ********** · Answer

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

John ********** · Answer

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

Jim ******** · Answer

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

Henrik ***** · Answer

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.

Matt ******* · Answer

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

Tony ******** · Answer

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.

Jan ****************** · Answer

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.

Graham ****** · Answer

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.

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

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