I have been to thailand 10 times in last 22 months . I usually stay a month and leave then come back after a month or so. I always worry next time immigration will ask me too many questions or stop me. How many times can a person fly in and use visa exempt stamp
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The number of times a person can enter Thailand using a visa exemption stamp is not fixed and largely depends on the discretion of the immigration officer at the entry point. While there is no official limit for air entries, travelers may be subject to scrutiny if they frequently enter and exit Thailand, as it could be perceived as trying to live in the country on visa-exempt entries. Many expats and travelers have reported varying experiences, with some facing questioning after several entries, while others pass through without issue. It is advisable to come prepared with proof of accommodation, return flights, and sufficient funds to support the claim of being a tourist. If the immigration officers suspect that someone is abusing the visa exemption rules, they may recommend applying for a long-term visa instead.
I am in and out of Thailand all year on visa exempt.
I always fly First Class coming from Europe or First Class/ Business from Asia.I am dressed well.I go to fast track or diplomatic channel give immigration officer my boarding pass and passport never had a problem.Never asked any questions.
I know - been doing this for over a decade at least twice a year so...
Reply to
Sophie *********
Reply
Bob *********
Typically you can visit Thailand for 180 days a year, before needing a long term visa. so coming every other month works fine until you bump the 180 days in the last month.
It's all up to the IO. In 2022, I was in Thailand "only" 4 times, 2x on Tourist Visa and 2x on Visa Exemption, for a total of 6 months (non continuous, always at least 1 month out of the country in-between visits). My first entry in 2023, the IO brought me to their supervisor and I was asked questions and told they did not believe I was there as a tourist anymore. They still let me in, but they warned me not to come back on another visa exemption or tourist visa or they wouldn't let me in next time. They said to come back on work visa or education visa. And they asked me to book a flight out on the spot for leaving max 44 days later (that was when visa exemption went from 30 to 45 days). I did end up going back on and ED Visa 11 months later, and had no issue when arriving.
So I think it's safe to say that you might have been lucky so far to come in 10 times without any question or issue. Be prepared for questions, with onward flight booked, hotels booked, an itinerary, money in an account you can show them easily and maybe even source of income outside Thailand. Anything that might help you prove you're not there for work or business.
Good luck!
Helge ************
I was stopped after 5 years, doing what you were doing.
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rotation. Was let in but with a comment in the passport stamp. Was told need visa next time.
Then it was only 30 days stay, not 60 like now .. you never know, maybe one day they stop you
Yes. I'll be going to Vietnam anyway. I'm only here for just over 90 days!
Reply to
Sophie *********
Reply
Mikkel *******
There's no real answer to that besides what the IO you are going to stand in front of thinks about letting you in again. If it looks like you are trying to live in Thailand on visa exempt entries, you are getting stopped sooner rather than later. If it doesn't look that way at all, you might never even experience being questioned about it.
I wanted the regular exemption on arrival. I've had it many times before. It's now a 60 day exemption so I didn't forsee there being any issues, especially as this is one of my shorter trips. I was asked how long I was staying and then hauled over to another section and questioned. I was asked why I wanted to be in Thailand. I was then berated for not having a regular job in my own country - I run flats so there's no need to be in the UK at all times. I was then accused of working in Thailand - I don't work here. And so it went on...
The second officer did in the end. Warned about not arriving with a visa again. Only staying just over 90 days and going to Vietnam before I leave. But it's put me off a bit I have to say!
it was recently as I had to get a DTV instead from Vietnam to stop them hassling me
Reply to
Jordan *******
Reply
Cole *********
On a visitors VISA technically 4 times a year you can fly in and I think 2 times a year border crossing. It's really up to the agent anytime after that. If it's been working for you I wouldn't worry much about it. Worse case just get a DTV VISA or any other multiple entries VISA.
There is no limit in Thai law, I.e. no definitive number. Every entry is, however, at the discretion of the Immigration Officer holding your passport.
Reply to
Graham ******
Reply
Cole *********
It's not a limited number of entries it's the numbers of entries before and immigrations officer has the right to not only question your reason for coming to Thailand but also deny your entry on limited causes.
what a crock of shit this comment is ??? Stop spreading fake shit . There's technically nothing to say you can enter 4 times a year on visa exempt . Plus they scrapped the 2 times a year land border crossing too when they brang out the 60 day visa exemption
now it says 6 times per year. I can't read thai and I'm sure you can't either. I'm not just making shit up. These are from actual law firms in Thailand interpreting the laws for foreigners if you think you know more then them then get on their website and question them. Some things are outdated and some things have changed and some thing were never really enforced. Don't come at me sideways because I read something from a legit source and I'm sharing that with others. This whole page is to try to help people out. It's not a place to be rude. If you have better information you should share it as well with your source. Where is your source at?
i already gave the link. I read it from thailandembassy. com last year because I was on my 4th trip into thailand and someone mentioned there is a limit for flights and border crossing. Once you hit the limit the immigrations officer has the option to question you and deny entry if they choose so. I specifically saw on the site there was a rule of 4 flights a year after that you could be questions and or denied entry along with 2 border crossing. We know now there has been some changes it says 6 flights now. I don't know why you guys are giving me shit for something I read from an immigrations legal office. At no point has there ever been a LIMIT where they specifically said you can't come in after so many flights or border entries. After so many flights or border crossings you can be questioned and denied entry. The immigrations officer has that authority on a case by case basis. This is one of those catches that gives them the authority to allow you are not allow you into the kingdom of thailand.
it's not a legal immigration office. It's just a bunch of lawyers who make money and are dodgy enough to make their website address look like a part of Thai embassy when they are just a lawyer firm nothing to do with government at all.
I'm already in thailand and you can't apply inside of thailand technically.. I paid 99,000 baht which includes flights and hotel because you have to be outside of the country to get it.
Tbf you aren’t doing anything wrong. You aren’t overstaying and no need for a tourist visa so hopefully you can continue to do so. I’m sure they only look for people abusing the system and overstaying etc
yes they are. What happened? Did they refuse you entry?
Reply to
Stephen *********
Reply
Brandon ************
As many times as they let you. There's no answer more than this. Each immigration officer will make the decision when you are standing in front of them. The only policy that exists is that your entry is at the officer's discretion.
Reply to
Brandon ************
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