Is it possible to re-enter Thailand under the visa exemption rule after a trip to Malaysia?

Nov 10, 2024
11 days ago
Julie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi, I have read back through various posts and am across the 60 day visa exemption and possible 30 day extension ( we are Australian and British Passport holders ), but for various reasons, we are going to stay 97 days. Happy to do a trip to Malaysia by air for a few days, but I cannot see any comment as to whether a second visa exemption entry would be possible, or if there is a restriction as to the number of times this is allowed. Appreciate any relevant advice.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is inquiring about the possibility of re-entering Thailand under the 60-day visa exemption after staying for 97 days by traveling briefly to Malaysia. The community responses explain that while there is technically no limit on the number of visa-exempt entries allowed, individual immigration officers have discretion over each entry. It is generally acceptable to re-enter for a second exemption, particularly if you can provide a return ticket. Additionally, there are discussions about the differing rules regarding land versus air crossings, with suggestions favoring air travel for borders.
Philip *******
Cheap flights Bkk to Cambodia which is also visa on arrival makes planning easy
Julie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Philip ******
thank you - we were in Cambodia this year, so looking for an alternative next time round
Edward ******
There is no set rule but one extra visa exemption is almost definitely not a problem at all. Only when people do several do issues develop for the most part.
Winston ********
@Edward *****
To the best of my knowledge, Thailand allows only two land border crossing/per year, the rest has to be by air. Some have made more land crossings from various borders but some rejected or spent a long time with questioning. So better to be safe than sorry
Luit *****************
@Winston *******
The land border limit of 2 entries a year does not exist anymore.

Everything up to IO now
Edward ******
@Winston *******
I make all my crossings by air but everything I see seems to indicate that this is a ymmv situation. Individual agents seem to exercise discretion in somewhat different ways.
Julie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Matthew *******
If you have a return ticket to show them you shouldn’t have an issue but it’s up to the IO

Also friending who you got with and from where you may have an issue with departing if return date is over the time you are allowed to stay

Some not all airlines do check this
Julie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Stewart **********
Yes. You dont need to do the 30 day extension. Just pop down to malaysia before your 60 days is up and youll get another 60 days when you come back in. You cant do this over and over again but once is fine.
Julie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Brandon ************
Visa exempt is a 60 day stamp every time you enter without a visa. You can do it until they say you can't. There is no limit written into law, but each entry is at the discretion of the immigration officer you are standing in front of.
Julie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
thank you. Can I also ask if there have been any issues regarding the length of time outside of Thailand, before re-entry ? We are looking at a short trip of 3-4 nights.
Brandon ************
@Julie ******
some borders require 1-2 nights. If you leave for 3-4 then you shouldn't have any issues
Julie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
much appreciated.
Michael ********
@Julie ******
I have flown to KL and back to Thailand the same day, no problems.
Julie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Stewart **********
@Julie ******
i stayed in malaysia for 3 nights. I had no issues on return.
Julie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stewart *********
good to know 👍
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