Is there a limit on how many times I can enter Thailand on a visa exemption as a U.S. citizen?

Visa Exempt Thailand Immigration U.S. Citizen Visa Rules Visa Entry Limitations Short-term Visa Immigration Officer Discretion

July 16, 2024

2 months ago

Samantha ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello everyone,

Hoping to get some reassurance because apparently I was completely wrong about entering Thailand via air and there being no limit.

I am a U.S citizen. I arrived in Thailand January 6th '24 and got a 30 day stamp/visa extempt. I extended 30 days later. Before the 60 days were up, I left for Japan for 2 weeks. 

After Japan I came back to Thailand and did the same thing... Got 30 days on arrival, arrived by air. (Went to Seoul for about 7 days). Extended and before 60 days I just left today.

I'm currently in Vietnam for 2 nights and coming back to Thailand this Wed. 

I read numerous articles online that claimed as long as you arrive by air, immigration doesn't care how many times you come into Thailand on a visa extempt. 

I just read a Facebook post, ppl are denied the 3rd time they do this.

Has anyone experienced this or know of anyone who has??

Appreciate any feedback. Thanks in advance.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A U.S. citizen is seeking clarification on the visa exemption rules for entering Thailand multiple times within a short period. The user has entered Thailand several times using a visa exemption of 30 days on arrival and extended their stay, but has read conflicting information about potential limits to re-entry. Comments from others highlight that entry decisions are at the discretion of immigration officers, and while there is no strict limit on entries by air, frequent back-to-back entries can lead to scrutiny. It's advised to consider applying for a long-term visa if the intention is to stay longer or return frequently.

Max *************

You'll have no problem when returning and you'll get a 60 days visa exempt on arrival.

2 months ago

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

It's not about the number of times you enter, it's about how long you stay. You can't stay long term on tourism-purposed entries. Whether or not you're beyond the limit is determined by the immigration officer when you enter (or by the embassy if you apply for a tourist visa, making it the 'safer' approach as you don't risk flying in first and then getting denied after).

Usually, you're ok with less than 6 months within a 12 month period. If your habits show genuine traveling, like going here and then going there for some time, instead of going to a neighboring country and returning immediately, it'll add to the equation.

2 months ago

Darren *******

No limit by air but if immigration think you're trying to live in Thailand without the proper visa then there's a much stronger chance of you being pulled over and eventually denied entry compared to a genuine tourist who may come in and out a lot.

To take my case as an example, I've entered Thailand by air 5 or 6 times this year. My longest stay has been a week. Occasionally I get asked when I'm leaving but that's it.

2 months ago

Frances ********

We only came in on visa exempt twice (by air)because we too visited other countries within our 30-60 days. We got chastised by immigration and rudely admonished “ next time buy a proper visa”. There were 2 of us. One got bawled out, I was simply stamped in with a smile. Sounds like it all depends on which officer is stamping you in.

2 months ago

Brandon ************

Every entry is at the discretion of the immigration officer. You cannot stay long term in Thailand on short term entries. Eventually they will either pull you out of line and question you and warn you to get a long term visa, or they'll deny you entry. You'll most likely get a warning before you're actually denied entry.

2 months ago

Frances ********

@Brandon ***********

true

2 months ago

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Frances ********

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