Is there a transit visa for Thailand and how does it affect visa-exempt entry for US passport holders?

Thailand transit visa visa-exempt entry Thailand US passport visa rules Thailand visa types visa entry limits

Feb 18, 2022

3 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Is there such thing as a transit visa? I'll be flying out of Bangkok in May, and I'll have to do a visa run / trip to a nearby nation shortly before then. I'm debating how long I want to stay in Thailand on the second stay until my flight leaves. Is it viable to just come for a few days on a special transit stamp, or will I need to come in 30-days visa exempt again (US passport)? I want to minimize my number of 30-day entries because if I do that many times, I fear  they'll stop letting me in.

(I know I could just change my flight, but I booked through one of those annoying services where you have to pay a bunch of money for them to help you at ALL, so I'd rather not do that. Lesson learned; never going to use that site again...)

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The conversation discusses whether a transit visa exists for Thailand and its implications for US passport holders. A transit visa is available, valid for three months with a 30-day stay, but US citizens can typically enter Thailand visa-exempt for 30 days by air without limit on entries. However, excessive entries can lead to scrutiny by immigration authorities. It's also noted that current travel requirements, such as the Thailand Pass and quarantine measures for COVID-19, may change before May.

Ellie *******

There is no limit to enter on visa-exempt entry by air.

Seeing your itinerary, it wouldn't be a big problem if you are leaving just in a few days. Visa-exempt entries seem to give you problems when you stay full of 60days from it (including tourism extension) and repeat. Doesn't matter land border crossing or air.

When you "travel" genuinely, I don't think you have to worry about it.

3 years ago

Andrew **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Got it, that's very helpful. Thank you!

3 years ago

Reply to

Andrew **********

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

May is pretty far away so requirements are likely to change by then, but as of now if you do this you're going to have to get a new Thailand Pass, and do Test & Go Day 1 and Day 5 quarantine and covid tests. Doesn't seem worth the trouble for a few more days.

3 years ago

Andrew **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Well, that's what I'm trying to figure out, whether I want to stay for a night or two or come back for longer

Not really bothered by day 1+5, after doing 14-day Phuket sandbox and 7-day quarantine, I'll take it...

3 years ago

Gethin *******

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

Wouldn’t need to do day 5 if only here for a few days. You only need to do day 5 if staying 5 days or more.

3 years ago

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

@Gethin ******

yes but the OP doesn't say how long he'll be here for the second time

3 years ago

Reply to

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

Lisa ********************

If you fly in, there is no limit on how many entries you do.

3 years ago

Ellie *******

There is Transit Visa. It's valid for three months and stamped for 30days. (not special. One of long-existing visas)

I don't see any reason those who are eligible for Visa-exempt entry would apply for Transit Visa.

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3 years ago

Andrew **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Interesting, I would have figured like a week, max. 30 days seems like a very long time to transit 😅

Thanks!

3 years ago

Reply to

Andrew **********

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