Answered8 months ago
Should I apply for a six-month tourist visa for my upcoming trip to Thailand?
I’m a regular visitor to Thailand for tourism purposes and I have a Thai girlfriend. I entered under the Visa exemption five times last year each time staying maximum three weeks then returning into my home country of the UK except for the last time which was Christmas when I stayed for five weeks then returned to my home country. I’m coming again on the 25th of April which is 22 days less than three months out the country. Well I’m a genuine tourist stay in a hotel et cetera not a border bouncer. I’m still concerned about immigration this time. Should I apply for a six month single entry tourist Visa I should also mention once last year during one of my three week trips I took a side trip to Vietnam three days and re-entered Thailand again and Visa exemption. Any advice gratefully received thanks
Answer summary
The user is a frequent tourist to Thailand, has a Thai girlfriend, and has concerns about immigration due to multiple entries under visa exemption. They have stayed in Thailand numerous times, typically for a few weeks, and now consider applying for a six-month tourist visa to alleviate stress at immigration. Various comments suggest that while frequent visits could raise flags at immigration, having proper documentation such as a return flight and accommodation could ease entry. However, applying for a tourist visa, especially a multi-entry visa, is recommended for peace of mind.
97 repliesnewest first
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Dava ********
E visa so easy
Peter **********
So tell us about a ‘genuine tourist’ with a ‘Thai girlfriend’.
Is that a special category within Thailand Immigration Rules and Regulations.
Is that a special category within Thailand Immigration Rules and Regulations.
Peter **********
Good idea. Ask FB to advise on Thailand Immigration Rules and Regulations.
Bill ******
Everyone here is a visa expert 😅 you guys should explain all of this to the immigration authorities.
Kevin *******
You'll come unstuck one time get a visa multi entry best bet ! Never known another come to Thailand 5 times a year ! If i was an immigration officer I'd say it looks suspicious ! 🤔
Greg *****
Deported immediately on arrival
Bradley *******
I work fifo.. just to be safe i get 6 month multi entry visa
Pierre **************
Hi Kevin ... doing the same since 2 years without any question .... BUT 2 days ago first entry of 2026 after 5 days at Kuala Lumpur and the girl said me next time I will need visa ... my Thai Gf discuss in Thai to know a little more but in fact it seems there is no rules just they receive some "order" to ask for visa now ... I ll try dtv ...
Simon *******
There is not a 6 month single entry visa ,it didn't exist only a 6 month multiple entry visa staying for a maximum of 60 days each time.
Joachim *******
What is a 6 month tourist visa. I have never heard about it?
I only know the normal Tourist Visa multiple.
I only know the normal Tourist Visa multiple.
Daniela ***********
Tourist Visa with multiple entry is what I take every Fall, it’s Safe Then to come in while 180 days.
Graham *********
Apply for a visa .Better safe than sorry .
Sean **********
I went back to uk and I asked the immigration man at the airport and he told me I can come and go as many as time as I want as I’m going back to my own country and I working and then going back
John *********
as long as you have a return flight you should be ok, even if they reduce the visa exemption from 60 days to 30 days (quite likely)
Ron ********
You traveling as a tourist, staying less than 30 days no extension and back to your country. You are a tourist and should have no problems what so ever with your visa exempt entry. There are no restrictions how often you can visit Th as a tourist. But I think land border crossings are restricted to 2 as far I know.
Carl **********
Who knows you follow the rules of the Visa Exemption and still face a frosty reception from immigration. They have this strange notion you can guess what's in the mind of the individual immigration officer.
John *********
As long as your travel history shows that you are returning to your home country regularly and staying home more than you are in Thailand I doubt you'll have a problem.
Mick *********
As long as you have accommodation and a return flight you’ll be fine. Also your history of leaving for the uk will help. I have a friend who comes and goes many times a year on the tourist exemption stamp. He has a Thai girlfriend and always stays at a hotel and has onward or return flights.
Patong ******
I did 6 entries last year and when I arrived in December I was scrutinised the lady I had at immigration did her job and let me in but did say it could have been a different story with a different officer
I’ve applied for a proper visa I don’t want to risk it again
You may be lucky but I’ve seen plenty of stories since November where entry has been denied
I’m same as you genuine tourist never overstayed never extended never border run bit common sense is rare and they don’t know you they just make a call
Get a visa and don’t have the anxiety🍺
I’ve applied for a proper visa I don’t want to risk it again
You may be lucky but I’ve seen plenty of stories since November where entry has been denied
I’m same as you genuine tourist never overstayed never extended never border run bit common sense is rare and they don’t know you they just make a call
Get a visa and don’t have the anxiety🍺
Guy ********
Tourist visa and avoid entry through Phuket.
Paul **************
worry about it IF it happens ,make yourself ill
Aaron ******
Flying in and out is ok, it's the land crossings they are strict on.
Asle ****************
It is if you have extended the visa..... longer than 60 days. Thats when you can get problems.
But you havent 👍
But you havent 👍
Yashar *******
I’m not sure what the concern is. It’s obvious you’re travelling as a tourist — you’re coming and then going back.
Brian ******
Get a real girlfriend
Paul ******************
Brian Bird you're in the wrong forum. Search for one of the Pattaya bargirl groups
Tongjun **
Brian Bird
What’s it to you,
Free world
What’s it to you,
Free world
Bryan *****
Check your upcoming 22 days together with your trips from last year. If the # of days get close to or exceed 180 days within a 1 year period, you will likely be denied entry regardless if exempt or applied for a visa. For your question, I would get a regular tourist visa regardless. Why chance it on arrival only to get sent home? Single entry visa cost $40 for a peace of mind. Immigration doesn't know if you are border hopping by land or air so the frequency of arrivals will give them a reason to deny
Sara *******
Well your patern of visits is not normal Tourist, they will get Red Flag immediately on Passport control, .... usually they give you Warning and let you in, with proper visa status for your next visit....better to get proper visa as you are a frequent visitor to land of Smiles 😃
Ian ********
Sara Jonesno it wont stop scare mongering with your baseless opinion.
Paul *******
Sara Jones Why not a normal tourist, Sounds like an offshore worker who has the time and cash to travel. Not stay too long, no border bounce and no overstay. Not everyone works a 9-5 job with 4 weeks holiday per year.
Sara *******
Paul Jones That's your personal prospective, not Immigration officer .....
Paul *******
Sara Jones Yes for sure looks like the pattern of not over stay, not border bounce and enjoy Thailand. Why do you think its an issues and why would immigration?
Paul ******************
Sara Jones on what evidence do you make your assertions? Read through the comments and you will see plenty of people have had no trouble at all with similar frequency and duration of stays.
Oliver ***********
I was this year from 1 January till 16 January first time and I have to go back in Germany, and the second time from 25 January till 16 February. The second time the custom officer ask me why I come back after one week and if i have an hotel booked. I give her the information and everything was fine.
Kevin ********
Coming to Thailand March 27. Visa Exemption for 60 days. Extend for 30 days. Can I then fly to Nepal for a month and then return to Thailand and get a new 60 day Visa Exemption. Plan to get a Retirement Visa next year after we sell our villa in Turkey.
Andrew *************
If u have an issue... Take your papers, leave the lanes and go to another set of lanes and all will be fine.
Chris ********
What if I don't book a return flight? Don't know exactly what date.
Ian ********
Chris Graberwithout a visa you run the risk of your airline not letting you fly to thailand in the first place if you do not have some sort of ticket out of Thailand.
Mark ********
You can get a 60 day multi entry visa from the Thai embassy, valid for 6 months. It's applied for online, also you won't be refused entry as you have the correct visa. Or you can apply for a single entry tourist visa if you don't plan on leaving. Just do that every time you need to come here. Better to be refused a visa than to be refused entry after the long flight to thailand. Refusal at immigration means you pay for your return flight there and then or you're stuck in detention till you can board your return flight. Cost and visa types below.
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Jayshree ******
I enter every 3 months as my son lives here and I travel as a tourist
They have never questioned me though I stay 60 days at a time
They have never questioned me though I stay 60 days at a time
Jayshree ******
No I usually stay for the allocated 60 days granted at the time of entry & leave then return again
I have done a further 30 days extension which costed about 2000 baht. I have also done a visa run once to Cambodia and was allocated a further 60 days stay
I'm retired so I'm not a threat to the Thai Government that I'm entering on any other reason but tourism
I have done a further 30 days extension which costed about 2000 baht. I have also done a visa run once to Cambodia and was allocated a further 60 days stay
I'm retired so I'm not a threat to the Thai Government that I'm entering on any other reason but tourism
Shaun *******
Jayshree Jaya do you apply for the extra 30 days when you actually arrive in thailand. Or apply via the TDAC form pre arrival.
Robert **********
Shaun Doyle the TDAC is an arrival card nothing to do with visa application
Marshal *******
You are totally Fine ✅
Sam ******
If you planning on coming more than once in 6 months, get a multiple entry tourist visa.
Rob *********
You shouldn't have a problem if you have a return booking and can prove that you have enough cash.
Paul ******************
Following.
I'm a frequent visitor but my wife is Thai from Khon Kaen.
I'm looking at 3 visits a year of 4 to 6 weeks each during which I will stay at hotels but will make day visits to my wife's property and family where I have a little orchard garden and where we may decide to build a house in the coming years.
I made 2 visits last year of 8 weeks and 6 weeks using visa exempt and returning to the UK each time.
60 days looks like it may be reduced back to 30 but still with extension possible.
I might make use of METV if they go back to 30 days
Wife lives in the UK with me and doesn't always go with me to Thailand due to work commitments.
I'm a frequent visitor but my wife is Thai from Khon Kaen.
I'm looking at 3 visits a year of 4 to 6 weeks each during which I will stay at hotels but will make day visits to my wife's property and family where I have a little orchard garden and where we may decide to build a house in the coming years.
I made 2 visits last year of 8 weeks and 6 weeks using visa exempt and returning to the UK each time.
60 days looks like it may be reduced back to 30 but still with extension possible.
I might make use of METV if they go back to 30 days
Wife lives in the UK with me and doesn't always go with me to Thailand due to work commitments.
Max ********
Paul Singlehurst-Ward I can feel the warmth and happiness in your post. 🙏
Vinson *******
You seem like a nice guy, perhaps you should explain why your are special to an immigration officer and see if they buy it
Doc ******************
Vinson Dynes what a ridiculous comment. Why be so sarcastic. No need for those comments on this site.
Ameel ********
Vinson Dynes 😂😂🤣
Rog **********
Vinson Dynes prick
Damien ***********
Vinson Dynes hes a tourist nothing will be said he not doing visa run .which they lookin out for he will be fine..
Paul ******************
Vinson Dynes why do you say he's special or why does he need to be special?
Joe ********
You’ll be fine you can come and go as many times as you like as long as you don’t over stay, you aren’t even extending your tourist visas when you come. Don’t worry brother
Jo **********
i have friends who have a similar situation they entered 10-12 times visa exempt last year. They only stay 7-12 days each time. Your a genuine tourist, - you should not have any problems
Jack *******
Jo Clemente and how on God's green earth can the immigration officer know this person is a "genuine tourist". Stupid post
Wayne *******
Jack Wishy Jack the ones that are query your statement which was spot on are the ones who mostly likely are pushing the boundaries.
Don’t listen to them or offer advice they all seem to know it all about nothing
Don’t listen to them or offer advice they all seem to know it all about nothing
David *******
Jack Wishy very easy to see that person was a tourist and not trying to stay long term.
Tongjun **
Jack Wishy
You have anger issues
You have anger issues
Jo **********
Jack Wishy they are not stupid as your assuming. They can look at your stay history, length of stay, in country 30 day extensions, border runs and total time over the course of the year. It’s not rocket science. And Thai people are smart.
Richard ***********
This will be referred Kevin look into a proper visa or lose the girlfriend 🤣 god is trying to help you
Tom ********
God try’s to help all of
Us! 😂
Us! 😂
Doc ******************
Richard Broderick yes very weird. So much of those weird comments here.
Joe ********
Richard Broderick why loose the girlfriend? Weird comment
Richard ***********
It’s called humour
Joe ********
Richard Broderick it’s definitely not. An attempt at, maybe
Ant ***********
As mentioned by John S
Get a 6 months multi entry tourist Visa
Get a 6 months multi entry tourist Visa
Michael ****
Ant W Tailor if they want to get you, they get you, that visa doesn't help.
Robert *********
Ant W Tailor which you can extend to 9 months ..
Do 3 months at home and. Come and go the rest if the year as you please .
Do 3 months at home and. Come and go the rest if the year as you please .
Nongnuch ********
Robert Merrell recent reports indicate that some people on the METV have been denied a last entry shortly before the end of the visa validity, after an interview been allowed in but then been warned not to repeat it. So, up to 8 months might be possible, but the up to 9 months is very questionable
Sam ******
Nongnuch Kamdee pretty sure 8 is maximum because you can't extend after the expiry date of the visa. So your final entry is only 2 months, not 3.
Andrew ***********
Tourist visa plus a safe entry best money you will spend saves the anxiety on the flight over
John **********
Something nobody can really advise on other than the immigration officer you will stand in front of. But if you have a flight home, accommodation booked and 20k baht or equivalent in a major currency in CASH you will likely be let in even if given a warning to get a visa next time. The 6 months tourist visa is a multiple entry visa, each entry during it's validity gets you stamped in for 60 days. The single entry tourist visa is just one 60 day entry
Michael ********
@John *********
It's the 180 days in a calendar year, cumulative that's a flag.. 21 x 5 + 14 in 2025 is well below that.Activity
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