Should I apply for a tourist visa or use visa exemption for my upcoming trip to Thailand?

tourist visa visa exemption Thailand immigration Dutch passport holder visa rules visa types multiple entry tourist visa COVID-19 travel regulations

Aug 29, 2022

2 years ago

Ronald *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi all. I'm planning on going to Thailand for the 3rd time this year, and wondering if it's best to get a tourist visa or go visa exempt to minimise problems at immigration. (Dutch passport holder).

I spent 6 weeks (43 days) in Feb/Mar (visa exempt + extension)

I spent almost 3 months (83 days) in May-July (tourist visa + extension).

I now want to come at the end of Sept for another 4 weeks (28 days). This would bring the total amount of time spent in Thailand this calendar year to 5.5 months..

While I first thought that a tourist visa would be the safer option, I'm not sure if they would question why I got a tourist visa if I'm staying 4 weeks and could get in on visa exempt.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A Dutch passport holder is seeking advice on whether to apply for a tourist visa or go visa exempt for a planned trip to Thailand. They have previously spent significant time in Thailand this year under both visa exemption and tourist visa, raising concerns about immigration scrutiny. Several comments suggest that either option could work, but recommend being prepared with proof of funds, onward travel, and accommodation bookings to minimize issues at immigration.

Stephen *********

From October the visa free is 45 days stay.

2 years ago

Keven ****

You're a genuine tourist, and look like one in your passport and visits to Thailand (left in between short visits). No need to worry at all. Have 10K baht equivalent in cash, proof of onward travel and a hotel booking if you want to keep it on the safe side.

2 years ago

Wannikea *********

@Keven ***

20,000 baht or equivalent

2 years ago

James ********

@Wannikea ********

correct... thank you .

2 years ago

Reply to

James ********

Luc ************

Visa exempt. Ik kom ook ieder jaar een keer of 5, ze maken er geen probleem van zolang je maar geen overstay hebt.

2 years ago

Bobby ********

I think you'll be fine either way. You've had no covid extensions and you haven't maxxed out the entries you've already had this year, and you've had space between the two visits, so you're not milking end to end visa/extensions.

2 years ago

James ********

Are you married to Thai or Father of a Thai child?

And a METV multiple entry tourist visa may be a better option for you. With planning can get you up to 9 months stay in Thailand.

Clearly you are rolling the dice with your 2022 entry history into Thailand. Get a visa !

2 years ago

David ********

3 entries by air, usually not a problem... and tourist visas can be denied at the border anyway... only non-immigrant visas are considered safe. I had 4 entries between Jun and Dec 2019, 3 by air and one by land - never any problems.

2 years ago

Ronald *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

No i'm not. but I'm really only looking for 4 more weeks and don't have any other trips planned in the foreseeable future. BTW I haven't had any covid extensions, only the 2 normal extensions.

2 years ago

Ronald *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Ok thanks. won't they question why I get a tourist visa if staying less than 30 days though?

2 years ago

James ********

@Ronald ****

Nope

2 years ago

Reply to

James ********

@Ronald ****

the remarks remain the same... whether it's with COVID extensions or many entries into Thailand in 2022.

Be prepared for questions about WHY YOU ARE Again seeking entry... Visa exempt.

And have the 3 proofs Tod mentions in his post.

2 years ago

Reply to

James ********

Suggest that you read this post from

@Tod ********

...

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2 years ago

Reply to

James ********