Answered10 months ago
What alternatives are there for Israeli tourists in Thailand who can't do border runs?
I just learned today that my Israeli partner can’t do a border run anymore? He’s in Thailand as a tourist, has never done a border run, what are our options? Flying in and out? Make a holiday out of it? Or are they difficult with that too? I thought 2 border runs per year were always allowed (and no longer than 6 months in the country)
More info: as I said, he’s never done a border run. He was in Thailand in 2025 for 3 months total, on 3 separate trips (2 weeks in May, 2 weeks in July, 2 months at the end of the year). Based on this, I don’t see any reason for a border run business to say he can’t do one (to Burma). I was told they don’t take Israelis at all, in general, anymore.
More info: as I said, he’s never done a border run. He was in Thailand in 2025 for 3 months total, on 3 separate trips (2 weeks in May, 2 weeks in July, 2 months at the end of the year). Based on this, I don’t see any reason for a border run business to say he can’t do one (to Burma). I was told they don’t take Israelis at all, in general, anymore.
Answer summary
An Israeli tourist in Thailand faces difficulties with border runs due to restrictive policies regarding entry into neighboring countries like Malaysia. The community discussion reveals that certain agents in Thailand avoid taking Israeli passport holders for border runs due to increased scrutiny and entry issues. Suggestions from the community include considering other countries like Laos for border runs or obtaining a proper long-term visa to avoid immigration issues. The conversation highlights a lack of clarity in immigration policies, emphasizing that nationalities and previous travel history significantly impact visa options.
39 repliesnewest first
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Mike *******
Sadly the whole immigration system seems to be to be a mess no one knows what’s going on total disaster for western tourists
Yu-Li ****
********************************************
Visa run to Laos by land
Ken ********
Get a proper visa
Mark *********
I think it's best he go's home
IndigoG********
@Mark ********
I think it best you keep your mouth shut before bad things happen to you...
Stephen ********
Obtain a proper visa
Robert *****
Concerning Malaysia here’s what Google AI says…
enter Malaysia without special, prior permission from the Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs, as Malaysia does not recognize Israel and has strong political opposition. Dual citizens should use their non-Israeli passport to enter Malaysia and avoid any Israeli stamps, as this can cause significant issues at the border.
Wikipedia
Wikipedia
+3
Key Points:
Strict Prohibition: Malaysian policy forbids entry for Israeli passport holders.
Special Permission Needed: Entry is only possible with explicit clearance from the Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs.
Dual Nationals: U.S.-Israeli dual citizens, for example, should use their non-Israeli passport (like their U.S. passport) to enter Malaysia.
Avoid Israeli Stamps: Showing an Israeli passport or having an Israeli stamp can lead to problems or denial of entry.
Wikipedia
Wikipedia
+4
In essence, if you have an Israeli passport, you must secure specific government authorization to visit Malaysia, or use another citizenship's passport to enter
enter Malaysia without special, prior permission from the Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs, as Malaysia does not recognize Israel and has strong political opposition. Dual citizens should use their non-Israeli passport to enter Malaysia and avoid any Israeli stamps, as this can cause significant issues at the border.
Wikipedia
Wikipedia
+3
Key Points:
Strict Prohibition: Malaysian policy forbids entry for Israeli passport holders.
Special Permission Needed: Entry is only possible with explicit clearance from the Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs.
Dual Nationals: U.S.-Israeli dual citizens, for example, should use their non-Israeli passport (like their U.S. passport) to enter Malaysia.
Avoid Israeli Stamps: Showing an Israeli passport or having an Israeli stamp can lead to problems or denial of entry.
Wikipedia
Wikipedia
+4
In essence, if you have an Israeli passport, you must secure specific government authorization to visit Malaysia, or use another citizenship's passport to enter
Stephen *********
@Robert ****
he probably knows this.
Lee ********
Buy a visa
Bradley ***********
Get the correct visa? Would that work?
Einat *******
The situation is simple: in Koh Phangan there are agents that organise "border run" with van. They do not invite israeli passport holders? my suggestion is - do it without them. very simple.
Ivan ************
@Einat ******
if agents aren't taking them it's because of something to do with immigration, agents will take anyone who can pay and they can get out and back and have no reason to discriminate. Agents are going to the borders daily and are often a good source for what the current situation on the ground is with immigration. A lot of the agents on those islands go to the southern border with Malaysia, that would rule out Israeli passports as Malaysia won't let them in.Stephen *********
@Ivan ***********
it's always been like that for Israelis though. Nothing new regarding MalaysiaStephen *********
@Mary ********
probably a decision by the Myanmar authority, so the Thais will not allow to avoid an issue with them returning un stamped. The Laos border would be the best option, or fly t Cambodia. It's not a policy of Thailand in respect to an individual country being prevented.Mary *********
OP@Stephen ********
The company I used many times in the past (I am now on a DTV) goes to Burma. Everytime I went, there were plenty of Israelis. Now they don’t take Israelis anymoreStephen *********
@Ivan ***********
ok. I thought the post was about border runs in general as determined by Thai immigration.Ivan ************
@Ste****
sure, or he could fly out and back. But border run agencies with vans in Koh Phangan aren't driving to Laos just because one specific nationality isn't allowed bounce at Malaysia. I'm just explaining why an agency there might not take Israelis.Stephen *********
@Ivan ***********
He can do a border to run without an agency. Go to Laos.Ivan ************
Ranong should be an option, unless something has happened with Ranong. There is a report here saying it has become very difficult to do solo, they will not let you do it unless you can show a ticket back to your home country. Maybe a reason agents have switched to Malaysia, if it has got more expensive for them.
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9Ivan ************
@Ste****
sure, but it would be a reason for why agents won't accept Israelis. If they are doing a run to the southern border, they know Israelis won't be allowed bounce there, because of the Malaysian side. Just doing a quick search now, all the ones I can find are advertising visa runs to Malaysia. They can't take Israelis.
Brandon ************
This is a THAI VISA forum, unrelated comments will be removed and you risk being suspended and/or banned. Mind your manners.
Jeff *************
Who told you he couldn’t leave and come back? Immigration?
Claes **********
They just are more strict now. Thailand officials are not ”difficult” as you say if you have followed the rules that has been in place for a long time now. How many borderruns has he done the last year?
Claes **********
Have you taken that info from official channels? It looks like chatgpt or google. According to the official channels there is NO RESET every calender year.
Matthew *********
@Claes *********
should matter according to rules a new calendar year reset on border entry only
Unkempt*******
@Matthew ********
lawyers for expats just did a video on someone arriving yesterday an was denied entry due to their entries in 2025. There is no “calendar year reset”. It is up to the discretion of the officer.Mary *********
OPHe has not done a single border run. It seems like the problem is with the Myanmar border
Euan ********
@Mary ********
the Myanmar border is always complicated. Not all borders can be used by tourists, they often close due to the conflicts and I believe a visa is required even if only doing a border bounce
Braulio *********
Time to go home
Will ************
No sane day returns on visa exempt.
Michael ********
It all depends on his previous travel history, need more info
Max****
No problem for visa run based on his nationality. How many times he's been here on the past year and when was the last time? Thats what matter in this case.
Ashley *********
Get a long term visa
Lynnette *******
Maybe write more info. Too vague.
Rich ****
Never heard of this restriction
Todd *********
@Rich ***
now you have. It’s nothing newStephen *********
@Todd ********
when was a specific nation restriction implemented?Mary *********
OP@Stephen ********
in November for Burma apparently
John *********
Which border run was he planning to do and who told him he can't do it. A bit more information is required
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