Answered2 years ago
What alternatives do I have to the 60-day visa exemption for my travels in Thailand?
People keep saying you can’t keep coming in on a 60 day visa exempt. We have been travelling Asia the last 3 years, so end up coming into Thailand app 3 or 4 times a year. If I shouldn’t be using visa exempt people say get dev. But we aren’t working we are travelling, so don’t fit the requirements. What else should we do?We are not retiring here either, so the visa exempt is our only option that I know of. Any advice on this would be appreciated.
Answer summary
The discussion revolves around concerns from travelers regarding the frequent use of the 60-day visa exemption to enter Thailand multiple times a year. While some travelers report no issues as long as they do not frequently do border runs, it is suggested that spending longer periods in the country may raise suspicions of attempting to live in Thailand without the appropriate visa. Alternatives such as the Tourist Visa (TR), Digital Nomad Visa (DTV), and specific activity visas like the Muay Thai Visa are mentioned as potential options for those not fitting the retirement or work categories.
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Philippe *********
I don't understand why they don't do a proper visa for those (there are many) who just want to travel there for 6 months... no work, no lessons... or 3 months that can be extend another 3 months
Sam *****
OP@Philippe ********
yeah it would need to be 6. Otherwise just the same as 2 months visa exempt plus and extension, same as 3. Which is fine for us now. I am just worried one day it won’t be when I arrive at Thai immigration.
Charlotte **********
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Anthony ******************
Apply for a DTV visa?
Lion *****************************
A good start would be checking the official rules before coming..
Lion *****************************
@Sam ****
my pleasure... enjoy your travel..Sam *****
OP@Lion ****************************
the rules say I can enter Thailand for 2 months visa exempt for 2 months for tourism purposes. I am just hearing people are getting turned away if doing this too often. Was looking for the correct solution.Lion *****************************
@Sam ****
Ok understand.. So as per your last comment with 2 month entry granted. It strictly means 1 time. The problem arises when "supposed" tourists stay 60 days then go to say Laos and come back next day for another 60 days visa exempt..then again and again and really stay all year.. This is not permitted..Anyone who wants to stay long term ( I do not mean you!) needs to get a long term visa which complies with their intended duration of stay. When immigration sees 'tourists' returning each 60 days for many times in a row...they consider it abuse of the system.. Hope this is clearer... Enjoy your trip..😁👍Sam *****
OP@Lion ****************************
ok no worries. Thanks for taking the time and info provided.
Matthew **********
@Jo *********
was much easier just after covid . They had too few tourists so they gave upto 6 months without leaving the country.
Graham ******
@Matthew *********
they increased Visa Exempt to 45 days temporarily so 45+30 is just 75 days, nowhere near 6 monthsMatthew **********
@Graham *****
im talking about the Sandbox scheme whilst the mainland was still shut off. It phuket only.Graham ******
@Matthew *********
there were no Covid Extensions during the Sandbox period as travel was then possibleMatthew **********
@Graham *****
No, not a 6 month entry stamp. However, I entered the country amd did not leave for 6 months as thry were offering exte tiomd internally at immigration. Without leaving the country. It.was never thst easy before or since. I can assure you that was the case. 100% fact.Graham ******
@Matthew *********
I did the Sandbox and can assure you I did not get a 6 month entry stampSam *****
OP@Matthew *********
we only got 30 days exempt after Covid, has actually improved to 60 days now.Matthew **********
@Sam ****
I'm talking about the Sandbox scheme. Phuket only. Before the mainland was even open.
Luit *****************
For everyone there are other options than visa exemption, when you are not working and describe yourself as travelers, why should a METV not be an option?
Jonny *********
No problems up to 180 days.. But after that no border run possible, as Immigration want people on visa if extended..
David ***********
They are referring to border bouncers who really aren't tourists
Kate *******
So long as you’re there for less than 6 months total in any one year it’s fine, you’re not doing anything wrong. It’s about how long over all you’re there for, not how many times.
What others are referring to is those just doing a border run and trying to live in Thailand full time on renewing 60-90 day visa exempt stays.
What others are referring to is those just doing a border run and trying to live in Thailand full time on renewing 60-90 day visa exempt stays.
Sam *****
OP@Kate ******
yeah in a year probably slightly over 180 days.
John *****
@Kate ******
not really I came back from 6 months in the UK and was quizzed. what time of the month it is for the immigration officer is more relevantRene ********
@John ****
lol, I once had one who really lost her ragRene ********
@Alma **************
, ok, I've done about 40 to 50 entries and had random problems twice for no reason at all other than the woman was just in a bad mood
Alma ***************
@Rene *******
that can happen..so I always pray hard and try to assess the io mood while in the line up.lol!Rene ********
@Alma **************
they had to hold history of 10 years also of coming in for short holiday stays and leaving to work, complete with work visas in China and a letter from the school.... But that wasn't good enough for this one.... She really did tell me that they were sending me home and told me to wait in the back but then a male Superior came in and sorted it in 30 secondsJohn *****
@Rene *******
it's always the women immigrationRene ********
@John ****
yes both times I had an issue it was woman the one was particularly bad ......
Maxim ***********
@Kate ******
There is no 6 months rules. I was here for 12 years almost consecutively before finally getting denied entry. I got in with an agent so I'm fine.Kate *******
@Maxim **********
there is a 6 month rule when it comes to being tax resident and that’s what they’re basing the recent crack down on visa runs on, trying to get people to do the DTV or retirement visas instead and do things properly.It’s Thailand though so of course it’s never across the board, always depends on who you get at the time and can always be gotten around with an ‘agent’ and some money. But nobody should be getting problems if they’re taking multiple short trips, being away in between and not there for more than 6 months over all in a year. It might get more tricky after that and more chance of issues but less than 6 months, nobody’s having problems unless they’re doing something else wrong like overstaying. It’s the back to back border runner they’re trying to stop.
Aake **********
@Kate ******
bullshit
Bonnie *********
@Aake *********
Wow, great response. What are you? 12?Kate *******
@Aake *********
you think it’s bullshit to be able to do multiple trips totaling less than 6 months over a year? On what basis do you give such constructive input. You could do 20 trips a year if they’re all short and nowhere near hitting 6 months of a year which is when they determine you to be tax resident. That’s the basis of their crack down.Todd *********
@Kate ******
there is no 6 month issue. And there is no ‘crackdown’ unless one considers the crackdown on critical thinking on these pages sometimesAlma ***************
@Kate ******
I think you are right. That was my worry having done the first 60+30 and returning after 3 weeks while waiting for dtv in HCMC my worry was I won't be allowed in without it. But I still got in with the 60days visa exempt. As long as you are not maxing out the 60 days and not doing a short trip outside seems ok..Rene ********
@Alma **************
, lottery upon arrivalAlma ***************
@Rene *******
can be true..
Charlie **********
As long as you dont just turn around at the border every time and go back in again there should not be a problem. If you show that you are also traveling in other countries in the area you are OK because that is the way Visa Exemt is supposed to be used. Its when you start using in for a longer time to stay in Thailand you can get in trouble.
Sam *****
OP@Charlie *********
this was my thinking too. I sure hope so. I have no want or intention to break any rules.Todd *********
@Charlie *********
also no problem if you turn around at the border. And definitely zero problem is you use an agencyCharlie **********
@Todd ********
Depends on how often you do it. Its all up to the immigration officer to decide since there is nothing in the law about how many times you can do it before getting in trouble.Todd *********
@Charlie *********
you might. But you likely won’t. Nobody really minds answering a few questions. They are just doing their jobs. They will let you know in advance when they see it’s an issueCharlie **********
@Todd ********
But since the purpose of the Visa Exemption is temporary visits to Thailand and you use it to stay long time in Thailand with borderbounces you might end up in trouble if the immigration officer do not like your "missuse" of the Visa Exemption scheme.Todd *********
@Charlie *********
yes - which makes entering very easy.
Ron ********
If you are ower 50year?
Get a 1year visa with multi entry.!
Get a 1year visa with multi entry.!
Sam *****
OP@Ron *******
I don’t think there is this option for Australians.Graham ******
@Sam ****
why would it not be?Sam *****
OP@Graham *****
just no one year visa.Todd *********
@Ron *******
why bother.
Jo **********
i know I agree I came in 8-12 times a year visa exempt even just after Covid. People just like to act like police
Kim *********
@Jo *********
ps I deleted bothJo **********
@Kim ********
people commenting that I am doing something wrong when I follow the rules very diligentlyKim *********
@Jo *********
ok - sorry for my remarks - I'll delete the 2nd 😔Kim *********
@Jo *********
you are a kind man 👍Jo **********
@Kim ********
it’s fine no problem 😉Jo **********
@Kim ********
it’s not a comment it’s a factTodd *********
@Jo *********
almost every commenter seems to think employment with immigration is in their future 😂. And yet they have no clue what is actually happening. They were the kids bringing apples to the teacher in school though, a very obedient little groupRene ********
@Jo *********
lotteryKen **********
@Rene *******
bbbbbbbhbbb BBB hhhhRene ********
@Ken *********
, careful with the Lao Khao, it has strange effects, lol
Nigel ********
4x60 = 240 day 🤔🤔+1 month Extension each time🤔🤔🤔 Possibly 360 days a year 🤣🤣🤣 Immigration will love you
Sorry but get yourselves a dtv visa
Sorry but get yourselves a dtv visa
Nigel ********
No one knows at the moment even the Thai tax office told me to wait
Sam *****
OP@Nigel *******
like I said we are travelling not working, so don’t meet the requirements of that visa.Nigel ********
@Sam ****
They might want to check your proof of income to support yourself or savingsSam *****
OP@Nigel *******
I don’t earn any money in Thailand and any money earned in Australia is already taxed in Australia. I have been told you would only need to pay tax in Thailand for untaxed earnings? Not 100% on this though.Nigel ********
@Sam ****
you shouldn't have any issues if you can prove income, they might ask if your taxed registered if you spend more than 180 days a year in the kingdom good luckSam *****
OP@Nigel *******
I have got no problem there. All my income from investments in Australia. Ample.John *******
@Nigel *******
- Poster said they enter 4 times a year, but didn’t say they stay the entire time. In 2023 and 2024, I entered 10+ times. Most were only for a few daysSam *****
OP@John ******
full 60 days or there about each time. But travel to other countries too in between and also go home for a month every 5 monthsJohn *******
@Sam ****
I think you already know the solution though. You need a visa if you plan to live in a country. While you like to state “I don’t live here, I travel here”, I don’t immigration would agree.Sam *****
OP@John ******
and I don’t live here I travel here. Been to more places in Thailand than anyone I have ever met so far.Sam *****
OP@John ******
well there my friend is the problem.😁I was asking for the solution. Get it?John *******
@Sam ****
- so it sounds to me like you live in Thailand and take vacation to other countries and back to home county. Immigration isn’t going to care about your agoda hotel historySam *****
OP@John ******
not 8 when you put in going home and other country 1 month stays in between. Maybe 7.Sam *****
OP@John ******
things may look how they like. But reality is we are travelling all over. We go home for 2 to 3 months each year. We also spend 2 months other countries. We are travelling. Just love Thailand. And I try to be very effective at using visa and visa exempt periods. It is cost and time effective.I hope my Agoda hotel history and photo albums will save us.John *******
@Sam ****
so 8 months in Thailand in 2024? Each time you max out your stamp/stay? Does it look, in eyes of immigration, that you are living here?Nigel ********
@John ******
I said possibly 360 dayJohn *******
@Nigel *******
It is also possibly 20 days. In that case would you still recommend DTV?
Nickel *******
Its DTV bro
Andrew ***********
Youd have thought going home for a month or 2 should be sufficient time out of thailand shame they didn't set the laws in stone as leaving it to an io is not good if they happen to be pissed off on that time that you pass through
Ken **********
@Andrew **********
B G GAndrew ***********
@Ken *********
what?Sam *****
OP@Andrew **********
yeah we go back home every 5 months for a month, we travel for a month each time in another country before returning for 2 months in Thailand. Kind of repeat repeat. I am hoping my photo album will save me. We are just very effective at using visa periods and our visa exempt period here in Thailand.Ken **********
Rene ********
Michael ********
Its people going straight out and straight back in who they are looking at. The ones trying to play the system mess it up for genuine tourists
David *******
@Michael *******
and the African females working on Pattaya beach road on a tourist stamp? Are they messing it up for genuine tourists too? They're working illegally but a blind eye is turned. Tourists can get repeat stamps by border bouncing. Education visa is 55k baht a year. Superscam.Jo **********
@Michael *******
agree I came in 8-12 times visa exempt in one year. I left always for at least 7-14 days each time
Kean *****
How about this??
A Muay Thai visa, also known as a Thai Education Visa (Non-Immigrant ED Visa), allows foreign citizens to stay in Thailand for a longer period to train in Muay Thai, Thailand's traditional martial art.
A Muay Thai visa, also known as a Thai Education Visa (Non-Immigrant ED Visa), allows foreign citizens to stay in Thailand for a longer period to train in Muay Thai, Thailand's traditional martial art.
Adam *****
@Kean ****
DTV is better option
Sally *******
@Adam ****
difficult to qualify for a DTV though? Why does everyone keep suggesting that?Sally *******
@Adam ****
thank you, that is very helpful.Adam *****
@Sally ******
that's the "workcation" subcategory for the DTV. There's also the "soft power" category, which Muay Thai is one of the acceptable activities.Sally *******
@Adam ****
really? I think I was mixing it up with the digital nomad visa. What does DTV stand for, digital tourist visa? What did it allow you to do?Adam *****
@Sally ******
is it though? If you qualify for Muay Thai ED, you just need 500k baht in your bank account to qualify for DTV
Jordan *****
@Kean ****
do you think Muay Thai is for everyone? Unless you are active phisically you will leave training exhausted or injured, not to mention that many people don’t like the idea of fighting, even for sport.Sally *******
@Jordan ****
there's also learning Thai and Thai cookery school options.Kean *****
@Jordan ****
U can pay just to get the visa. Don't think they will bother whether U attend the lesson or not...
James *********
@Kean ****
what if the IO challenges you to a fight? 😲
Rene ******
@Kean ****
you might be questioned at the airport. In that case they dont listen to the answer (they wont know the names of all teachers in Thailand), but just look to the way you react to see if you are a geniune student.
Grant ***********
They go through phases where you usually have to get a visa I've been coming in and out for the last 2 years no issues but I stay for a month then go back to Australia for a month lately they seen okay
Brandon ************
It's not really about how many times you go to Thailand. It's about how much time you spend in Thailand and what your patterns are. If it looks like you're not a tourist or trying to live in Thailand without a proper visa, then it's only a matter of time until you run into issues. It's not a problem for the vast majority of people.
Sam *****
OP@Brandon ***********
I hope so. We love travelling in Thailand, far and wide. We have been to some out there places We don’t want to live here, we just want to continue this beautiful lifestyle for as long as possible.
James **********
@Sam ****
carry on the way you have been. If they tell you to get something else..... until then all good
Billy ******
@Brandon ***********
the only answer
Jared **********
If you’re spending less than 6 months it should be less of an issue, and you can always apply for TR visa’s
Robert *********
What is a TR visa?
Sam *****
OP@Robert ********
I want to know tooJohn *******
@Sam ****
Tourist visaRene ******
@Jared *********
not always true.. cases of people being questioned staying little less than 6 months (with a non-touristy pattern) have been reported 🤷♂️Jared **********
@Rene *****
thats probably why i didn’t say it was always true, i quite clearly said “less of an issue”I also take what’s been “reported” with a grain of salt, many times relevant info get omitted
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