Answered2 months ago
What are the current entry restrictions for British citizens under Thailand's Visa Exemption Scheme?
Initally I thought the 2 entries per year was only by land. But the UK embassy has issued the below but doesn't specify if this is for land or air or both. This update was posted on the 8th September
Visa exemption scheme
Effective from 15 September 2026, British and Irish passport holders, as well as foreign travellers from many other countries listed below, can enter Thailand without a visa for up to 30 days under the Visa Exemption Scheme for tourism purposes.
Please note that eligible passport holders are allowed to enter Thailand under the Visa Exemption Scheme only twice within a calendar year. If travellers intend to visit Thailand more than twice per year or for purposes other than tourism, they are strongly advised to apply for an appropriate type of visa.
Initally I thought the 2 entries per year was only by land. But the UK embassy has issued the below but doesn't specify if this is for land or air or both. This update was posted on the 8th September
Visa exemption scheme
Effective from 15 September 2026, British and Irish passport holders, as well as foreign travellers from many other countries listed below, can enter Thailand without a visa for up to 30 days under the Visa Exemption Scheme for tourism purposes.
Please note that eligible passport holders are allowed to enter Thailand under the Visa Exemption Scheme only twice within a calendar year. If travellers intend to visit Thailand more than twice per year or for purposes other than tourism, they are strongly advised to apply for an appropriate type of visa.
Initally I thought the 2 entries per year was only by land. But the UK embassy has issued the below but doesn't specify if this is for land or air or both. This update was posted on the 8th September
Answer summary
Effective from September 15, 2026, British and Irish passport holders can enter Thailand without a visa for up to 30 days for tourism, but they are limited to two entries per calendar year under the Visa Exemption Scheme. While this limit is explicitly stated for land border entries, air entries remain subject to the discretion of Thai immigration officers. Travelers are advised to apply for appropriate visas if they plan to exceed two entries or visit for purposes other than tourism. The conversation reflects varying opinions on embassy communications, immigration enforcement practices, and the importance of obtaining proper visas for long-term stays.
65 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Lee **********
it’s for land as l have done a number already by air , and got stopped and interviewed guy agreed they needed to sort, but he could see l was legit so cleared me !! also went to vietnam and back after it with no issues
David ********
I understand that you can now use the e-gates anyway if your information is already on the system. Is this correct? In which case hopefully you don’t need to speak to an immigration officer.
Collywobble **********
was easy peasy visa exempt and probably more often than not the same but the uncertainty can and does cause unwanted unpleasant anxiety especially for old fogies like me
Nick *********
Probably more relevant to visa exempt entry not the dtv visa which is valid for 5 years and literally requires you leave every 6 months
THAI ******************************
@Nick ********
For DTV they may question you based on your category. So it's recommended to have supporting documents accessible just in-case.Nick *********
@THAI *****************************
soft power category is probably going to get scrutinised more than workation category. I never understood why they justified a 5 year validity visa for a 3 month cooking course but i think workation category makes more sense as its what the visa was supposed to attract to the country and they literally have ed visas for courses. Provided you are contributing to the economy i think their happy lol
Phil ********
Over the years I've learned not to take what it says on an embassy's website as gospel as I've later found it to be incorrect. You should be able to rely on their information, especially regarding travel as being 100% correct as I'm sure many visitors do but the fact is, you can't. The websites of both the Royal Thai Embassy in London and the British Embassy in Bangkok are known to contain incorrect information. The Royal Thai Embassy also refuses to correct the mistakes.
Ivan *********
Phil Wilson Can you provide an example of this ? Or is this just your personal experience ? I guess the average person has to believe what Embassy,s tell them. I have been to the Thai Embassy with my wife - it was very controlled and secure . The service was good and Efficient ( in our experience)
Phil ********
Ivan Brooker Yes, if you read the Thai Embassy's site in London they say that a Tourist Visa is suitable for short family visits to a spouse or Thai family. Ask Immigration at the airport and they will tell you you must have a Non O for that as you are not classed as a tourist - I have personal experience of that. Last time I looked they were also listing a price for a 12 month Multi Entry Non O (marriage) but that visa hasn't been available for a long time (from London and from anywhere now). There is also the example that is the subject of the OP here.
John **********
There is a specific upper limit of two land border entries per year. But that doesn't mean you will be allowed 2 land border entries. Every entry is at the discretion of the immigration officer that you will stand in front so even for entry by air where there's no defined upper limit it would be sensible to behave as if there were, particularly for back to back entries
Farang *********
So trying to figure put how to circumnavigate it already.
This is why Thailand is cracking down on VoA.
Just get the correct visa or even more restrictive rules may be introduced
This is why Thailand is cracking down on VoA.
Just get the correct visa or even more restrictive rules may be introduced
Lis ************
Seems like clear English to me
Paul *********
Read what it says by land border runs
Billy *********
just get a visa.
Han ********
"More than twice a year for purposes other than tourism" ergo as long as the purpose is tourism the limit doesn't apply.
Or alternatively, they fucked up their communications, and/or they don't really understand it themselves. Such is life with third world governments; YMMV.
Or alternatively, they fucked up their communications, and/or they don't really understand it themselves. Such is life with third world governments; YMMV.
Ivan *********
Do they they regard having a Thai Wife with any Favour ?I have been to Thailand 18 times ( But only
***
weeks) I am now retired so a longer stay might be a an option ?
Martyn *********
Han Thomas it has not changed in over 40 years it works
James *********
Information from embassy in Europe.....
Its up to the immigration officer at the Thai airport !!!?!!!
Its up to the immigration officer at the Thai airport !!!?!!!
John *********
Looked self-explanatory to me.
Gary *******
You can enter more than twice by air in a year. It’s at the discretion of the immigration officer. It it’s for tourism, hotel booked etc you will be fine. They are out to stop illegal workers if which many do border crossings
Charlie *********
I mean, it’s good advice though, no? If you plan to stay long term, get a proper visa. Seems pretty straightforward
BC ********
@Charlie ********
It isn't advice, it is wrong information.There is a difference between the 2, and a difference in wording. And it isn't about how ling you stay, but how many times you can come in visa exempt. These are 2 different things again. For example : coming in visa exempt 4 times a year for a week is less time than coming in visa exempt 1 time a year for a month with a month extension
Charlie *********
BC Farang Most of the consternation from folks seems to be that they can't do the endless border bounces and visa extensions anymore, because they are trying to live here without getting a proper visa. Frankly, idgaf because I think it's simple. Want to stay long term, get a proper visa. Simple. If there's an issue with how many times someone is coming in, for short visits, perhaps they ought to plan better instead of just bouncing all over the place? Or, just get a proper visa so as not to have to worry? It seems like it's the "get a proper visa" part that people have the most problem with
PeacefulRe**********
It is true only for land border crossings for UK and most other countries except for neighboring ones like Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei etc that have no limit.
Patrick ********
I enter Thailand at least 10 times a year sometimes 20 times all by air and all for short work related trips. All genuine and this is real reason that I visit. I've never had an issue with immigration as I always leave and have a consistent record. I do believe that any decisions are very individual to the traveller concerned, but clearly are guided by current policy as it should be. I don't work in Thailand at all - just genuine business meetings re transactions and TVs etc no payment for these trips by Thai companies etc. I've traditionally lived in Singapore and Malaysia for 15 yrs, now briefly in the UK
PeacefulRe**********
From the 15th onward, visa exemptions will be granted strictly for tourism, but not for business purposes like now.
Jørgen ********
Patrick Puddle did you enter all that 10 times "visa exempt" ?
PeacefulRe**********
That being said, there is no limit set in stone for entry via airport immigration— the airport IO will use his discretion and judgment to allow you or not to…… you could make very many entries for just a few days at a time and have no issues since that is a compelling argument in favor of real tourism. Conversely though, you could be refused on your first entry if you have big red flags in the system.
Robert *********
For 25 years I have spent winters in thai.
When immigration sees that ingo home for 7 months a year ,never a problem .
It's the people who are trying to scam the system that have problems
When immigration sees that ingo home for 7 months a year ,never a problem .
It's the people who are trying to scam the system that have problems
Ralph *******
Robert Merrell You never know. I visit twice a year for two months each time with a four month gap between visits. Immigration have told me I need a long term visa.
Han ********
Ralph Tyson - Tell him to get stuffed. The next guy one counter over will tell you an entirely different thing. They're just winging it most of the time.
Ralph *******
Han Thomas But if that’s now on my record I’m stuck with it.
By the way, have you ever tried telling an immigration officer to get stuffed?
By the way, have you ever tried telling an immigration officer to get stuffed?
Henry ***********
Robert Merrell What type of visa do you have for winter only?
Robert *********
Henry Jemielity METV
Alan **********
Got a link to your source ?
Umer **************
OPAlan Rothwell the UK thai embassy website buy an alert out on 8th September. Have a look. Maybe its the way they have worded it which is confusing.
Alan **********
Umer Sonu Khalid Thanks, actually I found it.
As I think someone else mentioned, embassies and Immigration fall under 2 different ministries, and they do not always seem to see things exactly the same.
Immigration decides whether you are allowed in, not the embassy, so following the embassy guidelines isn't necessarily what Immigration will allow/accept.
It's a bit messy,,,,,,,
As I think someone else mentioned, embassies and Immigration fall under 2 different ministries, and they do not always seem to see things exactly the same.
Immigration decides whether you are allowed in, not the embassy, so following the embassy guidelines isn't necessarily what Immigration will allow/accept.
It's a bit messy,,,,,,,
David *******
Not up to the British government, I would look at thai government guidelines
Patrick ********
David Ochoa the British embassy would have spoken to Thai officials to determine how the policy is applied before updating their web site. I would take their views seriously as these won't have been written lightly but following research and "unofficial but official" views and conversations with Thai authorities
David *******
Patrick Puddle later when in trouble the uk embassy is not going to intervene on his behalf. So better stick to the local sources and not expect some country from half way around the world to possibly get it right. I mean have you seen how retarded the embassy employees are around the world? Not just for uk but for all?!
David *******
Patrick Puddle you would think, and yet you would be surprised how many times they get it wrong… better check with the people who make the rules and not the messengers.
Han ********
David Ochoa I think he meant the Thai embassy in the UK. (Communication is hard)
David *******
Han Thomas no, uk embassy clearly means the uk embassy in Thailand. Otherwise it is the thai embassy.
THAI ******************************
There is no exact number for air, so please don't be confused by claims that there is a fixed limit.
What actually changed is that land-border entries were formally limited, while entry by air remains at the discretion of the immigration officer.
Visa-exempt entry has also been clarified as being specifically for tourism, whereas in the past it was sometimes used more broadly. This means that if an immigration officer determines that you are no longer entering Thailand as a genuine tourist, you may no longer qualify to enter under the visa-exemption scheme.
What actually changed is that land-border entries were formally limited, while entry by air remains at the discretion of the immigration officer.
Visa-exempt entry has also been clarified as being specifically for tourism, whereas in the past it was sometimes used more broadly. This means that if an immigration officer determines that you are no longer entering Thailand as a genuine tourist, you may no longer qualify to enter under the visa-exemption scheme.
Dante **
@THAI *****************************
visa exempt entries were a way to get back in the country temporarily in between different non immigrant b visas.if you get fired while having a non B and work permit dir example you are meant to
1. Turn in your work permit at the ministry of labor
2. Cancel your visa at immigration
3. Leave the country
All in the same day! now if you try to re-enter you will be accused of “not being a real tourist”
I wish Thai people could spend sons time as a foreigner in Thailand to get an impression of what it’s like
THAI ******************************
@Dante *
Immigration policies are generally changed because of the behavior of the majority, and are designed around the majority of cases rather than rare or exceptional situations.Based on the exact situation you have outlined, we believe the chances of being denied entry are quite low, especially if you have not previously entered Thailand using the Non-B visa.
Immigration discretion works both ways. An officer may decide not to permit entry, but they also have the authority to allow entry based on the individual circumstances of your case.
From what we have seen, when someone has not previously used visa-exempt entry during the calendar year, it has rarely been refused solely on that basis.
If you are genuinely facing an exceptional or urgent situation like the one you described, you can contact an agency such as ours and we can guide you toward the option with the highest likelihood of success.
Dante **
@THAI *****************************
i’m not talking about me, it was an example
Wannikea *********
Dante in your scenario, if you had been on a non B and bouncing out to reenter on visa exempt, you wouldn't be abusing visa exempt entries.
THAI ******************************
Additionally, it's worth noting that this was already being enforced before it was formally set out in the November 2025 memo. Entry therefore remains at the discretion of the immigration officer.
The absence of a fixed number of permitted entries for methods other than land crossings does not mean unlimited entries. It means your travel and immigration history can be scrutinized, just as it has been since the previous memo.
The absence of a fixed number of permitted entries for methods other than land crossings does not mean unlimited entries. It means your travel and immigration history can be scrutinized, just as it has been since the previous memo.
Biff ******
@THAI *****************************
I I'm from America and I have extended my Visa exempt status many times in the past. And the last few trips I have had issues getting into Thailand with immigration, but they always have let me in because I have no overstays or any Criminal activity. But the last time I came I applied for a tourist visa and still had a problem with immigration. What is a solution? I do not want a retirement Visa.THAI ******************************
Biff ******
@THAI *****************************
currently Thailand is not my second home I just like to visit there because I have a girlfriend. Primarily it's the financial requirement of having a large amount sitting in a thai bank and having a life to support in america. I think my real option would be if I get married and get a marriage visa. It's mainly the uncertainty when I travel there.
Brandon ************
@Biff *****
What you want or don't want isn't relevant. You are not entitled to enter another country. Thailand is telling you that in their eyes, you are not a tourist. So you need to find a long-term visa or choose another destination and travel to Thailand less.THAI ******************************
@Biff *****
Is there any particular reason you would prefer not to have a retirement visa?If you are using Thailand as a second home, this is generally the option we recommend.
Bob **********
It’s totally up to the IO not the embassy
Luit *****************
Bob D'Andrea That's why it is an ADVICE of the embassy
Bob **********
Luit van der Linde The embassy has nothing to say it’s entirely up to the IO
GiftedF*******
It’s wrong. They clearly stated this week it’s twice per land entry.
Jørgen ********
Do you think it is less difficult for a Thai to enter and stay in your country ?
GiftedF*******
Jørgen Skjødt go bark up someone else’s tree fool
Martyn *********
GiftedFish5406 and that's the thai government
Fleace ********
GiftedFish5406 Yet, in the end, it the immigration officers that make the final decision.
Martyn *********
Fleace Weaver no two by land per 12 months and if you abuse the system will be banned from entry 3 to 5 years on next flight out
Brandon ************
They've always had something like this on their site. And it has always been wrong. Not even Thai Embassies decide who can enter Thailand and how often. That's immigration.
Activity
36 joined36
people
Related
25What are the new visa rules for Thailand effective September 15, 2026?
29.7k2014822mo
What are the implications of the visa exemption change from 60 days back to 30 days for tourists in Thailand?
8.3k82495mo
What visa options are available for a US passport holder returning to Thailand from Laos?
3.1k18526mo
Is it possible to get a third 30-day extension of a visa exemption in Thailand within the same year?
11.9k10710910mo
Can I change my e-Visa to a non-O multiple entry one-year visa?
6702101y
What are the current visa rules for long-term stays in Thailand after being flagged by immigration?
41.8k3325311y
Why did the immigration officer warn me after my border run to Thailand?
8.1k63911y
Can my British friend do a border run in Thailand for an extended stay after her 60 days visa-free entry?
3.7k29332y
How long can a UK passport holder stay in Thailand using visa exemption and extensions?
4.3k28292y
Is the 180-day visa and frequent flights in and out the best option for a 2-3 year stay in Thailand?
3k26212y
What is the rule for 2 times visa exemption in Thailand per calendar year?
6.3k45342y
What is the best visa option for staying in Thailand long-term without facing immigration issues?
4.8k35552y
Is it possible to stay long-term in Thailand using a tourist visa rotation, and what should I be cautious about?
2.1k16163y
What should we do if we don't receive our visas before arriving in Thailand for our sabbatical?
1.8k13163y
How long should I stay out of Thailand to get a new 30-day entry upon return?
2.9k23253y
What are the benefits of applying for an OA retirement visa versus an O retirement visa in Thailand?
2k9304y
How does the visa exemption entry work for my 45-day allowance in Thailand?
9242144y
What are the conditions for the extended Covid visa in Thailand until March 2022?
12k1051225y
Can I extend my stay or change my visa if I enter Thailand with an APEC card?
1.9k14145y
Do I need to show a return ticket when arriving in Thailand on a visa exemption scheme?
2.2k18156y
What visa options are available for UK expats looking to return to Thailand after retirement?
2.9k26186y
What are the current restrictions and options regarding the double entry tourist visa in Thailand?
3.1k17467y
Is flying to Cambodia for a short visit with a Visa on Arrival a suitable option for my Non-O visa requirements in Thailand?
1.6k11147y
What is the best visa option for a retired U.S. citizen planning to stay in Chiang Mai, Thailand for three months?
3.6k30327y
Can I enter Thailand overland with a German passport for the third time within four months?
1.5k11118y
Resources
Need help with your retirement visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served