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What are the current visa entry challenges for travelers to Thailand?
Thailand VisaImmigration IssuesTravel InsuranceTourist VisaVisa ExemptionsRepatriationVisa RulesImmigration PoliciesExpat Travel Experiences
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around recent reports of travelers being denied entry into Thailand by immigration officials, raising concerns among expats about visa regulations and requirements. Comments highlight individual experiences related to immigration questioning, the necessity of travel insurance, and the implications of frequent entry on visa exemptions. The community shares insights on best practices to avoid issues, stressing the importance of proper documentation and preparedness when entering Thailand.
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Ivor ******
I am heading back to the land of smiles in a few weeks. My intention is to get going with Iglu and get the working permit so I can stay without worrying about visas and border runs but I plan to enter with tourist visa. All these reports are starting to get me a little worried.
Steven ***************
Probably just as many as previous years but theres been a lot more media attention lately. As Garrett Greenwald said , its a handful out if 10s of thousands a week
Ivor ******
Sorry Garrett. Didn't mean to cause a stir. I have seen a few people mention being stopped in the other Thai Visa advice group this week. I have been questioned at immigration about my visits before. I'm from Africa and I have seen people from my country specifically get turned away (or kept in detention until they could organise where to go next).
I've done visa exemptions on and off for two years, but just because people in the early 2000s could come and go with impunity doesn't mean it's always going to be like that. The reports, including this one, has me worried. I am not cancelling tickets, just noticing more of these than last year.
So, before I come I will check again, and yes, make sure I have all the paperwork and the cash. Given that, it is still possible and has happened, that people get turned away despite having all the documentation because the officer had an issue with them. Usually with how frequently they visit Thailand.
I've done visa exemptions on and off for two years, but just because people in the early 2000s could come and go with impunity doesn't mean it's always going to be like that. The reports, including this one, has me worried. I am not cancelling tickets, just noticing more of these than last year.
So, before I come I will check again, and yes, make sure I have all the paperwork and the cash. Given that, it is still possible and has happened, that people get turned away despite having all the documentation because the officer had an issue with them. Usually with how frequently they visit Thailand.
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Ivor ******
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Steven ***************
Note.
I reentered 2 days ago. Left Visa number blank on arrival card. I'm on a yearly extension so dont have a Visa.
IO refused to let me through until I wrote in the number scribbled on the re entry permit.. ffs.
WTF do exempt entries write there? Their lucky lotto numbers?
I think I he was just being a dick.
Asked me where my girlfriend was even though there was a big THAI WIFE stamp on the page he was looking at.. wife was with me.
I reentered 2 days ago. Left Visa number blank on arrival card. I'm on a yearly extension so dont have a Visa.
IO refused to let me through until I wrote in the number scribbled on the re entry permit.. ffs.
WTF do exempt entries write there? Their lucky lotto numbers?
I think I he was just being a dick.
Asked me where my girlfriend was even though there was a big THAI WIFE stamp on the page he was looking at.. wife was with me.
Steven ***************
Dennis Gray . Yep. Quietly 10 seconds after he let me through. Wife called him a few choice thai words though.
Reply to
Steven ***************
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Steven ***************
12 years. Entered 25+ times on 30 day exempt , tourist visa , O visa and extension of O visa .Never asked for cash. Only asked for address once on first ever entry.
But
I've never overstayed and never done back to back on 30 day exempt .
But
I've never overstayed and never done back to back on 30 day exempt .
Phil ******
Who pays their repatriation flights?
Phil ******
@Michael *******
ah this explains the 5th degree I got coming back from Osaka.Michael ********
ORIGINAL POSTERGarrett Greenwald never been asked that before
Michael ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Phil *****
i wonder if airlines will start checking if you have money if they get burnt to many times. Could get messy at check insReply to
Michael ********
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Cedrik *********
Travel insurance? Is this a new requirement?
Mitchell *******
Travel insurance in general means different things. If you book flights, cars, cruises etc with many credit cards, you are insured against injury during the flight, drive, or cruise. (Unless this is only a north American thing??).
This story suggests that these people had no return flight itinerary, no proof of housing/hotel, no cash on hand, and no credit/debit card on hand?
This story suggests that these people had no return flight itinerary, no proof of housing/hotel, no cash on hand, and no credit/debit card on hand?
OB *********
Michael ********
ORIGINAL POSTERDennis Gray yep when i was on tourist visa they made me withdraw from ATM showing them balance not acceptsble.
Cedrik *********
@Michael *******
Thank you. That’s what I thought. I’m aware of the talk of requiring health insurance or having some sort of surcharge.Michael ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Cedrik ********
they dont know what it meansCedrik *********
Dennis Gray what is travel insurance? I travel 50% of the time internationally around the world and don’t know what that means. Health insurance? Trip insurance? Repatriation insurance for serious accidents?
Cedrik *********
@Michael *******
so they rejected people for not having something that’s not a formal requirement. Typical dumba$$ IO’s.Michael ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Cedrik ********
not for tourist visa yet officially supposed to be introducing but who knowsReply to
Michael ********
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