Answered8 months ago
What are the current visa entry limits and extension options for French citizens in Thailand?
How many visa-free entries and 30-days extensions can one legally do in one year? (entry by plane, French citizen)
Answer summary
In Thailand, there is no official limit on the number of visa-exempt entries within a year for tourists. French citizens can enter visa-free and stay for up to 60 days, which can be extended by 30 days. Additionally, multiple entries are possible, typically up to 157 days total, based on specific county rules and the discretion of the immigration officer. However, the immigration officers closely scrutinize frequent entries to avoid abuse of the visa exemption scheme. Some individuals report receiving 7-day extensions after utilizing prior 30-day extensions, but experiences can vary. Recent government discussions indicate potential changes to visa rules, tightening the regulations on extensions. Therefore, obtaining a tourist visa may provide more clarity and security for long stays.
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Nongnuch ********
You have probably been confused by some half-witted barstool heroes and their unbiased comments on the internet.
There are no new "visa rules" and there is no new law.
There is no “reset” when a new calendar year begins.
There is no limit of two visa-exemptions within a 1-year period, and definitely not within a calendar. This is simply not true.
What has changed, mandated from above, is the strict scrutinizing of your number of visa-exempt entries and the thorough check on "visa runners" (actually they meant to say "back-to-back border runners").The new approach taken by border officials is intended to ensure that the option to do a "visa run" is not abused.
Now as far as regarding extensions on visa-exempt entries, it does appear that the Immigration offices are indeed only issuing 7-day extensions if you already got one previous 30-day extension on any visa exempt entry. The count is 60 + 30 + 60 + 7 = 157 days maximum within a 1-year period, regardless of whether you arrive by air or land.
This is not standardized. The decision is made upon the discretion of the individual immigration officer.
Unfortunately, there are some reports of tourist extensions on top of the 60-days being denied for those having arrived across a land border, while there have been some cases under the same circumstances where an extension was granted.
Fact is right now, it is subjective and up to the decision of the officer you are standing in front of when you wish to enter the country. They decide if you are a "real tourist" or if they think you are milking the visa exempt entry program.
There is just no clear directive as far as what's what, there are no official rules, however after a few interviews with Immigration top officers, a few basic patterns have crystallized.
Some people with a 30-days extension already on a previous visa exempt entry reported getting another 30-days extension without any issue, however some have reported they only got a 7-days extension issued. Your experience might vary from that.
The 7-day extension is a REAL extension. It is not the same as the stamp "application for extension denied, you have 7 days to leave the Kingdom" even if for some people it looks like the “7-days grace period”.
I have already seen the stamp of a 7-days extension, it takes up half of a passport page.
Visa-exempt entries themselves are not limited, even though some believe that unlimited visa-free entries are possible by air. It is irrelevant if you enter via a land border or by air.
Visa-exempt entries are not limited to two entries per year. This is not correct.
This is a misconception, and some agents and lawyers spread this information to make profit from panicked people.
Many agents and Immigration Volunteers are warning you should not believe those alleged news telling you that visa-exempt entries are limited to two per year. It simply is not true.
In the past, visa-exempt entries were limited to two across a land border, this old rule was discontinued on July 15th, 2024.
On the paper, visa-exempt entries by air or across land and sea were “unlimited” after this date. LET ME EXPLAIN: this wording “unlimited” is not a fixed rule of Immigration – THEY decide when your “personal limit” is up.
On a few conditions, but always at the individual discretion of the border official, multiple visa-exempt entries are possible - like four, five or even more times, if you do not milk the system.
The entry history in your passport and your profile on Immigration’s Central Computer must prove that your stays were short-term holidays (like only 2-4 weeks).
Some Immigration officers will tell you the total number of visa-exempt days should not exceed 150 days, some will tell you the limit is 157 days. It remains unclear – because there is no official rule, there is no official limit. There are only guidelines on how to treat repeated entries.
Your best proof that you are not milking the visa-free system is when you can show that you returned to your home country between each visa-exempt stay, or stayed abroad for a long time. And when you always are able to show an onward travel proof
ATTENTION: an “onwardticket” can be scolded upon by Immigration and you can be accused of showing a faked ticket, denied entry and being forced to buy a ticket back to your origin.
The new approach was to prohibit "visa runs," where you only entered a neighboring country briefly and then immediately re-entered.
You must be able to prove your short holiday at the Immigration counter—for example, with proof of onward travel or a return journey, such as a flight ticket. A border official would then rather consider you being a "genuine" tourist based on short holiday trips within a year. They expect to see on their Central Computer that you never maximized any of these visa-exempt holidays.
What is crystal-clear: "per year" means "within a one-year period”.
Some people still say it means “calendar year”, yet this does not make much sense. We have received many confirmations after January 1st, 2026, that nothing “had reset in the new calendar year”. The count is based on a rolling year.
Those who want to play safe should obtain a single-entry tourist visa in advance for stays of up to 60 days, with the option to extend for 30 more days.
ATTENTION: Aquiring a tourist visa after you have accumulated a few visa exempt stays, does NOT “clean the slate”. Touristic entries on a tourist visa will also be frowned upon when you start to misuse them. To use a tourist visa directly after you have maximized visa-exempt stays, does not free you from the obligations. The Immigration officer won’t be fooled.
For people who like to spend half a year in South East Asia and who like to make Thailand the hub for other travels, the 6-months multi-entry Tourist Visa is the choice
There are no new "visa rules" and there is no new law.
There is no “reset” when a new calendar year begins.
There is no limit of two visa-exemptions within a 1-year period, and definitely not within a calendar. This is simply not true.
What has changed, mandated from above, is the strict scrutinizing of your number of visa-exempt entries and the thorough check on "visa runners" (actually they meant to say "back-to-back border runners").The new approach taken by border officials is intended to ensure that the option to do a "visa run" is not abused.
Now as far as regarding extensions on visa-exempt entries, it does appear that the Immigration offices are indeed only issuing 7-day extensions if you already got one previous 30-day extension on any visa exempt entry. The count is 60 + 30 + 60 + 7 = 157 days maximum within a 1-year period, regardless of whether you arrive by air or land.
This is not standardized. The decision is made upon the discretion of the individual immigration officer.
Unfortunately, there are some reports of tourist extensions on top of the 60-days being denied for those having arrived across a land border, while there have been some cases under the same circumstances where an extension was granted.
Fact is right now, it is subjective and up to the decision of the officer you are standing in front of when you wish to enter the country. They decide if you are a "real tourist" or if they think you are milking the visa exempt entry program.
There is just no clear directive as far as what's what, there are no official rules, however after a few interviews with Immigration top officers, a few basic patterns have crystallized.
Some people with a 30-days extension already on a previous visa exempt entry reported getting another 30-days extension without any issue, however some have reported they only got a 7-days extension issued. Your experience might vary from that.
The 7-day extension is a REAL extension. It is not the same as the stamp "application for extension denied, you have 7 days to leave the Kingdom" even if for some people it looks like the “7-days grace period”.
I have already seen the stamp of a 7-days extension, it takes up half of a passport page.
Visa-exempt entries themselves are not limited, even though some believe that unlimited visa-free entries are possible by air. It is irrelevant if you enter via a land border or by air.
Visa-exempt entries are not limited to two entries per year. This is not correct.
This is a misconception, and some agents and lawyers spread this information to make profit from panicked people.
Many agents and Immigration Volunteers are warning you should not believe those alleged news telling you that visa-exempt entries are limited to two per year. It simply is not true.
In the past, visa-exempt entries were limited to two across a land border, this old rule was discontinued on July 15th, 2024.
On the paper, visa-exempt entries by air or across land and sea were “unlimited” after this date. LET ME EXPLAIN: this wording “unlimited” is not a fixed rule of Immigration – THEY decide when your “personal limit” is up.
On a few conditions, but always at the individual discretion of the border official, multiple visa-exempt entries are possible - like four, five or even more times, if you do not milk the system.
The entry history in your passport and your profile on Immigration’s Central Computer must prove that your stays were short-term holidays (like only 2-4 weeks).
Some Immigration officers will tell you the total number of visa-exempt days should not exceed 150 days, some will tell you the limit is 157 days. It remains unclear – because there is no official rule, there is no official limit. There are only guidelines on how to treat repeated entries.
Your best proof that you are not milking the visa-free system is when you can show that you returned to your home country between each visa-exempt stay, or stayed abroad for a long time. And when you always are able to show an onward travel proof
ATTENTION: an “onwardticket” can be scolded upon by Immigration and you can be accused of showing a faked ticket, denied entry and being forced to buy a ticket back to your origin.
The new approach was to prohibit "visa runs," where you only entered a neighboring country briefly and then immediately re-entered.
You must be able to prove your short holiday at the Immigration counter—for example, with proof of onward travel or a return journey, such as a flight ticket. A border official would then rather consider you being a "genuine" tourist based on short holiday trips within a year. They expect to see on their Central Computer that you never maximized any of these visa-exempt holidays.
What is crystal-clear: "per year" means "within a one-year period”.
Some people still say it means “calendar year”, yet this does not make much sense. We have received many confirmations after January 1st, 2026, that nothing “had reset in the new calendar year”. The count is based on a rolling year.
Those who want to play safe should obtain a single-entry tourist visa in advance for stays of up to 60 days, with the option to extend for 30 more days.
ATTENTION: Aquiring a tourist visa after you have accumulated a few visa exempt stays, does NOT “clean the slate”. Touristic entries on a tourist visa will also be frowned upon when you start to misuse them. To use a tourist visa directly after you have maximized visa-exempt stays, does not free you from the obligations. The Immigration officer won’t be fooled.
For people who like to spend half a year in South East Asia and who like to make Thailand the hub for other travels, the 6-months multi-entry Tourist Visa is the choice
Sven ******
Maximal 2x in 365 Tagen
Mick *********
I think the short answer is of you want to stay long term get a long term visa with multi entry if needed or a single entry version. If you don’t have the necessary funds or meet the criteria then don’t expect to be able to stay long term. The days of multiple visa runs are long gone.
Rusty *********
Not sure who's wrong or right or the rules..
I do between 30-40 days in the kingdom.
Back in Australia for a few weeks then straight back to Thailand for 40- 40 days...
Been this way for 3 years now and never an issue
I do between 30-40 days in the kingdom.
Back in Australia for a few weeks then straight back to Thailand for 40- 40 days...
Been this way for 3 years now and never an issue
Asso ******
While there are some (unwritten) rules, it heavily depends on your personal entry (and visa) history and perhaps even more heavily on the specific officer, who is checking your passport on the day you enter the country.
Ruby *******
There’s no actual limit.. you’re at the mercy of the immigration officer you get on the day. It’s that simple. But as with everything here. Money talks. Pay an agent and you can do as many visa runs as you like. Not changed in years 🤷🏻♀️
Tom *****
60+30 then 60+7
Understandi***********
People like you who try to abuse it, that makes it difficult for us actually living here on correct visa 🤡
Steven **********
there is no clarity,im just going to take care and cut back from 3 x 2 months to 2 x 2 months and space out the visits more,2 months from last week may first week june and 2 months from last week nov first week dec,thats while the 60 days lasts,in the mean time i will be beginning my time in vietnam,so if they cut the 60 back to 30 i will make vietnam my number 1 and maybe do thailand 3 x 1 month
Jason ********
60+30+7 only
Gary ******
So many different opinions, what a bloody mess , so if you have already had a 60 day holiday in March & April , and you want to plan another 60 days in September & October, you can’t plan for that because the Immigration Officer 👮♀️ might have a shitty day , and only give you a 30 day stamp , no wonder people are going elsewhere
Gary ******
Who Knows
Alexander *******
I have been on the visa exempt a few times the last year, I’m leaving for a new trip soon, so I was a little nervous, so a couple days ago I applied for turist visa, it was approved today. Costs 400NOK, that’s about 1500THB
Dara ********
when will start the change of the visa exemption from 60 to 30 days?
Peter *********
Dara Zoleyn april
Dara ********
Peter Pieters thanks
John *********
If you are asking this question, you are already in danger of being refused entry.
Douglas *******
Just get a tourist visa with re-entry, then you don’t have to worry about it.
Deepak *******
It depends on the IO. He has absolute authority and can deny entry if he feels you are working illegally in Thailand.
Steven ******
In fact, it depends on your time frames whether match holiday seasons in France such as Easter, Summer, and Christmas/New Year. Three times a year like this will be fine. Other than that, immigration officers in Thailand will question if you have a regular job in France and whether you are a tourist. They want to push you to apply for other types of visa if you are not a genuine tourist.
Tony ********
Its down to immigration and funds you have
Danila *********
Depends on who helps you
Charles *******
Stop trying to game the system
Wayne *******
Charles Kurtz why not does it affect you no so go enjoy your life
Charles *******
Wayne Lucas illegitimate
Pascal ********
60 plus 30 jours soit 90 jours
Hans *********
You can stay for 157 days in total per year in Thailand, but not in a row. You get one 30 day extension and one 7 day. So 60+30 and 60+7 is ok to stay Visa exemption.
John *********
Legally, no limit. Realistically, if you do more than 2 you will be questioned by Immigration and possibly denied entry.
Nongnuch ********
There are no new "visa rules" and there is no new law.
There is no “reset” when a new calendar year begins.
There is no limit of two visa-exemptions within a 1-year period, and definitely not within a calendar. This is simply not true.
What has changed, mandated from above, is the strict scrutinizing of your number of visa-exempt entries and the thorough check on "visa runners" (actually they meant to say "back-to-back border runners").The new approach taken by border officials is intended to ensure that the option to do a "visa run" is not abused.
Now as far as regarding extensions on visa-exempt entries, it does appear that the Immigration offices are indeed only issuing 7-day extensions if you already got one previous 30-day extension on any visa exempt entry. The count is 60 + 30 + 60 + 7 = 157 days maximum within a 1-year period, regardless of whether you arrive by air or land.
This is not standardized. The decision is made upon the discretion of the individual immigration officer.
Unfortunately, there are some reports of tourist extensions on top of the 60-days being denied for those having arrived across a land border, while there have been some cases under the same circumstances where an extension was granted.
Fact is right now, it is subjective and up to the decision of the officer you are standing in front of when you wish to enter the country. They decide if you are a "real tourist" or if they think you are milking the visa exempt entry program.
There is just no clear directive as far as what's what, there are no official rules, however after a few interviews with Immigration top officers, a few basic patterns have crystallized.
Some people with a 30-days extension already on a previous visa exempt entry reported getting another 30-days extension without any issue, however some have reported they only got a 7-days extension issued. Your experience might vary from that.
The 7-day extension is a REAL extension. It is not the same as the stamp "application for extension denied, you have 7 days to leave the Kingdom" even if for some people it looks like the “7-days grace period”.
I have already seen the stamp of a 7-days extension, it takes up half of a passport page.
Visa-exempt entries themselves are not limited, even though some believe that unlimited visa-free entries are possible by air. It is irrelevant if you enter via a land border or by air.
Visa-exempt entries are not limited to two entries per year. This is not correct.
This is a misconception, and some agents and lawyers spread this information to make profit from panicked people.
Many agents and Immigration Volunteers are warning you should not believe those alleged news telling you that visa-exempt entries are limited to two per year. It simply is not true.
In the past, visa-exempt entries were limited to two across a land border, this old rule was discontinued on July 15th, 2024.
On the paper, visa-exempt entries by air or across land and sea were “unlimited” after this date. LET ME EXPLAIN: this wording “unlimited” is not a fixed rule of Immigration – THEY decide when your “personal limit” is up.
On a few conditions, but always at the individual discretion of the border official, multiple visa-exempt entries are possible - like four, five or even more times, if you do not milk the system.
The entry history in your passport and your profile on Immigration’s Central Computer must prove that your stays were short-term holidays (like only 2-4 weeks).
Some Immigration officers will tell you the total number of visa-exempt days should not exceed 150 days, some will tell you the limit is 157 days. It remains unclear – because there is no official rule, there is no official limit. There are only guidelines on how to treat repeated entries.
Your best proof that you are not milking the visa-free system is when you can show that you returned to your home country between each visa-exempt stay, or stayed abroad for a long time. And when you always are able to show an onward travel proof
ATTENTION: an “onwardticket” can be scolded upon by Immigration and you can be accused of showing a faked ticket, denied entry and being forced to buy a ticket back to your origin.
The new approach was to prohibit "visa runs," where you only entered a neighboring country briefly and then immediately re-entered.
You must be able to prove your short holiday at the Immigration counter—for example, with proof of onward travel or a return journey, such as a flight ticket. A border official would then rather consider you being a "genuine" tourist based on short holiday trips within a year. They expect to see on their Central Computer that you never maximized any of these visa-exempt holidays.
What is crystal-clear: "per year" means "within a one-year period”.
Some people still say it means “calendar year”, yet this does not make much sense. We have received many confirmations after January 1st, 2026, that nothing “had reset in the new calendar year”. The count is based on a rolling year.
Those who want to play safe should obtain a single-entry tourist visa in advance for stays of up to 60 days, with the option to extend for 30 more days.
ATTENTION: Aquiring a tourist visa after you have accumulated a few visa exempt stays, does NOT “clean the slate”. Touristic entries on a tourist visa will also be frowned upon when you start to misuse them. To use a tourist visa directly after you have maximized visa-exempt stays, does not free you from the obligations. The Immigration officer won’t be fooled.
For people who like to spend half a year in South East Asia and who like to make Thailand the hub for other travels, the 6-months multi-entry Tourist Visa is the choice
There is no “reset” when a new calendar year begins.
There is no limit of two visa-exemptions within a 1-year period, and definitely not within a calendar. This is simply not true.
What has changed, mandated from above, is the strict scrutinizing of your number of visa-exempt entries and the thorough check on "visa runners" (actually they meant to say "back-to-back border runners").The new approach taken by border officials is intended to ensure that the option to do a "visa run" is not abused.
Now as far as regarding extensions on visa-exempt entries, it does appear that the Immigration offices are indeed only issuing 7-day extensions if you already got one previous 30-day extension on any visa exempt entry. The count is 60 + 30 + 60 + 7 = 157 days maximum within a 1-year period, regardless of whether you arrive by air or land.
This is not standardized. The decision is made upon the discretion of the individual immigration officer.
Unfortunately, there are some reports of tourist extensions on top of the 60-days being denied for those having arrived across a land border, while there have been some cases under the same circumstances where an extension was granted.
Fact is right now, it is subjective and up to the decision of the officer you are standing in front of when you wish to enter the country. They decide if you are a "real tourist" or if they think you are milking the visa exempt entry program.
There is just no clear directive as far as what's what, there are no official rules, however after a few interviews with Immigration top officers, a few basic patterns have crystallized.
Some people with a 30-days extension already on a previous visa exempt entry reported getting another 30-days extension without any issue, however some have reported they only got a 7-days extension issued. Your experience might vary from that.
The 7-day extension is a REAL extension. It is not the same as the stamp "application for extension denied, you have 7 days to leave the Kingdom" even if for some people it looks like the “7-days grace period”.
I have already seen the stamp of a 7-days extension, it takes up half of a passport page.
Visa-exempt entries themselves are not limited, even though some believe that unlimited visa-free entries are possible by air. It is irrelevant if you enter via a land border or by air.
Visa-exempt entries are not limited to two entries per year. This is not correct.
This is a misconception, and some agents and lawyers spread this information to make profit from panicked people.
Many agents and Immigration Volunteers are warning you should not believe those alleged news telling you that visa-exempt entries are limited to two per year. It simply is not true.
In the past, visa-exempt entries were limited to two across a land border, this old rule was discontinued on July 15th, 2024.
On the paper, visa-exempt entries by air or across land and sea were “unlimited” after this date. LET ME EXPLAIN: this wording “unlimited” is not a fixed rule of Immigration – THEY decide when your “personal limit” is up.
On a few conditions, but always at the individual discretion of the border official, multiple visa-exempt entries are possible - like four, five or even more times, if you do not milk the system.
The entry history in your passport and your profile on Immigration’s Central Computer must prove that your stays were short-term holidays (like only 2-4 weeks).
Some Immigration officers will tell you the total number of visa-exempt days should not exceed 150 days, some will tell you the limit is 157 days. It remains unclear – because there is no official rule, there is no official limit. There are only guidelines on how to treat repeated entries.
Your best proof that you are not milking the visa-free system is when you can show that you returned to your home country between each visa-exempt stay, or stayed abroad for a long time. And when you always are able to show an onward travel proof
ATTENTION: an “onwardticket” can be scolded upon by Immigration and you can be accused of showing a faked ticket, denied entry and being forced to buy a ticket back to your origin.
The new approach was to prohibit "visa runs," where you only entered a neighboring country briefly and then immediately re-entered.
You must be able to prove your short holiday at the Immigration counter—for example, with proof of onward travel or a return journey, such as a flight ticket. A border official would then rather consider you being a "genuine" tourist based on short holiday trips within a year. They expect to see on their Central Computer that you never maximized any of these visa-exempt holidays.
What is crystal-clear: "per year" means "within a one-year period”.
Some people still say it means “calendar year”, yet this does not make much sense. We have received many confirmations after January 1st, 2026, that nothing “had reset in the new calendar year”. The count is based on a rolling year.
Those who want to play safe should obtain a single-entry tourist visa in advance for stays of up to 60 days, with the option to extend for 30 more days.
ATTENTION: Aquiring a tourist visa after you have accumulated a few visa exempt stays, does NOT “clean the slate”. Touristic entries on a tourist visa will also be frowned upon when you start to misuse them. To use a tourist visa directly after you have maximized visa-exempt stays, does not free you from the obligations. The Immigration officer won’t be fooled.
For people who like to spend half a year in South East Asia and who like to make Thailand the hub for other travels, the 6-months multi-entry Tourist Visa is the choice
Angelo ***********
Nongnuch Kamdee Your post is wrong top to bottom. Facepalm
Nongnuch ********
Angelo Schneider in short: Legally there is no limit on visa exempt entries. However the visa exempt scheme is designed for short term tourism and every entry is at the discretion of the immigration officer you will stand in front of. If they think you are abusing the scheme they will soon deny entry
Nongnuch ********
Angelo Schneider go ask Tod. He will tell you the same
Nongnuch ********
Angelo Schneider You have probably been confused by some half-witted barstool heroes and their unbiased comments on the internet.
There are no new "visa rules" and there is no new law.
There is no “reset” when a new calendar year begins.
There is no limit of two visa-exemptions within a 1-year period, and definitely not within a calendar. This is simply not true.
What has changed, mandated from above, is the strict scrutinizing of your number of visa-exempt entries and the thorough check on "visa runners" (actually they meant to say "back-to-back border runners").The new approach taken by border officials is intended to ensure that the option to do a "visa run" is not abused.
Now as far as regarding extensions on visa-exempt entries, it does appear that the Immigration offices are indeed only issuing 7-day extensions if you already got one previous 30-day extension on any visa exempt entry. The count is 60 + 30 + 60 + 7 = 157 days maximum within a 1-year period, regardless of whether you arrive by air or land.
This is not standardized. The decision is made upon the discretion of the individual immigration officer.
Unfortunately, there are some reports of tourist extensions on top of the 60-days being denied for those having arrived across a land border, while there have been some cases under the same circumstances where an extension was granted.
Fact is right now, it is subjective and up to the decision of the officer you are standing in front of when you wish to enter the country. They decide if you are a "real tourist" or if they think you are milking the visa exempt entry program.
There is just no clear directive as far as what's what, there are no official rules, however after a few interviews with Immigration top officers, a few basic patterns have crystallized.
Some people with a 30-days extension already on a previous visa exempt entry reported getting another 30-days extension without any issue, however some have reported they only got a 7-days extension issued. Your experience might vary from that.
The 7-day extension is a REAL extension. It is not the same as the stamp "application for extension denied, you have 7 days to leave the Kingdom" even if for some people it looks like the “7-days grace period”.
I have already seen the stamp of a 7-days extension, it takes up half of a passport page.
Visa-exempt entries themselves are not limited, even though some believe that unlimited visa-free entries are possible by air. It is irrelevant if you enter via a land border or by air.
Visa-exempt entries are not limited to two entries per year. This is not correct.
This is a misconception, and some agents and lawyers spread this information to make profit from panicked people.
Many agents and Immigration Volunteers are warning you should not believe those alleged news telling you that visa-exempt entries are limited to two per year. It simply is not true.
In the past, visa-exempt entries were limited to two across a land border, this old rule was discontinued on July 15th, 2024.
On the paper, visa-exempt entries by air or across land and sea were “unlimited” after this date. LET ME EXPLAIN: this wording “unlimited” is not a fixed rule of Immigration – THEY decide when your “personal limit” is up.
On a few conditions, but always at the individual discretion of the border official, multiple visa-exempt entries are possible - like four, five or even more times, if you do not milk the system.
The entry history in your passport and your profile on Immigration’s Central Computer must prove that your stays were short-term holidays (like only 2-4 weeks).
Some Immigration officers will tell you the total number of visa-exempt days should not exceed 150 days, some will tell you the limit is 157 days. It remains unclear – because there is no official rule, there is no official limit. There are only guidelines on how to treat repeated entries.
Your best proof that you are not milking the visa-free system is when you can show that you returned to your home country between each visa-exempt stay, or stayed abroad for a long time. And when you always are able to show an onward travel proof
ATTENTION: an “onwardticket” can be scolded upon by Immigration and you can be accused of showing a faked ticket, denied entry and being forced to buy a ticket back to your origin.
The new approach was to prohibit "visa runs," where you only entered a neighboring country briefly and then immediately re-entered.
You must be able to prove your short holiday at the Immigration counter—for example, with proof of onward travel or a return journey, such as a flight ticket. A border official would then rather consider you being a "genuine" tourist based on short holiday trips within a year. They expect to see on their Central Computer that you never maximized any of these visa-exempt holidays.
What is crystal-clear: "per year" means "within a one-year period”.
Some people still say it means “calendar year”, yet this does not make much sense. We have received many confirmations after January 1st, 2026, that nothing “had reset in the new calendar year”. The count is based on a rolling year.
Those who want to play safe should obtain a single-entry tourist visa in advance for stays of up to 60 days, with the option to extend for 30 more days.
ATTENTION: Aquiring a tourist visa after you have accumulated a few visa exempt stays, does NOT “clean the slate”. Touristic entries on a tourist visa will also be frowned upon when you start to misuse them. To use a tourist visa directly after you have maximized visa-exempt stays, does not free you from the obligations. The Immigration officer won’t be fooled.
For people who like to spend half a year in South East Asia and who like to make Thailand the hub for other travels, the 6-months multi-entry Tourist Visa is the choice
There are no new "visa rules" and there is no new law.
There is no “reset” when a new calendar year begins.
There is no limit of two visa-exemptions within a 1-year period, and definitely not within a calendar. This is simply not true.
What has changed, mandated from above, is the strict scrutinizing of your number of visa-exempt entries and the thorough check on "visa runners" (actually they meant to say "back-to-back border runners").The new approach taken by border officials is intended to ensure that the option to do a "visa run" is not abused.
Now as far as regarding extensions on visa-exempt entries, it does appear that the Immigration offices are indeed only issuing 7-day extensions if you already got one previous 30-day extension on any visa exempt entry. The count is 60 + 30 + 60 + 7 = 157 days maximum within a 1-year period, regardless of whether you arrive by air or land.
This is not standardized. The decision is made upon the discretion of the individual immigration officer.
Unfortunately, there are some reports of tourist extensions on top of the 60-days being denied for those having arrived across a land border, while there have been some cases under the same circumstances where an extension was granted.
Fact is right now, it is subjective and up to the decision of the officer you are standing in front of when you wish to enter the country. They decide if you are a "real tourist" or if they think you are milking the visa exempt entry program.
There is just no clear directive as far as what's what, there are no official rules, however after a few interviews with Immigration top officers, a few basic patterns have crystallized.
Some people with a 30-days extension already on a previous visa exempt entry reported getting another 30-days extension without any issue, however some have reported they only got a 7-days extension issued. Your experience might vary from that.
The 7-day extension is a REAL extension. It is not the same as the stamp "application for extension denied, you have 7 days to leave the Kingdom" even if for some people it looks like the “7-days grace period”.
I have already seen the stamp of a 7-days extension, it takes up half of a passport page.
Visa-exempt entries themselves are not limited, even though some believe that unlimited visa-free entries are possible by air. It is irrelevant if you enter via a land border or by air.
Visa-exempt entries are not limited to two entries per year. This is not correct.
This is a misconception, and some agents and lawyers spread this information to make profit from panicked people.
Many agents and Immigration Volunteers are warning you should not believe those alleged news telling you that visa-exempt entries are limited to two per year. It simply is not true.
In the past, visa-exempt entries were limited to two across a land border, this old rule was discontinued on July 15th, 2024.
On the paper, visa-exempt entries by air or across land and sea were “unlimited” after this date. LET ME EXPLAIN: this wording “unlimited” is not a fixed rule of Immigration – THEY decide when your “personal limit” is up.
On a few conditions, but always at the individual discretion of the border official, multiple visa-exempt entries are possible - like four, five or even more times, if you do not milk the system.
The entry history in your passport and your profile on Immigration’s Central Computer must prove that your stays were short-term holidays (like only 2-4 weeks).
Some Immigration officers will tell you the total number of visa-exempt days should not exceed 150 days, some will tell you the limit is 157 days. It remains unclear – because there is no official rule, there is no official limit. There are only guidelines on how to treat repeated entries.
Your best proof that you are not milking the visa-free system is when you can show that you returned to your home country between each visa-exempt stay, or stayed abroad for a long time. And when you always are able to show an onward travel proof
ATTENTION: an “onwardticket” can be scolded upon by Immigration and you can be accused of showing a faked ticket, denied entry and being forced to buy a ticket back to your origin.
The new approach was to prohibit "visa runs," where you only entered a neighboring country briefly and then immediately re-entered.
You must be able to prove your short holiday at the Immigration counter—for example, with proof of onward travel or a return journey, such as a flight ticket. A border official would then rather consider you being a "genuine" tourist based on short holiday trips within a year. They expect to see on their Central Computer that you never maximized any of these visa-exempt holidays.
What is crystal-clear: "per year" means "within a one-year period”.
Some people still say it means “calendar year”, yet this does not make much sense. We have received many confirmations after January 1st, 2026, that nothing “had reset in the new calendar year”. The count is based on a rolling year.
Those who want to play safe should obtain a single-entry tourist visa in advance for stays of up to 60 days, with the option to extend for 30 more days.
ATTENTION: Aquiring a tourist visa after you have accumulated a few visa exempt stays, does NOT “clean the slate”. Touristic entries on a tourist visa will also be frowned upon when you start to misuse them. To use a tourist visa directly after you have maximized visa-exempt stays, does not free you from the obligations. The Immigration officer won’t be fooled.
For people who like to spend half a year in South East Asia and who like to make Thailand the hub for other travels, the 6-months multi-entry Tourist Visa is the choice
Tony ********
Nongnuch KamdeeNongnuch Kamdee I just had to get a agent to get a 45 day extension on my years visa because I have had 8 months of back and forward from my pension provider to get funds sent to thailand the postal time has made things difficult and certain pension providers should be avoided like the plague as they promised payments 3 times within ten days then ask for more information from you so my advice is go look at reviews its all there some have had 18 months and still no payment sent it even read one saying the pension provider said cant help you and hung up its disgusting how they do business with your money staying with them way after you ask for it
Nongnuch ********
Tony Taylor up to you to pay bribes to get your affairs sorted. My comment only describes the legal path
Supportive**********
OPNongnuch Kamdee Thanks for your answer 🙏
Tom ****************
Nongnuch Kamdee, I DID NOT SEE A 6-MONTH VISA ON THE WEBSITE. WHAT IS IT CALLED? LOVED YOUR IN-DEPTH ANSWER.
Nongnuch ********
@Tom ***************
and this is the requirements for the application to the e-visa multi entry 6 months tourist visaNongnuch ********
@Tom ***************
not confusing. On each entry within the 6-months visa validity, you get stamped in for 60 days, which you can extend with 30 days. Before the 90th day expires, you need to exit Thailand. When you re-enter, you get stamped in for another 60 days admitted stay . .Just do not confuse the period of the visa validity with the period of the admitted stayTom ****************
AS USAUL, THAT IS CONFUSING BECAUSE IT SAYS 6 MONTHS THEN IT DESCRIBES THE 90 DAY AND NEVER MENTIONS 6 MONTHS AGAIN.
Nongnuch ********
@Tom ***************
it is easy peasy. This is the website of the royal thai consulate chicagoNongnuch ********
@Tom ***************
where would you apply for the e-visa? If living in Illinois, this would be handled by the Thai consulate Chicago. Just visit their website and look. I will do it for you now and gotta be back in a few minutes
Daniel *******
J'ai eu une extension de visa de 30 jours en février 2025.
En janvier 2026, l'immigration de Hua-Hin m'a seulement accordé une extension de 7 jours.
Ils m'ont dit que je devais sortir du pays et revenir par avion pour avoir à nouveau une exemption de 60 jours. Attention, bcp se sont fait refouler à la frontière pour avoir fait trop de visa Run.
En janvier 2026, l'immigration de Hua-Hin m'a seulement accordé une extension de 7 jours.
Ils m'ont dit que je devais sortir du pays et revenir par avion pour avoir à nouveau une exemption de 60 jours. Attention, bcp se sont fait refouler à la frontière pour avoir fait trop de visa Run.
Mike *******
Who are y'all replying to? We all are fully aware that the OP has zero intentions of reading your replies. If I were an admin I'd dispatch these time wasters in short order.
Supportive**********
OPMike Ratel I just read yours
Mike *******
SupportivePapaya5680 Is this great fun that you have? Asking questions then disappearing?
Jp **********
It depends how immigration officer feels
Mick *********
As many as you want as long as you are a true tourist. If you come on holiday extend and then return home you can come back again. If they see your boarder hopping then you can come for 60 days extend for 30 leave and return for another 60 days. Then I think they’ll give you a further 7 days to leave. That will be it for 12 months. Also remember there is talk of reducing the 60 days to 30 days. In short, the tourist visa exemption scheme is for tourists and cannot be abused any more as a long term option.
Thai *******
Look on your gov website it's a lot quicker than asking on sites where you will get ask where you from ?
Vinson *******
Don’t forget a new coalition govt was elected only a month ago and they have already begun tightening up
There is talk of getting rid of 60
Day visa exempt and rolling back to only 30 day exempt with only one 30
Extension , the secon extension to be 15 days
Keep an eye on govt announcements
There is talk of getting rid of 60
Day visa exempt and rolling back to only 30 day exempt with only one 30
Extension , the secon extension to be 15 days
Keep an eye on govt announcements
Graham ******
Vinson Dynes The new government has yet to be formed and sit so there has been no post-election tightening-up.
Mat *********
Vinson Dynes I had lots of discussions with them. Since 2 years the yearly extension is going very easy.
Tim ********
Vinson Dynes I am convinced Anutin doesn't really like tourists but sees them as an unfortunate neccessity for the economy.
Mat *********
Vinson Dynes the 2nd will be 7 days
Vinson *******
Mat Matulka I stand corrected , thanks
Todd *********
Mat Matulka the second, third, fourth… MIGHT be 7 days. Depends on your local office. And if they like you or not
Vinson *******
Todd McGowan or what memo comes down from the Big Shots
John **********
Legally there is no limit on visa exempt entries. However the visa exempt scheme is designed for short term tourism and every entry is at the discretion of the immigration officer you will stand in front of. If they think you are abusing the scheme they will soon deny entry
Dan *****
@John *********
that's what I got told by immigration for two days ago ..she told me that it's unfortunately it's depends on the officers you will stand in front of..if you can argument why you want to stay and he is in good mood ..you will get extended otherwise 7 days only
Haim *******
@John *********
one for 30 days and second for 7 days. Total 157 days per yearMichael ***********
@John *********
Hi John. That is actually partially incorrect info for 2026. Whilst their may be no official limit travelling into thailand by air, there is now absolutely a 2 time per year regulation when entering Thailand byany of its land borders.Nongnuch ********
Michael Spigarolo Your info is outdated. That limit of two visa-exempt entries per calendar year across a land border got DISCONTINUED on July 15th, 2024
Steve *******
Michael Spigarolo Incorrect. The 2 visa exempt entries per year by land borders ended a couple of years ago.
Nongnuch ********
Michael Spigarolo you could not be more wrong
Michael ***********
Nongnuch Kamdee I'm not referring to visas. Tourist or otherwise. I'm talking about visa exempt. Those rules have not changed. But to make it easy for anyone thst disagrees with me. Show me the documentation thst says there are no restrictions to how many times one can cross via land border in and out of thailand. Then I will stand corrected.
And moreso even those that disagree with me state different reasons and when the visa exempt rule which I am addressing hanged and stopped.
Ultimately if ine wants to be as sure as possible then surely they shoukd make enquiries with immigration directly. Cheers.
And moreso even those that disagree with me state different reasons and when the visa exempt rule which I am addressing hanged and stopped.
Ultimately if ine wants to be as sure as possible then surely they shoukd make enquiries with immigration directly. Cheers.
Nongnuch ********
Michael Spigarolo There are no new "visa rules" and there is no new law.
There is no “reset” when a new calendar year begins.
There is no limit of two visa-exemptions within a 1-year period, and definitely not within a calendar. This is simply not true.
What has changed, mandated from above, is the strict scrutinizing of your number of visa-exempt entries and the thorough check on "visa runners" (actually they meant to say "back-to-back border runners").The new approach taken by border officials is intended to ensure that the option to do a "visa run" is not abused.
Now as far as regarding extensions on visa-exempt entries, it does appear that the Immigration offices are indeed only issuing 7-day extensions if you already got one previous 30-day extension on any visa exempt entry. The count is 60 + 30 + 60 + 7 = 157 days maximum within a 1-year period, regardless of whether you arrive by air or land.
This is not standardized. The decision is made upon the discretion of the individual immigration officer.
Unfortunately, there are some reports of tourist extensions on top of the 60-days being denied for those having arrived across a land border, while there have been some cases under the same circumstances where an extension was granted.
Fact is right now, it is subjective and up to the decision of the officer you are standing in front of when you wish to enter the country. They decide if you are a "real tourist" or if they think you are milking the visa exempt entry program.
There is just no clear directive as far as what's what, there are no official rules, however after a few interviews with Immigration top officers, a few basic patterns have crystallized.
Some people with a 30-days extension already on a previous visa exempt entry reported getting another 30-days extension without any issue, however some have reported they only got a 7-days extension issued. Your experience might vary from that.
The 7-day extension is a REAL extension. It is not the same as the stamp "application for extension denied, you have 7 days to leave the Kingdom" even if for some people it looks like the “7-days grace period”.
I have already seen the stamp of a 7-days extension, it takes up half of a passport page.
Visa-exempt entries themselves are not limited, even though some believe that unlimited visa-free entries are possible by air. It is irrelevant if you enter via a land border or by air.
Visa-exempt entries are not limited to two entries per year. This is not correct.
This is a misconception, and some agents and lawyers spread this information to make profit from panicked people.
Many agents and Immigration Volunteers are warning you should not believe those alleged news telling you that visa-exempt entries are limited to two per year. It simply is not true.
In the past, visa-exempt entries were limited to two across a land border, this old rule was discontinued on July 15th, 2024.
On the paper, visa-exempt entries by air or across land and sea were “unlimited” after this date. LET ME EXPLAIN: this wording “unlimited” is not a fixed rule of Immigration – THEY decide when your “personal limit” is up.
On a few conditions, but always at the individual discretion of the border official, multiple visa-exempt entries are possible - like four, five or even more times, if you do not milk the system.
The entry history in your passport and your profile on Immigration’s Central Computer must prove that your stays were short-term holidays (like only 2-4 weeks).
Some Immigration officers will tell you the total number of visa-exempt days should not exceed 150 days, some will tell you the limit is 157 days. It remains unclear – because there is no official rule, there is no official limit. There are only guidelines on how to treat repeated entries.
Your best proof that you are not milking the visa-free system is when you can show that you returned to your home country between each visa-exempt stay, or stayed abroad for a long time. And when you always are able to show an onward travel proof
There is no “reset” when a new calendar year begins.
There is no limit of two visa-exemptions within a 1-year period, and definitely not within a calendar. This is simply not true.
What has changed, mandated from above, is the strict scrutinizing of your number of visa-exempt entries and the thorough check on "visa runners" (actually they meant to say "back-to-back border runners").The new approach taken by border officials is intended to ensure that the option to do a "visa run" is not abused.
Now as far as regarding extensions on visa-exempt entries, it does appear that the Immigration offices are indeed only issuing 7-day extensions if you already got one previous 30-day extension on any visa exempt entry. The count is 60 + 30 + 60 + 7 = 157 days maximum within a 1-year period, regardless of whether you arrive by air or land.
This is not standardized. The decision is made upon the discretion of the individual immigration officer.
Unfortunately, there are some reports of tourist extensions on top of the 60-days being denied for those having arrived across a land border, while there have been some cases under the same circumstances where an extension was granted.
Fact is right now, it is subjective and up to the decision of the officer you are standing in front of when you wish to enter the country. They decide if you are a "real tourist" or if they think you are milking the visa exempt entry program.
There is just no clear directive as far as what's what, there are no official rules, however after a few interviews with Immigration top officers, a few basic patterns have crystallized.
Some people with a 30-days extension already on a previous visa exempt entry reported getting another 30-days extension without any issue, however some have reported they only got a 7-days extension issued. Your experience might vary from that.
The 7-day extension is a REAL extension. It is not the same as the stamp "application for extension denied, you have 7 days to leave the Kingdom" even if for some people it looks like the “7-days grace period”.
I have already seen the stamp of a 7-days extension, it takes up half of a passport page.
Visa-exempt entries themselves are not limited, even though some believe that unlimited visa-free entries are possible by air. It is irrelevant if you enter via a land border or by air.
Visa-exempt entries are not limited to two entries per year. This is not correct.
This is a misconception, and some agents and lawyers spread this information to make profit from panicked people.
Many agents and Immigration Volunteers are warning you should not believe those alleged news telling you that visa-exempt entries are limited to two per year. It simply is not true.
In the past, visa-exempt entries were limited to two across a land border, this old rule was discontinued on July 15th, 2024.
On the paper, visa-exempt entries by air or across land and sea were “unlimited” after this date. LET ME EXPLAIN: this wording “unlimited” is not a fixed rule of Immigration – THEY decide when your “personal limit” is up.
On a few conditions, but always at the individual discretion of the border official, multiple visa-exempt entries are possible - like four, five or even more times, if you do not milk the system.
The entry history in your passport and your profile on Immigration’s Central Computer must prove that your stays were short-term holidays (like only 2-4 weeks).
Some Immigration officers will tell you the total number of visa-exempt days should not exceed 150 days, some will tell you the limit is 157 days. It remains unclear – because there is no official rule, there is no official limit. There are only guidelines on how to treat repeated entries.
Your best proof that you are not milking the visa-free system is when you can show that you returned to your home country between each visa-exempt stay, or stayed abroad for a long time. And when you always are able to show an onward travel proof
Nongnuch ********
Michael Spigarolo Your info is outdated. That limit of two visa-exempt entries per calendar year across a land border got DISCONTINUED on July 15th, 2024. . . . . Stop quoting Embassy websites when referring to Immigration matters. They come under two different government departments and both often get it wrong when giving information outside of their juristiction. YOU ARE WRONG believe me
Graham ******
Michael Spigarolo There is no limit of two, two will trigger much closer scrutiny but if you do two back to back (especially by land) you will not get a third without returning to your home country. Stop quoting Embassy websites when referring to Immigration matters. They come under two different government departments and both often get it wrong when giving information outside of their juristiction.
Michael ***********
The thai embassy in Germany says the same thing. The thai embassy in LA in usa says the same thing. The thai embassy in London says the same. Stop being an arrogant know it all prick snd actually read the law. Its easy. Thank you.
Michael ***********
Steve Greir are you retarded? Sorry. But you just have to look at the official thai embassy websites. It was implemented in 2016 ans still remains. You are so annoying :) its tiy spreading misinformation. I can say tbis. I choose to believe the thai embassies and what the thai government stipulates any day of the year. Unbelievable.
Michael ***********
Laugh away Steve. No worries.
Steve *******
Michael Spigarolo You're mistaken. The 2 land border visa exempt entries was dropped when visa exemption went from 30 to 60 days. Stop spreading misinformation!
Michael ***********
Steve Greir that is completely untrue as of 2026 the 2ventry via land borders isv100% correct. It is onlybwhen flying into thailand thst there is no official rule though immigration may still use their discretion.
Regarding land borders crossings there are those who do more than twice bu paying agencies to do border runs.
I'm not talking about what may or may not be possible purely through discretion alone.
As of 2026 it is extremely clear and a regulation that only 2 border crossings per calendar year.
This has nothing to do per say that immigration ate cracking down on border entries. They are simply enforcing a law that has already been in existence for quite some time. It is a mandate from the the thai government and the caretaker PM Anutin.
What I'm surprised about with all due respect is that this isva visa group and for admins and or moderators to not be aware of this seems very odd.
Currently there are numerous posts by the thai government themselves and the media etc etc
.
I hope you read this comment well in that I mean no disrespect. But its not based on my opinion or feeling or what I would or not like.
Its currently the law.
Regarding land borders crossings there are those who do more than twice bu paying agencies to do border runs.
I'm not talking about what may or may not be possible purely through discretion alone.
As of 2026 it is extremely clear and a regulation that only 2 border crossings per calendar year.
This has nothing to do per say that immigration ate cracking down on border entries. They are simply enforcing a law that has already been in existence for quite some time. It is a mandate from the the thai government and the caretaker PM Anutin.
What I'm surprised about with all due respect is that this isva visa group and for admins and or moderators to not be aware of this seems very odd.
Currently there are numerous posts by the thai government themselves and the media etc etc
.
I hope you read this comment well in that I mean no disrespect. But its not based on my opinion or feeling or what I would or not like.
Its currently the law.
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