Answered4 years ago
What are the current visa exemption rules for entering Thailand as of October 1st?
As of October 1st citizens from 53 countries that are able to enter Thailand visa exempt will get a stamp for 45 days (up from 30). Currently it’s due to revert back to 30 days on March 31st next year - although we may hear closer to that date if things have changed.
What hasn’t changed for these citizens is that they may apply for one extension of their entry for a further 30 days at a local immigration office. Extensions have NOT changed to 45 days.
[edit: It appears the official order did actually include the 6 countries with a bilateral 30 day entry, who would get a pp30 entry stamp. Deleted that paragraph as an earlier edict from the PR Department had said they weren’t. ]
All extensions of any duration cost 1,900 baht.
If you’re from one of the 53 countries then do the maths on whether you’re better off buying a tourist visa prior to entering Thailand (approx £30/$35) where you’ll be stamped in for 60 days or enter visa exempt for free but need an extension to cover the days you need for 1,900 baht (approx £45/$50). Max entry with an extension would be 75 days, or tourist visa 90 days.
Edit: Forgot to mention that visa on arrival (VOA) countries will get 30 days on arrival - up from 15.
What hasn’t changed for these citizens is that they may apply for one extension of their entry for a further 30 days at a local immigration office. Extensions have NOT changed to 45 days.
[edit: It appears the official order did actually include the 6 countries with a bilateral 30 day entry, who would get a pp30 entry stamp. Deleted that paragraph as an earlier edict from the PR Department had said they weren’t. ]
All extensions of any duration cost 1,900 baht.
If you’re from one of the 53 countries then do the maths on whether you’re better off buying a tourist visa prior to entering Thailand (approx £30/$35) where you’ll be stamped in for 60 days or enter visa exempt for free but need an extension to cover the days you need for 1,900 baht (approx £45/$50). Max entry with an extension would be 75 days, or tourist visa 90 days.
Edit: Forgot to mention that visa on arrival (VOA) countries will get 30 days on arrival - up from 15.
Answer summary
As of October 1, citizens from 53 countries entering Thailand visa exempt receive a 45-day stamp, increased from 30 days, but this will revert to 30 days on March 31 next year. Citizens can apply for one 30-day extension at local immigration offices, costing 1,900 baht. Tourists with a tourist visa can stay for 60 days initially, extendable for an additional 30 days, totaling 90 days. Countries with Visa on Arrival (VOA) access receive 30 days on arrival, up from 15. It is essential to ensure compliance with these rules to avoid complications during entry.
110 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Andrey ****
But how many times i can enter with this stamp during month? I am going to Bangkok then Laos , then back to Bangkok and go to Combodia
Randy ********
@Andrey ***
two land entries per calendar year. There is no limit on air entries but we all know, you’ll eventually get questioned if the immigration officer thinks you’re playing the system. You should be fine.
Andrey ****
@Randy *******
appreciate your response. My visa agent scammed me .. I waiting for my year multiple visa already 3 months .. but during this time i out, in, out .. so annoyingRandy ********
@Andrey ***
no worries. Yeah, you need to be careful with some of those agents. Hopefully it all works out for you. Best of luck.
Bobby ****
@Stuart ********
USA citizens will receive a 45 day stamp upon entry at airport currently, correct?
Stuart *********
OP@Bobby ***
Yes. Technically 44 days as your entry date is day 1 regardless of the time of day you enter.Bobby ****
@Stuart ********
thanks.Bobby ****
@Stuart ********
and nothing needs to be done prior right? Ex: applying online etc… I’m asking on behalf of a friend whose mom is coming next month.Stuart *********
OP@Bobby ***
Not from the US. Just rock up with your passport.
Stephen *******
Don't forget to mention that on the extension you don't actually get 30 days.i just did one and got 29,and not the first time.
Jan **********
I have a return flight 88 days after arrival, I booked this ages back before vida exemption changed, so I’m going for 60 day visa and extend at immigration office for 30 days more. What happens on entry into Thailand with a 60 day visa and a departure ticket for nearly a month later, would I have problems.
Ronald *********
@Jan *********
I always go with a 58 day return ticket with a 60 day visa, then extend the return date when I get my 30 day extension.I will need to extend again on my next trip, intend going out of Thailand and return for a 45 day visa exempt.
Aimee **********
i arrived in thailand a couple days before the 45 day visa exemption came into place, so i only have 30 days. i was just wondering if there was anyway to get the extra 15 days without renewing our visas?
Stuart *********
OP@Aimee *********
no. If you came in before October 1st then with no visa you would have got 30 days.
Sophrony ******
Sorry I don't quite understand. The 45 days are a visa extension I apply to now while currently in Bangkok or when I do a border bounce? I have 90 days tourist visa exemption from where I am from.
Sophrony ******
Brazil
Stuart *********
OP@Sophrony *****
you’re not going to get an extension off a bilateral agreement entry. You got 90 days. You leave after 90 days and come back if you do want.Stuart *********
OP@Sophrony *****
what’s your nationality?
George *******
I’m dual nationality: Portuguese and British. Is relocation to Thailand a big challenge? Any information appreciated, thanks 🙏🏼
Paul *****************
Its not confirmed at Government
Nishant ************
Has it been published in the Royal gazette yet?
Stuart *********
OP@Nishant ***********
not to my knowledge. Still a few hours to go….Nishant ************
@Stuart ********
Once it gets published in the Royal gazette, please update it in the group.
Pegg *********
@Areena *******
read this
Sam *****
So Aussie flying in you get stamped for 45 days on arrival, correct?
Stuart *********
OP@Sam ****
yes
Nick **********
Are the countries like India, up from 15 to 30 days, also allowed to get a 30 day extension?
Stuart *********
OP@Nick *********
no.
Sinsupa ********
Nick **********
@Stuart ********
thanksNishant ************
So, i would just need to show an onward flight ticket within 30 days to get the visa on arrival, right?
Graham ******
@Nishant ***********
You may well be asked for an onward flight within 30 days before you fly to Thailand if entering on the 30 day visa exempt stamp. To get that stamp you may be asked to show the equivalent of 20,000 baht in CASH plus a hotel booking for at least a few nights. The onward flight may be required again as it's at the discretion of the Immigration Officer.Stuart *********
OP@Graham *****
for VOA arrivals the amount asked to show is 10,000 baht for an individual or 20,000 baht for a family.Stuart *********
OP@Nishant ***********
it’s a requirement, but very rarely asked for if you don’t have a long history of entries in to Thailand.Nishant ************
@Stuart ********
So, for visa exempt 20,000 thb is necessary?Graham ******
@Stuart ********
Agreed, this is where the often mis-quoted sum of 10,000B is often given for visa exempt entry because people wrongly regard this as VOANishant ************
@Graham *****
I'll be entering on the basis of 30 days visa on arrival in October.Karine *******
I read online that the 45 days is only for arrivals by plane. But I can't remember the source or if it was reputable. The group moderator says the 45 days is for arrivals via the land border too.
Shannon ********
Still getting 45 if coming by land border like friendship bridge in Laos vs flying into bkk?
Heiki **********
Do they still require PCR from healthy non vaxxed ppl?
Stuart *********
OP@Heiki *********
PCR or certified antigen testKarine *******
'As of October 1st citizens from 53 countries that are able to enter Thailand visa exempt will get a stamp for 45 days (up from 30).' From what I've read this is only true if you *arrive by plane*, and not if you arrive by crossing a land border. I think that's a shame, among other things because it's not an environmentally friendly policy to encourage people to fly unnecessarily.
Russell ***********
@Karine ******
sounds good, so when i return 3rd January i get stamped 45 days, then border cross for another 45, leave April 1st ? 3 month stay ?Karine *******
@Russell **********
I think it's best to ask someone else.Russell ***********
@Karine ******
yes, in Bangkok now, will ask Immigration ... too many conflicting answers could easily trip you upStuart *********
OP@Karine ******
no idea where you may have read that. The land/air border thing was abolished in 2016. The only difference these days is that they only allow you two visa exempt entries via land in a calendar year. When it goes to 45 days in October it’ll be via land, sea or air.
Nick **********
@Stuart ********
So Stuart, I am a 45 day visa exempt (uk) with a partner from a 30 day voa (india). You say here VExempt can get 2 land entries per year...
Any idea what is situation for Voa person? Can arrive by land? Limited to number of entries etc?
Stuart *********
OP@Nick *********
currently land borders to Myanmar are closed to foreign tourists. Open for locals only.Nick **********
@Stuart ********
Thanks, will look...but i assume there's one up between CMai and LPrabang...? Or into Myanmar? Sorry, I am new on this and making some quick decisions. And as you say, best not use more than once in a row...
Stuart *********
OP@Nick *********
you can arrive VOA via land borders. I posted a list the other day but someone said it was out of date now. Google should show you which entry points you can use. Not aware that there’s limit on number of entries you can get but be prepared to be grilled if you’re trying back to back entries. Perhaps someone with VOA entry experience can advise.Karine *******
@Stuart ********
Sorry for the FAQ - do you know how common it is to be asked for proof of a ticket out of Thailand, when entering these days? Does this vary depending upon whether you cross by sea or by land? I've not been asked for a ticket before. If I'm asked to provide one, could I just buy it online at the border?
Jo **********
@Stelar ******
I was responding to if I have ever been asked for a return ticket. Your going on about something else
Incognia **********
@Jo *********
actually not about how many entries problem is 4 entries 30+(30extension)×4 times if u stay 240 days this is problem.Then u will be denied.But if u come and stay 10 15 days in every entry nothing problem.Karine *******
@Jo *********
Thanks. Good to know.Jo **********
@Karine ******
i can tell you after at least 4 entries this year never been asked and before never.Karine *******
@Stuart ********
Thanks :)Stuart *********
OP@Karine ******
can’t say on the chances of being asked as that’s up to an individual immigration officer. If you have little history of entry into Thailand immigration almost certainly won’t ask. Your airline will probably be the one to insist you have an onward ticket. If asked you could buy one then and there, but probably better to have a changeable ticket or a throwaway cheap one on hand. Doesn’t have to be a return, just a ticket out. Bus or train ticket as long as an international ticket will work too.Karine *******
@Stuart ********
I can't remember where I read that. Do you know where I can read confirmation that the 45-day visa will also be provided at land borders? This would affect my travel plans.
Dani ******
If you do a couple of border runs for a week or two to neighbor countries by *flying* they'll let you back in no problem. It's not cheaper than a tourist visa (but still cheap!) but more fun and less hassle with papers. Too much nonsense needed for a 60+30 tourist visa (if applying by yourself from your country).
Christina ****
How many visa runs can you do before you get the stink eye and they don't let you in any more?
Jason ********
@Dani *****
Agreed. So much hassle and requirements for a simple tourist visa. So much easier and stress free doing visa exempts, extensions and border runs. And more adventurous and fun.Jo **********
@Jason *******
for surePaul *****************
Its not confirm at Government.
Stuart *********
OP@Paul ****************
it hasn’t been published in the Gazette as far as I’m aware as yet, but its 99.99% going to happen. The amount of agencies that have updated their information regarding it is unprecedented.
Joseph *********
@Stuart ********
thanks! This is the info I was looking for. I was gonna ask the query below but your post addresses it. So I guess we just need to wait for confirmation when it will be published in the Royal Gazette."Hi, I am a Malta citizen who will be visiting Thailand for 23 days from December 2022 - January 2023. Normally the Visa on Arrival for Malta citizens is valid for a period of 15 days, but I read online that from October 2022 - March 2023 this will be extended to 30 days.
Can someone please confirm this?"
Stuart *********
OP@Joseph ********
Visa On Arrival will be 30 days as of October 1st. Not extendable.Nishant ************
@Stuart ********
when would it be published in the Royal gazette?Joseph *********
@Stuart ********
thanks 😊Stuart *********
OP@Joseph ********
no. Nothing seen on the various forums so far. Will have to see what transpires in a few hours.Joseph *********
@Stuart ********
any updates if this was published in the Royal Gazette please?Stuart *********
OP@Nishant ***********
going on recent updates probably September 29thJason ********
Anyone know if our onward ticket has to show leaving the country within the 45 days, or still the 30?
Stuart *********
OP@Jason *******
it will be 45 days - the amount of days allowed by your initial entry stamp.
Shashank *******
all this is ok. but the flights are super expensive as of now. but looks like tourism will be booming from November onwards.
Mars ************
@Shashank ******
yeah but i see prices significantly dropped for January 2023 onwards.. they literally halved over past month ..so good news... also just refuse to pay the high prices and they will have to drop !Stuart *********
OP@Shashank ******
That’s a global issue, not Thailand specific. If they hadn’t laid off all the pilots and flight crews and airport personnel then they’d be operating at full capacity as per pre covid.Jo **********
@Stuart ********
that’s exactly the reason. Many assert that high fuel costs are the reason. But the massive layoffs for pilots and staff are the cause. I am paying double for flights right now.
Steve ******
Washoping for 45 plus a 45 extension.
Billy *******
@Steve *****
no 45 then 30 days extension only.
Donna *******
Great thanks Stuart the news I've been waiting for ✌
Lindsay ***********************
Thank you I have been wondering if this would happen seeing as the royal gazette hasn't published it but it looks legit
Ronald *********
The advantage of coming with a single entry visa for 60 days, is that also can be extended 30 days giving you 90 days.
Frank-Steven ***********
@Ronald ********
So can the visa exempt. Giving you 75 days, albeit without the hassle (and cost) of getting a TR tourist visa in advance.Ronald *********
@Frank-Steven **********
As I understand after October 1st 45 days on entry, and before expiry 30 day extension normally 1900 baht at local immigration office.Frank-Steven ***********
@Ronald ********
That’s right.
Nicxy *******
Martin *********
Please remember to keep your boarding pass to show the immigration officer.
Czarina ********************
Randy ********
I would also add that the extensions for this, in Bangkok, are to be done at the IT Square complex in Laksi.
Stuart *********
OP@Randy *******
Only for those staying in Bangkok. In every other location that I’m aware of ALL immigration offices will do a exempt entry extension.Randy ********
@Stuart ********
yes, only Bangkok. If it wasn’t for these visa groups, I would have ended up at CW office to do my extension.Nishant ************
How about countries that have visa on arrival access?
Stuart *********
OP@Nishant ***********
Ah forgot. I’ll edit the post. They go up to 30 days from 15.Nishant ************
@Stuart ********
does this denial of extension applies on future visa applications?Stuart *********
OP@Nishant ***********
Land borders.Nishant ************
@Stuart ********
Land or air?Stuart *********
OPBear in mind that some borders (Cambodia for example) will want 1,500 baht to exit Thailand on that stamp. Poi Pet is 1,000 baht but you have to stay in Cambodia one night.
Stuart *********
OP@Nishant ***********
At Laksi you’d get a denial of extension stamp. There is no official “regular 7 day” stamp it would usually be a denial stamp - but I can’t confirm what office did it or verify that the posters actually had one.Nishant ************
@Stuart ********
how about IT Square complex in Laksi?Nishant ************
@Stuart ********
who would tell me?Stuart *********
OP@Nishant ***********
unfortunately each office has its own ways of interpreting the rules. Some will give you a denial stamp others just a regular stamp. If you mention the specific office you may use then others may be able to tell you what that office actually does.Nishant ************
@Stuart ********
what post?Nishant ************
@Stuart ********
when i was in Thailand in the month of july, i had asked the same question that whether or not it'd be a denial of extension stamp on my passport but you'd say yes, that's why i didn't extend it and returned back to india. If you had said that there wouldn't be a denial of extension stamp on my passport but a normal 7 days extension stamp, then i would have extended it.Stuart *********
OP@Nishant ***********
I couldn’t say offhand. Just on an earlier post when I mentioned it a number of people said they got a “normal” stamp.Nishant ************
@Stuart ********
what offices?Stuart *********
OP@Nishant ***********
no repercussions on future applications (unlike an overstay stamp). I deleted the part about it being a denial of extension stamp as apparently some offices will just give a “normal” 7 day stamp.
Bruno *******
The Thai Embassy in Brussels told me that this is not published in the royal gazette and therefore not suitable yet. Otherwise some people say it isn't needed to be published. It seems to be difficult to get correct information on this subject. Hope anyone could provide. Thanks
Stuart *********
OP@Bruno ******
at this time I’m not aware that it has been published as yet, however all immigration departments have been informed of the change and are aware it will happen. It might take a while to propagate out to the embassies and consulates.Frank-Steven ***********
Precise information. Should be pinned to the top.
Stuart *********
OP@Frank-Steven **********
just done. Thank you.Activity
38 joined38
people
Related
25What are the current rules and implications for tourists regarding visa exemptions and extensions in Thailand?
11.5k861662mo
What are the changes to Thailand's visa exemption rules from September 2026?
16.9k1352192mo
What are the current tourist visa rules for UK passport holders in Thailand as of September 2026?
988302mo
Has Thailand reduced the visa exemption period from 60 days to 30 days?
5.5k101542mo
What should tourists do about the new 30-day visa exemption in Thailand with an unknown start date?
13k1081585mo
What are the current arrangements for the tourist visa exemption in Thailand as of now?
837551y
Will tourist visas for Thailand be obtained online starting January 2025, and what will be the approval time?
5.7k21342y
Is the visa on arrival still a 60-day option for UK citizens traveling to Thailand in December?
2.1k12182y
Can I extend my stay in Thailand to 90 days using visa exemptions and extensions?
2k13152y
What are the drawbacks of the current visa options for expats in Thailand?
11.3k871372y
What is the current status of the 60-day visa exemption in Thailand for June or July 2024?
2.4k15232y
How long can a married couple stay in Thailand on a visa?
1.2k1032y
Can I pay for my Thailand visa at the airport if planning to stay for 1-3 months?
6.7k75183y
What are the visa entry options for Australian and Indian passport holders traveling to Thailand for one week?
2k16103y
Has the visa duration changed for re-entering Thailand after a border crossing?
2.1k17133y
What is the required cash on hand for entering Thailand with a visa exemption and a NON-O visa?
3.5k19503y
How long can I extend my 30-day visa exemption in Thailand?
1.6k5253y
Is it true that as an Italian passport holder I can get a TR visa stamp for 45 days upon entering Thailand with a Visa on Arrival?
1k4114y
Will I receive a 30-day extension after my 45-day free entry into Thailand?
816374y
What are the options for obtaining a tourist visa for Thailand if I have a US passport and can't get an appointment at the consulate?
2.4k18164y
Do South Africans need a tourist visa for Thailand after visiting Cambodia?
1.2k935y
What are the current rules regarding COVID extensions for visas in Thailand?
1.5k9135y
Has the duration for visa-exempt travel to Thailand changed to 45 days?
1.5k1186y
What is the current status of visa on arrival and visa exemption for Thailand?
3k13537y
Can UK passport holders get a visa on arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand?
3.1k30149y
Resources
Need help with 90-day reporting?
Trusted service that gets people to a real agent fast