Answereda month ago
What are the current visa-free entry rules for Thailand, particularly at Phuket immigration?
2 visa free entries per year is AIR ALSO
I just landed🛬 in Phuket and at immigration there is a huge sign for the visa-free entry line saying “second visit only”…so all these posts I’ve been seeing that are debating whether it’s land/sea or air also, there’s your answer.
I just landed🛬 in Phuket and at immigration there is a huge sign for the visa-free entry line saying “second visit only”…so all these posts I’ve been seeing that are debating whether it’s land/sea or air also, there’s your answer.
Answer summary
The recent discussions clarify the visa-free entry rules for Thailand, particularly focusing on Phuket airport operations. A key point is that the sign stating 'second visit only' primarily applies to those using new e-gate technology, which may require prior biometric data from past visits. Confusion arises as some believe this implies a limit of two entries per year for air travelers, while the law officially allows a maximum of three air entries every six months, with no cap for air arrivals. However, land entry has specific limitations, capping at two entries per year. Overall, the immigration rules appear to have varying interpretations in different locations, particularly Phuket, affecting many expats and visitors.
73 repliesnewest first
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Kirsten *********
It means you can only go this way if you are on your 2nd visit. Not that you can only have 2 visits! If you want to know the truth about number of entries, just visit ANY Thai embassy website where it is kindly written for us. Foreigners who enter Thailand under this Tourist Visa Exemption category may only do so for 30 days at one time with a maximum of 3 times in a 6 month period by flight and 2 times a year for overland crossing. I fail to understand why people stress and propagate wrong information when the right information is available on official channels ;)
Brandon ************
There's no such thing as "visa free entry line" so what are you even talking about? There's passport control for everyone
Garett ******
"Second visit only" seems to suggest the line is for those who have entered Thailand at least 1x. I.e. "Only those on their second visit can use this line". I'd assume that has to do with biometrics and the wording due to simple translation problems.
Alan **********
There's a "visa-free" entry line at Phuket ?
Peter **********
This is possibly the dumbest post on here all week.
That sign is for the upcoming E gates because you can only use the E gates if you have been before.
That sign is for the upcoming E gates because you can only use the E gates if you have been before.
James *******
I have come here 8 times since March last year but in July was sternly questioned on why I travel here so often. I told her I have a fiance and am getting married in December she told me straight out, get a visa once you are married and she put all this in the system. It put the wind up me so I got a DTV but on entry this month the immigration officer asked for the visa but she still didn't seem pleased that I had one.
Steffen ********
Two visits per year applies to land border crossings only…
Tapsiful *************
The Thai Immigration has exceptional authority and discretion at the point of entries. The actual laws that establish these regulation are very vague, so they mostly make up the executive orders as they see fit to a certain point of entry.
The fact that something is written out at Phuket airport means almost nothing somewhere else.
The fact that something is written out at Phuket airport means almost nothing somewhere else.
Knowledgeab************
As the sign was on lines/gates/agents "second visit only" logically that would mean you may use it only if you are on your second visit? I assume its something to do with the new e-passports/visas or something?
Yynda ********
Not in Bangkok BKK airport - this is my 6th visit this year 🤪
Lars-Göran ************
For the e-gates. You must have visited minimum once before.
JM **********
If you come for leds then 30 days ypu never gonnq make business visa
BluePassio**********
🤣 2nd visit only does not mean what you are saying
James *******
Get a visa its quite simple whats the problem
Brent *********
Isn’t Phuket part of Russia ?
Ant ***********
family has been coming to Phuket for 15 years
Every year
3 times a year
Sometimes 4 times
7-10 days every time
They were here 3 weeks ago
They have never been asked any questions or
Told anything about the number of times they have been
Every year
3 times a year
Sometimes 4 times
7-10 days every time
They were here 3 weeks ago
They have never been asked any questions or
Told anything about the number of times they have been
Rob *******
Stay under 30 days, have a return airline ticket and you’ll be fine
Ant ***********
If you watch this video it explains what you can & cannot do
6.45 mark
It clearly says
No maximum number of visa exempt entries Via Air
Land border entries capped at 2
This isn’t actually news and nothings changed
The Vloggers girlfriend works for Bangkok immigration. !!
6.45 mark
It clearly says
No maximum number of visa exempt entries Via Air
Land border entries capped at 2
This isn’t actually news and nothings changed
The Vloggers girlfriend works for Bangkok immigration. !!
Hǝınz ***********
this sounds more like a rule for the upcoming e-gates useable only if you have previously visited Thailand and had your biometric details collected.
Phil ********
If that's all the sign says - why are you taking it as meaning only 2 entries per year?
Phil ********
Until I see it myself I refuse to believe that they will deny entry to someone who visits several times per year with decent durations between entries.
McLo*****
Another wanker talking shit
Phil ********
Give it a month and they'll be announcing new measures aimed at increasing tourism again because the numbers are down - never known any other country chop and change and generally cause confusion amongst tourists like Thailand does. Masterclass is foot shooting.
Phil ******
Just entered Thailand yesterday for third visit this year at BKK no problem and got 60 days
Russ **********
If the 2-only khrap becomes universally enacted - they need to be clear on whether it is 2 per calendar year?
OR
2 in any rolling scrolling 12 month span?
OR
2 in any rolling scrolling 12 month span?
MagentaGo**********
“Second visit only” means the IO wonders why you’re here second visit only….😂😂😂
Russ **********
Some somchai phuket official has exercised his whim!
JM **********
I come for business 6 -7 times a year for 1 week or so they never asked me and sp many people need tp do this so if they limit this also to 2 it is impossible for business
Chris *******
I guess this may be in preparation for the forthcoming changes whereby 33 nationalities will be able to use e-gates, but only if they have previously visited Thailand and had their biometric details collected. Do they have e-gates at Phuket airport? I haven't been there for years.
Ian **********
I have no experience of Phuket Airport immigration, but people in the groups I'm in have reported some aggressive interrogation and entry denials. If I had a checkered history of visiting Thailand, I would not choose to enter via Phuket.
Peaceful*********
4th trip this calender year, arrived 3 days ago. No problems whatsoever not even a warning about needing visa next visit
Lina *******
I’ve always found Phuket immigration to be very helpful and tolerant. Will be checking this out later this month.
Luc ************
Nope. Don't give false information!
Jared ********
Luc De Clerck I got an email from thai embassy yesterday that said only 2 times visa free per year.
Flemming ******
Jared Yindee post it not talk
Paul *************
Phuket! thats why. They have their own immigration rules depending on how they feel that day.
Longy ****
Paul Carl Ikens 'what day' might depend on how lucrative the tea money is via agents.
With the Russian influx wouldn't phuket Immigration be making unprecedented amounts?
With the Russian influx wouldn't phuket Immigration be making unprecedented amounts?
BreezyGi*********
Does Phuket really have a separate line for visa free?
TalentedT*********
Just absolute nonsense
John **********
The changes don't get implemented until tomorrow
Colin **********
Yeah Pucket seem to interpret the immigration rules the was that suits them.
John ********
Is that for e passport holders visiting the second time,as they are preparing to roll this out
Lincoln *******
John Warren yeah that would be it, the sign means you can only use that line if it is not your first entry, not that your 2nd will be your last
Ian **********
John Warren, good point. If you use the e-gates, it must be at least your second ever entry, so that sign would make sense
Martyn *********
Law is law refers maybe to someone who has already had 2 land entries then advised to arrive by air upper immigration
Lincoln *******
Nah pretty sure its the e-gate which you can't use on your first ever visit...
Gareth ******
Funny I just arrived on 4th trip by air
Nigel **************
Gareth Lord the new rules start tomorrow 15th
Flemming ******
Gareth Lord Same whit me
Maby this person had border run before...
Maby this person had border run before...
Gareth ******
The new rules are only 30 day on entry there is no limit to air arrivals
CleverM********
Bs
Ant ***********
Phuket have had those little signs up for about 6 months
They don’t like Farangs anymore 😂
They don’t like Farangs anymore 😂
Wayne ********
Ant W Tailor I don’t blame them so many a holes. Walking the streets no shirts on at night time drunk, and fighting, motorbike racing through the streets, not respecting the local culture.I wouldn’t want them in my country either.
Chris *******
Ant W Tailor Wouldn't the sign apply to people of all colours and races arriving in the same immigration line?
Ant ***********
Chris Blunt
Yes - Farangs = Non Thai People
Yes - Farangs = Non Thai People
Gregory ********
Ant W Tailor it may be morphing some, but a farang is a white westerner.
Paul **********
Ant W Tailor they don't like piss taking farrangs anymore
แอนดี้ *********
Ant W Tailor can't blame them for that
Charlie *********
Ant W Tailor "They don't like farangs anymore"? Where do you draw that nonsense from?
Alan **********
@Charlie ********
Did you happen to notice the 😂 at the end of Ant's comment ?Ant ***********
@Charlie ********
RelaxPotpon******
Post a pic or it never happened
Christer *****
Potpong_Life I guess you don't know you can't take photos at immigration?
Potpon******
Christer Bau yes everyone follows the rules 1 billion percent worldwide 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Potpon******
Drew Kay post the link or screenshot of this
Or it never happened
Or it never happened
Drew *****
Potpong_Life Someone recently got denied entry for taking photos of immigration queues in BKK.
Potpon******
Alan Rothwell finally someone that gets humor
Alan **********
forgettable_Fox555 Ahhhh, I see.
So the fact he made a poor(?) joke (you DID note the laughter he added, yes ?) is a good enough reason in your world to call him a "shit stain", insinuating he's giving "loser tourist" advice, accuse him of "promoting bad behavior" by taking a pic in a place where most wouldn't have a clue whether or not it would be against the law.
And why did YOU use a nickname again ? 🙄
Overreact much ? 🤣🤣🤣
So the fact he made a poor(?) joke (you DID note the laughter he added, yes ?) is a good enough reason in your world to call him a "shit stain", insinuating he's giving "loser tourist" advice, accuse him of "promoting bad behavior" by taking a pic in a place where most wouldn't have a clue whether or not it would be against the law.
And why did YOU use a nickname again ? 🙄
Overreact much ? 🤣🤣🤣
forgettab*********
Alan Rothwell I'm not the one giving advice on how to be a disrespecting loser tourist.
Alan **********
forgettable_Fox555 Says the guy(?) posting using a nickname....... 🤣🤣🤣
Christer *****
Potpong_Life Some idiots don't know that it can come with penalties
forgettab*********
Potpong_Life oh so if the loser tourists don't respect a foreign countries laws then neither should good tourist? It's shit stains like you promoting bad behaviour that need to be deported and banned. No wonder you're anonymous.
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