Ask question

What are the immigration procedures for seafarers arriving in Thailand by sea compared to air?

Thailand immigration procedures Visa rules Seafarers Map Ta Phut Entry by sea Visa exempt entry Onward travel requirements Thai visa categories

Dec 16, 2022

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi everyone!

I am a seafarer and i normally fly into Thailand from the UK. The ship I’m on at the moment is due into Map Ta Phut next month and I was hoping to sign off the ship there and just stay in Thailand, (I’m married to a thai). Does anyone know if the procedures for arrival are different regarding immigration when arriving into Thailand from sea rather than air? I’m guessing I’ll still need a flight out of Thailand within the expiry date of my visa?

844

views

0

likes

14

all likes

6

replies

0

images

6

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

A seafarer flying from the UK intends to sign off their ship in Thailand and stay, seeking advice on immigration procedures for arriving by sea. Community members share insights that suggest sea arrivals may follow similar rules to land entries, highlighting limits on visa-exempt entries and the importance of coordination with the shipping company.

Bill *********

Will you be arriving at a "port of entry?" If so should work.

Like

Reply

Michael ********

Explain to your agent when you sign off you want to stay as tourist as it different entering the country as a seaman. I have done it before

Like

Reply

Kevin ********

Does the shipping company let you do this.

Like

Reply

Iain *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Cheers for the advice! Should be relatively straightforward 🤞🏼

Like

Reply

Brandon ************

I believe sea entries are treated the same as land entries, so you're limited to 2 per calendar year on visa exempt. If you haven't already entered by land twice this year you should be fine. Immigration usually doesn't ask for proof of onward travel but they can if they want.

Like

Reply

George *********

I think it’s doable. Let your shipping company investigate it.

Like

Reply

Reply to

George *********

Reply

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

What tourist visa options are available for expats frequently visiting Thailand on a UK passport?

68 comments

2 months ago

What should I do about my exit flight from Thailand if my return is after the 60-day visa-free stay?

7 comments

3 months ago

What are the recent restrictions on air entry into Thailand for visa-exempt travelers?

135 comments

7 months ago

Can I enter Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption if I only stay for 17 days?

20 comments

7 months ago

What are the rules for border bounces by sea in Thailand?

18 comments

7 months ago

What is the best visa option for a friend sailing into Phuket who wants to stay for 7 months while working on his boat?

10 comments

8 months ago

Do I need to leave Thailand and re-enter right before joining a ship as a crew member on a visa exempt status?

15 comments

8 months ago

What should I do if my Thai visa is about to expire and I need to catch a flight soon?

46 comments

a year ago

Can I declare my intention to extend my visa exemption on arrival in Thailand, and what are the limitations on re-entering?

6 comments

a year ago

Can I re-enter Thailand by land or sea with a visa after using my visa-exempt entries?

4 comments

2 years ago

What is the best way for a South African family to enter Thailand after multiple visa-exempt stays?

2 comments

2 years ago

What should I know about traveling from the Philippines to Thailand with a visa on arrival?

11 comments

4 years ago

What are the current travel restrictions and visa processes for returning to the UK from Thailand?

41 comments

4 years ago

What Is the Best Visa for Traveling Between the UK and Thailand Every 3 Weeks?

15 comments

4 years ago

What Are the Best Visa Options for Extended Stay in Thailand Given Recent Entry History?

11 comments

5 years ago

Is the 30-day visa exemption for Thailand unlimited when traveling by air?

5 comments

5 years ago

What visa should I apply for if I only need to stay in Thailand for 28 days while working offshore?

10 comments

5 years ago

What should I know about checking in for flights to Thailand without a visa or onward ticket?

3 comments

6 years ago

What should I do if I face entry refusal at Bangkok airport while frequently visiting Thailand?

28 comments

6 years ago

Can I use the 30-day visa waiver for extended stays in Thailand on a 3 weeks on/3 weeks off work schedule?

12 comments

6 years ago

What are the current Thai visa rules for Australian and UK passport holders entering Thailand?

7 comments

6 years ago

What should I do after being questioned by Thai immigration about my long-term stay without marriage?

47 comments

6 years ago

What are the limitations on entering Thailand frequently with a tourist visa, and how can I avoid immigration issues?

11 comments

7 years ago

What options do I have for long-term stays in Thailand after being denied entry due to frequent visa exemption use?

67 comments

7 years ago

Will I receive a 15-day Visa on Arrival in Thailand if I arrive by ferry after being in Malaysia?

19 comments

7 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.