What are the implications of multiple 30-day visa exempt entries into Thailand for an Australian retiree?

Visa Exempt Retirement Visa Multiple Entry

Feb 22, 2020

5 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

I'm about to become a Roaming Retiree, and am thinking of popping backward and forward between Europe (for cycle camping)  (with maybe Laos and Cambodia as well) and Thailand. I don't envisage staying in Thailand for longer then thirty days at a time. How do the Thai authorities view multiple re-entries to the country, with maybe thirty day absences? I am an Australian citizen on Australian passport.

1,868

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

An Australian citizen planning to frequently travel back and forth between Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries on a 30-day visa exemption may face scrutiny from Thai authorities after several re-entries. The general consensus suggests that while there is no official limit to the number of visa exempt entries you can obtain by air, frequent entries may lead to questions regarding your travel purpose. It is advisable to have proof of funds, onward travel, and accommodation documentation ready upon entry to avoid potential questioning. Travelers have successfully entered multiple times but should be aware of the risks and consider obtaining a multiple entry tourist visa or retirement visa if they plan to spend significant time in Thailand.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

James ********

Your plan is doomed to fail. Lots of worrying coming your way wondering if I am going to be admitted again without a visa.

Do yourself a favor and get a METV multiple entry tourist visa while you are in Australia.

With planning it will give you 6-9 months of travel to and from Thailand.

Safe travels and

Good Luck.

Commenting closed.

5 years ago

Benjamin ******

So basically you'll be here for 6 months out of the year? (30 days here, than 30 days away)?

My suggestion is to get one of those multiple entry "retirement" visas. It'll remove the likelihood of being denied entry.

Assuming, of course, you're 50 years or older.

5 years ago

Jason *******

I fly in about 6 times a year for two week stays. They’ve never said anything to me.

5 years ago

Tod *********

which while anecdotally interesting (but not all that much :O) doesn't mean that EVERYONE will skate thru on visa exempt entries over and over without being questioned.

5 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Longy ****

Just do it on 30d visa exemptions but really have your 'aways' at least a month, try to organise your 'aways' to exceed your in-country days, have the 3proofs, if it gets tricky thats your cue for the Laos / Cambodia holiday

5 years ago

Graham ******

3 stamps a year by flight, only 2 for a land entry.

5 years ago

Tod *********

i don't know where you got the "3 stamps a year by flight" but that is not correct. Officially there is NO limit to the number of 30 day visa exempt entries you can get by air.

BUT

You are correct, by land most people (actually people from 51 countries) can get TWO 30 day visa exempt entries in a calendar year (Jan 1 - Dec 31)

5 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Marty *********

Should be OK for a while. Then it won’t be OK.

5 years ago

Tod *********

They are going to take a dim view of it eventually and at some point you'll get pulled aside, questioned as to why you're entering the country so much on visa exempt entries.

I'd say all you can do is have the 3-proof-ofz; proof of funds (20K baht or the equivalent) in CASH, proof of onward travel (in 30 to 60 days) and proof of lodging, just in case you're asked when you stamp in (after a few 30 day visa exempt entries) and hope for the best

5 years ago

David ******************

Roaming Retiree!!! Great name

5 years ago

Reply to

David ******************

Thai Visa Advice

... members · 40% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.

Join the Group

Thai Visa Advice

View the Conversation