What are the limitations on obtaining tourist visas and visa exemptions in Thailand?

Thai Tourist Visa Visa Exemptions Visa Rules Immigration Visa Extensions

November 15, 2017

7 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

I hear that we are allowed only a limited number of tourist visas per year.  

From what I have read on this post I have only had one. Am I understanding that correctly? 

I entered in: January with visa expect 30 days, June visa exempt 30 days, then did a 30 day extension in Samui.  Then I went (via mini bus) to Penang and got a 60 day tourist visa, then flew out and and back and now am on a 30 day visa exempt.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is seeking clarification about the limitations on tourist visas and visa-exempt entries in Thailand. They mention their visa history, including multiple entries and extensions. According to comments, there are restrictions on visa-exempt entries—limited to two per year for land entries, but unlimited by air. While there is no official cap on the number of Tourist Visas one can obtain, it is noted that Consulates may flag frequent applications, potentially impacting future visa approvals. Additionally, extensions for Tourist Visas are possible.

Jason ******

I got 4 Tourist Visas in Vientiane, Laos. In between I went to Hong Kong and got a Visa there, so they weren't back to back. But once they issued me the 4th Tourist Visa, they red stamped me, and now I got a new US Passport which should reset the process for an additional 4 Tourist Visas at Vientiane.

7 years ago

Jason ******

from my experiences at the airport, the officer I get at arrivals just spends a few minutes flipping through each page in my passport checking to see my history of how long I've been here, but I've only got questioned twice, the first time was when I was just entering solely on back to back Visa exemptions, on the 7th entry, he asked me "Why do you come to Thailand? Are you working here? Next time apply for Tourist visa" this was before I knew about Tourist visas since US Passports are eligible for visa exemption, but once he noticed I was leaving and entering on the same day, the officer was the one who told me to apply for the Tourist visa so that's what I've been doing ever since. it seems like as long as they see I'm still actively traveling they haven't had a problem with it

7 years ago

Tod *********

while it will "wipe the slate clean" as far as the thai consulates when applying for visas it is not going to do anything as far as the thai immigration people at passport control where you stamp into the country. They will see your entire visa entry history from all the passports you've had. At some point they're gonna call you on the carpet for living here on tourist visas.. Just be prepared is all

7 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Robert *******

Visa Exempt Entries are limited by 2 entries a calendar year if you enter over land, no limit using airplane. There is official no limit on the amount of Tourist Visa's you can have, most Consulates and Embassies in neighbor countries put a stamp next to your Tourist Visa as that U used so many TV already and that next time it may be refused. Example of stamp:

7 years ago

Marco *********

In Penang you will have no problem to get 3 tourist visa in a row.

Don't forget that, before 60 day stamp is expiring, you can get a 30 day extension at Samui Immigration (monday-friday 8.30-12.00; 13.00-16.30) paying 1,900 baht.

Visa exempt entries by air are unlimited.

7 years ago

Reply to

Marco *********

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How many times can I enter Thailand on a visa exemption in a year?

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