What are the limits on obtaining tourist visas for Thailand for UK passport holders?

May 21, 2024
4 months ago
Lauren *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello! I’ve just returned home to UK after a 34 day stay in Thailand using a 60 day tourist visa. I stupidly got a single entry visa so can’t go back on it. Is there a limit on how often you can have a tourist visa? I’m currently on a sabbatical and would like to go back ASAP.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A UK passport holder can obtain multiple tourist visas when required. After a 34-day stay in Thailand on a single entry tourist visa, the user inquired about the restrictions on returning. Comments explained that re-entry is possible, as long as the traveler hasn't abused the visa policy. Typically, spending a maximum of 180 days on tourist visas within a year might raise flags, but after 34 days, the user should be able to return without issues. Alternatives such as entering Thailand on a visa exemption for 30 days were also suggested. It's important to note that once a visa is used, a re-entry permit won’t re-activate it for additional days beyond the original stamp.
Lee ***********
I entered on a 60 day visav1st Jan, came back to the UK end of Feb, lasted 5 days and returned on a 30 day waiver then extended 30 days.

Based on that your fine. Or get another 60 day visa if you want to wait. Enjoy
Phil ******
@Lauren ********
as long as thai immi accept you into the kingdom
Bob **********
You can come in on a 30 day exempt stamp
Nick **********
@Jan *****************
some clarification about that re-entry stamp : the visa was already used by entering Thailand, thus it would be impossible to re enter on the same visa.

But that 60 day entry stamp would have been kept "alive". And would have been possible to still use that 60 day entry stamp. This is an important distinction because when OP would have re-entered Thailand with a re-entry stamp they got afterwards, they would NOT have gotten another 60 days entry stamp, BUT only to the day the original entry stamp specifies. (The remainder of the days which was specified by the original enrry stamp)

So OP stayed 34 days, flew out and let's say about 6 days later flies back in, then there would have been only 20 days left to stay. Thus giving less days than a simple visa exempt.

It doesn't activate a new round of 60 days.

All of this because the distinction between what the visa actually is, and what the entry stamp actually is.
Jan ******************
Nick MuayPlam Yes of course, it’s still a single, -not a multiple entries visa, but she still has 26 days left on her TV and could get a 30 days extension as well, -IF she bought a re-entry permit before she left. Just mentioned this because I mean she’ll be fine with another entry on a NEW tourist visa. I don’t think my comment was unclear regarding this.
Nick **********
@Jan *****************
I added the clarification because many people will misunderstand it. So many don't understand even the basics on what the visa vs what the entry stamp is, visa on arrival vs exempt vs waiver, etc... (I didn't know either in my early years 5555) and even if it is clear for you, some will think they could get another 60 days out of it.
Jan ******************
Nick MuayPlam Ok, good I understand. 👍😉
Niel *************
I came to thailand in December 5 weeks then February for two weeks also april 5 weeks i fly out in june for 17 days ive had no issues on entry heaven forbid ive not jinxed myself

I fly from England every time i love the place and my partner too

I did same last year but also in October too

I don’t know if this helps with your question
Jan ******************
So you’ve spent 34 days in Thailand this year and you can probably just re-enter now quite fast without any issues. If you maximise two tourist visa within a year, 180 days seems to be a trigger point and you can’t expect to stay more time in Thailand as a regular tourist the rest of year. There’s no written limitations and everything is in fact up to the IO you’re standing in front of, but with just 34 days and not even maximised one regular tourist visa, I feel quite confident that you’ll be fine. If you’d remembered to buy a re-entry permit before you left, you even could re-entered on the same visa.
Brandon ************
You can purchase as many tourist visas as the embassy will sell you.

If you have a British passport you can also enter without a visa (visa exempt) and get a 30 day free stamp.

What you can't do is stay long term in Thailand without a long term visa. If you spend too much time in Thailand and stop appearing to be a tourist, you'll eventually get stopped and questioned at the airport and warned.
Dee ***********
@Brandon ***********
great answer very informative , thank you very much
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