What are the restrictions on entering Thailand with a visa exemption multiple times in a year for UK citizens?

Thailand Visa Rules Visa Exemption UK Citizens Tourist Visa Visa Entry Limits Immigration Policy

August 3, 2024

2 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

I have been to Thailand twice this year on 30 day visa exemption (UK citizen). Me and my partner want to spend a year travelling starting in November using Thailand as a base. I understand now we can get 60 days visa exempt as UK citizens, but is there any restriction per calendar year on how many times we can enter and receive 60 days visa exempt? Each time we will arrive by air but gov.uk website states we can only enter twice in one year visa free. If that’s the case I’ve already entered twice this year (and a hundred times before in 30 years)  so will I be questioned when I arrive in November looking to enter for 60 days without a visa? Information is confusing so any help would be much appreciated. Is entry by air unlimited with a 60 day exemption each time? I get that crossing by land is limited to two entries to halt visa runs, but is arrival by air different?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

UK citizens can enter Thailand using a 60-day visa exemption; however, there is confusion regarding the limit of entries per calendar year. While the UK government states a limit of two entries per year under visa exemption for land crossings, there is no formal rule for air entries. Each entry is subject to scrutiny and discretion by immigration officers, who may question travel intentions if they suspect abuse of the visa exemption program. To avoid potential issues, consider applying for a long-term visa, such as a 6-month multiple-entry tourist visa, for extended stays.

Stephen ********

Apply for a 6 month multi entry tourist visa and you'll be good for nearly 9 months floating in and out

2 months ago

Chris *******

With the increased allowance there will also be increased scrutiny of possible abuses.

You cannot live in Thailand on tourist stamps as some have done.

Thailand is offering many options and good lengths of stay.

2 months ago

Andy ************

Information is confusing because there isn't any. Everyone has a different history of staying in Thailand on tourist entries and the only person who knows whether you will have problems or not is the immigration officer who deals with you when you arrive. If you are even asking this question perhaps you need to think about getting a proper visa, as it suggests you may be thinking yourself that you might have overstayed your welcome. This report came up in another group yesterday

2 months ago

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

There is not and has never been a rule about entering by air 2 times in a year.

That being said, each entry is at the discretion of the immigration officer you are standing in front of. If they feel your patterns do not match that of a tourist, that you're trying to live in Thailand without a proper visa, and/or are abusing the visa exempt program, they'll start pulling you out of line and questioning you about what you're doing. When this happens, you'll likely either be warned to stop and get a proper visa, or you'll be denied entry to Thailand.

2 months ago

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

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