Answered9 years ago
What are the rules for entering Thailand by land on a visa exemption?
I'm pretty sure I can have only 2 tourist visas from a neighboring country if entering by land.. But I can't remember what the rule is when entering by land with out a visa .. how many of those are allowed. ??
Thanks
Thanks
Answer summary
When entering Thailand by land, travelers are allowed only 2 visa exemptions per calendar year. If individuals hold a tourist visa obtained from a consulate in another country, those entries do not count against the land entry limit. However, repeated entries using tourist visas or visa exemptions without applying for a longer-term visa might raise concerns with immigration authorities, potentially leading to denial of future visa applications. It is advisable for long-term visitors to consider applying for a tourist visa at a consulate before returning to Thailand to maximize their stay.
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Danny **********
Only visa exemptions ON LAND BORDERS are limited. You could, technically fly in and out a million times. That's not restricted but eventually you may be asked. Tourist visas DO NOT COUNT as a land crossing, so again, technically you could cross land borders a million times if you obtained a TV before entry.
Paul ********
They gave me a 3rd month visa ext in Jomtien with a stamp that I must do a border run the following month.
Paul *******
OPI think your going to have to get a visa now you have had 2 exemptions
Craig *********
I'm following this because I have a similar situation, but I'm confused about if I should get a tourist visa when I'm in Myanmar later this month, or just get the 30 day exemption again (would be number 3 since Dec 2nd) when I fly back to BKK from Yangon. I'm headed back home out of BKK March 1st. I get back from Myanmar Feb 4. So 30 days should be good. Or is it just a good idea to get the tourist visa in Yangon so I know I'll get back in?
Danny **********
You are flying so there is no limit on your visa exemption.
Paul *******
OPSo if I'm on a 30 day permission to stay which I have extended.. once this expires, can I do a border bounce to Cambodia and get another 30 day permission to stay and extend that again another 30 days ??
I might just add that this would be the first time I've entered the country by land for over a year
I might just add that this would be the first time I've entered the country by land for over a year
Laura *********
@Ted ******
thanks a lot!Ted *******
Laura Laura F I got asked before and I didn't have one so I booked a flight from bkk to KL in heathrow airport and showed that, so yes it works
Laura *********
Daniel Boyd thanks! I’m thinking of taking a small flight from Phuket to Kuala Lumpur so that if they ask if I have an onward flight I can show them that I do.. will just lose the $ amount of the flight since I won’t use it but at least it’s safer that way. Do you think that works? 🙂 (I will be on a visa exemption)
Paul *******
OPLaura Laura F in 20 years of frequent traveling here. I have never been asked for proof of onward travel or funds.. however, I was quizzed by the airline when I checked in at the U.K. Airport. Which was a first.
Laura *********
@Paul ******
were you asked for an onward flight ticket when entering Thailand? I’m planning a trip to Thailand with a visa exemption but I only got a one way ticket to get there. Wondering if this is an issue? And if you had the same issue how did you go about it? Thanks! 😊Paul *******
OP@Lopez ****
I very rarely use tourist visas or permissions to stay. normally on B visas.. but I get what your saying.. cheersJason ******
Paul Burns, Many people like myself have been in Thailand for years on just Tourist Visas. The only problem is when you apply for your 4th Tourist Visa, they will say you can't get anymore in your passport, but at this point, many people will just apply for new passport and be able to repeat the process all over again with no problems.
Paul *******
OPAnyways... I only need to stay until July then I'm flying back home for a few months
Paul *******
OPLopez Koa how would I get to September? 2 tourist visas would only get my to July.. maximum stay would be to November
Paul *******
OPI haven't had a tourist visa for 4 years
Jason ******
@Paul ******
Yes but if you plan it right, you can use your 1 of 2 of your land crossings in September, extend that, then do your 2nd in November, extend that, and then you can have an additional 4 months if you want to do it again when it resets in 2019, and do another 2 land crossings in January and March.Ted *******
There is no actual limit to the number of tourist visas you can get but you MAY get denied if you abuse this for many years at the same consulate but you would probably get the warning stamp first
Paul *******
OPRegardless of which order their done in
Paul *******
OPWell if I'm allowed 2 permissions to stays. And 2 tourist visas all buy entering by land and all can be extended.. then that looks like a 10 month stay to me
Jason ******
If you plan on staying in Thailand for a while, I strongly recommend applying for a Tourist Visa while in Cambodia. Then when you come back to Thailand, you will use your Tourist Visa instead of 1 of 2 of your land crossings (The 2 per year will not count if you enter with tourist visa) so you can save those for the later part of the year to use before it resets again in the new year.
Paul *******
OPBrilliant
Ted *******
Yes
Stephen *******
2 visa exempt stamps per calendar year at land borders. Unlimited if you have an actual visa.
Ted *******
2 visa exempt entries by land. Unlimited by air. No limit if you buy a visa at a consulate in a different country before entering. Although you may get denied the visa if you live on tourist visa and exempt stamps for many moons
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