Answered5 years ago

What are the rules for re-entering Thailand on a visa exempt status during the current situation?

Thailand Visa Exemption Visa Rules Thailand Re-entering Thailand Visa Renewal Immigration Thailand Pass

Neil *******

asked Nov 23, 2021

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What's the deal with leaving Thailand and re-entering on visa exempt during the current situation? My visa due to expire in Jan but would love to stay another month/45 days whichever it is. Obviously its complicated situation because few surrounding countries arent open, however I'm more interested in time frame information for example how long would I have to leave for before re entering with thailand pass.

Answer summary

As of now, re-entering Thailand on a visa-exempt basis is influenced by the current health situation and applicable regulations. The duration you need to leave Thailand depends on the entry scheme you choose, such as the Test and Go option, which requires a stay in eligible countries for at least 21 days prior and mandates testing upon arrival. However, if you opt for other schemes, there may not be a required time out of the country, though you will have to undergo a Sandbox or Alternative Quarantine upon return. Historically, there were no strict limits on how long one needed to be out of Thailand before returning, but this may vary based on the immigration officer's discretion.

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Benjamin ******

Right now we are not taking specific questions about how to enter Thailand using the sandboxes, Thailand Pass, Test and Go, etc. Ask these types of questions at

Farangs Stranded Abroad:

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Thank you

5 years ago

Mal ********

According to the Thailand Pass conditions it depends on which of the three schemes you use to enter Thailand ...

The Exemption from Quarantine option (aka Test and Go) requires: Travel from a port of departure in eligible country / territory and have stayed in eligible countries / territories for at least 21 consecutive days. You are required to stay 1 day in an approved SHA Extra+ or AQ hotel upon reentry to wait for RT-PCR test results.

The other two schemes do not have a requirement to stay out of country for a minimum number of days but capture you in a Sandbox for 7 days or Alternative Quarantine for 10 days upon reentry.

There are other conditions for all three schemes ...

5 years ago

Neil *******

@Mal *******

thanks for the info Mal, will look into the best option for a quick journey.

5 years ago

Benjamin ******

There is no time limit you have to be out of Thailand before you can return. BEFORE COVID-19, people used to border bounce, or simple cross out of Thailand, enter another country legally, and then return back to Thailand.

A person can do that TWICE by land in a calendar year, and "unlimited" by air (until the immigration officer thinks you're abusing the system).

5 years ago

Neil *******

@Benjamin *****

thanks for the reply! I have experience with the system pre covid but just wanted to see if anyone had insight for the current situation.

5 years ago

James ********

@Neil ******

as long as you are in approved countries...no problem.

But must have and meet Thailand Pass requirements upon each entry. Be sure you have valid reentry permit too.

5 years ago

Neil *******

Thanks Benjamin, I understand that there are too many variables. One more question, I found this info regarding the test and go quarantine exempt scheme. Where its says that returning thais or foreign residents do not need to have stayed in said country for the 21 days, I wonder if this could be extended to any foreign nationals who have been staying in Thailand on holiday?

5 years ago

Benjamin ******

@Neil ******

I have heard of no rejections by entry by air entering on a visa exempt yet. I haven't heard of anyone border bouncing out of Thailand, into Cambodia (by air) and then returning yet

5 years ago

Benjamin ******

@Neil ******

Too many variables, depending on the country's requirements, a person's vaccination status, the country of passport a person has (Malaysia is a no-go for Israelis, for example), etc. This website is very helpful about restrictions and entries:

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I also suggest searching Facebook for groups like

[Country name here] Visa Advice

and follow those groups for re-openings and requirements.

5 years ago

Neil *******

@Benjamin *****

which surrounding country would you imagine to be the best option in regards to ease of travel restrictions?

5 years ago