What are the rules for UK tourists regarding visa exemptions and entry limits to Thailand?

May 13, 2024
6 months ago
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi

Does anyone know what the rules are for United Kingdom tourists to Thailand. I think the Uk is visa exempt and on some sites it says we are only allowed into Thailand twice per calendar year, and on other it says if you fly you can go in 3 times. I have already been there for 30 days in Jan and 30 days in May and I want to book a flight to Bangkok but am not sure if I will be accepted in. Any ideas please.

Many thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
UK tourists do not face a strict legal limit on the number of times they can enter Thailand visa-exempt by air, but are limited to two land border crossings per calendar year without a visa. While there are some varying accounts regarding the entry frequency, individuals have reported entering Thailand multiple times within a year without significant issues, particularly if they return to their home country for a period before coming back to Thailand. However, frequent travelers should be cautious, especially if they have stayed in Thailand for more than 180 days in the past year, as immigration officers may scrutinize their entry.
Shaughn ***********
Although there’s no offical limits other than the 2 land borders, be wary about entering via the 2 major airports in particular if you have spent over 180 days in country in the past 12 months. The immigration officers at the Bangkok airports in particular are at their discretion pulling aside people who have been in country over 180 days as a regular tourist. It happened to me on 1st May and I needed approval by their superior to enter. If you are over that limit then you really need to look at other options to extending a visit ie making use of the 2 land border bounces (with a border run company) if not yet used, or applying for METV well in advance of a long planned trip.
Aaron *******
I've done 3 times with no problems. I think if you are going back to UK or USA (for me) for a few months than coming back to Thailand, you should be OK. It's the ones doing one day or no days border bounces to neighbouring countries, who may have problems.
Mark *********
went 9 times last year on visa exempt, but normally 10 to 14 days at a time
Christopher *************
Get a Visa.
Henrik *****
Best site for precise information is your nearest Thai Embassy and
***************************
where you can apply.
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you! 💜
Ron ******
Previously have been 3 times per year with no problems.
Jon ******
Went 4 times in one year 30 days at a time
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you Brandon
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Just noticed I put 30 days in May when it should have been March.
Brian ********
@Mark ********
if your going to Thailand for longer then 30 days do yourself a favour and apply for a tourist evisa
Brandon ************
There is no legal limit to how many times you can arrive visa exempt by air. The only written limit is that you can enter 2 times per calendar year by land border without a visa.

The Thai embassy in the UK does not make the immigration policies, so regardless of what they put on their website, you can enter as many times as they will allow you.
Andy *******
@Brandon ***********
correct..I had the same issue so I went to Suvarnabhumi and asked ..they said that the embassies aren't immigration and the only rule is the land border x2..they said that the information on these sites is misleading and we make the rules, come as often as you like he said with a smile!
Brandon ************
@Andy ******
not sure I'd go by "come as often as you like" especially since Suvarnabhumi is one of the strictest airports for denying entry to people abusing visa exempt. But there's definitely no rule about it. They just use their discretion.
Andy *******
@Brandon ***********
I normally stay 3 weeks out of my 30 days..they looked at my passport and he said no problems basically come as you want to..
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