Answered4 years ago
What are the visa rules for a US citizen returning to Thailand after traveling to Cambodia, and what are the options for extending a stay or marrying a Thai citizen?
I’m a US citizen. I believe we have 45 days allowed to visit on passport (it could be 30 days, I have read both). I just had a visa for 60 days which ran out. I’m currently visiting Cambodia. I would like to return to Thailand but I don’t know any of the rules. Can I return after my 30 day trip to Cambodia? And what is the best way to do this? Passport or another Visa? And if I want to stay longer, I see people on here writing about extending their visa (is this a tourist visa?). And what if I marry a Thai woman (currently have girlfriend there)? Can someone please enlighten me? Thank you
Answer summary
As a US citizen who has been in Thailand and is now visiting Cambodia, you can return to Thailand with a visa-free entry allowing for either a 30-day or 45-day stay depending on when you enter. You can extend your stay at a local immigration office, with the possibility of a one-time extension of 30 days. If you wish to stay longer or are considering marrying a Thai citizen, you may want to explore specific visa options that cater to those scenarios.
43 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Rob ********
Landed yesterday , long queue at immigration , gave me 45 days stamp , and I’ve got multiple from few months , no problem at all , border bounce can be done in hours , let alone 30 days , usual advice , just have cash ready , outward trip , insurance , and covid 19 stuff just in case things change , I was kinda shocked when io looked at me , took my photo , stamped my passport and sent me on my way , I did however miss my flight to Khon Kaen as took hours to get through immigration , my fault , just me aware immigration can and does get busy
Ronald *********
OP@Rob *******
Does it matter what airport I fly into? And what is fast track I hear people talking about?Rob ********
@Ronald ********
only ever used Survanabhumi for international and others for internal flights so no immigration , never used fast track have seen it , you just pay extra think it’s AOT that organise it , sorry can’t really helpBrandon ************
If you enter Thailand before April 1st without a visa you will receive a 45 day stamp. You can extend this one time for 30 days at the local immigration office.
If you enter on April 1st or later, then you'll receive a 30 day stamp which you can extend one time for 30 days.
If you enter on April 1st or later, then you'll receive a 30 day stamp which you can extend one time for 30 days.
Ronald *********
OP@Brandon ***********
I have a question I’m hoping you can help me with. I noticed on site people writing about being denied airline boarding and/or Thailand entry without return ticket. If I’m using passport entry for 45 days, and intend to extend 30 days why would I buy a return ticket if I don’t know the return date yet? I’m assuming that extension needs to be approved, but can be denied. Also, if I buy a return ticket to reflect 45 days it’s a waste of money if extension is approved (as would be a return ticket projected out 75 days if extension denied). Please advise. Thank you.Brandon ************
@Ronald ********
because the law says you must be able to show proof of leaving Thailand within the days you'll be stamped in for. Extensions are not guaranteed. Immigration rarely asks only if they're looking for a reason to deny entry.
Much more often airlines require you to show the proof sinde they can get in trouble if you're denied entry.
Ronald *********
OP@Brandon ***********
thanks. I just mentioned the airport in case there was someplace there. I know nothing. Thanks again for clarifying and all your helpful information.Brandon ************
@Ronald ********
it doesn't matter where you fly into, it matters where you're staying. If you're staying in Bangkok then you'd go to IT Square Laksi for an extension of visa exempt.Ronald *********
OP@Brandon ***********
yea, the extensionBrandon ************
@Ronald ********
are you asking about your extension? I'm not quite sure what you're asking about because you mention your airport which has nothing to do with an extension.Ronald *********
OP@Brandon ***********
I knew more questions would arise. I’m flying into DM airport Bangkok. Is the immigration service center the place I go to? Do I need anything besides my passport? And what kind of reason/justification do I give? (Thinking about retiring there, etc?) thanks for your helpBrandon ************
@Ronald ********
most offices allow you to apply when you have 30 days left on your stamp. Some bigger offices like Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket allow you to apply when you have 45 days left, so if there you can go right away. A couple of offices (Koh Samui, Jomtien) want you to come in when you're on the last week of your stay.
Ronald *********
OP@Brandon ***********
you have been very helpful. I really appreciate it. Questions keep popping up. When I return to Thailand on the 45 day passport, when is it reasonable to apply for the extension?Ronald *********
OP@Brandon ***********
thank you for the tipBrandon ************
@Ronald ********
Google "onward travel ticket" and you can get proof of flight out of Thailand for $10-$15.Brandon ************
@Ronald ********
both Bangkok airports are about the same when it comes to immigration.Ronald *********
OP@Brandon ***********
oh, I had another question. Does it matter what airport in Bangkok I fly into?Ronald *********
OP@Brandon ***********
I’m not suggesting that you’re suggesting anything but I feel you might be saying it’s a good idea to have a return ticket corresponding with the 45 day and count the loss (price of ticket) if/when I get an extension? Is this what most people do?Roberto *********
@Luc ***********
Irrespective, you're giving out incorrect information by saying a decision hasn't been made yet, but it has. The 45 day concession ends on March 31. That decision has been made and it is what it is
Bob *******
@Roberto ********
apparently the Tourist Dept has asked for it to be extended until the end of the year.*********************************************************************************************************************
*****
38.htmlRoberto *********
@Bob ******
That was the TAT. They don't have much influence over the Royal Thai Police who don't want it extended. The point I was making is that at this stage it finishes on March 31, and there's been no further reports of any extension, so any advice must be based on what is known, not what is rumourRonald *********
OP@Brandon ***********
thank you for your help. How many times can I do this? Let’s say I stay for 45 days, extend for 30. How long do I have to leave for before coming back?
Jo **********
@Ronald ********
last year I did visa exempt runs 7 times over a 8 month period. Never once did they as me any questions. Each time I was out of the country for about 2 weeksRonald *********
OP@Jo *********
does that work? I have seen posts where people claim they won’t be allowed to board the planeJo **********
@Ronald ********
yes on several occasions. never been asked. about 50% i have an exit ticket and the other 50% of the time not. Just explain to them that you don’t know when you will returnRonald *********
OP@Jo *********
have you done the 45 day thing and extended? And I’m assuming you never had a exit ticket?Ronald *********
OP@Jo *********
I haven’t decided . Most likely air Asia or one of their affiliatesJo **********
@Ronald ********
i can tell you that in 20 years I have never been asked. my first question is what airline are you flying onRonald *********
OP@Jo *********
I have a question I’m hoping you can help me with. I noticed on site people writing about being denied airline boarding and/or Thailand entry without return ticket. If I’m using passport entry for 45 days, and intend to extend 30 days why would I buy a return ticket if I don’t know the return date yet? I’m assuming that extension needs to be approved, but can be denied. Also, if I buy a return ticket to reflect 45 days it’s a waste of money if extension is approved (as would be a return ticket projected out 75 days if extension denied). Please advise. Thank you.Brandon ************
@Ronald ********
you can enter Thailand using visa exempt at a land border 2 times per calendar year. There is no official limit by air. After 2-3 times you'll likely start being pulled aside at passport control and asked a lot of questions about what you're doing in Thailand and why you're trying to live here on a tourist visa. Eventually you'll be denied entry and sent packing.Ronald *********
OPThank you
Luc ************
@Brandon ***********
where did you hear or read that the 45 day exemption will change in 30 days after the 1st of April? Nothing decided yet and rumours say the 45 day will be extended until the end of the year.
Frank **********
@Luc ***********
exactly; just rumors.Roberto *********
@Luc ***********
The 45 day concession ends on March 31. There was a rumour that TAT wanted to extend until end of the year, but Royal Thai Police don't want it. So at this stage it's March 31Brandon ************
@Luc ***********
the law that temporarily increased it to 45 days ends March 31st. Therefore it will go back to 30 days. We don't give advice based on newspaper articles about proposals.
Jeff ********
@Luc ***********
are you offended by the truth? Grow up.Luc ************
Jeff Schott 🤡
Jeff ********
@Luc ***********
the "rumors" are that it will be extended to the end of the year. The LAW says it ends March 31. This is the reality.
John ********
@Luc ***********
go away with your rubbish attitudeLuc ************
@Roberto ********
that is not my point 🤷♂️Roberto *********
@Luc ***********
It's officially March 31. Check any embassy website. If people are looking for advice now, they should be given the advice which is correct at this time. ************************************************
Brandon ************
@Luc ***********
I'm telling the reality. The law ends on March 31st. As of today, it will revert to 30 days on April 1st. That is a FACT. It's much better to have people prepared for that than for them to make plans based on something that likely will not happen.Luc ************
@Brandon ***********
owkay but still nothing confirmed so dont tell people it will change again to 30 days. Tell them they have to wait until further notice.Activity
10 joined10
people
Related
25Can we re-enter Thailand multiple times on a tourist visa and how does that affect our stay?
2.5k22151y
Should I get a tourist visa for Thailand or try to extend upon arrival while planning for a long-term marriage visa?
1.6k13131y
What are the chances of getting denied a 30-day extension on a tourist visa in Thailand after multiple entries?
2.6k6212y
Can I extend my tourist visa in Thailand for 30 days then 60 days based on marriage?
3.8k32312y
What visa options do I have as an Australian citizen planning to stay in Thailand for 84 days?
1.3k983y
What are the visa options for Canadians traveling to Thailand for 2 months?
3k11553y
What type of visa do I need to apply for a marriage visa extension in Thailand after marrying a Thai citizen?
1.5k8183y
Do I need to provide TM30 for a 30-day extension after entering Thailand on a tourist visa?
1.3k7113y
Can I apply for a tourist visa while in Thailand, or do I need to do it from another country?
1.5k7173y
What are my options for staying longer in Thailand after multiple visa exemptions?
3.5k20464y
What are the current rules and options for extending a non-visa entry stamp and obtaining a Non-O visa in Thailand?
2.2k19114y
Can I convert a tourist visa to a marriage visa in Thailand after entering on a 30-day stamp?
2.7k15334y
What are the steps for transitioning from a Tourist visa to a Non-O spouse Visa in Thailand?
1.5k9175y
What should I do if I lost my immigration card while applying for a tourist visa extension in Thailand?
1.1k775y
Can my husband switch from a 15-day visa on arrival to a tourist visa in Thailand?
1.9k12205y
Can I apply for an early extension of my Non-Immigrant O visa based on marriage in Thailand?
541225y
How long before my marriage visa in Thailand expires should I go to extend it with the required 400,000 THB in the bank?
1.5k10116y
Can Indian tourists extend their visa for a longer stay in Thailand?
1.1k677y
How long can I extend my UK visa exemption in Thailand and do I need to show proof of onward travel?
1.6k11137y
What visa options are available for marrying a Thai national and living in Thailand after returning from the UK?
2.4k17198y
Do I need to apply for an extension on my tourist visa at the Thai embassy in the UK if I want to stay longer than 30 days?
2.8k25188y
How can I extend my Non-O visa based on marriage in Thailand with an Indian passport?
68248y
What are my options for extending my stay in Thailand after a 30-day visa extension?
824538y
Can I get a visa on Koh Samui if I want to stay longer than 30 days with a Belgian passport?
1.3k8119y
What are the rules for extending a tourist visa and visa exemption in Thailand?
3.2k29159y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served