Answered7 months ago
What happens if I leave Thailand during my 60-day visa exemption and return immediately?
Not technically a Visa question it's more of a question about entry into Thailand. I have a US passport, and right now we have a 60 day stay visa exemption (unless it changes again soon). I want to know if during my 60 day stay what happens if I decide to visit Vietnam or another country in ASEAN and immediately return to Thailand. Do I ask immigration for a reentry permit or would I start my visa exemption status all over again effective with the newest day of entry into the Kingdom?
Answer summary
If you hold a US passport and enter Thailand under a 60-day visa exemption, you can leave Thailand to visit another country (like Vietnam) and return without needing a reentry permit. Upon your return, you will receive another 60-day visa exemption stamp, effectively resetting your stay. However, it's advised to spend a few nights abroad to avoid issues with immigration officers who may view immediate return as a visa run. Keep in mind that your entry decisions are at the discretion of the immigration officer, based on your travel history.
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Jonathan **********
According to Thai immigration you are allowed only 2 visa waivers in a year. That year is not the calendar year, but 12 months since your last visa waivers.
Paul ********
Had to get a rentry permit to go to Laos, my Thai Visa did not reset, I'm a New Zealand Citizen and passport holder. We only get 30 days visa free in Thailand. The time I spent in Laos came off my Thai visa. Might be different for other passport holders
Stuart *********
You didn’t enter on a visa exempt 60 days if you had to get a re-entry permit. You probably had some other form of visa.
NZ passport holders would get 60 days visa exempt.
NZ passport holders would get 60 days visa exempt.
Lynnette *******
Paul Wilson NZ get 60 days without a visa.
Jack ********
Paul Wilson 60 days visa exempt.
Why did you get a reentry permit son?
Why did you get a reentry permit son?
John **********
It will all depend on your history in Thailand. If you haven't been here for some time, as in a year or two, it will be fine.
Richard *********
OPThanks to everyone for your valuable advice and your thoughts. I might just have my Thai friend meet me in one of the other ASEAN countries first, then I can travel to Thailand and stay two months without worry. Thanks again
Todd *********
Richard Collins you have no worries at all. In your case, Each time you enter gets a new 60 days.
Adventuro**********
Only thing I would add. Be sure to stay in Vietnam... for a few nights, so you don't look like you're doing a visa run, to extend your stay in Thailand. Thailand has been cracking down on visa runs.
Adventuro**********
True. But it usually doesn't make sense to travel to another country and come back a few hours later.
Elías ********
AdventurousTiger697 yes but if the person stays let's say 10 days only and then to go another country and comes back, it's hardly a visa run in the sense that he's not maxing out the 60 days nor near that.
Dave *******
Any decision of entry is solely the decision of the Immigration officer. Their decision is based on your travel history and whether they consider you a tourist or not
Assuming you don’t have a history of taking advantage of visa exempt , you should be fine. Saying that be cautious of traveling to another country and immediately returning to Thailand. Are you using that process to extend your time in Thailand versus getting a correct visa?
Assuming you don’t have a history of taking advantage of visa exempt , you should be fine. Saying that be cautious of traveling to another country and immediately returning to Thailand. Are you using that process to extend your time in Thailand versus getting a correct visa?
Colin **********
Visa exempt means no visa, re-entry permits are for visa. So if you leave and return you come in on a new visa exempt.
JuppieTony *******
You have to redo the TDAC.
Graeme *******
Why came for holiday then leave and return
Frances ********
Because people want to visit the whole region but buy round trip air ticket in and out of BKK. At least that’s what we’ve done for years.
James ********
Graeme Drake OH dear , surley you are having a wind up. No one could write such a nonsensical post ...really.
Graeme *******
James Grundy just asking. Looks like a visa run to me.
Thaimer ******
Graeme Drake it’s forbidden to visit more than 1 country on your vacation?
Lynnette *******
Visa exempt entry is only for entry. You can't get a re-entry permit on it. Just return and you'll get another 60 days.
Graeme *******
Lynnette Munoz so encouraging visa runs.
Todd *********
Graeme Drake why not. They work as intended
Lynnette *******
Graeme Drake Not encouraging visa runs.. Don't be ridiculous. Read his question! He is going to Vietnam for a trip and wants to know about his return back to Thailand.
Graeme *******
Lynnette Munoz yep in for 60 days out for a time, maybe, back into Thailand.
Graham ******
Lynnette Munoz so is a visa ;)
Lynnette *******
Graham Seal he's asking about his visa exempt. He can't get a re-entry permit on it, but if that's wrong you'll have to let him know.
Alex ********
You get a new 60 day stamp when you arrive back in Thailand.
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