Answered8 years ago

What is the current status of the visa on arrival or visa exempt entry for US passport holders entering Thailand from Mae Sai?

visa regulations Thailand immigration US passport visa exempt entry Mae Sai border visa on arrival

Tom ******

asked Dec 22, 2018

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I've done searches but can't seem to find anything recent that answers this question.

If I leave from Chiang Mai and get a visa on arrival from Mae Sai (I've had two METV's so far), do I get a 30 day visa on arrival or 15 day? There is so much conflicting information because it looks like it changed to 15 and then went back to 30 but I want to reconfirm.

Answer summary

There is some confusion regarding the visa status for US passport holders entering Thailand from the Mae Sai border. As of now, US citizens receive a 30-day visa exempt entry when crossing the border from Myanmar, not a visa on arrival. However, there is a limitation that you can only obtain two 30-day visa exempt entries by land within each calendar year (January 1 - December 31). It’s important to check recent updates regarding immigration rules, as they can change frequently.

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Tod *********

@Tom *****

You will have NO problem at all border bouncing at the Mae Sai - Tachiliek border with Myanmar

It cost 500 baht to get stamped in and out of Myanmar, and you'll get a 30 day visa exempt entry stamp when you stamp back into Thailand.

You can also extend that 30 day visa exempt entry by another 30 days at the immigration office for 1900baht.

Good Luck (y)

8 years ago

Tom ******

You have been extremely helpful, thanks everyone <3 Just wanted to double check.

8 years ago

Tod *********

you would get a 30 day visa exempt entry comin' into the country on a US passport without having bought a visa from a thai consulate. You would get 30 days by air or land.

BUT

Since Dec 31st, 2016 they have a rule that says you can ONLY get TWO 30 day visa exempt entries by land in a calendar year (Jan 1 - Dec 31).

The BIG question is;

Have you made TWO 30 day visa exempt entries by land yet this year or not?

8 years ago

Tom ******

Nope. I've made zero! I have only even done METV and SETV since moving here and have never used one visa exemption :)

Thanks so much for the help.

8 years ago

Tod *********

OKay, you CANNOT get a "visa on arrival" holding a US passport

8 years ago

Tom ******

Sorry, US passport and in Jan 2019

8 years ago

Duncan *******

As an American you don't get a visa on arrival but a visa exempt entry and it's 30 days. For someone who describes themselves as a "Best Selling Author" you clearly lack basic Google skills.

8 years ago

Tom ******

That is adorable.

As Jay said, it is everchanging and different blogs are out dated. There are often times that I have seen immigration crack down bubbles in short bursts of time where people were denied or even given as little as 7 days without warning. So as Jay stated, it is good to check here, too.

Next time you want to check through my profile just to look for an insult, you might want to come up with something better than "Google it," you bogan inbred swine.

8 years ago

Worth *******

Jokes aside, Thai visa law implementations change day to day. Always best to ask instead of Google. Too much blog spam with old info in the results.

8 years ago

James ********

Have you two border entry crossings already this year? When are you planning to make the run ? This year or next ?

8 years ago