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What is the process for extending a tourist visa in Thailand and how many times can I re-enter on a tourist stamp?

Tourist VisaVisa ExtensionThailand ImmigrationBorder RunVisa RulesNon-O VisaDTV VisaVisa Exempt Stamp
Aug 17, 2024
4 months ago
AmberLee ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
OK, please help… Correct me if I’m wrong

And let me know what happens next ??

So I enter Thailand, they give me a tourist visa for 60 days and then I have to extend it for 30 more… before those 60 days are up… costing me € 1900..\

This is where I get confused…?

From what I have read, I understand that I could do some kind of border run and coming back into Thailand I can get another 60 days and then extend that 30 more days. ??? For a second time… how many times can I do the 60/30 extension? 

At the end of the two 90 day periods … what happens??? do I just apply for an extension after doing a border crossing every 30 days or can they give me another tourist visa???…

Your guises input is very much appreciated. Thank you. !!!AW!!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
When entering Thailand, travelers typically receive a 60-day visa exempt stamp. This can be extended once for an additional 30 days at an immigration office for a fee of 1,900 baht. Travelers can then perform a 'border run' to re-enter Thailand, receiving another 60-day stamp followed by another 30-day extension. While there is no official limit on how many times this can be done, immigration officers may question frequent entries and could deny future entry if they suspect misuse of the visa rules. For longer stays, alternatives such as the DTV visa or METV visa are recommended.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Keith *******
I agree with some of the comments with regards to individuL immigration officers however I was told the maximum was two times then you had to return to the country of origin. Of course being Thailand that rule may have changed.
4 months ago
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Henrik *****
It can depend on if you asked before or after 15. july 2024.

If before, you may get another answer now.
4 months ago
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Henrik *****
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Marc ********
You can do it as long as an immigration officer will say enough is enough
4 months ago
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Bob *********
From what ive tried to research before the 60 day came in you could go in for 30days 3 times in any 6 mth period...now im unsure if that is still the case but i feel sure with the new 60 entry even if you extend another 30 each time you can only entry that way 2 times in any one year period
4 months ago
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AmberLee ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob ********
Thanks for your input!!
4 months ago
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AmberLee ***************
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Andy **********
Sounds like you would be better off getting a long term visa, you will get refused at the border at some point, have a look at an METV visa, you can get 8 or 9 months out of it with a couple of border bounces, or the new DTV visa, that is a similar visa but it's 5 years.
4 months ago
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AmberLee ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andy *********
 do you have any idea what qualifies as medical treatment for the DTV?
4 months ago
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Andy **********
@AmberLee **************
 it is still a very new visa, and a lot of the details are very unclear, people are suggesting you contact the embassy/consulate, that you will apply at, with more specific questions about what is acceptable, and what isn't, they seem to be making up there own rules, on specific time lengths for treatment or courses to qualify.
4 months ago
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Andi ***********
@AmberLee **************
 It depends on the embassy. Some, one appointment is enough, others require a treatment plan over months. Check with the embassy you will apply from,
4 months ago
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Andi ***********
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Nigel **************
1900 baht not Euros
4 months ago
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David ***********
I have been warned that if you try it several times you may be deemed to be not a tourist and denied entry.
4 months ago
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Nigel **************
@David **********
 yes u could. It happened to me last trip. Told staying for 5 months is not a tourist. Told to get a long term visa.
4 months ago
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David ***********
@Nigel *************
 Yes. Some may be lucky but it's a lottery. Hope you got to come back in with a long term visa. Quite a process but worth it.
4 months ago
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Nigel **************
@David **********
 will be back in Nov
4 months ago
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Nigel **************
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Conny **********
First it's 1.900 THB for immigration
4 months ago
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Ar *******
What if you enter with 60 tourist visa but your return or onward flight is not in 60 days ? And you wish to keep extending Will immigration or airline ask to see a return flight which could be 6 to 8 months away ? Is it risky ?
4 months ago
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Graham ******
@Ar ******
 This is why you are advised to ask your airline what their policy is for onward travel for Visa Exempt or Tourist Visa entries. It is the airlines that normally ask not Immigration.
4 months ago
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Kace *******
@Graham *****
 you might get a bus ticket to cambodia
4 months ago
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Graham ******
@Kace ******
 and the airline might not accept that if you don't ask
4 months ago
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Graham ******
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Ar *******
@Graham *****
 thanks for that advice, we fly Qatar airlines from uk so I’ll ask them .
4 months ago
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Ar *******
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Matteo ***********
What happens if they deny you to enter the country if you keep doing that. Twice is enough
4 months ago
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Henrik *****
Most often the Immigration Officers will warn you, that this entry is the last one, but next time you will be denied entry, they then put a marking in their computer system that you have been warned.

Then you the 60 days to figure out what to do then.
4 months ago
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Graham ******
@Matteo **********
 your airline may be required to return you to your point of origin
4 months ago
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Todd *********
@Matteo **********
 you go to another country
4 months ago
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Matteo ***********
@Todd ********
 That sounds great
4 months ago
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Matteo ***********
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Robert *****
Actually the 60 day exempt plus 1900 baht 30 days extra (at the immigration office) TWICE gives me 6 months. I live in Los Angeles half and Bangkok half but just under 6 months In Bangkok because Americans lose Medicare part D medical coverage if out more than 6 months. So my Thai wife (married 16 years) holds down the fort in Bangkok with occasional trips to Los Angeles (she’s a US citizen as well) I could get a Thai marriage visa but they require 400,000 baht parked in a Thai bank. This new DTV Visa is something to consider because the 500,000 equivalent can be in your local bank in your home country.
4 months ago
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Donna *****
@Robert ****
 got it !so 500K baths = around $15 K.

Can IRA investments count towards 500K baths?

You also mentioned Medicare D. So Medicare A&B remains intact? Do I need to report trip to Medicare??assuming they won’t cover potential expenses / hospital and office visits/As far as Medicare D am I allowed to bring my meds with me for 6 months? /3 RX and supplements over the counter?

Health Insurance? Any recommendations?? Could be purchased in US or needs to be from Thailand Institution?

Just got IDPermit from AAA.

Is ok for a year. Do I need to present it along with application for DTV visa?

Also do I need to have returned flight booked?

Consider Qatar airlines. .Do u have info if they flexible in open return tickets or ok with rescheduling with no extra fee?

Own house in US . Do they require any paper work to prove it?🙏🙏🙏🙏

,
4 months ago
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Robert *****
@Donna ****
 …The DTV visa requires 500,000 baht or equivalent in your home USA bank. Certainly a IRA balance in your account would qualify.

I was told about Medicare part D when I call my health care provider SCAN here in California but nobody mentioned part A or B but I’ll advise you to call your own provider. The reason I called them was to stock up on my medication for at least 3 months because one month won’t work..lol. And the girl approved it but did mention the 6 month thing. (I later found out that the exact medication was available in Thailand. I’ll remind you that Thailand sells everything over the counter and no prescription is needed. For anything. My medication is $430 USD per month. Same medication in Thailand is $64 ….same label same everything because most are made in India and no middleman, doctor prescription, healthcare provider cut, big mark ups. Like the reason people drive to Canada.) so I get 3 months and my daughter just drives by my drugstore here in Los Angeles and picks up the rest and saves it for me. I really wouldn’t tell Medicare anything about leaving anywhere. They don’t know. Why open that issue? If anyone asks you’re on vacation….555

You won’t have a problem with medication in your carry on. My medication are in a bottle that has the prescription on the label. They aren’t nosy and maybe 18 trips over the decades nobody has looked in my carry on little suitcase.

I am not a fan of Thai health insurance. Heath care isn’t expensive so I am prepared to pay. I inquired once and they said I’am too old and any insurance would NOT COVER PREEXISTING CONDITION S. So don’t waste your money honey.

On the return flight issue again I’ve never been asked and the dates would never match anyway because my departure would always be after the 60 day on arrival and wouldn’t match my planned departure date after a visit to immigration for an additional 30.

(90 days) advice I’ve read here is too ask your airline. I’ve heard others say buy a bus ticket to Cambodia or Lao for cheap and present that to anyone that asks. IF Qatar asks about a return just say you plan to exit for Cambodia on a tour. Bla bla

No need to mention you assets or house ownership to anyone.

I do recommend you get on your home area Thai embassy website and you’ll see the requirements for the DTV visa.

Good luck and come over for a margarita when you hit Bangkok…🙏
4 months ago
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Donna *****
@Robert ****
 absolutely 👍👍great idea. Looks like margaritas are spreading all over !!!😂😂

I might think about jump to Bangkok in a mid of my trip for a couple of days to visit center city. Any recommendations for hotels in a heart of the City with the view?Is it better to book from US or once in Thiland?
4 months ago
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Robert *****
@Donna ****
 wife and I have a condo close to fashion island mall. I don’t know much about hotels but we did use AGODA DOT COM and probably book before you leave the USA. We used to book a couple days at least and move around. Write the address on a piece of paper and hand it to the cab driver just outside the exit at the airport. When you get into the cab make sure the meter is in and it says 180 baht. No meter, no ride because most are honest but some pull a high price to tourists.

BTW. on the way out exchange a $100 bill for baht in small 100 baht notes and some 50 baht notes for cab, etc. you’ll find better exchange rates around town or a bank. Bring your travel money in clean crisp $100 bills. They dislike smaller bills.
4 months ago
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Donna *****
@Robert ****
 🙏🙏for all your advices. Diving on all Expats in Thailand comments and responds feels like mountain of essays long river !!

Best ,stay healthy
4 months ago
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Robert *****
For identification just a passport. I don’t know what a AAA ID is.
4 months ago
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Robert *****
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Aaron ******
You can do it until the officer you get decides you are breaking the “rules”.

Normally when they think you are living in Thailand, especially if they suspect illegal work.

That could be as soon as the 2nd (possibly even first) and could be years and years in a row. That would be rare without “help” for border runs but technically possible.

The officer you speak to along with their supervisors can do whatever they think is right. Most will be warned not outright denied entry first.

TLDR: you realistically can’t live on visa except entries unless you have “help” with border runs.

If you plan to stay beyond 6 months a year it makes sense to look better visa options. The new DTV is perfect for many who want this but lack the funds or desire to pay for the elite/prestige.
4 months ago
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Jan ******************
If you maximise two visa exemptions and stay for 180 day, you might do a third one as well but at one point they will tell you to get a proper visa as you’re abusing tourist solutions for long stays in Thailand.
4 months ago
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John **********
They don't give you a tourist visa. If you want a tourist visa you have to apply for one before you travel. Certain countries can enter visa exempt for tourism purposes but that's not a visa, just a stamp in your passport. All tourist entries can be extended by 30 days then you must leave. Whether or not you can turn round and re-enter will be up to the immigration officer you stand in front of
4 months ago
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Pete *******
You don’t get a tourist visa, you get a 60 day visa exempt stamp. This can be extended 30 days for 1900 baht not euro. You can exit and re-enter Thailand and get another 60 day visa exempt stamp which can be extended for another 30 days for 1900 baht. You can continue doing this until an immigration officer stops you and says you can’t.
4 months ago
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Ivan ************
There's no specific limit to how long you can keep leaving and coming back for another 60+30. But after a certain point (probably the third time you do it) immigration will probably question you over whether you are a legitimate tourist and may deny you entry. Or they may not, it's up to their discretion.

Up until recently they were quite strict but there has been a definite loosening of visa policy to promote the economy, so maybe they will be less strict on this going forward.

If you want to stay long term look at visas like the new DTV which gives you five years of unlimited 180 days entries.
4 months ago
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Stuart *********
Assuming you’re from a visa exempt country you don’t get a visa on arrival. You get a free entry stamp for 60 days. You can extend that once for 30 days at a local immigration office.

You can leave and return for another 60 days stamp and another extension if you want.

How many times you can do this is unknown. You may get away with 2,3 or 10.

Entry in to Thailand is at the discretion of the immigration officer you hand your passport to. No one can tell you whether they’ll accept your entry or not.
4 months ago
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Tom *******
Hi
@Stuart ********
 .. every time I visit Thailand .. about once and sometimes twice per year, I am usually not asked to show that my return flight is already booked. Do you know if that is a requirement now that the typical 30 day stamp has changed to a 60 day stamp?
4 months ago
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Stuart *********
@Tom ******
 yes for any country that was allowed a 30 day visa exempt they (plus some more now) it’s now a 60 day free entry stamp.
4 months ago
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Tom *******
@Stuart ********
 I get that .. IMMIGRATION has never asked me to show proof of a return flight .. ✈️.. that is what I was asking
4 months ago
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Damo ***********
@Tom ******
 why dont you start your own thread? This is someone else’s post you are totally hi-jacking 🤡
4 months ago
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Tom *******
@Damo **********
 sorry .. have a great weekend
4 months ago
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Stuart *********
@Tom ******
 Immigration will very rarely ask for an onward ticket out of Thailand. They could. But it’s rare that they would. If you have had an extensive history of previous entries then they could ask as a method of denying you entry. A typical tourist would never be asked.
4 months ago
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Kito ************
@Stuart ********
If flight into BKK with 1-way ticket.

Instead of return flight ticket, would a forward ticket to another country work?

Does it matter if the ticket out is by air or land?
4 months ago
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Brandon ************
@Kito ***********
 It doesn't have to be a return ticket. Just onward travel out of Thailand. Since it's normally the airline that asks, you need to check with your airline what they require. Some will only accept a plane ticket, some will accept other things.
4 months ago
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Tom *******
@Stuart ********
 ok .. cool that has been my experience as well after 6 trips to The Kingdom over the last 3 years.. was thinking with the change .. anything is possible. So far, sadly .. I have ALWAYS had a return ticket! 😩🤣😂
4 months ago
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MD *******
@Tom ******
 $12 is cost for an outward ticket at bestonwardticket.com that is in your name -- and good for a period of time that you choose. My friend did arrive in BKK and immigration had a trainee at the desk who did ask him about onward travel bcs he arrived on one way ticket. He is professional and was last in Thailand 3 years ago. He simply showed his booking -- from website given. It is authentic ticket that is later canceled by that agency.
4 months ago
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John *******
@Tom ******
 - They are “selective” in who they ask. You are more likely to be asked my the airline though, as they are left with the bill of returning you, if in the unlikely case immigration denies you entry because you don’t have a return ticket.
4 months ago
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Billy ******
@John ******
 correct, it’s usually the airline, although I was asked last year, and the passport control didn’t even look when I went to produce my ticket.
4 months ago
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Billy ******
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Billy ******
@Stuart ********
 this is the correct answer, no one knows how many times you can re enter, but I guess if immigration suspect anyone is using this method to live in Thailand, they will refuse a further visa.
4 months ago
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Todd *********
@Stuart ********
 has the most realistic answer here by a good margin
4 months ago
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Todd *********
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