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What potential issues should I be aware of when traveling to Thailand multiple times with a EU passport on visa exemptions?

Mar 16, 2025
17 days ago
Pedro *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I have a EU passport and have visited Thailand every year since 2018 (except 2020 and 2021). Staying always 2 months. Used the 30-day visa exemption and the 30 day extension. In 2024 the 60- day exemption was enough.

This year I plan exceptionally to come twice, 2 month May- July returning to Europe for 3 weeks and then again near 3 months planning the 60 day exemption plus the 30 day extension. Always with a 2 way returning trip booked. I never imagined i could have a problem doing this, but by what i have been reading here....

Assuming the first trip will be peaceful, my question is about the problems i might find in the second (August-November).

1- When i try to get the one month extension i may be denied ?

2- Emirates (or another fly company) may denie my boarding saying i am returning in 3 months but my visa exemption just works for 2 months ?

If you feel there would be problems i would be grateful for some suggestions.

Theoretically i can try to get a DTV Visa but i was not expecting it would be necessary.

Thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user, holding an EU passport, inquires about potential issues he might face while trying to extend his stay in Thailand during two visits planned for 2024. He has previously used the 30-day visa exemption and a 30-day extension and is now considering a 60-day exemption followed by a 30-day extension for his second visit. Community comments suggest that he is likely to encounter no issues with the extensions as long as he follows proper protocols, such as securing a return ticket and ensuring his visits do not imply long-term residency.
Robert ********
If I got it right, you won’t have any problem.

First stay will be 60 days, second with extension.

That doesn’t look like you try to stay long term bc of the missing extension on the first stay. And I haven’t heard of ppl having problems with 2 extended stays. Only at the third entry after a short stay outside.

And if you’re staying as a tourist anyway, you can go to another province if the first try is denied.
Steve *******
No problem entering Thailand, Emirates will most likely want to see onward travel within 60 days of your visa exemption stay, they always have from LHR even with a visa.
Bob **********
If they stamp you in for 60 days then there wouldn’t be a problem extending for 30 more but after that I would expect to get denied
Nongnuch ********
@Bob *********
he has a good chance to be allowed a second visa-exempt entry after NOT having maxxed out the first one with a 30-days extension. However, it depends on the mood and the discretion of the border official
Bob **********
@Nongnuch *******
yes his second should be fine since he didn’t extend his first one
Nongnuch ********
Emirates and Thai Airways explicitly allow a (proved) return flight within 90 days after entering visa-exempt and getting stamped in for 60 days. Emirates has posted this information on their website. You should find it and make a screenshot
Paul *******
If you get the 60 day visa exempt stamp and extend by a further 30 days at the Immigration office, Immigration class you as a tourist. If you then attempt to enter again on a visa exempt stamp, Immigration rightly consider that after on 90 day stay in the country that you are no longer a tourist but that you are attempting to live long term in the country. While there is no legal limit to the number of Visa exempt entries, once the Immigration officer believes that you are no longer visiting the country as a tourist he will deny you entry. If you have already stayed for 90 days on a visa exempt entry, then in future to guarantee entry into Thailand, you need to obtain a long term visa suitable to the reason for your stay.
Pedro *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ******
My first stay will be around 60ndays without extension. The eventual problem is im my second trip ( August-November), when i need the 30 days extension....
David *********
@Pedro ******
I have basically lived in Thailand for the past 15 months except for 3 times I went back to America for around 30 days. I've never had a problem with Visa on arrival or getting a 30 day extension. I have always stayed within the rules including doing a border bounce when needed. I just got married to a wonderful Thai woman so now I'm working on a marriage Visa

If you need any more info DM me and I will try and help
Nongnuch ********
@Pedro ******
you have a fairly good chance to be accepted visa-exempt for a second time, since you won't have maxxed out your first visa-exempt stay. However nobody can give you any warranty on this. It is up to the discretion of the Immigration officer you are standing in front of. On your second visa-exempt entry, make sure you got the THREE proofs: a booked accomodation, a flight out of Thailand within 60 days and 20,000 THB or equivalent in cash
Stuart *********
1. There will be no problem getting the 30 day extension.

2. You may need a return/onward ticket to satisfy emirates their call on that one.
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