Answered5 months ago
What should I do to ensure smooth transit through Thailand to Vietnam after my recent long stay?
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In 2025, I have entered Thailand by air, stayed 60 days via visa exception, went to Laos for one day and re-entered Thailand for an additional 60 days stay. Then I got a 30 days extension and left Thailand in December.
Now I plan to fly through Thailand to Vietnam, and pretty much all flights require a self transfer in Bangkok Airport, where I have to enter Thailand, pick up my baggage, check in for the other flight and exit Thailand again.
I worry that the immigration might not let me in, even though I am just staying one or two hours, as I have stayed 150 days in the last 12 months already.
What is the best way to avoid any issues, should I get a tourist visa for Thailand or pay 2000 thb for the VIP entry services (never tried it, does it work?)?
Now I plan to fly through Thailand to Vietnam, and pretty much all flights require a self transfer in Bangkok Airport, where I have to enter Thailand, pick up my baggage, check in for the other flight and exit Thailand again.
I worry that the immigration might not let me in, even though I am just staying one or two hours, as I have stayed 150 days in the last 12 months already.
What is the best way to avoid any issues, should I get a tourist visa for Thailand or pay 2000 thb for the VIP entry services (never tried it, does it work?)?
Answer summary
The user is concerned about their impending transit through Thailand to Vietnam, given their recent long stay in Thailand and the immigration scrutiny they might face. They have questions about whether to obtain a tourist visa or if services like VIP entry could facilitate their transit. Multiple comments suggest that as long as the user has a valid onward ticket and completes the necessary immigration procedures, they should be permitted entry even for a short transit, and they can fill out the TDAC (Traveler Declaration Form) for clarity.
78 repliesnewest first
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Anton *******************
Just fill in your TDAC with your return details and flights and explain all to the immigration official as transit passenger …you not visiting Thailand but only transiting between flights
Gordon *********
When you fill in the TDAC it will show your departure date and shouldn't be a problem.
Daniel ********
You not going through emigration because you have a connection flight. No problem
Alexander *********
OPDaniel Hamman I do pass the immigration, I am self transferring.
oxley******
Much tighter views in 2026, if you tried this again i would think you put yourself at risk of being refused entry at border after multiple border ru d.
Alexander *********
OPoxleystreet I didn't do multiple border runs, but only one to Laos in 2025.
Osian ********
As long as you got that onward flight there is no way they're going to refuse entry
Alexander *********
OPOsian Ledger I hope so.
Sadaf **********
Alexander Merdeka maybe also show proof of job or work or something important tying you to your destination outbound. I think that's going to be key
Sadaf **********
Alexander Merdeka that's your best ammo. Also print all your prepaid hotel or what ever proof you have to justify your must and will exit
Dca *****
Alexander Merdeka Did not know (and I forgot to ask), but since you have a Kazakhstan Passport, then that is different as Kazakhstan and Thailand have a Bilateral Visa Exemption Agreement ( ผผ.30 )
For those countries with Bilateral Visa Exemption Agreements, particularly, Kazakhstan, then no need for a Thai Transit E–Visa, since Transit is specifically stated in the Bilateral Agreement
For those countries with Bilateral Visa Exemption Agreements, particularly, Kazakhstan, then no need for a Thai Transit E–Visa, since Transit is specifically stated in the Bilateral Agreement
Alexander *********
OPDca Dca I don't have a Kazahkstan passport, I have an EU passport, just doing a tour though the Caucasus before heading back to Asia from Kazahkstan.
Dca *****
Alexander Merdeka Well, all countries do differentiate between whether they are an EU or Schengen Area member countries
Now, going forward, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Malta, as they are both EU + Schengen will now NEED a Thai E–Visa beforehand in order to be able to travel to and make Entry into Thailand
Also, Cyprus is not yet a full Schengen member country, but an EU member country also Needs a Thai E–Visa beforehand
Each EU member country has their own specific visa policy and all countries have specific policies whether EU, Schengen, or otherwise
Now, going forward, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Malta, as they are both EU + Schengen will now NEED a Thai E–Visa beforehand in order to be able to travel to and make Entry into Thailand
Also, Cyprus is not yet a full Schengen member country, but an EU member country also Needs a Thai E–Visa beforehand
Each EU member country has their own specific visa policy and all countries have specific policies whether EU, Schengen, or otherwise
Andrew ********
In transit so you won't be leaving the restricted area no problem
Clive ***********
You can connect to your flights in BKK international terminal without passing through immigration(hopefully); have done this in Istanbul and London.
Richard ***********
Transit visa
Eileen ***********
pack less than 7 kg. no collect baggage!
Eileen ***********
Alexander Merdeka it’s just faster and you get first in line at immigration in front of your whole plane
Alexander *********
OPEileen Stelladog That's not really a problem for me, the issue is the immigration.
Osian ********
Eileen Stelladog he's still gotta clear immigration to go to check-in desk to board his onward flight to Vietnam, luggage has nothing to do with it 🤣
James **********
Osian Ledger with only carry on bags he can remain in the connecting flights secure area and avoid immigration and customs.
ExcitingA**********
Eileen Stelladog Huh? You don't understand his question. Immigration and luggage are 2 different things..
Or you think that with only 7kg luggage that you can enter Thailand 356 days a year without visa?
Or you think that with only 7kg luggage that you can enter Thailand 356 days a year without visa?
Cliff *********
Why not use the same airline going through to Vietnam or just don’t bring luggage?
Alexander *********
OPCliff Sussman The airline doesn't fly till Vietnam, I have to switch in Bangkok to another one.
Richard ********
No problem it was last year and you have a onward ticket
Alexander *********
OPRichard Safran but they count the last 12 months.
MagentaCra**********
Why not stop abusing the visa system
Michael ********
MagentaCranberry3002 just how is he doing that?
Alexander *********
OPMagentaCranberry3002 I don't abuse anything, I have been doing touristy things in TH only, no work. I don't even want o stay in Thailand this time, but I need to pass it on the way to VN.
John **********
It's what a transit visa is designed for
Todd ********
Yup you are not the typical tourist, without any visas basically you are living in Thailand so expect scrutiny. 🧐
Alexander *********
OPTodd Capron I want just to switch the planes, not stay in TH at all.
Phil ******
Alexander Merdeka there's direct flights mate.....
laos to vietnam by air
+3
Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Laos to Vietnam. Direct flights connect major cities in both countries, with an average flight time of just 1 to 2 hours. Fares typically range from
to
round-trip, depending on the season and route.
Booking.com
+3
Popular Direct Routes & Airlines
Vientiane (VTE) to Hanoi (HAN): Operated by Vietnam Airlines and Lao Airlines. Flight time is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Luang Prabang (LPQ) to Hanoi (HAN): Operated by Vietnam Airlines and Lao Airlines. Flight time is about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Vientiane (VTE) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN): Frequently serviced by airlines like VietJet Air. Flight time is roughly 2 hours.
Booking.com
+3
laos to vietnam by air
+3
Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Laos to Vietnam. Direct flights connect major cities in both countries, with an average flight time of just 1 to 2 hours. Fares typically range from
to
round-trip, depending on the season and route.
Booking.com
+3
Popular Direct Routes & Airlines
Vientiane (VTE) to Hanoi (HAN): Operated by Vietnam Airlines and Lao Airlines. Flight time is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Luang Prabang (LPQ) to Hanoi (HAN): Operated by Vietnam Airlines and Lao Airlines. Flight time is about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Vientiane (VTE) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN): Frequently serviced by airlines like VietJet Air. Flight time is roughly 2 hours.
Booking.com
+3
Alexander *********
OPPhil Beer I ain't flying from Laos, I am flying from Astana.
Phil ******
Alexander Merdeka ok....there's still direct flights.
Direct flights from Astana (NQZ) to Vietnam are primarily offered to Nha Trang (CXR) and Phu Quoc (PQC). These nonstop services are operated seasonally or year-round by carriers like Air Astana and VietJet Air, making the coastal resort cities easily accessible from Kazakhstan.
chartershop.eu
+4
Key Flight Routes and Details
Route Airlines Frequency / Details
Astana (NQZ) to Nha Trang (CXR) Air Astana, VietJet Air Operates 3 times a week. Flight time is typically around 8 hours.
Astana (NQZ) to Phu Quoc (PQC) Air Astana Operates 1 time a week (average flight time: ~8 hours and 10 minutes).
Helpful Travel Tips
Aircraft: Direct flights are typically operated using modern long-haul aircraft like the Airbus A321neo LR.
Visas: Citizens of Kazakhstan can enjoy a stay in Vietnam for up to 30 days without a visa.
Booking: You can view schedules, compare prices, or book tickets directly through the Air Astana or VietJet Air websites.
Air Astana
+2
If you are looking to travel to other popular Vietnamese hubs like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, you will generally need to book a connecting flight. Common layover hubs include Almaty, Guangzhou, or Bangkok.
Would you like to provide the exact dates or passenger count so I can help you find up-to-date availability and current pricing?
Direct flights from Astana (NQZ) to Vietnam are primarily offered to Nha Trang (CXR) and Phu Quoc (PQC). These nonstop services are operated seasonally or year-round by carriers like Air Astana and VietJet Air, making the coastal resort cities easily accessible from Kazakhstan.
chartershop.eu
+4
Key Flight Routes and Details
Route Airlines Frequency / Details
Astana (NQZ) to Nha Trang (CXR) Air Astana, VietJet Air Operates 3 times a week. Flight time is typically around 8 hours.
Astana (NQZ) to Phu Quoc (PQC) Air Astana Operates 1 time a week (average flight time: ~8 hours and 10 minutes).
Helpful Travel Tips
Aircraft: Direct flights are typically operated using modern long-haul aircraft like the Airbus A321neo LR.
Visas: Citizens of Kazakhstan can enjoy a stay in Vietnam for up to 30 days without a visa.
Booking: You can view schedules, compare prices, or book tickets directly through the Air Astana or VietJet Air websites.
Air Astana
+2
If you are looking to travel to other popular Vietnamese hubs like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, you will generally need to book a connecting flight. Common layover hubs include Almaty, Guangzhou, or Bangkok.
Would you like to provide the exact dates or passenger count so I can help you find up-to-date availability and current pricing?
Flemming ****
Travelled through Thailand to others countries for 40 years, and I have never had to enter Thailand, when going to another country….
Doug ********
I was going to do this via Shanghai when it looked like my flight via Doha was going to be cancelled because of the Iran war situation. Luckily I got transferred onto a BA flight via Hong Kong the day before. Inner someone recently though who did this via Shanghai and missed the connection due to late arrival from London. I think I would Only do this with at least 12 hours between flights ,is a long time ,I would risk it if I I knew the second flight is cheap and could rebook if necessary and still save a decent amount of money, otherwise I would stick to single booking format. Good luck
Doug ********
Flemming Nothen you have never had to collect your bags you have been in a single ticket where the airline do it for you and you just go to departures without entering Thailand. This man has two separate flights ,booked separate so he HAS to get his bags and therefore he HAS to enter Thailand
Flemming ****
Doug Powell Still a joke…
Doug ********
Flemming No..your a joke
Bern ******
Yes you have to go through immigration after getting your luggage before checking into your next flight. We also stayed the 60 days & traveled through a couple countries before coming back to Bangkok to transfer. We just showed our flight out in the next couple hours & no problem.
Shane ***********
You are only transiting through the airport. You do not go through immigration
Alexander *********
OPShane Kinneally I have to pass immigration to pick up my luggage and check in with the other airline.
Shane ***********
Alexander Merdeka good for you champ, any issues?
Ralph *******
Shane Kinneally He’s already said he is entering the country. He has a ‘self transfer’. This requires you to collect your bags then check in for your next flight.
Shane ***********
Ralph Tyson correct, you do not need to go through immigration
Alexander *********
OPShane Kinneally Even Kiwi.com where I booked the ticket says I need to go through immigration and do self transfer. Is it really so hard for you to comprehend?
Ralph *******
Shane Kinneally How do you get your bags? How do you check in for the next flight?
Stephen *******
Shane Kinneally You only don't go through immigration for transfers to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Krabi, Ko Samui, Phuket. Unless it's the same plane refueling and continuing.
Shane ***********
Alan Rothwell I’m happy to stick with my answer having just done this on my return home but so many keyboard fuckwits here he will be able to work it out by himself
Alan **********
Shane Kinneally I believe, as others have said, that if you self-transfer, you DO have to go through Immigration after you collect your bags and before you check in for your next flight.
So, if Immigration denies him entry, he's cooked - sent back to where he came from.
a) You MAY not be denied due to previous activity anyway, and
b) if you show the IO your ticket for the next flight, he may allow you in on that basis, even though he doesn't have to.
So, if Immigration denies him entry, he's cooked - sent back to where he came from.
a) You MAY not be denied due to previous activity anyway, and
b) if you show the IO your ticket for the next flight, he may allow you in on that basis, even though he doesn't have to.
Elías ********
Shane Kinneally he said self transfer, which technically isn't a transfer
Ralph *******
Elías Molina Yes. He has to clear immigration before collecting his bags. He’s entering the country.
Nick *******
Shane Kinneally he says that he has to collect baggage. That means going through immigration.
Tank *****
Your onward travel proof will suffice
Frankie *******
Prepare a return ticket bck to your country n show proof of funds
Shane ***********
Frankie Subra wrong
Bazaar******
Why not fly via Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Hong Kong or an alternative SE Asian transit location..
Bangkok is certainly not the only transit airport with flights into Vietnam..
Bangkok is certainly not the only transit airport with flights into Vietnam..
Alexander *********
OPBazaarAsia57 Not from my departure airport, Bkk as transit is pretty much the only choice.
Bazaar******
Alexander Merdeka What is your departure airport?
Bazaar******
Alexander Merdeka Looks like Astana airlines have flights to both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city via South Korea which could be an option
Alexander *********
OPBazaarAsia57 ASTANA.
Mark ********
Just have a copy of your onward ticket with you should they ask to see it.
CoolBun*******
Why don’t you plan not to fly via Thailand?
Alexander *********
OPCoolBunny_7244 The cheapest flights go via Bkk, it's a difference of 50% and additional 12h flight.
Dca *****
Why not Apply for a Single Entry Transit E–Visa for ฿800 Baht or USD $35 Dollars, or, even better yet, a Single Entry Tourist E–Visa (SETV) for ฿1000 Baht or USD $40 Dollars at a Thai Embassy/Thai Consulate beforehand??
Alexander *********
OPDca Dca Yeah, that was my question. Transit visa is it then.
Dca *****
Alexander Merdeka No need to get a Transit E–Visa, as you have a Kazakhstan Passport and there is a Bilateral Visa Exemption Agreements between Thailand and Kazakhstan ( ผผ.30 )
Alexander *********
OPNongnuch Kamdee Thank you! Yeah, I will have more than that in cash, thanks for the advice regarding the TDAC!
Nongnuch ********
Alexander Merdeka Even if you get pulled aside for questioning at the Immigration booth, I strongly doubt that you will run into any problems, since you can show your onward travel ticket. You should have the required 20,000 THB equivalent in cash on you (just in case). Make sure you submit the TDAC before you fly to Thailand. In the TDAC, the departure field is not a mandatory field, however in your situation, I would fill in all the information of your onward flight to Vietnam, so it is clearly visible to the Immigration officer as soon as he has scanned your passport
Alexander *********
OPDca Dca I ain't a Kazak, just traveling there, I have an EU passport.
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