Answered2 years ago

What should I expect at Phuket airport immigration after returning from Vietnam on a visa-exempt entry?

Thailand immigration Phuket Airport visa runs visa extensions tourist visa immigration advice

Dan ********

asked Oct 29, 2024

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Thinking about coming back to Thailand via Phuket after a quick trip to Vietnam (when my visa expires). I’ve already done a border run and 2 visa extensions as I’ve fallen in love with Thailand amd cancelled all my other travel plans to stay here. Has anybody had any recent experience with immigration at Phuket airport?

Answer summary

The user is considering returning to Thailand via Phuket after spending time in Vietnam, having previously extended their stay and done border runs. Commenters advised being prepared for increased scrutiny from immigration due to the length of stay on exemptions, especially if the user has accumulated 180 days. They recommended applying for a tourist visa while in Vietnam to avoid complications. Important tips included having proof of onward travel, the address of accommodation, and cash available in Thai Baht.

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Tony ********

If you've already done 180 days here on exempt, its definetly going to raise an eyebrow, you could apply for a tourist visa while in vietnam. Follow James Millers advice and have the 3 peices of info/money.

2 years ago

James ********

Be prepared for questions from Thai Immigration Officers upon arrival into Thailand at Phuket. They are increasingly watchful.

Be sure to have PROOF of your flight departing Thailand within the 59 days following your arrival. Plus Address of the place you are planning to stay, and 20,000 Thai baht or its equivalent foreign currency in CASH.

Suggest instead, that you use a land border crossing entry into Thailand.

2 years ago

James ********

@Simon ******************

it's now unlimited. BUT subject to the Thai Immigration Officers upon arrival into Thailand by air, land or sea. It's not a way to live in Thailand.

2 years ago

Ryan *******

@Simon ******************

it was announced from the deputy director general on August the 5th. It's all subjected to the immigration officer which in turn they can deny you! I had a tourist visa last time I came in and still got hassle!

2 years ago

Dan ********

Thanks heaps James. Was hoping with all these recent visa changes to encourage tourists to stay longer that they’d be more inclined to accommodate re-entries. I’ll check my border crossing options. Muchly appreciated.

2 years ago

John **********

@Dan *******

they appear to have got more strict since they extended the visa exempt stays to 60 days

2 years ago

Ryan *******

@Dan *******

it depends on the immigration officer especially at Phuket. Some are good and some are really not! There is no amount of limits to coming into Thailand even land borders now so maybe that would be a better option! Also possibly look into flying into Bangkok is another option!

2 years ago

Ryan *******

@James *******

I can imagine it's just the luck of the draw. I'm a Seafarer and come in on a one way ticket everything has been ok up till now but just never know. Will be looking at getting a marriage visa next year!

2 years ago

James ********

@Ryan ******

Bangkok and Don Mueang airports are also problems for those who have a recent history of staying in Thailand. Even Chiang Mai recently reported a problem.

2 years ago