What should I know about the Mae Sai border crossing experience for Hong Kong passport holders?

Mae Sai border crossing Visa rules Hong Kong passport Thailand immigration Border bounce Visa policies Travel documentation

Oct 20, 2019

5 years ago

Ry**

ORIGINAL POSTER

An interesting Mae Sai border crossing experience: this border is notorious for easy peasy border bounces  but my gf is a Hong Kong passport holder and was grilled heavily doing her first ever border bounce and was Asked to show onward travel. (of course it's not unreasonable to ask but in my years here I've never heard this asked for at this crossing) 

2 sets of supervisors called to review. Only when I (USA passport) started talking for her did things move forward. Immigration told her "only this time" even though official documents that circulate state that Hong Kong is allowed 2 per year. From what I could understand, I believe the confusion for them was the difference between a mainland China passport and a Hong Kong passport. Luckily, we were prepared and have legitimate travel booked. Made it through after about 20 minutes at the immigration desk.

So as always, be prepared!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user shares a detailed experience of crossing the Mae Sai border, particularly for their girlfriend who holds a Hong Kong passport. Contrary to common beliefs about easy border crossings, she faced tough questioning regarding onward travel. The situation escalated to involve supervisors, highlighting confusion over the treatment of Hong Kong passports versus mainland China passports. After presenting legitimate travel plans, they were allowed passage after 20 minutes. The post emphasizes the importance of being prepared for border procedures, especially regarding the specific rules for different passport holders.

Tod *********

and thus we see the difference between a 30 day visa EXEMPT entry (which people from 51 countries get) and a 30 day visa WAIVER entry which people from 6 countries (Mongolia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Lao, Macao & Russia) get They are NOT the same and not treated the same.

Even though Hong Kong is on the list of countries that can get two 30 day visa exempt entries per year they are treated differently.

5 years ago

Joy ********

Glad you made it OK Ryan.

5 years ago

Ivan ************

Hong Kong has a bilateral treaty with Thailand, it's a different basis than the US. The treatment of bilateral treaty countries at land borders can be different.

Another thing you might want to watch for is that while Americans can extend their visa exempt entry by 30 days I am not sure this will be possible for your Hong Konger girlfriend. I'm not 100% on this but you might want to check if you were planning on relying on it.

5 years ago

Ry**

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ivan ***********

you are correct. we went to our local immigration and found out she is only allowed a 7 day extension.. Which is why we ended up doing the border bounce.

5 years ago

Reply to

Ry**

James ********

Thanks for the report.

5 years ago

Reply to

James ********

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