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What should I know about visa waivers and entry rules in Thailand based on recent experiences?
Visa WaiverThailand ImmigrationVisa ExemptionsEntry RulesOverstayingTourist VisaVisa RegulationsOnward Travel Requirements
Jan 8, 2026
4 months ago
Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI arrived last night 7/1/26 wondering about whether I would be turned down for the standard 60 visa waiver because I had read many posts here stating various negative issues about immigration's supposed tightening up rule on using too many etc etc.
I used 4 last year with a total stay of 212 days so was worried but got through OK. I was asked for proof of outward travel which I had but that's all. It seems either I got a sympathetic officer or there has been a lot of unnecessary hype regarding waiver abuse?
I used 4 last year with a total stay of 212 days so was worried but got through OK. I was asked for proof of outward travel which I had but that's all. It seems either I got a sympathetic officer or there has been a lot of unnecessary hype regarding waiver abuse?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses concerns regarding the use of the standard 60-day visa waiver after experiencing a significant number of entries into Thailand in the previous year. The author had previously entered Thailand four times, totaling 212 days, and was worried about being denied entry due to supposed tightening immigration rules. Despite fears, the author was allowed entry and only asked for proof of outward travel, igniting a discussion among commenters about the varied experiences of individuals with visa exemptions. Some suggested that travelers should opt for long-term visas to avoid ambiguity, as individual immigration officers may enforce rules differently, and prolonged stay through visa exemption can lead to scrutiny.
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Paul ***********
Things happen in the background that you are not aware of. Just keep that in mind if you are planning to flaunt the system.
After the IO questioned you, he made notes on the system that alerts the IO next time you enter the country.
Many have posted that IO’s interpret the new entry rules differently to each other. So be aware.
After the IO questioned you, he made notes on the system that alerts the IO next time you enter the country.
Many have posted that IO’s interpret the new entry rules differently to each other. So be aware.
Jan ******************
Thanks for sharing. It’s good to hear you were admitted, but one smooth entry doesn’t mean the risk wasn’t real. With around 212 days on visa exemption last year, you were already at the upper end of what is normally accepted, and the outcome was always discretionary. Others with similar histories have been questioned or refused, so individual experiences will vary. Visa exempt entry at that level is never guaranteed.
Ben *****
I used to do the 200 plus day annual thing on a mixture of visa exempt and tourist visas. Had a few IOs who asked me a lot of questions, but never got taken aside or denied entry. Still, I do know a handful of people who did the same thing but got denied. I think it's pretty rare to get turned back and you'll likely get a warning first but if you're eligible for a long term visa, I recommend getting one.
Rai **********
Maybe you were not just their target or your passport and history doesn’t scream any red flags to them. 👍
Steven ******
Being asked about your onward travel is probably signs they are looking at you, its how it started with me. The next entry they asked for onward travel and an address for my full stay in Thailand and then the third they asked fot onward travel , address while in Thailand and the 20k baht equivalent in cash. After that I got a non o to make sure I didnt get refunded entry.
Alan **********
If you've read that many posts around here, you would've known to tell us the lengths of stay and how many there were in 2025. And perhaps how long the gaps were between your Thai trips.
You also didn't mention whether you came in "visa-exempt" either.
It seems pretty clear that the new guidance is a combination of how long you've been IN Thailand and how often you entered visa-exempt and whether or not you're using these methods to "live" in Thailand, rather than visiting often as a legitimate tourist; which, btw, Thailand hasn't told anybody (yet ?).
So, it's up to the immigration officer to decide which of the 2 you are.
You also didn't mention whether you came in "visa-exempt" either.
It seems pretty clear that the new guidance is a combination of how long you've been IN Thailand and how often you entered visa-exempt and whether or not you're using these methods to "live" in Thailand, rather than visiting often as a legitimate tourist; which, btw, Thailand hasn't told anybody (yet ?).
So, it's up to the immigration officer to decide which of the 2 you are.
Mike *******
But no one has explained the
60 day entry. 30 day extension 7 day extension then leave Thailand I understand
But when are you allowed to come back to Thailand after your 97 days
Dose it reset after you leave the kingdom or do you have to wait if so how long before you can come back
60 day entry. 30 day extension 7 day extension then leave Thailand I understand
But when are you allowed to come back to Thailand after your 97 days
Dose it reset after you leave the kingdom or do you have to wait if so how long before you can come back
Brandon ************
@Mike ******
There is no 60 + 30 + 7 day extension. It's 60 + 30.Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Trav **********
Lots of bullshit floating around by self appointed experts and scaremongers
Jan ******************
@Trav *********
So you’re suggesting that the roughly 3,000 people who were refused entry, detained, and put on return flights only at the airports last year were just an overreaction?Trav **********
@Jan *****************
Do the right thing, follow the rules, get the right visa, no problems 👍Doug *******
@Trav *********
Everything must be incredibly simple when you view life through a straw.Trav **********
@Doug ******
Sure is champ. Much better than viewing it with ya head stuck up ya arse.Reply to
Trav **********
Reply
Doug *******
I think the primary focus is on foreigners who extended their stay by doing many border runs.
Brendon ****************
If you’re spending so long here just get a visa. Removes all the speculation
Tania **********
Brendon ****************
@Tania *********
sorry this is your experienceTania **********
@Brendon ***************
Absolutelly,mine and, many and many others tourists, with financial security to travel wherever and, stay and move as wish.Nobody likes hassle in short or long holidays.
Reply to
Tania **********
Reply
Dolce *************
@Brendon ***************
Does not.METV 145 days 2024 and 2025.
Aug 2025 10 min questions in off, 1st time asked anything since 2008.
Told not legal 145 days lol.
Got in but barely.
So METV does not guaranty anything.
Depends on shift.
Depends if female I/O.
Was put aside coz of Pattaya in tdac.
TIT.
Todd *********
@Dolce ************
they told you it's 'not legal' and then let you in.... gotchaDolce *************
@Todd ********
yes exactly.Was let in and told not allowed to do a visa run so making my metv a setv and told to get an retirement visa.
145 days is covered by METV.
100% legal.
But TIT.
You are at mercy of I/O.
They make the rules as they please.
Reply to
Dolce *************
Reply
Brendon ****************
@Dolce ************
I have a student visa and have never had an issue. To each their own.Reply to
Brendon ****************
Reply
Todd *********
@Brendon ***************
why bother if you don’t need it…Graham ******
@Todd ********
because staying long term does need it as you know - you have a visa rather than risk itTodd *********
@Graham *****
I understand completely what you are saying. And like you probably have, I have friends here over 5 years on exemptions, the odd tourist visa and some travel in and out. What is the ‘risk’ exactly? Questioning? Entry denials exceedingly rare. People who are pushing it know they are pushing it. And then they can always pay for fasttrack entry if needed
Brendon ****************
@Todd ********
to each their own. “Needing” it is relative to each individual’s situation. Personally I like staying in one place and not having to constantly leave and come back. It costs less to get a visa and not travel in my case. And most importantly saves me valuable time I cannot get back.Todd *********
@Brendon ***************
yes, of course, getting a visa is usually the cheapest way to do it. Travel is costly. But they all love the travel. And taking a trip every 90 days is just normal existence for them. So no time is lost whatsoever. They are doing what they love. And not wasting time at immigration officesBrendon ****************
@Todd ********
you have to pay for the extension and have to go to the immigration office to do that anyway…if you’re spending more than half the year in the country like this gentleman I don’t see the advantage of not getting a visa.Todd *********
@Brendon ***************
what do you see as the advantage of getting a visa?Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
David ******
To be safe, get a tourist visa for the next visit.
Tania **********
@David *****
Not ! Unecessary,in most of tourists case!Stop,you many saying : get a visa get a visa…. Each individual has its own history, idea, plan, etc.
Radost **************************
@David *****
it make zero sense to get a tourist visa for 60 days when you get 60 days without the visa. Complete senselessReply to
Radost **************************
Reply
Michael ********
IO maybe in good mood Sometimes you throw the dice and win but it was a gamble with 212 days last year. Thats more days in country than me and i got long term visa
Josh *****
Yeah I'm like you , 6 entries 181 days total , I just entered on NYE, (this time with an SETV) I got in 0 questions.
Alan **********
@Josh ****
So you entered with the SETV. Worried about being refused ? Good lad. 👍You PAID a fee for the SETV, yes ? So, not visa-exempt entry then, yes ? Perhaps there's a connection there..............
Josh *****
@Alan *********
Yes I had to pay ,apply ,and be pre screened and approved. And yes that's why I was not questioned.Josh *****
@Alan *********
yes because even though I was changing my course I still had a past history , immediately it sounds like alot but I kept it clean, no extensions no overstays , no full stays no border runs. Nothing. Plus the country I returned to I hold legal residency. That's why I was not given problems or even questioned.Reply to
Josh *****
Reply
Jay *******
Or there isn't a clear understanding of exactly how the rules will be enforced. One person's experience may be very different from the next person which isn't unusual in Thailand.
Brandon ************
Normal arrivals are not asked for proof of onward travel. If you had not had that, you likely would have had issues.
Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
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