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What tourist visa should US citizens apply for when visiting Thailand and does leaving for Laos reset their stay?

Visa Rules Thailand Tourist Visa Visa Exemption US Citizens in Thailand Immigration Advice Travel Itinerary in Thailand

May 20, 2025

2 days ago

Rick ***************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello; new here and hopefully this is a simple question. US citizens, first visit to Thailand, arriving by air to BKK 1/11/2026 staying until 1/31/2026 flying to Luang Prabang from Chiang Mai and flying back to Chiang Mai on 2/5/2026 with plans to visit the southern area of Thailand for at least three weeks. Have not booked our departure flight out of BKK to Hanoi yet. On the government website, what would be the correct tourist visa to apply for? When we fly to Laos and back, does that "reset" the clock? Will we need to show our onward ticket to Hanoi, or somewhere else outside of Thailand? Thanks.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user, a US citizen, is planning a trip to Thailand from January 11 to January 31, 2026, including travel to Laos. They inquire about the appropriate tourist visa to apply for and whether their exit to Laos will reset their stay in Thailand. Comments suggest that upon arrival, they will receive a 60-day visa exemption stamp and that returning from Laos will reset their entry, allowing for another 60-day stay. It is recommended that they have proof of onward travel to Hanoi.

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Kenneth *******

You're effing American. If the IO gives you trouble, you tell him that Trump has his country begging for mercy right now. They are in a recession and your dollars build their country. If he is smart he would stamp you in RIGHT NOW because the Thai economy will not survive this low season.

2 days ago

Cymro ******

@Kenneth ******

Yeah, thats the way, come over all arrogant & Mercan. 😂 It doesn't piss people off at all.

2 days ago

Kenneth *******

@Cymro *****

I'm not joking. Thailand will not survive this low season.

2 days ago

Cymro ******

@Kenneth ******

but telling Mercans to be even more obnoxious won't help that.

Kenneth *******

I was joking, relax.

Cymro ******

me too, sort of.

Reply to

Cymro ******

Dca *****

1.) Yes, each Free Visa Exemption Entry Stamp is a separate period of stay and would "reset"

2.) Yes, definitely have those onward tickets leaving Thailand to Hanoi handy

2 days ago

Bob **********

You’ll be fine getting exempt stamps

2 days ago

John **********

As things stand you will get stamped in for 60 days when you first arrive without any visa (visa exempt). When you return from Laos you will again get stamped in for 60 days. There is talk of visa exempt being reduced to 30 days but you can also extend a visa exempt entry by 30 days

2 days ago

Will ************

That means you are staying 92 days . So even with visa exempt and 30 extension you will overstay by 2 days.

Bob **********

no there leaving

John **********

luang prabang is not in Thailand

2 days ago