What visa options are available for a 6-month stay in Chiang Mai for US citizens?

Thai visa rules E-Visa 30-day visa 60-day visa Border runs Visa extensions Chiang Mai US citizens in Thailand Immigration process

Dec 18, 2022

2 years ago

Richard *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks for accepting me into this group. This is very helpful. My family and I are hoping to do a 6-month sabbatical in Chiang Mai starting Feb. 1st. We’re US citizens, but we live in Ethiopia and can’t get a visa in person here. I’m thinking we’ll have to go to Thailand using a 30-day e-visa (unless a 60-day is possible?). We’d then do the extension and border bounces to make it 6 months. Is that feasible? Is there another plan I haven’t considered? Also, if our plane tickets have a return date for 6 months later, will that be a problem at immigration, or will they expect to see a return date that matches the time of the original visa? Thanks!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A US family planning a six-month sabbatical in Chiang Mai is considering entering Thailand on a 30-day e-visa, with the possibility of extending their stay and making border runs to achieve their intended duration. Responses indicate that it is feasible to stay for six months using a combination of a 30-day entry, a 30-day extension, and a couple of border bounces, as long as they follow immigration regulations. Additionally, concerns about needing a return ticket date matching the visa duration can potentially be alleviated by checking with the airline.

James ********

For the record, I deleted a comment...

BOTTOM LINE...

There is NO Thai Immigration Rule about the maximum number of days allowed to stay in Thailand.

AND there's NO real need to have to enroll in any Ed Visa study program.

The simple same day border bounces will get the OP the permission to stay as needed.

2 years ago

James ********

The issue of the date of your return flights is more a question of whether your airline will allow you to fly to Thailand... Ask them.

If needed to show PROOF... Then book cheap flight one way to Phnom Penh... (Print out the Booking.. and cancel)

2 years ago

Richard *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks again. I don’t know who you are, but you put a smile on my face today. All the best.

2 years ago

James ********

@Richard ********

Safe travels and Enjoy your stay in Thailand

2 years ago

Reply to

James ********

2 years ago

James ********

Until March 31 2023, you will be stamped in for 45 days on Arrival into Thailand Plus one 30 day extension of stay at Thai immigration office for 1900 Thai baht. That's 75 days.

At the end of the 30 day extension of stay, you will need to do a BORDER BOUNCE from Chiang Mai to the nearest land border crossing into Laos. All MYANMAR Land borders are CLOSED to foreigners.

As of April 1, visa exempt entry into Thailand becomes 30 days stamp Plus one 30 day extension of stay. That's 60 days Stay.

That gives you 75 + 60 days = 135 days Stay.

You will need to do One More Land BORDER BOUNCE to get the 6 months stay in Thailand.

30 + 30= 60 + 135 = 195 possible stay in Thailand with two BORDER BOUNCE entries.

There is a Max of 2 land border entries into Thailand allowed EACH CALENDAR YEAR.

2 years ago

James ********

Richard you have good advice from ME. Have a great trip and enjoy your vacation in Thailand.

Comments Closed

2 years ago

Richard *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Can I apply for that in-country?

2 years ago

James ********

Also I suggest you use an experienced border run service company from Chiang Mai to take you for the Laos border bounce ... Same day... They know what you need to do and the border crossing requirements.

ASK the Chiang Mai Expats forum for their suggestions.

2 years ago

James ********

@Richard ********

you CANNOT get the Evisa online with you not showing a departure ticket FROM the USA. .

2 years ago

Richard *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks James. You’re the best! What about the return flight question? Can our return flight be for 6months later?

2 years ago

Stuart *********

@Richard ********

many airlines will insist on a ticket out of Thailand within the initial days allowed regardless that you could get an extension. Some won’t care. Immigration on arrival almost certainly won’t ask unless you have an extensive history of entires on tourist or exempt entries.

2 years ago

Reply to

Stuart *********

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What is the best route for an American in Chiang Mai on a 60-day visa looking to stay long-term?

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