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Why should I get a Tourist Visa if I can enter Thailand visa exempt for 60 days?
Nov 21, 2025
5 months ago
Russell ***********
ORIGINAL POSTERwhy get a Tourist Visa when you get 60 day Visa exempt ?
TLDR : Answer Summary
There are several reasons to consider obtaining a Tourist Visa instead of relying solely on the 60-day Visa Exemption when visiting Thailand. Firstly, not all countries qualify for the 60-day exemption stamp, which may necessitate applying for a visa. Additionally, while visitors can stay for 60 days on the exemption, a Tourist Visa allows for more extended stays and can be applied for multiple times a year, giving more flexibility compared to the visa exemption rules. It's also noteworthy that some travelers might prefer a Tourist Visa if they wish to avoid complications related to overstays or if they plan to arrive on a one-way ticket.
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Faron *************
Too fly on a one way ticket without airline questioning you
Andrew *******
Gary ******
@Faron ************
interested in this So if I will have a multiple entry tourist visa then no need to show an onward ticket from Thailand in 60 days?
Martin **********
@Gary *****
No. I was questioned about it by Lufthansa, to have with Visa, a forwarding ticket. Which I had to Cambodia. That was a mean little fellow. He questioned that it was legitimate. I had a flight Brussel - Frankfurt - BKK. He wanted only to check in my luggage till Frankfort, and they check there, if all was ok. I asked him to call his supervisor, as no way, I was going to that trouble in Germany, miss my flight, and urged him to check the Cambodia flight. He go first argued he had no time, nobody behind in line though, so finally he made a call to check, and had confirmation in 3 minutes.Faron *************
@Gary *****
that has been the policy of the airlines I have flown on. I don’t wanna say yes for sure and then the airline you fly on has a different policy.Gary ******
Faron *************
@Gary *****
I’ve gotten questioned by United, ANA, and Korean.Gary ******
Reply to
Gary ******
Reply
Wayne *********
@T ***************
tv is only 60 days so 61 is 1 day overstayT ****************
@Wayne ********
Hence my comment you clearly didn’t comprehend.Wayne *********
@T ***************
yes but getting a 60 day visa does not give him 61 days. Still needs extension same as entry visa exempt so no difference if visa or not. Do you comprehend ?Reply to
Wayne *********
Reply
T ****************
To stay 61 days or longer
Frazer ************
The reason is you can do the applied visa multiple times per year more than you can with a visa extension stamp. Exemption. Also, in additional, many countries don't get 60 days, so they would benefit more from applying for a proper visa. (voice2text)
JD ********
From UK when I entered, after a chat with Customs, I was granted max visitor stay. I could of applied for a 30 day extension, or a 60 day due to family living in Thailand' but It was long enough for me because I spent my savings/holiday money, so said goodbye to my Thai newly beloved and family and went back to work & England. Changed my job and saving hard to come back next year but with a longer stay in mind unless you have stacks of cash or a an income rolling in, you don't need to stay forever, it isn't going anywhere ha ha. People get obsessed but to be fair, you need a routine and pace out your visits and activities or you will be in Thailand for too long with withering funds which will become old quickly. Enjoy it, love it and pace it.
Yo***
@JD *******
one of the best minded men from UK!! I ever seen before!Pui *****
@JD *******
there's no "granted max visitor stay" which implies that immigration officers vary the length of stay depending on each visitor. Unlike other countries that do this, visa exempt entries always grant a 60 day stay (extendable once for 30 more days). The risk is being denied entry, not that the officer will grant you less time.JD ********
@Pui ****
ok, just simply meant 60 day stamp instead of a 2 week or 30 day pass. 60 days being the maximum. I also was granted a pass in honk Kong with need of any prior visaPui *****
@JD *******
there is no 2 week or 30 day pass on visa exempt entries. As I said, immigration officers in Thailand don't issue varying stay lengths or decide which entry method you use. If you present a visa granted by a Thai consulate prior to arrival, that's the visa they stamped you in for. If you don't have a visa, and are from a nationality that is entitled to 60 day visa exempt entry, that's how long you are always stamped in for. You are comparing it to other countries where immigration stamps you in for different lengths of stay based on your reason for entry. That system doesn't exist in Thailand.Reply to
Pui *****
Reply
John *********
From UK too and my thai wife (22 years) doesn’t really want to go back to her country full time (Buriram)
Although no probs money-wise, we miss Europe too much. So for us its october to end of Feb, then 7 months UK freelancing to fund European trips whilst here in UK.
We rent for 134 pcm in Buriram so keep it for the whole year.
Best of both worlds I guess.
Although no probs money-wise, we miss Europe too much. So for us its october to end of Feb, then 7 months UK freelancing to fund European trips whilst here in UK.
We rent for 134 pcm in Buriram so keep it for the whole year.
Best of both worlds I guess.
Kimberly **********
Right.. I got here
FACTS!!!!
*****
/25 they asked when I was leaving and my exit ticket.. I advised *****
/26 but was looking to apply for an extension and leave February 8, 2026. She said that’s fine and stamped and sent me on! I’ll leave early February for 2 months and while I am there will apply for the DTV money already aged in my acct! But have to go back for the birth of my grand twins anyway so knew I’d do the DTV/Freelancer. Have online stores for income! BUT DAMN I had to slow down on the tipping and spending! This place will break you if you’re not careful.. FACTS!!!!
Kev ********
@JD *******
true I have spent way to much since living there on and off soincec2019. I now need to be realistic work here now to build up the funds again. My partner has never left Thailand but have to be realistic need western wages!Timothy ********
@JD *******
So you got married and inherited a family it sounds, but spend vast majority of your time working in England without wife and advise not spending too much time in Thailand with wife and family.I actually agree except don't understand then why you married. Unless my assumption she stays in Thailand without you is misunderstood.
JD ********
@Timothy *******
I see using the term newly beloved was confusing & should maybe just say Thai lady/girlfriend (girlfriend is a term I avoid due to our age bracket and British misconceptions) I work in the UK because I earn a pretty decent wage and there is no comparable job or wages. Please remember when answering to someone's reply, to someone else's post - it is about the visa not my situation - which is more the point. Lots of people trying to stay longer and longer when actually, without income, 60 days is plenty on time initially unless you have a grand, well planned adventure to embark on.Timothy ********
@JD *******
thx...i often drift off a no brainer topic like this and found your situation more interesting...Reply to
Timothy ********
Reply
Lynnette *******
@Timothy *******
I don't understand it either. I know people married to their Thai partner, and have a nice family life there together. Not rich but family is priceless.JD ********
@Lynnette ******
I have family and also my lady/girlfriend - not having much is one thing, running out of funds would be regrettable - thanks for your inputLynnette *******
@JD *******
for sure, running out of funds is a worry. I hope you find a way to keep funds ongoing and get to spend more time with your Thai loved one.JD ********
@Lynnette ******
cheers, just work hard save hard and support where needed. The good thing is that what you do without here is twice rewarded over thereLynnette *******
@JD *******
true.Reply to
Lynnette *******
Reply
Robbie *******
Wise words indeed .
Steven *********
@JD *******
Wise adviceReply to
Steven *********
Reply
Gary ********
Can only go twice on visa free
Greg ***********
@Gary *******
not true. Fake News ! . . . you can only get two extensions on visa-exempt entries per calendar year. Visa-exempt entries are not limited. . . . . . . It's only border bounces that get scrutinized. If you spend considerable time outside of Thailand or in your home country in between visa-exempt short holiday stays, you can theoretically do 4, 5, or even 6 visa exempt entries per calendar yearAndrew *******
@Gary *******
this is not true unless you are visa running.Andreas *********
@Gary *******
Yes, if you enter land or sea. still unlimited by plane. Everything written in the last few days refers exclusively to border runs. normal tourist Entry features unchanged.Todd *********
@Gary *******
can go many times with eitherGregg *******
You have this incorrect
@Gary *******
, one can only "extend" their visa exempt twice. Once for 30 days and then once for 7 days.Kenneth *******
@Gary *******
WRONGGary ********
@Kenneth ******
siam legal told me I needed a tourist visaColin *********
@Gary *******
I'm guessing that Siam Legal also offered to help you get a Tourist Visa? I wouldn't trust them, having found incorrect information on their website in the past year or two.If though, you've got a history of repeated Visa Exempt entries within calendar years, you're probably better to get a Tourist Visa before arriving in Thailand. They can still refuse entry on a TV, but it's less likely unless you have a 'history'.
Robbie *******
Gary Bourne , of course they did , that’s their business .
Anna *********
@Gary *******
one man’s experience is not everyone’sReply to
Anna *********
Reply
Robbie *******
Thanks for the warning though dude , I go again next week
Gary ********
@Robbie ******
omg so do I apply now I got mine in 2 daysUmer **************
@Gary *******
in 2 days? What country?Reply to
Umer **************
Reply
Robbie *******
I’ve been 4 times this year on visa exempt
Kimberly **********
Not anymore you won’t They put a stop to the abuse!! Done it to many times making it a way of life, is the reason
*****
/25 came to pass!! 60+30+7 as of *****
/25 = GET OUT!!!Colin *********
@Kimberly *********
"60+30+7"...what's that supposed to mean? I think I know, but if I'm correct, you've put it the wrong way!As for your statement "Not anymore you won't", that's not strictly true. The new policy/instructions to all Thailand Immigration Offices, are meant to 1) clamp down on cybercriminals/scammers (in tandem with clamping down on mule accounts) using repeated Visa Exempt entries and 2) people who are using Visa Exempt entries/Border runs to live long term in the country. While they have said there's now a limit of two Visa Exempt entries at any Border point, which includes land, air or sea, there's still some leniency, for example, entering direct from one's own country will most likely not be a problem. Interpretation or Opinion at least, is that those who regularly enter Thailand for short holidays on a regular basis for a total of up to six months while staying only 1-3 weeks in a calendar year will be fine. There's apparently still some allowance for individual Immigration Officers to make an on the spot decision based on information they have on individuals in front of them.
Kimberly **********
Okay. So help me.. It says you can stay your initial 60 days, then do 2 extensions: 1(30day) and the second is for 7 days only! So where did I misunderstand?
And do you know anything about this visa I recently heard about.. I heard you can buy a long term visa for $1500 USD?
And do you know anything about this visa I recently heard about.. I heard you can buy a long term visa for $1500 USD?
Colin *********
@Kimberly *********
a screenshot of an Admin post in another group four days agoColin *********
@Kimberly *********
I can't answer your question about the $1500 Visa, other than to guess that it might be the purchase cost of the LTR (Long Term Resident) Visa, or the one that used to be known as the Elite Visa, now called Privelege Card or something similar.As for the other thing, what you were thinking of, is aimed at people who are entering as part of cybercrime activities or those abusing the system to live in Thailand instead of buying a long term visa, such as a Non-O. The new ruling, or policy is that Extensions on Visa Exempt entries are limited to two per calendar year. The first 60 day entry can be extended for 30 days. The second 60 day Visa Exempt entry will only be extended for 7 days. That means that the maximum time in Thailand of 60+3+60+7 days Visa Exempt in a calendar year. Thailand doesn't want to discourage genuine tourists and the senior Immigration Officer that made the announcement said that genuine tourists, especially coming directly from their 'home' country wouldn't be affected. Whether a general two Visa Exempt entries per calendar year will apply to anyone, I'm not sure. I thought I read something in the past couple of weeks, separately from the extensions announcement, but I can't remember what it was now. Beyond the announcement of clamping down on abuse of the Visa Exempt entries, individual Immigration Officers have a fair bit of leeway to decide who they allow in our refuse entry. I've read a lot of comments by individuals who visit Thailand a few times each year many not applying for extensions and often only visiting for 1-3 weeks in between periods of work. 'Popular opinion' is that as long as they're genuine tourists, they won't be affected.
Edit: below is a copy of a post four days ago, from Admin of the Facebook group "Thai Visa Advice: Q & A"
@everyone
𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗔 𝗘𝗫𝗘𝗠𝗣𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦
Based on recent reports from our clients at various immigration offices, visa exempt entries are now being limited to two across all borders, both land and air. Extensions are no longer guaranteed, and some offices are refusing to assist with transitioning to a new visa if your previous stay was based on an extension.
We're receiving a lot of inquiries about this. If you need help with in-country extensions, long term visa transitioning from exempt entry, or our prescreening and fast track services on exempt entry, please reach out as early as possible.
The best way to contact us is through our official Line account:
**********************
Reply to
Colin *********
Reply
Gary ********
@Robbie ******
just changed rules it's been a nightmare with immigration lot of people getting stopped nowMichael *******
@Gary *******
holiday makers that go for 2, 3,4 weeks etc should have no problems entering Thailand 4 or 5 times a year, they are targeting the ones abusing the visa exemption extension and boarder runs,, them people basically trying to live in Thailand without correct visa.Daniela ******
@Michael ******
yet the law says now 2 visa exempt entries a year. It's not expensive to get a tourist visa. I would not count on that they let me in with 4 exempts already.Michael *******
@Daniela *****
it is not extensions I'm doing ,the law does not state 2 visa exemptionsRobbie *******
Michael Brown , precisely , you’re on the money there .
Michael *******
@Robbie ******
we all worry and panic when rules change, I've been 3 times this year total 66 days , I'm going back in January for 5 weeks, ,then come back uk work hard 3 months and go again, doing nothing wrong, just having good time in great country, they not going to want to lose that through banning the likes of usRobbie *******
Michael Brown , you have a similar schedule to me .
I go there for 3-4 weeks then come back to Vegas to work for a while then go back .
Soon I will retire and get the appropriate visa but in the meantime the visa exempt is perfect for me , I go again on the 27th for 6 weeks .
There’s too many scaremongers on this site .
I go there for 3-4 weeks then come back to Vegas to work for a while then go back .
Soon I will retire and get the appropriate visa but in the meantime the visa exempt is perfect for me , I go again on the 27th for 6 weeks .
There’s too many scaremongers on this site .
John *******
@Robbie ******
exactly. I been coming here 20 years this time 60 +30. home day 89.keep passport clean its eazy when you abide by the rules.They are cleaning out the scum rite now which is good Bangkok hilton goin to be very full 17 india people arrested this week 15 no visa and overstay 500+ days .That whats got the police busy and immigration rules changedFrancesca ******
@Robbie ******
I think that you have no problem only if you go back to the country where you are resident and then re-enter from there.Michael *******
@Robbie ******
yes mate, I'll do the same when I need to. If things change I'll adapt to it,,, love Thailand ( north east) everything about itRobbie *******
I go for 3-4 weeks at a time , never done a border bounce , never had an overstay .
The new rules are to stop people from trying to live there on extensions and border bounces .
The new rules are to stop people from trying to live there on extensions and border bounces .
Reply to
Robbie *******
Reply
Lee *********
What country are you from? Not every nation gets 60 days.
Tommy ********
When you want to stop for another 30 days
Pui *****
@Tommy *******
both visa exempt entry and tourist visa entry grants the same 60 day stay, and both can be extended once per entry for 30 more days. Your reason doesn't make any difference.Todd *********
@Tommy *******
they are the sameWayne *********
@Tommy *******
still can get the 30 day extension. There is no 90 day tvReply to
Wayne *********
Reply
Luc ************
Not all countries get a 60 day visa exempt stamp.
Mange **********
@Luc ***********
no many other country give 6 months..Paul ***********
@Luc ***********
But the majority do. It has been widely advertised that 94 countries are listed as visa exempt.Tore *********
@Paul **********
there are 195 countries on this planet.Paul ***********
@Tore ********
your point is?Tore *********
@Paul **********
you couldn’t deduct that? - 94 isn’t “majority of countries”
- Many do not have 60 days
- 60 days is likely to change to 30 soon
- Some tourists visas allows up to 9 months stay if planned right
- An actual visa is subject to less scrutiny at the border than a visa exemption.
But sure, for a stay of under 2 months with no notable entry history, no need to get a visa.
But there (obviously) many good reasons to get an actual visa over a visa exemption.
Paul ***********
@Tore ********
So what??????Tore *********
@Paul **********
🤦♂️Reply to
Tore *********
Reply
Phil ******
When you history of visa exemptions is bad
@Russell **********
. ************************************************
Phil ******
I'm here in Bangkok and its bloody cold
John *********
@Phil *****
nam for 4 days, virtually rained all.the time and two or three degrees below you, awaiting to enter the arena that is thai immigrationReply to
John *********
Reply
John *********
@Phil *****
wish I had one today lolRalph *******
@Phil *****
But the published rules did say only two visa exemptions a year. Cal is saying you can have many if each is a short stay. I also read that using exemption you can have only 90 days in the country each year.
Allan ******
No. You can only use the 30 day extension once per year, but you can come back for 60 days still.
Andrew *******
@Ralph ******
the published rules do not say that and have never said that.Nongnuch ********
@Ralph ******
You can now do only two visa-exempt entries per calendar year. That's a fact. And you can get a maximum of only two extensions on top of these visa-exempt entries.However, you missed a very important part: You might be allowed, depending on the discretion of the Immigration officer at the border, to do more visa-exempt entries, like 5 or more. When you attempt so, your stamp history must show that those visa-exempt stays were only short stays, like 2-3 weeks, and their annual total is not more than 150 days (or 180 days, nobody knows for sure). And you will need to show proof that you leave Thailand after your short holiday.
The Thais will never hinder "real" tourists from entering, the new measurements are only aimed at those who try to maximize their visa-exempt stays.
I think I am right in guessing that such short holidays - within one year - still make you a “genuine” tourist in the eyes of an Immigration officer. Nobody who is genuinely coming multiple times per calendar year for a short holiday will be refused
Ralph *******
@Nongnuch *******
Yeah, I’m not comfortable with the ‘might’ be and I certainly won’t risk it.Nongnuch ********
@Ralph ******
Immigration can see your complete Thai travel and entry history on their computer. If you have never been on overstay, and never abused the visa-exempt system for a longstay, you are good to go. The safest way would be to apply in the E-visa online system, pay the fee and come on a 60-days single entry tourist visaAndrew *******
@Nongnuch *******
The only downside there is those of us who come to Thailand for 60 days but have 2 or 3 side trips. Even multi entry tourist visa can be an issue. I’ve never had an issue but occasionally they ask.
Ralph *******
@Andrew ******
Yes I’m aware of that. But the new rules don’t seem to have been officially published even though people are saying they are official.Everything I’ve seen is from people on Facebook.
Reply to
Ralph *******
Reply
Phil ******
@Ralph ******
his wife also works for immigration and i posted this video for the OP. You make your own decision re entering on visa extensions. Post your source for 90 days please.Ralph *******
@Phil *****
You enter on visa exemption not extension.Reply to
Ralph *******
Reply
Jeff ******
@Phil *****
Cal is great because his girlfriend is an immigration officer, so his info is legit 👌Phil ******
@Jeff *****
yes your absolutely right. Immigration has toughened up in the past 12 monthsAndrew *******
@Phil *****
they have toughened up on visa runs. They do this every few years. For actual tourists it really doesn’t make much difference
Phil ******
Yeh I know but border bonces for me are a thing of the padt
Reply to
Phil ******
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