Answered8 years ago
Why was my entry into Thailand questioned after I declared a 55-day stay on a visa exemption?
Had an unusual experience yesterday arriving at BKK and I wanted to hear your opinions.
Background: I was in Thailand on an ED visa back in 2012. After that I moved to another country but I've kept coming back for holidays / travel, always on the 30-day exemption, never overstayed. I usually spend 2-3 months of the year in Thailand but not consecutively, and I've only applied for a 30-day extension of the visa exempt entry once (April this year).
This time I was planning to get the 30-day exemption, then extend it for another 25 days, so I wrote “55 days” under “length of stay” in the arrival card. The passport control officer questioned this and said “it's ok for this time, but next time maybe you cannot come in under visa exemption”. What?! He said I should get a 60-day visa instead because extensions “are not a good way to do this” -so why are they offered then, I wonder. I was stamped for 30 days and he didn't write any remarks on the passport.
Was he just bluffing about the not being allowed in part? Is there a maximum number of times one can get an extension on the visa exempt entry? Like I said, I've only done that once. I'm wondering if my mistake was to write “55 days” instead of say 28-30.
Background: I was in Thailand on an ED visa back in 2012. After that I moved to another country but I've kept coming back for holidays / travel, always on the 30-day exemption, never overstayed. I usually spend 2-3 months of the year in Thailand but not consecutively, and I've only applied for a 30-day extension of the visa exempt entry once (April this year).
This time I was planning to get the 30-day exemption, then extend it for another 25 days, so I wrote “55 days” under “length of stay” in the arrival card. The passport control officer questioned this and said “it's ok for this time, but next time maybe you cannot come in under visa exemption”. What?! He said I should get a 60-day visa instead because extensions “are not a good way to do this” -so why are they offered then, I wonder. I was stamped for 30 days and he didn't write any remarks on the passport.
Was he just bluffing about the not being allowed in part? Is there a maximum number of times one can get an extension on the visa exempt entry? Like I said, I've only done that once. I'm wondering if my mistake was to write “55 days” instead of say 28-30.
Answer summary
The user shared their experience of being questioned by an immigration officer upon arriving in Thailand on a visa-exempt entry after declaring a planned stay longer than the allowed 30 days. They expressed confusion about the officer's warning regarding future entries and whether there is a limit to extensions on the visa exemption. Commenters advised against declaring a stay longer than 30 days on the arrival card and highlighted that extensions are typically not intended for pre-planned stays beyond that duration. Some emphasized that repeated entries on visa exemptions may lead to increased scrutiny.
19 repliesnewest first
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Justin *********
Yes you should have not written something more than 30 days. I had a similar thing, wrote 60 days and the officer gave me the stink eye as he told me I should get a tourist visa next time..
Tod *********
Moral of the story DO NOT put down on the TM.6 arrival/departure card a date ANY longer than the stamp you're going to get when you enter.
If you're comin' in on a 30 day visa exempt put 30 days, comin' in on a tourist visa put 60 days.
If you're comin' in on a 30 day visa exempt put 30 days, comin' in on a tourist visa put 60 days.
ถนอมศรี **********************
He was kind. He could have refuse you to enter into Thailand because of this. Planning to stay longer than thirty days is not allowed on a VISA exemption, you need a VISA for that.
Steve *******
Extentions of stay are not a 'given'. If you state that you're staying for 55 days but dont have a visa allowing that, then you're bound to be questioned at Immigration.
Ian *******
The immigration officials are directed to question tourists coming in after 6 30day stamps. Even not back to back. She told me this when i came in this time. And they wonder why their tourist numbers are down.
Tod *********
Balder Johansen You can get a 6 month METV from the thai consulate in your country by meeting the financial requirements. The visa usually costs around 200USD AND you need about $7000USD in your bank account when you apply.
Check the website of the thai consulate in your country for the requirements.
You can't get a 6 month METV from any thai consulate in S/E Asia because they all have a residency requirement (meaning you need to legally reside and live in the country you are apply for the visa at). The closest you can get an 6 month METV around here is the thai consulates in Australia (Perth is the closest one)
Check the website of the thai consulate in your country for the requirements.
You can't get a 6 month METV from any thai consulate in S/E Asia because they all have a residency requirement (meaning you need to legally reside and live in the country you are apply for the visa at). The closest you can get an 6 month METV around here is the thai consulates in Australia (Perth is the closest one)
Chris ******
Adds up over time with flights and hotels. After 5 years of scrambling around I coulda broke even but relaxed with the Elite for the past 5 years .
Chris ******
Balder Johansen peanuts
Chris ******
Balder Johansen for a year or two you can get by on METV and SETV with a few exempts but after that its a real hassle. If you have the full five years to go before 50 find the money for the elite or find another country to live in.
Biff *******
Ok
Ian *******
@Biff ******
I spend 3-6 months away from Thailand at a time. I've got about 4 60 visas in my passport too. They will ask you eventually. This was my first time. Tourist numbers are down. The Chinese numbers have dropped significantly. The Thai government just launched a drive to turn things around.Biff *******
I’ve got way way more than six. Plus about four tourist visas. Never been questioned once.
Tourist numbers are actually up.
Those being questioned and or refused entry are those suspected of living permanently (and possibly working illegally)
on visas or exempt status that are designed for visitors. As in, people who come for a visit and then go home.
Tourist numbers are actually up.
Those being questioned and or refused entry are those suspected of living permanently (and possibly working illegally)
on visas or exempt status that are designed for visitors. As in, people who come for a visit and then go home.
Tod *********
@Ian ******
nope, I think they are just trying to scare people into NOT living here on 30 day visa exempt entries or tourist visas.Ian *******
It doesn't help then that she said that
Tod *********
they are not directed to do anything, :O she's just blowing smoke up your backside ;) The system automatically flags the passport when it's scanned in based on number of visa exempt and tourist visas :P
Ellie *******
Extension means extending, not the first plan I guess. Visa exemption is stated 'for those who is "tourism purpose and for less than 30 days only"' (may not right be wording).
For example, some consulates also say on their web site: " passport holders from 48 countries and 1 special administrative region - Hong Kong SAR - are not required to obtain a visa when entering Thailand for tourism purposes and will be permitted to stay in the Kingdom for a period of not exceeding 30 days on each visit. "
For example, some consulates also say on their web site: " passport holders from 48 countries and 1 special administrative region - Hong Kong SAR - are not required to obtain a visa when entering Thailand for tourism purposes and will be permitted to stay in the Kingdom for a period of not exceeding 30 days on each visit. "
Shannon ******
My guess is he is saying that extensions not meant for preplanning purposes especially for tourist purposes. Also more scrutiny these days.
Biff *******
Personally, when arriving on a 30 day exempt basis, if I’m asked how long I’m staying I say 30 days. It’s just easier. They get to stamp me in without saying anything. I get to go through immigration without talking to them. Everyone’s happy.
Robert *******
You filled in 55 days, for that time period there is the Single Entry Tourist Visa, the officer just pointed that out.
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