Answered4 years ago

Will I face issues re-entering Thailand on a new visa exemption after a Covid extension?

Visa Exemption Covid Extension Re-entry Issues Long-term Visa Travel Requirements Thailand Immigration

Ciaran *********

asked Aug 6, 2022

1.5k

views

replies

likes

I arrived in Thailand in September last year on visa exemption. I have been on Covid extension ever since. If I leave the country for 2 weeks and try to enter again on a new visa exemption am I likely to face any problems? I would be traveling by air.

Answer summary

The individual is seeking advice on re-entering Thailand after leaving for two weeks, particularly after being on a Covid extension following a visa exemption. Community members indicate that returning on a visa exemption, especially after having extended using the Covid measures, may lead to issues. They recommend securing a proper long-term visa prior to return to avoid complications. Key documents such as proof of funds, accommodation, and an outward ticket can help mitigate entry challenges, but may not guarantee entry.

8 repliesnewest first

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Terary **********

I am told Phuket Airport is pretty easy going.

4 years ago

Ciaran *********

@Terary *********

Good to know. I heard the same about Chiang Mai and will be staying there so would probably go with that option if possible. I think BKK is the worst with this kind of thing.

4 years ago

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

You will be asked some serious questions on re entry, such as why you live in Thailand long time without longterm visa. Get a proper long term visa before you come back.

4 years ago

Stuart *********

Almost certainly you’ll have issues. To mitigate entry issues you need to provide 3 proofs for entry into Thailand.

1. 20,000 baht cash or equivalent in a major currency. It needs to be in cash. A bank statement, credit card or phone app showing you have funds won’t suffice.

2. Accommodation booked for at least the first few days. If you’re staying with family or friends then have them write an invitation letter for you to stay at their place.

3. A ticket out of Thailand booked within the number of days your entry allows, regardless that you can get an in country extension. 30 for Exempt, 60 for Tourist Visa (although the likelihood on being asked if you have a actual tourist visa is minimal). Bus train or plane. The two former must be an international ticket out, not just to a border town where you could walk across a border.

These won’t guarantee entry, but they’re the three things they can ask for.

4 years ago

Bobby ********

My advice is to get a proper visa. Re-entering on exempt with a string of covid extensions they're going to know you're working illegally in the country.

4 years ago

Ciaran *********

@Bobby *******

do you think a tourist visa would be ok?

4 years ago

Bobby ********

@Ciaran ********

. Difficult to say. How long does a person remain a tourist? It's down to the immigration officer stamping you in, how he perceives your visit. If you've been in the country for a year or longer as a "tourist", they might tell you to get a proper long term visa. Certainly a tourist visa would have better prospects, but no-one can say how immigration will respond

4 years ago

Sam *********

In theory there are folks who have been here for two plus years on Covid extensions. Those folks who have legit visas and have to continue showing the prerequisite paperwork and finances to keep their visas must feel like that system is a tad bit unfair. I know I would..

4 years ago