Answered8 years ago

Will I have any issues getting a 30-day entry upon returning to Thailand after a short trip abroad?

Visa Exemption 30-Day Tourist Visa Thai Visa Rules Entry Requirements Immigration Policy

Graham ************

asked Oct 21, 2018

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Been here 30 days tomorrow but I’m flying to the USA today.. when I land back in 2 weeks I won’t have any problem getting a 30 day tourist visa on arriving in bkk will I ?? Thanks

Answer summary

In response to the inquiry about returning to Thailand after a trip abroad, several community members indicated that upon landing back in Thailand, the traveler could obtain a 30-day Visa Exempt Entry (not a tourist visa), provided they meet certain entry requirements. These include having proof of funds (20,000 THB or its equivalent), proof of accommodation, and proof of onward travel. While experiences have varied, it appears that entry is generally granted if these conditions are satisfied, although the decision ultimately lies with the immigration officer.

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Terary **********

yeah -- you'll have problems.. They don't give tourist visa at the airport or any other crossing. The give visa exemptions.. I have no clue why they are different but they are. You're on the right track - 30 day validity.. Can be extend an additional 30 days.

Tip, on your return to Thailand - have with you 20,000 baht (or equivalent in USD ). Can't hurt to have with you a copy of a hotel reservation - or similar, and proof of onward travel.. Though the last two aren't requested so much (from what I understand).

The other thing to do - if it's easy enough for you, get regular SETV or METV (Single/Multi Entry Tourist Visa) If US is your home country you can pull an METV from there.

8 years ago

Steven ***********

I've been working offshore doing

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in and out of Thailand on visa exempts since the end of 2010. In this time I've had two tourist visas only, the rest have been visa exempts, I also spent about 6 solid months here when I was laid off at the end of

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and I extended various visa exempt entries for 60 days as I have kids here. For the last 8 months I've had a non imm O.

All in all, I've been asked at immigration twice what I'm doing here and why I come so much. A quick explanation at the desk and in through to collect my baggage both times. I've never actually had to show proof of anything.

Based on my experience I think you'll be fine, but have the three proof of's too be sure. They're definitely clamping down.

8 years ago

Steven ***********

@Robert ******

just had a look. I imagine they have a history of back to backs.

A friends arrived back here last year after a few weeks sabbatical in the UK, previously he'd done border bounces and visa runs for about a year back to back..... He was also denied and sent home.

8 years ago

Robert *******

Based on experience is nice, but times are changing. Look at the latest post of Julandi Mostert.

8 years ago

Steven ***************

Theres no exact answer. As you are entering in visa exemption , they can refuse you for any reason they want. No different to any other country. Visas are pre approved . So refusal is far less likely.

8 years ago

Robert *******

It all depends on the officer. The more Visa Exempt Entries and/or Tourist visa you have the bigger the chance is you get questioned for proof of funds: 20.000 Thb or equivalent currency in CASH, proof of accommodation and proof of onward travel. If you have this than very small change to get denied entry. Most of the time people get denied entry with reason 12.2 because they don't have the cash with them. Or when using back to back entries get denied with reason 12.3 suspected of working in Thailand.

8 years ago

Steven ***************

Well that document is standard and covers virtually every reason not to let someone in. Suspicion is also part of it.

Meet the requirements they ask and you wont have a problem.

8 years ago