TB Immigration Info Brief 048/19 – The Thai visa (11) – Entry/Re-entry and Borderrun/Visarun
An “Entry” and a “Re-entry”, or a “Borderrun” and a “Visarun”. They are often used interchangeably, but they do not have the same meaning or purpose.
1. Entry and Re-entry
a. "Entry"
– You will always find an “Entry” in combination with a visa. With an “Entry” a new period of stay is always obtained upon entry. The length of that period of stay depends on the type of visa that you have.
– “Single” or “Multiple entry”
The number of “Entry” that has a visa will depend on what one asks for during the visa application, and/or what is allowed at the visa issuance. You can choose between a “Single entry” (one-time entry) or a “Multiple entry” (multiple entries).
– Period of validity of an “Entry”.
The validity period of an “Entry” is linked to the validity period of the visa, or until it is used in the case of a “Single entry”.
When the validity period of the visa expires, the “Entry” also expires, even if it has not been used.
- Price
The price of a visa is determined by the type of visa and period of validity, but also whether the visa has a "Single" or "Multiple entry".
You will pay less for a “Single entry” visa than for a “Multiple entry” visa.
b. “Re-entry” (coming back)
– “Re-Entry”
Contrary to an “Entry”, a “Re-entry” cannot obtain a residence period. A "Re-entry" only ensures that, when leaving Thailand, a previously obtained end date of a stay period is maintained. Upon return, the previously obtained end date will be obtained again.
– “Single” or “Multiple Re-entry”
The number of “Re-entry” that one wants to obtain depends on what one is applying for. You can choose between a “Single Re-entry” (one-time return) or a “Multiple Re-entry” (several returns).
– Period of validity of a “Re-entry”.
The validity period of a “Re-entry” is linked to the validity period of the current stay period, or until it is used in the case of a “Single Re-entry”.
For example, if you have a year extension, then the “Re-entry” is also valid until the end of that year extension, or until it is used in case of a “Single re-entry. When the period of validity of the stay period expires, the “Re-entry” also expires, even if it has not been used.
- Application
A “Re-entry” must be requested before leaving Thailand. After leaving Thailand, the possibility to apply for a “Re-entry” expires. If you do not have a “Re-entry” in your passport when you return, you will receive a 30-day “Visa Exemption” upon entry, or possibly a period that corresponds to a valid visa in your passport.
A “Re-entry” can be requested at the local immigration office, but also at the airport. Normally one should also be able to obtain this at a border post by land, but I cannot confirm whether this is also the case everywhere. Therefore, inform yourself very well before you go to a border post. It is best to arrange his “Re-entry” in advance at the local immigration office and keep the airport or border post as a possible emergency solution. For example, you never know how much time you have left and whether or not there are many waiting for you at the airport.
A large proportion of foreigners who regularly leave Thailand apply for “Re-entry” at the same time as their annual extension. One is there anyway and if one unexpectedly has to leave Thailand quickly, one has one less headache. But everyone decides for themselves, of course.
It is certainly not an obligation to have a “Re-entry” in the passport.
– Price and application procedure
A “Single Re-entry” costs 1000 Baht
A “Multiple Re-entry” costs 3800 Baht
The following documents must be submitted with the application (most requested but not limited)
– Completed application form TM8 – Application for Re-entry into the Kingdom
- Passport photograph
- Passport
– Copy passport page personal data
– Copy TM6 “Departure card”
– Copy “Arrival stamp”
– Copy renewal (if applicable)
– 1000 Baht for a Single” Re-entry
– 3800 Baht for a “Multiple” Re-entry
2. “Border Run” and “Visa Run”
a. “Border Run”
One speaks of a “Border Run” when one leaves Thailand and re-enters, with the intention of obtaining a new period of residence. Whether one returns immediately, after a few hours or even days is in itself of less importance. The real goal remains to obtain a new residence period. In practice, you see that people usually return immediately, or at least after a few hours. Depends on what is going on at that border post.
You can perform a “Borderrun” via land border posts or via an airport. In itself, however, it does not matter where you leave or re-enter Thailand. Usually the same border post is used for “border runs”, ie people leave Thailand via a border post and return a little later via the same border post.
Attention. At some Cambodian border posts, an immediate return is not always allowed. You are then obliged to spend at least the night in Cambodia.
b.Visarun
When people talk about a “Visarun”, this means that they are going to leave Thailand to get a new visa at a Thai embassy or consulate. This is because the validity period of the last visa has expired, or the “Single entry” of the visa was used for an earlier entry.
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Regards,
RonnyLatYa