Thailand Visa question No. 360/21: Visa exemption

Questioner: Esmay

We intend to book tickets to Bangkok in mid-February, with KLM. It is a return ticket, but return will not be until 6 months later. The journey will look something like this:

• First 30 days: Thailand
• Next months: traveling around neighboring countries
• Last 30 days: Thailand

Here are the questions:

1. Since the return will not be within 30 days, will this cause problems? Or can we just explain/explain this at KLM? Does a ticket for the onward destination help here?
2. Double entry is possible with Visa Exemption, right?
3. If we only have a stopover in Bangkok in the meantime, will this not affect the above (2 times entitlement to 30 days stay)?

Thank you very much!

Reaction RonnyLatYa

1. If you depart with Visa Exemption and if an airline then wants to see proof that you are leaving Thailand within 30 days, that proof does not have to be a return ticket. That's a misconception. This may also be a flight ticket to another country.

I don't know if KLM (still) has that requirement and if so, what evidence they will accept. Sometimes an explanation is enough. It is best to contact KLM for this and ask them that question. Do this by email so that you have proof of their answer at check-in and there is no discussion about this with the staff at the check-in desk. If you already have a flight ticket, it is no problem of course.

2. Entering twice on Visa Exemption is possible. But I understand that you are going to fly and normally it can be done more than 2 times.

For your information. By land, the maximum is 2 times per calendar year. But for that, the borders must be open over land and it remains to be seen when this will be possible again for tourists.

3. You officially enter Thailand when you pass through immigration and there is an Arrival stamp with a period of stay in your passport.

If this does not happen during a stopover, you are only in transit and you have not officially entered Thailand. It therefore has no consequences for anything.

 – Do you have a visa question for Ronny? Use it contact form.! -