Questioner: Berbod
My questions have probably been answered before, but sometimes I can't see the wood for the trees. I am considering going to Thailand with a tourist visa (60 days). If I want to extend by a maximum of 45 days (before 1/4/2023), I can do a border run within 45 days after arrival in Thailand, but I do have to present an international flight ticket when checking in at Zaventem, for example, which shows that I have entered Thailand. 45 days leaves by plane.
My questions, is my statement correct and if so is a return flight ticket required? In Thailand, can I also extend for 30 days at an immigration office after 60 days, so that I can stay in Thailand for a maximum of 90 days? With this last option I will of course still need to have a plane ticket with a departure date within 45 days after arrival in Thailand.
Reaction RonnyLatYa
That confusion is there because you mix things up and that doesn't make it any clearer. However, it is less complicated than you suggest in your question.
1. You can stay in Thailand on “Visa Exemption”. That is, a visa waiver. In other words, you don't need a visa. You will then receive a residence period of 30 days upon entry, but this has currently been increased to 45 days and this until March 31, 23.
If you depart in this way, an airline may ask you to provide proof that you intend to leave Thailand within 30 days (currently 45 days). That does not have to be a return ticket. An onward flight ticket will also suffice. Check with your airline what their regulations are on this. This does not only apply to departures from the Netherlands/Belgium, but can be requested when departing from any country with any company.
This “Visa Exemption” of 30(45) days can be extended once at immigration by 30 days. Costs 1.900 Baht. In total you have a maximum uninterrupted stay of 60(75) days in Thailand
2. You can leave with a “Tourist Visa Single entry”. You must first apply for this visa before you leave for Thailand at the Thai embassy. Since you then have a visa, the airline will not ask questions about a return or onward flight ticket. Upon arrival you will then receive a residence period of 60 days. You can extend this once at immigration by 30 days. Costs 1900 Baht. In total, you will then have a maximum uninterrupted stay of 90 days in Thailand
3. A “border run” means that you leave Thailand for a short time. The “border run” is intended to obtain a new period of residence. So you never extend an existing period of stay with it. You could then make a “border run” following that “Visa Exemption” period or “Tourist Visa” period. Upon return you will then receive a new “Visa Exemption” period of 30 days (45 days) which you can then possibly extend by 30 days at immigration.
Please note that entering Thailand on “Visa Exemption” is officially only possible 2 times per calendar year via a border over land. In principle, there is no restriction via an airport, but nowadays people also check this more strictly if I can believe the social media about this. Especially if those entries are consecutive or in the short term.
You can no longer use your "Tourist Visa Single Entry" for a "border run", of course, because you used it for your earlier entry. But someone who holds a Multiple entry visa such as a "Multiple Entry Tourist Visa" (METV) will then not receive a "Visa Exemption" period of 30(45) days, but again 60 days, provided that entry falls within the validity period of the visa. is. Which you could then extend once by 30 days.
4. It is rarely asked and especially with “Visa Exemption” this will occur, but immigration can always ask if you have sufficient financial resources with you. They want you to be able to prove that you have at least 20 Baht with you in any currency.
I hope that's a bit more clear.
– Do you have a visa question for Ronny? Use it contact form.! -