Thailand visa question: 7 weeks to Thailand and in between to Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam
Dear editors,
I'm going to Thailand for 7 weeks, in between I also want to visit Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. Do I need a visa or not?
Regards,
French
Dear French,
You don't write how long your periods will be in Thailand and you have to take that into account. However, I think that everything should be possible with “Visa Exemption”. I limit myself to Thailand. Of course you need the necessary visas for Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. It's simple and you just have to keep the following three rules in mind:
1. If you enter Thailand via an international airport, you will receive a 30-day “Visa Exemption”. You can stay in Thailand for 30 days without interruption.
2. If you enter Thailand by land, you will only receive a 15-day “Visa Exemption”. You can stay in Thailand for 15 days without interruption.
3. An In/Out on the same day via a land border post is no longer possible on the basis of a “Visa Exemption”. So stay in the other country for at least one or more days before you enter Thailand again. Obtaining a “Visa Exemption” (15 days) should not be a problem. In/Out on the same day via an International airport is possible on “Visa Exemption”. You will then receive another 30 days.
If you stay in Thailand for more than 30 or 15 days uninterruptedly (depending on how you entered Thailand), it is always possible to extend this at immigration for a maximum of 30 days.
It is now up to you to organize your stay, at least how long you want to stay in Thailand each time (or maybe you already have)
I think there are enough possibilities to organize it in such a way that you do not need to apply for a visa. Everything will be possible on “Visa exemption”.
NB. Airlines can and may check whether someone is in possession of a valid visa if his return flight is later than 30 days. In your case it is 7 weeks. This means that if you leave without a visa, you will have to prove that you will leave Thailand within 30 days. If you already have a plane ticket (eg to Vietnam) there is of course no problem, at least if this departure is within 30 days. If you do not have any proof that you are going to leave Thailand within 30 days, it is best to contact your airline beforehand.
Ask if you have to show proof, and which one they will accept (flight ticket, hotel booking, etc.). Always do this by e-mail, so that no discussions arise later at check-in if someone from the company sees it differently. The last thing you want is to argue at that point. It is the case that not all airlines (yet) effectively check this. Some do it, others don't ask for it (anymore). It depends on your airline, so it's best to get in touch, but I just want to give it as a warning.
Regards,
RonnyLatPhrao
Disclaimer: The advice is based on existing regulations. The editors accept no responsibility if this is deviated from in practice.