Thailand visa question: Can we get a visa exemption in Hat Lek?
Dear Ronnie,
On January 5, 2020, my wife and I are flying to Bangkok. On arrival we want to use the visa exemption (30 days). After 28 days we fly from Bangkok to Siem Reap (Cambodia). We already have the tickets. We want to stay in Cambodia for about 10 days and then return to Thailand via the Hat Lek border post. We would like to make use of the visa exemption again. We will then stay in Thailand until March 9 and then fly from Bangkok to Amsterdam.
After a lot of searching on the internet I still haven't been able to find out if we can get a visa exemption in Hat Lek. One website says yes and the other no. I'd rather not gamble because it's a long trip from Siem Reap to Hat Lek.
Do you know what's up? We would be very happy about the redeeming answer! Is it yes or no?
Regards,
Bob
Dear Bob,
I can't find anywhere that NO “Visa Exemption” can be obtained at that border post. So I think it should be possible.
There are reports that no “Visa on Arrival” can be obtained, but that does not apply to you.
However, I have no experience with that border post, but maybe there are readers who have and want to share their experiences.
Regards,
RonnyLatYa
Hi Bob, a regular “Hat Lek” connoisseur here. The only problems you'll have at this border post are on the Cambodian side of the border, if any. They are happy to make you a few baht lighter.
Joking aside: After neatly checking out from Cambodia (Remember the order!!) you walk 2-300 meters over hot nomansland, you fill in a form with your details (form and possibly pen are ready, as well as people who would like to want to do for a fee), continues to the counter, presents your passport and completed entrance card, says Hello of Sawasdee Khap, and afterwards Thank you of Kap khun kap, and Bob's your uncle.
So no hassle with regard to the Thai. (provided that you do not enter by land for the 3rd time within 1 year).
Dear Jasper, what do you mean "they would like to lighten your bats a bit more"?
Do you mean that if you don't pay extra they can make it difficult for you or even refuse entry?
Hi Bob,
I have traveled through that border post several times and never encountered any problem. You get a new stamp in your passport… one for 30 d . It used to be only for 15 d.
However, one can ask when entering whether you have enough money (cf. meager backpackers sometimes experience that) and also when you will leave Thailand ... then you can show your booked flight.
Normally no problem!
Serge