Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some "on the ground" advice regarding the recent strictness on Visa Exempt entries (the Nov 2025 crackdown).

 

My history:

Jan 2025: Entered Visa Exempt (extended 30 days).

April 2025: Entered Visa Exempt (extended 30 days).

July 2025: Left Thailand.

 Current Status: I have been outside of Thailand for the last 4 months

I am flying into CNX (Chiang Mai) tomorrow.

 I know the new rules say "Targeting people repeatedly using exemptions without returning home," but I feel my 4-month gap proves I'm not "living" there on VE stamps.

 

My Questions:

Has anyone entered CNX recently with a similar "gap" in their history?

Does the "2 entries per year" limit strictly apply to land borders only, or are they enforcing a hard "2 per year" at airports now too?

 

If CNX denies me, do they usually send you back to your last port (Kuala Lumpur) or your passport country UK?

 

I have my flight out of Thailand booked (within 60 days) and proof of funds ready. Just trying to gauge if CNX is currently a "no-go" zone for someone with my history.

Thanks for any insights.

 

10 minutes ago, JosephineMasy said:

Does the "2 entries per year" limit strictly apply to land borders only, or are they enforcing a hard "2 per year" at airports now too?

 

If CNX denies me, do they usually send you back to your last port (Kuala Lumpur) or your passport country UK?

There is no stated limit on ve entries via land or air. 

If denied entry you would be flown back to where you flew, to Thailand from

12 minutes ago, JosephineMasy said:

I have my flight out of Thailand booked (within 60 days) and proof of funds ready. Just trying to gauge if CNX is currently a "no-go" zone for someone with my history.

CNX is probably the best airport to enter Thailand. 

Have a clear itinerary of what you plan to do on basis of departure ticket. Can be a story. 

39 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

There is no stated limit on ve entries via land or air. 

If denied entry you would be flown back to where you flew, to Thailand from

CNX is probably the best airport to enter Thailand. 

Have a clear itinerary of what you plan to do on basis of departure ticket. Can be a story. 

Thanks for the reply DrJack54.
I’m a bit confused, I thought the main change was simply a limit of two visa-exemption entries per year, though I might have misunderstood.

 

From what I gathered, the essence of the announcement was something like this:
On Nov 12, 2025, the Immigration Bureau brought in new directives blocking more than two visa-exempt entries per year unless there’s a solid reason. A third visa-free entry without a clear justification can lead to denial of entry.

12 minutes ago, JosephineMasy said:

On Nov 12, 2025, the Immigration Bureau brought in new directives blocking more than two visa-exempt entries per year unless there’s a solid reason. A third visa-free entry without a clear justification can lead to denial of entry

I think you will find it's not cut and dry. 

Certainly nationality of passport will be a factor. 

More importantly time outside of Thailand from previous visit. 

In your case 4 months. 

Since you fly soon into CM can you update your thread your experience with immigration when you arrive. 

Best of luck. 

8 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

I think you will find it's not cut and dry. 

Certainly nationality of passport will be a factor. 

More importantly time outside of Thailand from previous visit. 

In your case 4 months. 

Since you fly soon into CM can you update your thread your experience with immigration when you arrive. 

Best of luck. 

Thanks.

Still deciding whether to fly to Thailand, the last thing I want is to end up in immigration detention or be sent back just for spending time and money there.

 

I’m leaning toward cancelling the trip and staying in Malaysia or heading back to Indonesia instead. If I do go to Thailand, I’ll post an update.

you could consider safe entry for peace of mind. I don't know if it's possible with some of the companies in CNX though

22 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

I think you will find it's not cut and dry. 

Certainly nationality of passport will be a factor. 

More importantly time outside of Thailand from previous visit. 

In your case 4 months. 

Since you fly soon into CM can you update your thread your experience with immigration when you arrive. 

Best of luck. 

BTW, is it possible to get a SETV from KL, Bali, or even Jakarta? Or is there a Thai embassy that’s easier to reach from KL?

 

I haven’t applied in a long time, is everything handled online now? Any idea how long a SETV usually takes? Passport is UK, but I’ve been travelling around Asia for two years.

8 minutes ago, Hyggefyren said:

you could consider safe entry for peace of mind. I don't know if it's possible with some of the companies in CNX though

Do you know any reliable ones? I , I’ve never used safe-entry services before. How much do they usually charge?

38 minutes ago, JosephineMasy said:

Do you know any reliable ones? I , I’ve never used safe-entry services before. How much do they usually charge?

Depends on passport history. 

eg Ed visa, overstay, refused entry etc. 

Common is 4k for straight forward. 

However bit late now.. 

Not sure if @ThaiVisaCentre assists at CNX. 

As for question re SETV... yes you can apply on the eVisa platform all done online however process time would take few days. 

 

6 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Depends on passport history. 

eg Ed visa, overstay, refused entry etc. 

Common is 4k for straight forward. 

However bit late now.. 

Not sure if @ThaiVisaCentre assists at CNX. 

As for question re SETV... yes you can apply on the eVisa platform all done online however process time would take few days 

Thank you very much 😊 

OP, bit off topic but UK pp is visa exempt for Vietnam. Think 45 days. 

 

Being Oz, I had to obtain eVisa. 

Takes exactly 4 days for anyone who need one. 

Fly to Saigon tomorrow. Ripper joint. 

 

34 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

OP, bit off topic but UK pp is visa exempt for Vietnam. Think 45 days. 

 

Being Oz, I had to obtain eVisa. 

Takes exactly 4 days for anyone who need one. 

Fly to Saigon tomorrow. Ripper joint. 

 

Love Saigon ❤️  is the Thai embassy fairly easy going over there for a SETV? Tried looking up several embassies (JKT, KL...) but they don't have much information about TRs

You'll be fine .... but there's a decent chance they'll question you for a bit and bring over a supervisor.  Just have your flight out of the country printed along with accommodation booking or letter of invitation with id card.  If a supervisor approaches to chat, s/he will likely tell you to get an appropriate visa next time.  Don't get flustered, answer questions confidently and listen to the spiel.

 

Despite what other members have said in the past, a SETV would of been a better plan for entry.  That said, it obviously isn't an option now and you should get your 60 day stamp anyway.  

Good advice^^

1 hour ago, JosephineMasy said:

Love Saigon ❤️  is the Thai embassy fairly easy going over there for a SETV? Tried looking up several embassies (JKT, KL...) but they don't have much information about TRs

I got a SETV from Saigon as a bit of extra security earlier this year. No problem. Processing time probably a few days (mine took longer as I applied just before Tet but was there for a month so wasn't bothered)

2 hours ago, Hyggefyren said:

you could consider safe entry for peace of mind. I don't know if it's possible with some of the companies in CNX though

 

 

How are these "safe-entry" vendors faring with the new "regulations"?

 

Any first-hand reports from BKK or CNX?

 

 

4 hours ago, JosephineMasy said:

If CNX denies me, do they usually send you back to your last port (Kuala Lumpur) or your passport country UK?

 

There are a few recent videos - last seven days - on Youtube of people rejected at BKK (SBIA). They were offered the option of returning to their previous location, or to their passport home.

 

I think you have to be flexible here as the previous country may not allow you to enter, and so forced to return to their passport country.

 

 

 

3 hours ago, JosephineMasy said:

 

I’m leaning toward cancelling the trip and staying in Malaysia or heading back to Indonesia instead. If I do go to Thailand, I’ll post an update.

 

If the timing isn't vital, I'd hover in Malaysia and return to Thailand after 1/1/26.

 

 

 

 

11 hours ago, bamnutsak said:

 

 

How are these "safe-entry" vendors faring with the new "regulations"?

 

Any first-hand reports from BKK or CNX?

 

 

 

There are a few recent videos - last seven days - on Youtube of people rejected at BKK (SBIA). They were offered the option of returning to their previous location, or to their passport home.

 

I think you have to be flexible here as the previous country may not allow you to enter, and so forced to return to their passport country.

 

 

 

 

If the timing isn't vital, I'd hover in Malaysia and return to Thailand after 1/1/26.

 

 

 

 

What happens on that date the 1st of manual?

Is it really going to make a big difference?

 

 

 

You're exactly the kind of person they're targeting.

 

Enter from Vientiane across the bridge, if they refuse entry, just go back and apply for a visa .

6 hours ago, persimmon said:

Enter from Vientiane across the bridge, if they refuse entry, just go back and apply for a visa .

The OP is in KL flying to Thailand. 

Entry from Vientiane not the plan. 

6 hours ago, persimmon said:

Enter from Vientiane across the bridge, if they refuse entry, just go back and apply for a visa .

 

   Isnt it all done online now ?

 

https://vientiane.thaiembassy.org/en/page/applying-for-a-visa?menu=63bcd64c12bee0714f516833

it's so sad, that Thailand does not like foreigners anymore.:-(

Hi All,

I will be coming to Thailand for Christmas and it will be my 3rd trip visa exempt in 2025.  I am of the opinion that if this trip is breaking any rules, my digital arrival application would be denied first?  Or is there no connection between the two.

I've been coming since 2016 and stay 3 weeks at a time in rented accommodation, never extended my visa exempt so hoping all will be ok.

7 minutes ago, Foresttrump said:

I've been coming since 2016 and stay 3 weeks at a time in rented accommodation, never extended my visa exempt so hoping all will be ok.

You are a tourist and don't even obtain the 30 day extension. 

You have no issues with upcoming trip. 

 

BTW : The DTAC does not screen for eligibility  for visa exempt entry

10 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

You are a tourist and don't even obtain the 30 day extension. 

You have no issues with upcoming trip. 

 

BTW : The DTAC does not screen for eligibility  for visa exempt entry

Thank Drjack, you would have thought immigration and DTAC would be linked and would save a lot of stress and time on arrival.

11 hours ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   Isnt it all done online now ?

 

https://vientiane.thaiembassy.org/en/page/applying-for-a-visa?menu=63bcd64c12bee0714f516833

It is, but you still have to be there (and prove it).  Furthermore, you have to pay in cash at the Embassy.

Malaysia gives a 90 day visa free entry so ideal if u want to kill time there. The 3 VE rule applies to  a calendar year so on Jan 1st it resets.

13 hours ago, biggles45 said:

Malaysia gives a 90 day visa free entry so ideal if u want to kill time there. The 3 VE rule applies to  a calendar year so on Jan 1st it resets.

It is no official 2 or 3 VE rule anymore. It is all considered on an individual basis, based on your pp history. You may enter several times, if you just stay a short time each time, a week or three.

However, if you spend the full 60 days, and also extend by 30 days, you might be denied entry after two of those. There is where the crackdown comes in.

 

I understand that the OP is in KL, and needs to leave Malaysia now. I suggest Vietnam instead, Ho Chi Minh, 45 days visa exemption entry (26 countries have those). It's really easy (just been there, nice city), just show up with pp, no need to show forwarding tickets, accommodation or funds.

In January 2026 he will probably have no problem entering Thailand again.

On 11/24/2025 at 9:58 AM, biggles45 said:

The 3 VE rule applies to  a calendar year so on Jan 1st it resets.

 

Is that confirmed, according to latest announcements, or other sources?

5 minutes ago, StayinThailand2much said:

 

Is that confirmed, according to latest announcements, or other sources?

No. There's nothing confirmed or unconfirmed because it's all at the discretion of the immigration offices.  And since your past doesn't disappear when the new year hits, they can still use it against you if they want to in order to establish a pattern.