How Many Times?

[derek11]

How many times can I continue to get 3 x 30 days upon arrival visa and then a 60 day visitors visa, followed by a 30 day extension?. That adds up to 6 months. I've done the whole process twice now for one full year. How much longer can I continue to do this process, is there a limit? Eventually, I'll get married but for now, this is the best option, just wondering how many times/cycles we can do this. Thanks!

[lopburi3]

Actually it does not normally add up to six months.

[derek11]

But how many times can I repeat the process?

[lopburi3]

How long is a thread? The fact is you can not even do it one time in most cases without staying out of the country for a few days (180 days is not six months). Some people using that system have reported only obtaining 7 day extensions of stay (rather than 30) so it is very much up in the air. But in most cases you can do until your are told otherwise.

[jstumbo]

How long is a thread? The fact is you can not even do it one time in most cases without staying out of the country for a few days (180 days is not six months). Some people using that system have reported only obtaining 7 day extensions of stay (rather than 30) so it is very much up in the air. But in most cases you can do until your are told otherwise.

And "otherwise" varies. Some people have been told after two times that they cannot do it anymore. It is basically just up to the consulate/person who approves your visa. Probably best to avoid Penang. Try Vientiane, some are able to get double entry tourist visas.

[Onnutrd]

I think what the fellow was stating is he already used 3 30 Day VOA's and then he got a 60 day Tourist Visa with a 30 day extension. Which adds up to 6 months, but has done this process twice to make it a full year.

I'd like to know which Embassy he went to so I can start doing that

Jstumbo, I'll follow your advice and go back to Vientiane, come one more month.

[lopburi3]

And I say again: it does not add up to six months. Months are not all 30 days blocks. It may only be a few days difference but it can matter.

[ethnostudent]

And don't forget to include in your calculations that when you exit the country and enter it again on the same day such as on a Cambodian border run, that same day is counted twice (on exit and on entry), so you lose 2 or 3 days out of the total 90 in 180 that is theoretically possible through border runs.

[derek11]

You're missing the point of the question. I do understand the process, I've gone through the cycle twice already. My question is HOW MANY TIMES CAN I KEEP DOING THIS? 3 times? 5 times? 20 times? Does anyone know? IS there a limit or not? Oh and I've been going to Singapore to get the visas.

[lopburi3]

And as I told you back in post #4 there is no set limit - until you are told no more.

[Lite Beer]

Ok. I'll have a go

What you are asking is impossible to answer.

Oficially there is no limit. But with different consulates and border check points imposing their own individual quirky limits and changing them every other week your guess is as good as any so called expert on here. It really is a toss of the dice.

[IMA_FARANG]

You're missing the point of the question. I do understand the process, I've gone through the cycle twice already. My question is HOW MANY TIMES CAN I KEEP DOING THIS? 3 times? 5 times? 20 times? Does anyone know? IS there a limit or not? Oh and I've been going to Singapore to get the visas.

Unfortunately there is no set number of times. It also depends on the place where you get the visa, Some consulates are more friendly than others.

As a rule of thumb, I would expect questions as to why you keep comimg back for more visas during the 3rd or 4th cycle. If you go back for the 3rd cycle and get more intense or confrontational questions, the I would expect the 4th cycle to be a "this is the last time" cycle. But it does depend on the consulate, and also on how you look and act. Especially in Singapore, looking well and acting well could mean a lot.

[cali4995]

Derek11, I can only tell you that I'm on my 3rd 6 month period as well since black October 2006.

Nobody's said a word to me but it certainly is expensive buying your time in 7-day or 30-day

increments. Obtaining tourist visas is becoming uncertain, getting extensions for them almost

as problematic. Having to show proof of onward travel everytime you turn around. Not much fun.

"Eventually I'll get married" You'd better start looking for a ring my friend.

[derek11]

Which brings me to my next question. My gf is pregnant and we're considering marriage but not sure which way to go. Baby is due in June so which visa is less expensive and less "problematic" ? Which documentation is needed, any advice?

[Lite Beer]

Which brings me to my next question. My gf is pregnant and we're considering marriage but not sure which way to go. Baby is due in June so which visa is less expensive and less "problematic" ? Which documentation is needed, any advice?

If you are not married it would not help you a lot.

If married you could get Non O Visas to live with your wife for 90 days. When expired you get another one. You maybe get a Multi Entry but not easy in Asia.

You could stay here for a year at a time if you have a monthly income of 40,000 Baht.

You maybe can get a yearly extension to live with your child if you are over 50 years old.

I will say it before someone else does. Shouldn't you marry for love rather than to get a Visa?.

Fire away.