Visa Run Clarification

[meltingpot2015]

OP: Going to Malaysia and arriving in Thailand on visa exempt on the same day is probably a bad idea, will definitely set off alarm bells. (even if you had held a tourist visa before)

Note: I am talking about visa exempt. Also, talking about arriving on the same day.

I believe it's only the Cambodian border crossings (and Kanchanaburi) stopping OUT/IN and that applies to visa holders too.

Are you aware of actual restrictions on the Thai/Malaysian border?

I am not talking about the recent developments. see link below:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/856730-border-run-alternatives/?utm_source=newsletter-20150919-0807&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=featured

Just what is more suitable for the OP, in his situation. He did say he is going to Malaysia not Cambodia, so I am saying that if/when he goes to Malaysia, ensure that he does not arrive in Thailand the same day expecting a visa exempt stamp.

Are you suggesting he should do a same day border run to Malaysia and arrive in Thailand the same day?, as opposed to doing a visa run to obtain a tourist visa and arrive the next day or later.

I wasn't suggesting anything. I was asking if the concerns you are passing on are due to official policy at this border.

If I were the OP I would get a tourist visa because thats gives him 60 days as opposed to 15, but if he wants to do an OUT/IN crossing from Malaysia, and enter under visa exemption, I believe it's possible regardless of any "alarm bells".

It's 15 days stay under visa exempt for NZ Passport holder if they enter Thailand by Land. 30 days stay for entry via International Airport.

If he enters Thailand on the same day without a visa, but under visa exempt, do you not think it may be considered a back-to-back entry?

[Kitsune]

Kitsune - where do you get the information to suggest that the op has a 'multi' entry tourist visa, because

a/ i missed the information

and b/ there is such no thing as a multi entry tourist visa,

are you trying to cause confusion

Because

A/ he said his expiration date is NOV 2015 and single only have 60days expiration

and B/ Multiple = more than one

I do not have a multi entry tourist visa or a double entry visa. I have a single entry tourist visa which I have just extended an additional 30 days at the immigration office here on Samui bringing the new date of expiration to the 9th Nov 2015.

That does not add up.

We are September 19th, how could you have extended 30 days and have an expiry date of 9th Nov ?

Even if you had extended 30 days today (which you have not, you did it before) you would only get UP TO THE 19TH OF OCTOBER.

How could you possibly have to November?

Something is wrong.

[elviajero]

Kitsune - where do you get the information to suggest that the op has a 'multi' entry tourist visa, because

a/ i missed the information

and b/ there is such no thing as a multi entry tourist visa,

are you trying to cause confusion

Because

A/ he said his expiration date is NOV 2015 and single only have 60days expiration

and B/ Multiple = more than one

I do not have a multi entry tourist visa or a double entry visa. I have a single entry tourist visa which I have just extended an additional 30 days at the immigration office here on Samui bringing the new date of expiration to the 9th Nov 2015.

That does not add up.

We are September 19th, how could you have extended 30 days and have an expiry date of 9th Nov ?

Even if you had extended 30 days today (which you have not, you did it before) you would only get UP TO THE 19TH OF OCTOBER.

How could you possibly have to November?

Something is wrong.

It could because the extension applies from the date the stay you are extending finishes regardless of how early you reply. If his extension expires on the 9/11 then his current say must expire around the 11/10 which means he could apply for the extension any date after the 12/9.

[elviajero]

I am not talking about the recent developments. see link below:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/856730-border-run-alternatives/?utm_source=newsletter-20150919-0807&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=featured

Just what is more suitable for the OP, in his situation. He did say he is going to Malaysia not Cambodia, so I am saying that if/when he goes to Malaysia, ensure that he does not arrive in Thailand the same day expecting a visa exempt stamp.

Are you suggesting he should do a same day border run to Malaysia and arrive in Thailand the same day?, as opposed to doing a visa run to obtain a tourist visa and arrive the next day or later.

I wasn't suggesting anything. I was asking if the concerns you are passing on are due to official policy at this border.

If I were the OP I would get a tourist visa because thats gives him 60 days as opposed to 15, but if he wants to do an OUT/IN crossing from Malaysia, and enter under visa exemption, I believe it's possible regardless of any "alarm bells".

It's 15 days stay under visa exempt for NZ Passport holder if they enter Thailand by Land. 30 days stay for entry via International Airport.

If he enters Thailand on the same day without a visa, but under visa exempt, do you not think it may be considered a back-to-back entry?

Yes I know. I told the OP that in post 5. And that's why I said "as opposed to 15" in the post you are quoting.

It would be OUT/IN but not a back to back visa exempt entry as his previous entry was with an TR.

[meltingpot2015]

OUT/IN is when someone with double/triple entry Tourist Visa (TR), leaves and enters Thailand, NO?, Or does it apply also to someone with a single entry TR (extended), leaves and enters on same day with the intention of applying for visa exempt?

The reasons I said apply for TR (rather than rely on Visa Exempt), was because otherwise the immigration officer is going to wonder, why the OP didn't apply for double entry in the first place.

[elviajero]

OUT/IN is when someone with double/triple entry Tourist Visa (TR), leaves and enters Thailand, NO?, Or does it apply also to someone with a single entry TR (extended), leaves and enters on same day with the intention of applying for visa exempt?

The reasons I said apply for TR (rather than rely on Visa Exempt), was because otherwise the immigration officer is going to wonder, why the OP didn't apply for double entry in the first place.

OUT/IN applies to anyone exiting, turning around and coming back in whether they have visa or not.

The only thing the IO is likely to wonder is if the person entering is working. If the person is trying to enter without a visa it's easy, at a land border, to deny entry without going through the correct procedure of an official denial. Having a TR wouldn't necessarily reduce suspicions that the person is working, but does make it harder for the IO to deny entry. Those most under suspicion have multiple back to back visa exempt entries.

I agree a TR is a good idea, but only necessary if he wants to stay longer than 45 days (15+30 ext.).

[Kitsune]

That does not add up.

We are September 19th, how could you have extended 30 days and have an expiry date of 9th Nov ?

Even if you had extended 30 days today (which you have not, you did it before) you would only get UP TO THE 19TH OF OCTOBER.

How could you possibly have to November?

Something is wrong.

It could because the extension applies from the date the stay you are extending finishes regardless of how early you reply. If his extension expires on the 9/11 then his current say must expire around the 11/10 which means he could apply for the extension any date after the 12/9.

no you cannot extend that early.

Its maximum 2 weeks before I think

[elviajero]

That does not add up.

We are September 19th, how could you have extended 30 days and have an expiry date of 9th Nov ?

Even if you had extended 30 days today (which you have not, you did it before) you would only get UP TO THE 19TH OF OCTOBER.

How could you possibly have to November?

Something is wrong.

It could because the extension applies from the date the stay you are extending finishes regardless of how early you reply. If his extension expires on the 9/11 then his current say must expire around the 11/10 which means he could apply for the extension any date after the 12/9.

no you cannot extend that early.

Its maximum 2 weeks before I think

You can at some offices, it's not a hard and fast rule. Hopefully the OP will confirm how early he applied and you'll get all your answers.

[meltingpot2015]

OUT/IN is when someone with double/triple entry Tourist Visa (TR), leaves and enters Thailand, NO?, Or does it apply also to someone with a single entry TR (extended), leaves and enters on same day with the intention of applying for visa exempt?

The reasons I said apply for TR (rather than rely on Visa Exempt), was because otherwise the immigration officer is going to wonder, why the OP didn't apply for double entry in the first place.

OUT/IN applies to anyone exiting, turning around and coming back in whether they have visa or not.

The only thing the IO is likely to wonder is if the person entering is working. If the person is trying to enter without a visa it's easy, at a land border, to deny entry without going through the correct procedure of an official denial. Having a TR wouldn't necessarily reduce suspicions that the person is working, but does make it harder for the IO to deny entry. Those most under suspicion have multiple back to back visa exempt entries.

I agree a TR is a good idea, but only necessary if he wants to stay longer than 45 days (15+30 ext.).

One of the members who posts on here regularly said the TR is a "real visa". See post below:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/828232-told-to-get-a-visa-not-use-visa-exempt-next-time-at-swampy/#entry9448944

I know what he means, but I take your point that the visa exempt also allows entry up to a certain number of days. The member on the link above says there would not be ANY suspicions with TR, which is different to what you are saying....TR would "reduce suspicions".

[elviajero]

OUT/IN is when someone with double/triple entry Tourist Visa (TR), leaves and enters Thailand, NO?, Or does it apply also to someone with a single entry TR (extended), leaves and enters on same day with the intention of applying for visa exempt?

The reasons I said apply for TR (rather than rely on Visa Exempt), was because otherwise the immigration officer is going to wonder, why the OP didn't apply for double entry in the first place.

OUT/IN applies to anyone exiting, turning around and coming back in whether they have visa or not.

The only thing the IO is likely to wonder is if the person entering is working. If the person is trying to enter without a visa it's easy, at a land border, to deny entry without going through the correct procedure of an official denial. Having a TR wouldn't necessarily reduce suspicions that the person is working, but does make it harder for the IO to deny entry. Those most under suspicion have multiple back to back visa exempt entries.

I agree a TR is a good idea, but only necessary if he wants to stay longer than 45 days (15+30 ext.).

One of the members who posts on here regularly said the TR is a "real visa". See post below:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/828232-told-to-get-a-visa-not-use-visa-exempt-next-time-at-swampy/#entry9448944

I know what he means, but I take your point that the visa exempt also allows entry up to a certain number of days. The member on the link above says there would not be ANY suspicions with TR, which is different to what you are saying....TR would "reduce suspicions".

I think nzexpat (aka oncearugge) was being sarcastic. I'm sure he'll tell us if he wasn't or disagrees with me.

There is no such thing as a real visa. You have a visa or or you don't. The Tourist Visa Exempt Scheme allows multiple entries for nationals from qualifying countries. It is Thailand's choice to offer it and it's a legitimate way to enter the country. The concern is not with the visa or exemption being used to enter but the activity once in the country.

A visa is like a ticket that tells the IO the maximum stay that they can grant the holder. Imagine a single entry TR holder entering with a friend qualifying for visa exempt entry. The second they are both granted entry neither is holding a valid visa because the TR is used. The only difference is that one has a 60 day stay and the other 15/30 days.

Immigration aren't stupid. Someone that enters multiple times back to back under visa exemption and then starts entering with back to back TR's is just as likely to be illegally working and therefore under suspicion. As is someone that applies for and enters with back to back TR's from day one.

[JMan89]

"It could because the extension applies from the date the stay you are extending finishes regardless of how early you reply. If his extension expires on the 9/11 then his current say must expire around the 11/10 which means he could apply for the extension any date after the 12/9.".

Correct!

[JMan89]

That does not add up.

We are September 19th, how could you have extended 30 days and have an expiry date of 9th Nov ?

Even if you had extended 30 days today (which you have not, you did it before) you would only get UP TO THE 19TH OF OCTOBER.

How could you possibly have to November?

Something is wrong.

It could because the extension applies from the date the stay you are extending finishes regardless of how early you reply. If his extension expires on the 9/11 then his current say must expire around the 11/10 which means he could apply for the extension any date after the 12/9.

no you cannot extend that early.

Its maximum 2 weeks before I think

I extended that early.

The lady who checks the forms initially didnt seem to have any problems when she glanced over my passport and form. Also while I was waiting outside I managed to get into a good conversation with one of the men working there as we bonded over our e-cigarettes and who asked what number I was in the queue before he went inside to assist my application. That may or may not have had any bearing on the application.

[sandyf]

If you do not want to do the TR, my suggestion would be to take the train from Surat Thani through to KL and fly back with Air Asia to Surat Thani. The morning train from ST would get into KL next morning with a short flight back in the afternoon. Bit of a tedious journey but relatively low cost for the 30 days.

[Kitsune]

no you cannot extend that early.

Its maximum 2 weeks before I think

I extended that early.

The lady who checks the forms initially didnt seem to have any problems when she glanced over my passport and form. Also while I was waiting outside I managed to get into a good conversation with one of the men working there as we bonded over our e-cigarettes and who asked what number I was in the queue before he went inside to assist my application. That may or may not have had any bearing on the application.

Ah ok now I understand...

[jacksam]

Great news, it's all sorted

[ubonjoe]

A off topic and inflammatory post has been removed again.

I have also removed some earlier posts that were only bickering between 2 members.

Edit: Now a reply to one of the removed posts has been removed.