Latest on Cambodia border crossings (Aranyaprathet)

[tumama]

What's the latest on Cambodian border crossings for overstayers? There are so many changes and rumors flying around, so it's hard to know what the actual rules at the moment are.

I would like to take the train from Bangkok and cross over at Aranyaprathet, and pay my fine there. Would they then allow me right back in? If so, would I get 15 or 30 days?

My other option is getting a 60 days visa in Phnom Penh, does it usually take 48 hours? Because I see that the embassy is closed this Friday.

[Soutpeel]

You had better do it quick what ever you do, leave it too long if your overstay is big enough as you may not be coming back to Thailand for a while if they bring in the banning rules

[oncearugge]

Exiting via a land border with an overstay (how long is the overstay) and then seeking to immediately return using a visa exempt entry does not seem to be the best of ideas.

30 day visas exempt entries are only available to those holding passports from G7 countries.

[ubonjoe]

How long is your overstay?

How many exempt entries have you done this year?

It is 15 days unless you are from a G7 country.

[tumama]

Overstay over a year. Agreed, trying to get back over the border might be taking the p**s a bit.

If I take a plane and back I should be getting 30 days right? If I take the plane, should I get 1 one-way ticket and 1 return?

[visarunner]

Thai-Cambodian borders will not stamp you out with a year worth of overstay.

[oncearugge]

Overstay over a year. Agreed, trying to get back over the border might be taking the p**s a bit.

If I take a plane and back I should be getting 30 days right?

Best to obtain a tourist visa .

Unless you intend leaving Thailand within the immediate future.

[gilo]

Although I was allowed in visa exempt after flying back in following clearing a much longer overstay I was pulled to the side and questioned very intently for what seemed an awfully long time along with signing all sets of other papers which I didn't really follow. My recommendation would be to try and secure a visa before re-entering. Thaivisa services might be worthwhile contacting to see if you would be able to clear the overstay at Nong Khai and get a tourist visa in Vientiane.The owner, Claudio, gives straight up advice as to if you would be able to clear it with them on their organised visa run. As others have said it might be wise to deal with this sooner rather than later as the banning rules are in front of the PM.Since my overstay I have received a number of tourist visas from Laos without problem. Good luck.

[tumama]

Yeah I'll probably just fly and try to get a visa at the embassy. Was just checking prices. Will one return ticket suffice, or will Thai immigration want to see an onward or return ticket when I come back?

[ubonjoe]

Immigration will not ask for a ticket out of the country. It would be the airline that may want to see one if you don't have a visa.

[tumama]

No I mean for when I come back to Bangkok.

[ubonjoe]

I was writing about your flight back to Bangkok and immigration here when you return.

[oncearugge]

No I mean for when I come back to Bangkok.

1. You need a ticket to return to BKK

2. If you have no visa the airline may refuse boarding unless you have a flight out of Thailand within 30 days.

3. Thai immigration will not ask for an onward flight ticket

[tumama]

Great. Thanks for all the info.

Just read that article and was thinking I've been pushing my luck for too long now.

[jacko45k]

Thai-Cambodian borders will not stamp you out with a year worth of overstay.

Yes, that was my thought and I would be worried of getting a free ride in a barred vehicle.

Makes sense to use the airport and quick.

[Sheryl]

I know someone who left by air clearing a one year overstay and tried to come back abouyt a day later visa exempt. He was refused entry.

Leave by plane and do it soon before new laws/regulations come into play

Then get a visa.

[tumama]

Oh boy do I feel stupid now. Had totally forgot I've got a new passport. I had the letter from the embassy with my passport but not the police report. And given that it was a morning flight the police station at the airport was closed. So they wouldn't let me on board.

The immigration said that I didn't need a new note from the embassy, just a new police report. Is that correct?

What about crossing into Laos by land and getting the visa in Vientiane? Is that better than the Cambodian land border?

[ubonjoe]

All that is needed is the police report.

Nong Khai normally will clear long overstays but the problem is getting to the border without getting caught on the way there with the overstay. Flying to Udon Thani and then to the bridge by van would be the least risky option.

[tumama]

I've been to Nong Khai a few times and I have never been checked by the police or immigration on the way. They've recently started doing that?