Hi,

My tourist visa ran out 3 months ago and my 3 month medical extension (my wife had a baby) runs out this Friday. What options do I have for a new visa from Chiang Mai OVER LAND? (Flights to neighbouring countries for 2 adults and 2 infants are coming out at over £600). I only need around 60 days, but if I can get 90 that's a bonus. Can I do a land border run for a 30 day visa exempt anywhere and then extend at immigration? If so, where can I cross? If Mae Sai won't allow, can I do any other land crossings? I have a car so can drive anywhere or can I get a train maybe? Don't fancy a bus with 2 kids!!

Thanks

Edited July 13, 201610 yr by Uktothailand

• You can't get a visa exempt out/in entry at every border.

Out/in visa exempt entry is not allowed at the Myanmar border. You could go to Chiang Khong on the Laos border where you should be granted a visa exempt entry.

You'll be granted 30 days, assuming you're from the UK or one of the G7 countries, otherwise it's only 15 days.

A 15/30 day visa exempt entry can be extended at immigration by 30 days for 1,900 baht.

G7 countries: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK, USA.

Edited July 13, 201610 yr by elviajero

Thank you elviajero.

I am from the UK

Why is it that some Chiang Khong give 30 days over land but other borders don't?

Thanks

Thank you elviajero.

I am from the UK

Why is it that some Chiang Khong give 30 days over land but other borders don't?

Thanks

As a Brit you will always get 30 days at any border that allows out/in visa exempt entry.

The problem with visa exempt entry is historical. It is meant for short term tourism, but for years people used it to work illegally or live here long term. As more and more people want to live here immigration are trying to prevent is back to back visa exempt entries. I assume that the borders closest to Bangkok/Chiang Mai are restricting/stopping out/in entries as they are the ones that have historically had the biggest problem.

Thanks again.

Will I need to show proof of air ticket out of Thailand do you think?

Thanks again.

Will I need to show proof of air ticket out of Thailand do you think?

It is highly unlikely. That is only usually asked for when the IO believes the person isn't a tourist, due to a history of visa exempt entries, and is looking for proof.

Is your wide Thai? If so, and you only so far used medical extensions, I think you are still eligible for a 60-day extension to visit your wife.