VOA Limits

[DipStick]

I am always reading conflicting stories on many Visa issues, however, can anyone correctly answer the following ....................

 

we we have an office both in China and Bangkok, but are based 80% of the time in China. However four or five times a year, I have to travel to Bangkok for brief business meetings. Being a Brit, I  am entitled to a 30 days stay on each occasion, however that never happens, the two days after my arrival are usually taken up by meetings, after which for possibly three or four days a relaxing time round the Pool in .cha Am.

 

so nearly every visit, I am usually out of Thailand within eight days, I never make use of my thirty days allowance. There is a story going around China of an Anerican based at a factory near Shanghai who also visits Thailand on business about the same frequency as I do, but stays for his full entitlement each visit. Apparently, late last month, on yet another visit he was denied entry due to the "excess" time he has spent in Thailand using the VOA.

 

is there an actual limit in concrete or is it up to the individual Immigration officer. Although the length of stays between myself and the other guy is totally different, I do wonder if the lights will be switched off for me in the future.  Please don't bring Work Permits into this  just an answer as per the subject.  Many thanks 

[ubonjoe]

You are apparently asking about visa exempt entries not a VOA. A VOA only allows a 15 day entry after paying 2000 baht for it.

There is really on limit on how many you can do. But a 6 they will get an alert so the officer can know to review your entries.

People that repeatedly stay for the entire 30 day are more likely to be questioned. If asked a person would need to show at least the equivalent of 20k baht in cash and/or proof of income from outside Thailand. I suspect the person denied entry was for lack of financial proof and/or for being suspected of working illegally in the country.

You should have a non-b visa for your business trips. 

[DipStick]

6 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

You are apparently asking about visa exempt entries not a VOA. A VOA only allows a 15 day entry after paying 2000 baht for it.

There is really on limit on how many you can do. But a 6 they will get an alert so the officer can know to review your entries.

People that repeatedly stay for the entire 30 day are more likely to be questioned. If asked a person would need to show at least the equivalent of 20k baht in cash and/or proof of income from outside Thailand. I suspect the person denied entry was for lack of financial proof and/or for being suspected of working illegally in the country.

You should have a non-b visa for your business trips. 

Thanks UJ, but just to clarify .. Did you mean there is really NO limit on what you can do ?. I take your point about non-b visas, however multiple entries are almost impossible to find now, so every time I would need to visit, I would have to get a new non-b which is time consuming and a sure way of taking up valuable passport pages.

if asked about finances, I have no issues with that as I have quite a number of Baht in my BKK account, this due to the difficulty of getting .yuan out of China 

[ubonjoe]

There is no written limit on the number of visa exempt entries you can do or the total amount you can stay on them over a period of time.

Entry can only be denied under section 12 of the immigration act. The most common denials are for the two I mentioned.

i understand it is hard to meet the requirements to get a multiple entry non-b visa but it is possible at some embassies and consulate. Normally it is easier to get them in the country where the company is registered.

[elviajero]

There is no official limit as the decision is left to the Immigration Officers. Theoretically you can keep using the Visa Exempt scheme indefinitely, however, if an IO believes you are overusing the scheme, or suspects you are working, they do have the power to deny entry. 

 

It is highly unlikely that you would get denied entry, but you could be pulled aside for questioning about what you do in Thailand at anytime. And it is probable that, at some point, you'll be asked to get a visa for future visits.

 

I doubt any IO's would have a problem with you're frequent, short visits as long as they are convinced the purpose of your visit is solely for tourism. If you can have an onward flight and hotel booking it should satisfy any concerns if questioned. They are mostly trying to stop people living/working here using the scheme.

[DipStick]

Thanks both of you for your info. Just want to make sure that the back door is firmly closed .

[BritTim]

2 hours ago, DipStick said:

Thanks UJ, but just to clarify .. Did you mean there is really NO limit on what you can do ?. I take your point about non-b visas, however multiple entries are almost impossible to find now, so every time I would need to visit, I would have to get a new non-b which is time consuming and a sure way of taking up valuable passport pages.

if asked about finances, I have no issues with that as I have quite a number of Baht in my BKK account, this due to the difficulty of getting .yuan out of China 

 

If they are inclined to deny you entry (which I doubt) bank statements will be worthless. They are unlikely to look at them. If sent to talk with a supervisor, make sure, without being asked, you casually reveal cash (any currency) and an onward ticket. This should deter them from denying you entry for lack of financial means to stay without working.

[dentonian]

Have you considered the APEC Business Travel Card

http://www.apec.org/about-us/about-apec/business-resources/apec-business-travel-card.aspx