Visa runs in Thailand refer to the practice of leaving the country temporarily in order to reset or renew one’s visa or extend their permitted stay in the country. This is often done by foreign tourists, ex-pats, or digital nomads who wish to stay in Thailand for a longer period than their visa or visa exemption allows.
Typically, a visa run involves traveling to a neighboring country, such as Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, or Malaysia, for a short period of time (usually a few hours to a day) before returning to Thailand. Upon re-entry, the visitor’s passport is stamped with a new entry, which restarts their visa or visa-exempt stay duration.
Thailand permits a 30-day stay for foreign nationals without requiring a visa. Indeed, this is feasible without any applications, documentation, or waiting. Any individual possessing a valid passport will be granted a 30-day stamp upon entering Thailand, allowing them to remain within the country. To extend their stay, all they need to do is exit Thailand before the current stamp’s expiration date and then re-enter to obtain another 30-day stamp. There is no mandatory waiting period for re-entry; one can leave and return on the same day legally.
Visa runs in Thailand involve traveling to another country and then returning. This process is straightforward and easy. However, there are certain aspects to consider and be aware of before undertaking a Thailand visa run.
Border runs
This is the quickest and most common type of visa run. It involves traveling to a nearby land border, exiting Thailand, and then immediately re-entering the country. This is usually done by tourists on visa exemptions or short-term visas who want to extend their stay by a few more weeks. Popular border crossings for this type of visa run include Mae Sai in Chiang Rai (bordering Myanmar), Nong Khai or Vientiane (bordering Laos), and Ban Laem or Poipet (bordering Cambodia).
Visa renewal trips
This involves traveling to a neighboring country with a Thai embassy or consulate to apply for a new visa. This is typically done by individuals who need to obtain a longer-term visa, such as a tourist visa, a non-immigrant visa, or an education visa.
Who is eligible for a visa run in Thailand?
Tourists : Visitors from countries that have a visa exemption agreement with Thailand can enter the country without a visa for a limited duration (usually 30 days if arriving by air or 15 days if arriving by land). These tourists may perform a visa run to extend their stay in Thailand.
Digital nomads : Individuals working remotely or freelancing while staying in Thailand might also undertake visa runs to prolong their stay in the country.
Expats : Those living in Thailand on short-term visas, such as volunteer visas, may also be eligible for a visa run.
Language students : Some individuals studying the Thai language on short-term education visas might also choose to do a visa run.
How to do a visa run in Thailand?
Undertaking a visa run in Thailand involves having a visa exemption stamp in your passport, leaving the country before it expires, and returning the same day to renew the exemption stamp for an additional period.
Be cautious not to exceed the allowed number of visa runs, as abusing the country’s laws could result in penalties. You may be required to obtain a specific visa, such as a multiple-entry Tourist Visa or a Non-Immigrant O Visa with multiple entries, for future entries into Thailand.
If you’re unable to make it to the Thai border before the 30-day stamp expires, you must visit the nearest Immigration Office to extend your visa legally. You’ll need to adhere to the country’s visa extension requirements, submit the necessary documents, and pay any associated fees.
Many foreign nationals who perform border runs may not be familiar with Thailand’s regulations and might be unsure about their options when their visa expires. In such cases, it’s advisable to consult a specialized visa agency for guidance.
What do I need for a visa run in Thailand?
A valid passport : Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your planned re-entry into Thailand. Also, make sure you have enough blank pages for the new entry and exit stamps.
Sufficient funds : You may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds for your stay in Thailand upon re-entry. The general requirement is 10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family.
Proof of onward travel : Immigration officers might ask for evidence of onward travel, such as a flight or bus ticket showing that you will leave Thailand within the allowed stay duration.
Visa fee : If you’re applying for a new visa at a Thai embassy or consulate in a neighboring country during your visa run, you’ll need to pay the applicable visa fee, which varies depending on the type of visa you’re applying for.
Visa application form and supporting documents : When applying for a new visa, you’ll need to complete the visa application form and provide any required supporting documents, such as passport-sized photos, proof of accommodation, or an invitation letter.
Transportation : Arrange transportation to the border crossing or neighboring country where you plan to carry out your visa run. This could be by bus, train, car, or flight, depending on your location and destination. Ensure you have all necessary tickets or reservations in advance.
Knowledge of local border procedures : Familiarize yourself with the specific border crossing procedures and requirements at your chosen location. This may include understanding the operating hours of the border checkpoint, the need for any additional permits, or fees for entering the neighboring country.
By preparing these items and being aware of the necessary procedures, you should be well-equipped to perform a visa run in Thailand. However, it’s essential to stay updated on the latest Thai immigration policies and regulations, as they may change over time.
Visa-run service providers
Benny offers visa-run services, which can simplify the process by providing transportation, guidance, and assistance with border procedures
Do you want to extend your time in Thailand and don’t know how? The most easiest and fastest way to achieve that is to do same day border run or visa run with me. I can help you as facilitator during a trip.
Benny Pong
In one day, I can take you to the border with a bus. I bring you safely to the border and help you with all immigration process. You will get extended 30-day entry stamp for your Thailand Visa.
Benny Pong
Can I apply for a visa run on a long-term stay?
Visa runs in Thailand are not an ideal solution for long-term stays, as they are typically intended for short-term visitors who need to extend their stay briefly. Relying on visa runs for an extended period may raise suspicion among immigration authorities, and you could be denied entry if they believe you are abusing the visa exemption or short-term visa system.
For long-term stays in Thailand, it is recommended to apply for an appropriate long-term visa, such as a Non-Immigrant Visa, which may include categories like:
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- Non-Immigrant B Visa : For individuals who plan to work or conduct business in Thailand.
- Non-Immigrant O Visa : For those visiting family members, retirees, or volunteering in the country.
- Non-Immigrant ED Visa : For students who plan to study in Thailand, such as attending a school or learning Thai language courses.
- Non-Immigrant O-A Visa : For retirees who meet specific financial requirements and wish to stay in Thailand long-term.
Obtaining a long-term visa will help you avoid complications with immigration authorities and ensure a more stable and secure stay in the country. Remember to check the latest visa regulations and requirements, as they may change over time.