Are you an expat in Thailand who’s struggling with visa runs? For example, you might be a digital nomad who’s been living in Thailand on a tourist visa, but you need to extend your stay. Or maybe you’re a retiree who’s been doing border runs for years, but you’re not sure if you’re doing it correctly. Keep reading to learn more about how to do visa runs from Thailand.
If you’re an expat living in Thailand, you might have heard of the term “visa run.” A visa run is when you leave Thailand and re-enter the country to extend your stay. This can be a convenient option for people who are living in Thailand on a tourist visa, but it’s not always straightforward.
What is a Tourist Visa?
A tourist visa is a type of visa that allows you to stay in Thailand for a certain period of time, usually 30 or 60 days. If you’re a citizen of a country that’s eligible for a visa exemption, you might not need to apply for a tourist visa before you arrive in Thailand. However, if you plan to stay in the country for longer than the visa exemption period, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa.
How to Do a Visa Run
If you’re planning to do a visa run, here’s what you need to know:
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Overland Border Runs: If you’re doing an overland border run, you can leave Thailand and re-enter the country by land. This is a popular option for people who are living in Chiang Mai or other northern cities. Some popular destinations for overland border runs include Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia.
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Air Border Runs: If you’re doing an air border run, you’ll need to leave Thailand and re-enter the country by air. This is a more convenient option for people who are living in Bangkok or other southern cities.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a step-by-step guide to doing a visa run:
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Check Your Eligibility: Before you do a visa run, make sure you’re eligible for a tourist visa. You can check the Thai government’s website to see if you need a visa to enter Thailand.
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Choose Your Destination: Decide where you want to go for your visa run. Some popular destinations include Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia.
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Book Your Transportation: Book your transportation to your destination. You can take a bus, train, or plane, depending on where you’re going.
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Leave Thailand: Leave Thailand and re-enter your destination country.
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Apply for a New Visa: Apply for a new tourist visa at the Thai embassy or consulate in your destination country.
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Re-Enter Thailand: Re-enter Thailand with your new visa.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind when doing a visa run:
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Make Sure You Have All the Necessary Documents: Make sure you have all the necessary documents, including your passport, visa application, and proof of onward travel.
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Check the Visa Requirements: Check the visa requirements for your destination country to make sure you have everything you need.
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Plan Ahead: Plan ahead and book your transportation and accommodation in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.
The Best Visa Run Destinations
Some popular destinations for visa runs include:
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Laos: Laos is a popular destination for visa runs, with many bus and train services available from Chiang Mai and other northern cities.
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Cambodia: Cambodia is another popular destination for visa runs, with many bus and train services available from Bangkok and other southern cities.
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Malaysia: Malaysia is a convenient destination for visa runs, with many bus and train services available from southern Thailand.
Overall, doing a visa run can be a convenient option for expats who are living in Thailand on a tourist visa. However, it’s essential to plan ahead and make sure you have all the necessary documents to avoid any last-minute hassles.
