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Can I fly back to Thailand the same day after a short trip to Vietnam and get another 60-day visa exemption?

Jan 29, 2025
25 days ago
Lee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
If I fly to Hanoi Vietnam after 80 days in Thailand (I got 60+30 days visa exemption with a Canadian passport), can I fly back to Thailand on the same day and get another 60 days visa exemption? Or do I need to stay a few nights in Vietnam? Thanks ๐Ÿ™
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TLDR : Answer Summary
As a Canadian passport holder, you can potentially fly back to Thailand on the same day after visiting Vietnam and receive another 60-day visa exemption. However, this practice is commonly viewed with suspicion by immigration officials, who have the discretion to deny entry based on your travel history and the nature of your exit and re-entry. Although there is no official minimum stay requirement outside of Thailand, it is recommended to spend at least 2-3 nights abroad to demonstrate that you are not abusing the system. Travelers advise caution and suggest that spending a little time in Vietnam might lead to a smoother re-entry process.
Henrik *****
In theory you could turn around as soon as you have been stamped out, and return through following the people going into Thailand, and get stamped in again.

But it could be to obvious for some Immigration officers, who will enforce their right to act on their own discretion in every decision.
Jussy ********
As a Canadian passport holder, you're eligible for a 60-day visa exemption in Thailand. However, there's a catch when it comes to re-entering Thailand after a short trip to another country.

The Thai government has implemented measures to prevent "visa runs" or "border hops," where individuals repeatedly enter and exit the country to extend their stay.

While there's no official requirement for a minimum stay outside Thailand, immigration officers have been known to deny re-entry to individuals who attempt to re-enter the country too soon after their previous departure.

As a general guideline, it's recommended to spend at least 2-3 nights outside Thailand before re-entering. This demonstrates that you're not attempting to abuse the visa exemption system.

In your case, flying back to Thailand on the same day after visiting Hanoi might raise suspicions. To avoid potential issues, consider spending a few nights in Vietnam before returning to Thailand.

Remember, immigration officers have discretion when it comes to granting entry. If you're unsure, you can always contact the Thai embassy or consulate in Vietnam for guidance.

You should also consider reading a book or two before your travel I'd recommend a book Thailand Unveiled 2024-2025 by James Anderson on Amazon..it has all the info and recommendations you need..you should check it out. A very good companion
Lucas **********
Vietnam is awesome , youre already there so why not spend a week..
Nongnuch ********
theoretically you can, but be advised, the airline from Hanoi to Thailand may ask you for an onward travel proof out of Thailand within these 60 days you will get stamped in
Gregor **********
only the Immigration officer you will be standing in front of, can decide if he lets you enter on another 60-days visa exempt, or not. It is totally up to the discretion of this Immigration official. I know a guy who was pulled aside on the Suvarnabhumi Airport while he was going to enter visa-exempt for a second time, and got warned that this would be the last time they allow him to enter without a visa. He had to show proof of 20,000 THB cash, a proof of onward travel within the 60 days and proof of a booked accomodation for the next few nights. Only after being able to show these proofs, he was allowed to proceed. . . . so be warned - it also depends on your recent Thailand travel history and the number of stamps in your passport
Tracy *********
@Gregor *********
so true. I got questioned after 3 exemptions
Chris *****
You only need if you want to cross over to Cambodia which usually takes about 30 minutes there and back and you get 60 days.
Connor **********
@Chris ****
But if you don't stay one night you pay 500b on your return to Thailand.
Bart **************
You can return the same day, there is no need to stay away for a night.
Davide *********
I did the same thing, but I stayed for two nights in Hanoi just to enjoy the city a bit. I came back through Chiang Mai, and everything went smoothly.
Todd *********
yes, you can
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