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Can I go to Penang for a third time for a SETV after multiple visa runs?

Thai Visa Visa Extensions SETV Visa Runs Exempt Visa Immigration Rules Multiple Passport Use Passport Stamping

Nov 10, 2017

7 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hey guys, so I arrived into Thailand on my UK passport and got a 30 day exemption visa. I then extended that for 30 days. Then I left and did a visa run in Penang and got a 60 day SETV and an extension when that ran out. Then back again to Penang for a second one. I didn't extend that one though, I did a border run to Myanmar and got another 30 day exempt visa which I plan to extend for 30 days. 

My question is this, can I got to Penang for a third time for a SETV? Thank you in advance 😊

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is seeking advice on whether they can apply for a Single-Entry Tourist Visa (SETV) in Penang for a third time after completing several visa runs and receiving a 30-day exempt visa. Responses indicate that while there may be restrictions such as receiving a 'red stamp' after multiple entries at Penang, it is still possible to obtain the visa by switching passports. Additional advice includes rotating where to apply for visas and ensuring all documentation is in order.

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Tod *********

I had a friend who held two passports one UK and one Australian, They were able to do two 30 day visa exempt entries on one. Then they flew out and back in (because you can't switch passports at land border crossings). They just border bounced and got a 30 day visa exempt entry on the UK passport even though they had two visa exempt entries by land crossings on their Australian passport already.

So it can be done, but you need to switch passports by flying out and back in.

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Amornrat **********

You ride your luck, some IO will take action and deny you entry..

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Jayke ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Yeah I'm just going to exhaust my UK passport then move onto my Australian one. Thanks heaps.

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Jayke ********

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Jayke ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Also, is there a limit on how many 30 day visa exempt on entry, via plane?

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Amornrat **********

the TWO stamp per year is law, the air limit is by 5-6 is by system.

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Brad *********

I've heard they're clamping down on this, only 2 30day stamps per calendar year via land, not sure if they apply by air too.

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Jayke ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Ok thanks

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Amornrat **********

No, after 5-6 times the system will alert IO. Lot's of stories on here or other forums. Get a proper visa than you off the radar.

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Jayke ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Brilliant. Thanks for all your help Brian Gause 👍

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Jayke ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

So you can fly out in the morning and fly back in the evening and they won't question it? Surely they will after a while right.

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Jayke ********

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Jayke ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Is it only 3 land border runs per year per person or per passport? Can I do 3 with UK passport and 3 with Australian one? Thanks again.

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Amornrat **********

yes, people can alternate with two passport, but you can be in the country only with one stamped passport.

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Norman ******

but you cant have an entry stamp in both passports same time

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Amornrat **********

it is two and they link the name, so they can see. It would raise "alarm". The question is why you need to refer to such tricks, this will make it always harder for the others.

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Jayke ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Is that 2 per year as in 2 in 2017 and 2 in 2018 and so on?

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Jon **********

Its 2. Not sure if passports are linked 🤷‍♂️ probably not

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Jon **********

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Kevin ******

i meant KL not that guys name (damn you zuckerberg)

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Kevin ******

i need to be in Kuala Lumpur during that time so i figured penang is easier than

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Jayke ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

What wording. I'm so confused haha

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Amornrat **********

but the wording remained the same.

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Amornrat **********

currently Vientiane use black ink, Penang still red.

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Jayke ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

And sorry if this stupid but what does the red stamp look like?

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Amornrat **********

Usually Penang will stamp you a red mark on the third travel, but check with an agent if they can avoid. Vientiane stamp red after the 4th from them.

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Jayke ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Penang is great for visa runs. No lines at airport or consulate both times I went. That's why i want to go back.

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Jayke ********

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Julinhio *********

Yes you can, but you may want to change Embassy. Vientiane is a great option, they hand them out like hot cakes :)

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Kevin ******

because Penang was mentioned here, anyone can help me with the contact of Jim's Place there? I heard the guy is very reliable. My visa run is coming end of month and i would like to arrange things beforehand.

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Rune *****

Plenty of other places on the way to his, but he is based top end of chulia street georgetown.

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Amornrat **********

and here his namecard

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Robert *******

@Jim **************

here is the link to his page

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Kevin ******

i'll look it up, thanks

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Jon **********

Hes on Facebook

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Jon **********

Jim Tachinamurthy

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Jon **********

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Jayke ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Awesome. Thanks for the help.

I also have an Australian passport so I can use that too.

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Barry ******

only the ones without money

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Amornrat **********

wrong thinking, actual the bad guys do not go out.

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Barry ******

Air into Thailand is the best. They are trying to attract a certain type of tourist while making it harder for those they don't want.

Good guys in bad guys out

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Robert *******

You can not change passports at land borders. They want to see the exit stamp. It can only be done when travel by air.

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Barry ******

To do that you have to enter Malaysia with your Australian passport. Also as a multiple citizenship holder you can collect visa exempt stamps in both passports.

And another thing in mind the Lao visa is cheaper for Australian passport holders

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Jayke ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Ok cool. Thanks for the info 👍

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Ian ***************

Problem with trying to juggle passports crossing between adjacent countries is immigration (entering Malaysia, for example) usually want to see your Thailand exit stamp in the same passport. Similarly when applying for a visa at the consulate they will require entry stamp in same passport as your application. But good luck - 270 days so far ;-)

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Ian ***************

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Jason ******

You can do it as much as you want until they tell you this is the last Visa (red stamp) then you buy a new Passport and start over again. It doesn't matter which Embassy you go to, after 4 times they will stop issuing Tourist visa in your passport. But you can reset this by applying for a new Passport. It's how I've been living in Thailand on Tourist visas.

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Amornrat **********

Alex Martinez at least for the duration of application.

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Amornrat **********

Alex Martinez yes, Savannakhet want to see THB20,000.-. Phnom Penh USD1,000.-

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Amornrat **********

Alex Martinez you have to show original book and sign a print out with the latest balance.

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Jason ******

Brian Gause I have yet to go there. But I think maybe because Vientiane doesn't ask for any documentations so its the least strict embassy. But Savannakhet you need to show bank statements and other documentation.

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Jason ******

Brian Gause Which embassy? After my 4th Tourist Visa from Vientiane, they said its my last one, and red stamped my page. Even though I didn't go there back to back, I went to others in between. So now I applied for a new passport and started over again.

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Jason ******

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Jon **********

it is advisable to rotate where you apply. At some consulates they can issue a red stamp on the 2nd or 3rd application. Laos, myanmar, cambodia are all options

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Jeremy ********

I don’t see why not if you have all the documentation to get it...

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Jeremy ********

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