Link to written report about this video: vagabondbuddha.com/how-to-do-visa-runs-successfully/ 𝗗𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗘-𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞→ 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/ 𝗗𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗽 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱𝘄𝗶𝗱𝗲☆★☆ vagabondbuddha.com/ 𝗗𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗥oad Map to Freedom Overseas (Retire Overseas Course)☆★☆ vagabondbuddha.com/courses/the-retire-overseas-course/ 𝗗𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 $$$ 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝗯𝗯𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀e vagabondbuddha.com/courses/the-hobby-income-course/ What kinds of risks are you taking if you move overseas? vagabondbuddha.com/our-liability-disclaimer-the-risk-is-on-you/
FYI: The industry and they themselves call them onward tickets but actually they're just booking reservations. No ticket was purchased. Real tcket offers are a scam. It's rare but immigration could ask to see an e-ticket, which these services do not provide. That's when I'll step out of line and buy the cheapest throw-away ticket I can find. Thanks for all you do Dan. Respect.
Since I am in Thailand at the moment and just extended my visa waiver (I am Canadian) I will provide an update here. I have been to Thailand many times and always fly in which is very easy. However, this time I was in Cambodia and decided to take a bus up to Koh Chang Island Thailand from Sihanoukville Cambodia. Crossing at the land border was pretty easy and I got a 30 day visa waiver at Thai Immigration after filling out a one page form. After staying in Thailand a couple of weeks I decided to extend my visa waiver. Here it gets a little interesting. You are now allowed to only extend your visa waiver (remember, visa -waiver is always 30 days with one 30 day extension allowed, visa waiver is NOT a tourist visa) 30 days, unlike the tourist visa which allows up to a 60 day extension. Furthermore, if you cross at a land border you are only allowed to have two visa waivers within one calender year, whereas if you fly in there is no such restriction on the number of visa waivers you can have and I think I have visited Thailand 4 times in one year using a visa waiver, including very short turnarounds. The reason I prefer visa waiver is it's free and I don't have to get it in advance like I do with a tourist visa. Anyways, to extend my visa waiver I needed to visit the immigration office at Laksi, near Bangkok's Don Muang airport. It was easy to get there as they just opened a new Pink Line monorail station connected by walkways to the Immigration office. The whole process took less than 90 minutes from the time I entered, filled out 3 forms, photocopied my passport data page and Thai stamped page, submitted the forms and paid the 1900 baht extension fee, and waited for my passport to be returned to me with the stamp. Very straightforward and pretty efficient. Forgot to add you can pre-book an appointment online, thus saving time. I would also add don't go on a Monday or just before or after a holiday if you can help it for obvious reasons. There is a passport pic/photocopy shop right at immigration so you don't need to do that in advance although obviously that will save you some time if you do so.
Yep. I have gotten the extension to my visa waiver you mentioned 3 times over 3 years now....and will apply and plan to get another 30 day exempt extension to another entry I make in December. Good to know about the new pink line monorail. I will have to look into that route map for the future if ever using DMK vs. BKK for flights. THX.
However you slice it the most you can squeeze out staying in thailand is 9 months in a year.. making it impractical place to stay long term without an actual Visa. And after you extend your visa 4 times they have denied people entry flat out for coming in and out too often (Thailand) Thailand has superior food and infrastructure to the Philippines (by far) yet it cheaper Philippines has the best dating scene (long and short term) in the world. Nothing else like it
@@X_Marks-u7r No. When I registered with my apartment I told them I would be extending my visa since it would run out during my stay there. After I extended it I just had to show them the stamp in my passport. Easy peasy.
Fortunately I am in Thailand now on an annual retirement visa, but when I first started coming in 2003, you still had unlimited u-turn border runs, but that changed around 2006, where every third extension, you had to get to a Capitol City and go to the embassy and start again. At least Vietnam recently brought back the 3-months border runs continually since last July.
Sometimes too much bend can still break. Rules are no different and as always your thoughts are from a position of respect every seasoned slow traveler would support for mutual benefit. We appreciate your guidance and look forward to following those footprints in the sands with smiles, peace and love. ✌️
Good advice on an increasingly complicated issue. I see a lot of bad advice in FB groups these days, part of it being due to the inconsistencies in the Mexican government's policies and the ability of the immigration officer you meet to arbitrarily give you anywhere from a 7 to 90 day visa based on how he feels that day. Visa runs are flagged in the new computer system.The visa facilitators in Mexico are amazing.They know the latest, and any loopholes available. My visa person (Sonia Diaz) was with me from when I first got here and has saved my butt a few times over the years. She always posts on FB groups the latest info to make sure it's out there, and that's a good thing because it keeps changing! Great video as always.
I know a swedish couple dananna who successfully do a U turn visa run same day between malaysia and thailand border and the malaysian side extended another 3 months. Very rare case. So total stay was 180 days + 90 days. Because the officer was convinced they were doing wonderful vlogs in malaysia. Amazing risk taken by the couple.
It’s easy to simply rotate within the region . 90 days Malaysia , 90 days Vietnam , Thai tourist Visa 60+ 30 = 90 days, Bali 60, Cambodia 60 with internal extensions. If you’re retired , why not have some variety ?? And then , by the time you get back to the original country it’s been nearly a year since the Immigration guy saw you. It’s only a cheap 1 hour flight to Thailand from Vietnam ….yet spans 3 countries on the Map. It’s the same peice of dirt really……if I was counting the pennies in any of those countries I’d prefer that rotating tourist to keep his nose clean , stay in my country & spend his money. After all….whatever immigration document you get, it doesn’t change who you are. And often , it’s cheaper in the long run to get the Long term Visa. I often come back to the same apartment that’s sat empty , no rent while I was gone. The landlord & nearby cafes, restaurants & gyms are pleased to see you back after 6 months away. But rules are rules ……we must spend our coins with the opposition tourist markets …Economics 101. 😆😆
I went to Vietnam on a 30 day visa this September left 2 days before I had to for the Philippines and stayed for 28 days also. When i was in the Philippines i applied for a 90 day Vietnam visa when i arrived the immigration looked at his computer and my passport and stamped it but didn't even look at the printed visa i had set on the counter ok👌 happy Days in Da Lat 🎉🎉🎉👍
Now in Vietnam since you must apply for a 90 day entrance visa on-line, after you are there apply for another one 2-3 weeks before your first one expires then you will know if you can leave the country and come right back (better to wait a day or two anyway) That way you can leave all your luggage etc. in Vietnam and just leave and return with a carry-on so you can get a cheap flight out and back made in advance as soon as you get your new visa letter. .
Vietnam finally, has gotten the visa thing down. I’ve never traveled in Vietnam, because of the prior history of complicated visa processes, and limitations. So far I’m hearing really good things about their visa package for tourism and opportunities for retirees to stay longer without a lot of problems and hassles with the visa program. Congratulations to Vietnam for their efforts in changing the visa system.
@@Michael-xp9ln when submitting your fotos I used visa foto and checked vietnam for the country. It's a paid service but I've never been turned down and most visas are rejected because of the fotos not being correct 💯 okay 👍 I think I only paid 7.50 USD to download them then upload them to the Visa website okay 👌
Thailand allows two border bounces by land to obtain a visa exempt re-entry in a calendar year (January 1-December 31). Border bounces by air are not limited, but if you seem to be living in Thailand without the proper visa by a immigration officer, you can be denied entry at their will.
@@user-tg5ck5hh2n Interesting...good to be aware of. To clarify, you flew into Thailand having ALREADY (PREVIOUSLY before arriving) spent 157 of 180 days of some prior period in Thailand? Or was it GOING TO BE 157 of 180 if you had been admitted and then allowed to stay the normal 30 day upon arrival visa-exempt period? I just did my calcs and given when I arrived BKK this year (July 10, 2023) and counting 180 days from then (which equals January 6, 2024) I will have been in Thailand for 91 days. It gets a little confusing if they count being "IN COUNTRY" the days when you arrive and also depart. I assume they would.
Yep, this is good info as I just did visa waiver via landborder and then a visa waiver extension (30 days max) and they told me the same thing - 2 per year via land border and no restriction entering by air which is what I normally do (highest was 4 entries in one year back in 2019)
Expedia has a 24 hour cancelation. I sometimes book a ticket prior to heading to the airport and cancel after I get an email confirmation of the booking. I use this if asked for a return ticket.
This is a great topic that sparked ideas for potential videos you might want to consider. Visa run luggage load out based upon the luggage weight and size restrictions of budget airlines. Maybe you leave behind all but a couple sets of clothes, cameras/notebook, and risk the monitor and other clothing and luggage. How do you back up your RUclips videos. I don't recall from your luggage video large external drives. I just missed an 18TB Western Digital $200.00 Black Friday deal. For long term travel 4TB NVMe drives, size of computer RAM and an external USB NVMe reader would be a lighter, smaller yet more expensive option. Also how do you handle long term leases - would be horrible not to get back to property you're renting. Maybe just don't do leases over the term of your visa. Also you mentioned renting from owners. That would probably introduce the problem of recovering a deposit fee - another interesting video topic. And I don't recall if it was you that mentioned in Thailand or maybe Philippines if you sign an English and native language lease only the native (Thailand/Philippines) lease is recognized by the courts.
I carry 6 of these for video and photo back up: www.amazon.com/Seagate-Portable-External-Hard-Drive/dp/B07VS8QCXC/ I'll cover other ideas in another video. :-)
Be careful about booking a temporary ticket while outside the US. Many countries don't require airlines to give you a 24 hr cancellation period. You could use a VPN.
Thanks Dan I recently spent two months in Thailand and now a month in Malaysia. Currently in Langkawi and want to go to Cambodia. For some reason airfare is excessively high ive looked at all the airports. For some reason it is cheaper to fly to Vietnam from Bangkok than Cambodia even though you have to fly over Cambodia to get to Vietnam. So my plan is to fly back to Penang for two nights and get a cheap flight to Bangkok (for some reason it is cheaper two days later) and then take a bus to Cambodia. Usually flights from Bangkok to Phnom Penh have been 70 to 80 dollars now I am seeing 130 or more which the difference is two nights lodging so I will take the bus even though it is more than four times as long.
@@VagabondAwake sometimes I like it also if I can take a train. I have been on many bumpy bus rides that stop every ten minutes to let someone off or on.
@@vgshwkTo your point, I definitely recommend running the train from Da Nang south to Nha Trang. Along that route, stopping for a few days or more in Quy Nhon (I did)...and maybe even Tuy Hoa (I didn't) is a good idea if trying to experience a lot more of the Vietnam South China Sea coastal areas.
@@RobPittman I took the train from Saigon to Da Nang and stopped in Nha Trang for a couple of days. I then flew back to Saigon due to time constraints. The Da Nang airport is an old USA airbase and you can see the old hangars from the terminal. I remember Bob Hope did one of his Christmas specials from there. And if you stop in Da Nang you have to stop in Hoi An for a few days there is a cheap city bus you can take from Da Nang.
in May of this year 2023 I went for three weeks to the Philippines, and while I was there, we decided to go to Hong Kong for a weekend. When I left the country, I asked how it would affect my visa on entry, and the officer said that automatically it restarts the clock so, even though my intention was not to leave the country just to restart the clock, they had no problem with it whatsoever the fact that I would have a total of 30 days on the new entry, even though I was just out of the country for a total of three days in Hong Kong and it wasn’t my intention to just reset the clock so that’s in May 2023 who knows if it’ll change in the future
The Philippines will let you do 36 consecutive monthly extensions after your free entry 30 days. If you leave anytime before the 36 months, you can do a full 36 extensions again. They have a very easy program for staying long term.
@@VagabondAwake This is not true, you can't live permanently in the Philippines on a tourist visa, some people may be getting away with it for a time, but don't get thinking that you can do this forever. I had this explained to me by an immigration officer at Mactan airport Cebu. I had been doing this sort of thing and no-one ever said anything before, I told him that I was living here with my fiancee to which he said, sir, you have two options, you can get married and apply for the 13A permanent residency visa, or you can apply for the srrv special retirement visa. He was very polite and sympathetic but told me that if I did this again I would not be allowed back in the country. It all depends on which officer is on duty when you return, and you must have an onward ticket. I am now married to my filipina and have successfully obtained my permanent residency. Please pass this message on...
Vietnam up until recently only had 30day visas, I did 3 visa runs this year flying from Vietnam to Singapore leaving in the early morning and returning on an afternoon flight on the same day, they now have a 3mth visa so it has now become less of an issue
Has Vietnam fixed their buggy immigration evisa website? I tried to do the 90 day 4 or 5 months ago when it was finally enacted as an option and it was impossible to complete/get due to the site not working correctly. I finally just settled for a 30 day evisa and went to Malaysia once it expired. Too bad for Vietnam, but actually very happy I came over to KL.
@@RobPittman yeah I heard about the visa application issues but never encountered any problems with any of my visa applications, so I couldn't tell you 😊
@@VagabondAwake Great to know! Two of my three Vietnam evisa applications were nailbiters in terms of going smoothly or not over the last couple years. Glad to know it is now better apparently. Ironically, Cambodia has been the best by far in terms of online visa procurement. But it's pretty hard to beat Malaysia's show-up and get 90 days without any prior online requirements (USA citizen). Since I don't intend to come and go from Malaysia more than once maybe even twice a year, I don't expect to have to look deeper into how many times that could be done before they start suggesting that I get a "proper visa".
Agreed. The mystery is beyond me. People with 4x the spending power on average are bounced when they have committed no crime they can find in writing anywhere.
IMHO there really isn't "one answer" to that question. As Dan says it makes "no sense to him"...and I generally agree given his "you are a good guy, will spend money & behave" reasoning....but we do live in a senseless world most of the time. Plus, immigration control is also about 1) collecting revenue for extensions and visa fees (and the occasional bribe I hear), and 2) keeping the deadbeats out who won't behave/spend money...or at least controlling them as best as possible, and 3) the citizens of desirable countries where foreigners like myself want to go/move to ....like Thailand in my case....want border control to maintain or improve the standard of living (SOL) for their country. That SOL argument can be debated on all sides of the topic depending upon if the citizen is simple local shop owner wanting foreign purchases or a wealthy Phuket Thai citizen/homeowner wishing to reduce traffic and congestion at the local coffee shop perhaps. As the attorneys will usually rightfully say...."it depends". Best to just do your homework and play by the rules....even if the rules seem to be ever-changing. And DEFINITELY talk to numerous expats who have been there/done that...and even visa agents or the (gasp) government officials if you can get to them. Ideally your goal would be to improve your odds of reaching your entry/visa goal...and that may be the best you can do. If you are pushing the limits of the rules, you cannot necessarily expect the immigration folks to look the other way and cut you some slack just because you need them to. Buyer beware....
Their country their rules. When I got my 1st exit clearance from BI in Cebu-City for my 1st Visa run, the manager of the BI wanted a talk with me to tell me that it is legal but still in the administrative discretion of immigration at entry if they issue me a new Visum. So if they deny it it's just them applying their rules and nothing bad!
True. Even the monthly tourist extensions in the Philippines are at the discretion of the office. An American in the Philippines told me they denied him after about 10 monthly extensions. So he had to leave the Philippines before the normal 36 monthly extensions. The officer wouldn't tell him why either.
Most likely they were trying to shake you for money. PH BI is notorious for that. PS: PH allowes unlimited visa runs they can not deny reentry unless there is good reason.
Thai education visa is another option so i have heard e.g. some "language schools" are more relaxed on the attendance requirements. Havent done this myself tho.
There have been some scam schools in the past so Thai Immigration is on the lookout for people abusing the education for several years now. If it is a legitimate school and you get your visa with their assistance you should be OK but you will be expected to actually attend classes.
Can you please answer (or do video) on how you secure good place to stay before travel, safely get transportation to place, and set up phone/money. I really want to do what you do but these parts are really stressing me out enough not to go. Thank You SOOO Much
Great question @jc2028r, those are the kinds of questions I answer in detail in my free eBook here: vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/ Thanks for watching and commenting! Dan
@jc2028r, Here is how we find cheap apartments all over the world now. Watch the video and read the text to get all of our tips: vagabondbuddha.com/how-i-find-perfect-apartments-traveling-the-world/ Thanks, Dan
There was a train that went from Thailand to Malaysia and then the new stamp for another 6 months. My friends in Spain would go to Portugal for a weeknd,they did this for many years.
Nowadays, there’s no stamp required between Spain and Portugal. They’re all members of Schengen scheme along with the majority of the European countries. Visitor visas to Schengen countries are maxed out at 90 days. My advice is do your research on any European country and the visa process for that country or countries you plan to visit. Some people go to non-participating countries for three months or longer that are not members of the Schengen scheme. Two more thoughts, mini mini passport holders from certain countries can enter into Europe without a visa, but be sure and check to make sure your country is on that list. No visa required. The 90 day can be used with a floating 180 days. Check for the details.
I’ve been living in Thailand and doing exits and re-entry. My last time back 2 months ago I got stopped at immigration. After seeing when I exit I stay minimum 30 days in other countries he said ok. I asked what rule was and he said it’s not clear. Now I’m staying 2 months in Malaysia before returning in Feb.
I rented a 48hr the onward ticket, But I wasn't even asked for it By BI when I arrived in the Phils And by the Having my online pass Philipiines E-Pass filled out before boarding my 1st flight from my home airport all I had to do was show them my pass walked right on through.
I have often wondered about this. I hold 2 passports, British and American. Can I enter with one, after the visa expires, leave for a few days, return with the other. Wash rinse and repeat? Your thoughts?
Not sure what the issue is since he never used up his 90 days from any given time. He never over stayed his stamp date. But thanks for the warning having lived here in Thailand for many years and never once had any issues with Malay in the past. I had planned to return early next year to do some filming for my channel. Now second thoughts and likely much less time in Malaysia. May not go back at all if they start getting a bad attitude against all foreigners I will just go elsewhere like others. There are signs at some Thai border crossings to dress politely. You would not believe the foreign freak show I have witnessed. I do not wish to be seen near them. They give all foreigners a bad name. Where do you think you are?
I was literally stranded in Malaysia during the Pandemic and stayed 6 months. They just kept extending our 90 day visas. Never had a problem going back either. Was last there just a couple months ago.
@@BrianBaileyedtech Only been to KL so far and would not mind being stranded here actually. Different story if they close-down the awesome multi-faceted public-transportation system and/or the beautiful & cheap golf courses though!
I am not sure what is behind these recent visa run concerns. We never know all of the reasons policy changes unless they publish in advance which countries rarely do. We don't have enough data points to know if what is going on was a quirk or a policy change. But I would not hesitate visiting Malaysia for the normal 90 day entry stamp and the 2 month extension available in the immigration office.
A word of advice guys all always check the country you are staying in in SEA immigration website for visa updates and changes not bloggers on you tube after financial click bait because they wont be there at immigration when you apply for or extend youre visa.
I wonder if you would have any advice regarding special agreement visa waivers? My wife is Brazilian so gets 90 day visa waiver! Would she be permitted two runs by land both at 90 days or are they likely to ignore the agreement and give only 30 days 2nd run?
I will trying to find out soon ... if I enter on the 90 day online eVisa ... can I apply for another right away? I would think so. But I haven't seen it in writing anywhere yet.
Exactly. Like if Vegas came to your room and made you leave when you are dropping $$ every day. The mystery is beyond me. People with 4x the spending power on average are bounced when they have committed no crime they can find in writing anywhere.
Time limit rules are a good measure of respect, as well as an easy process to kick out an undesirable type out who overstays......And ofcourse tax collection and jobs...... I just hope the Philippines will stay the course on their policy.
@@VagabondAwakeHeck Vegas will even comp (i.e. provide free of charge) the room, food and ESPECIALLY the drinks for high-rollers willing to blow a bunch of money in their respective casino. It's more a matter of "making it easier & more CONVENIENT" for the busy perhaps egotistical/entitled/power-tripping high-roller to do just that.
First it is about countries exercising their right to control their borders. Second, not all the people on visas are being good. Human trafficking is a big issue, smuggling, drugs, criminals evading justice in their home countries.
Thanks for all the great info! Have you ever applied for a retirement visa? I would love to know some of the easiest and cheapest retirement visas in different countries? :)
What are the requirements for Thailand Long-Term Resident Visa? Holding at least USD 1 million in assets. Personal income: min. USD 80,000/year in the past 2 years. Investment: min. USD 500,000. ---- In what world is this cheap??? LOL not cheap in any sense of the word.
@@michaelcsandt in every world. The cost of the visa is 50k baht. 5k baht for a multiple entry visa including FastTrack with no reporting and tax free (depending on category). It's the cheapest visa they have ever offered in Thailand. You just have to qualify. It's dirt cheap.
@@VagabondAwake I hope they provided you both the winter clothes! Figured you do not travel with those. :) Or are you gearing-up for the South America swing?
I usually hear about philippines, thailand, and malaysia but, not so much about indonesia? I've been planning on visiting there and considering staying longer but, i get the feeling indonesia is not as expat friendly. Am i missing something?
bali is actually one of the most visited places in SEA. bali is in indonesia. though one thing unique in bali is that it is not a muslim majority area in indonesia. most of the people there are hindus. that may explain why bali is popular but the rest of indonesia is not. whether we accept it or not, tourists are afraid of meeting muslim radicals. malaysia is actually a muslim country too but their marketing campaign never focused on islam. even mosques are hardly seen in their tourist ad campaigns. a clever marketing ploy by malaysia.
I have been to Indonesia many times in the past 5 years, even when they were just opening up again in early 2022 - zero problems. Actually I have been to every country in East/SE Asia (except Brunei - because it is boring, haha) so hit me up if you have questions. Indonesia is one of my fav countries in the whole world - because the people are so awesome!!
@@BrianBaileyedtech Great to know! But be careful what you volunteer to help with Brian! I hope to head to Bali later next year or 2025+ and have been known to ask a question or two. I will hit you up then as needed. THX.
I heard that if you are going to be visiting the Philippines for less than 30 days that a Visa is not required for an American tourist. Can someone please let me know if that is not the case? Also would it be better to have a Visa anyway?
Many western countries get 30 day entry stamps without a visa in advance. Those countries can also get 36 one month extensions before having to do a visa run. Just read the Philippines embassy home page to see if your country is in the list .... PLaces like USA, UK, Canada, Australia, EU, etc are on the list and don't need to get a visa.
HELLO DAN, I HAVE BEEN IN THE PHILLIPINES SINCE RIGHT AFTER XMAS. ..WELL MY EXTENDED VISA...DID NOT COST $25 (AMERICAN DOLLARS...I AM ASSUMING YOU MEANT FROM YOUR PREVIOUS VIDEO) MY EXTENSION...COST ME $3,500 PESOS ! I COULD NOT UNDERSTAND
Great question @noah786, As you have probably heard we almost never buy round-trip tickets. We move forward slowly traveling the world. But some countries require a return ticket or onward flight before they allow entry. But the rules change all the time so don't assume what I am about to tell you is true for any airline or country. You have to check every time. But if they require a return ticket or onward flight, here is what we do. When you try to board your flight going to the country, with a one-way ticket, the airline will ask for proof of a return flight or an onward flight. We handle this in three possible ways. If you can find a refundable ticket a few hours before you board your flight, buy that, and cancel after you clear customs at your destination. If not, buy an onward flight from one of the online companies that offer onward flights. They cost about $12 USD. Just Google the words "Onward Flights" and a few will pop up. Basically they put your name on a flight leaving the country on whatever date you say and they email you a confirmation that you can show to prove you have an onward flight. But if you decide to buy the $12 onward flight, show up at the airport 3 hours early. We had one refused by the airline only once in the last 5 years. So that brings up the third way. When your $12 onward flight is refused, step out of line, and log on with your computer or smartphone and buy the cheapest flight you can find exiting the country. For example, we search online for the cheapest ticket to a nearby country, leaving that country. Then you lose much less money than you would if you bought a roundtrip ticket to your home country. Skyscanner is the best place to find cheap tickets in our experience. Some countries will also let you buy an onward train or bus ticket to another country which can be even cheaper. Use RometoRio.com to find those. Best, Dan
I. COULD NOT UNDERSTAND...WHY? I ASKED OTHER AMERICANS AND INDIVIDUALS FROM 'ISRAEL AND IT WAS DIFFERENT PRICES...FOR US ALL (NEVER $25 TO $35) FOR ANY OF US ????
Most of South Asia and S. E. Asia are very modest in attire. Being in skimpy bikini is a put off. Not saying you should not wear it. But why should the viewers see it.
This video is about visa runs. I always suggest going through immigration in moderate clothing. It is better to be invisible in front of government officials because they have power over you and you don't know what they believe.
can one bring a pet to the Philippines on the 30 day visa the Philippines grants US citizens on entry. or, would you only be allowed into the Philippines with your pet with a longer term visa? (this question is assuming one has completed the pet importation requirements). thanks
Yes you can have a pet with the 30 day on arrival visa. I and my 30KG dog arrived and got a 30 day visa. We did a 29 day wavier, and now on a 6 month visa extension. Now the paperwork for getting a pet in and out is a complex issue.
that's good to know, thank you.when you say the paperwork is complex, do you mean that the paperwork you prepared to bring your dog was difficult or are you talking about bringing your dog back to the US?@@deanhumphrys2541
Russians are doing the same and using different passport. Example : Russians Uk and thirds like mutation Georgian or Ukraine. They get just rewarded with 90 days visa free option
Great info Dan. Headed back Jan 1. Have our certified marriage license from the U.S. Department Of Stste signed by Blinken. Might teach home electrical and plumbing repair at a school a friend is starting. I will send you an email on somthing that could me a future issue with expats. Take care and say hi to Chung.
Only in America. I am not kidding. One asked me why I leave America so much. I said I love my country but I like seeing the world even more. He asked his manager to take me to the side and searched all of my luggage like I was a drug dealer or something. That was the only time in my life it took me more than 1 minute to get through an immigration. I was still out in like 20 minutes. No big deal. I am happy they didn't strip search me or something.
@@VagabondAwake Yeah a bit crazy for sure. Shades of that Clint Eastwood movie "THE MULE". At least he got a saweet truck out of the deal! :) A cool flick BTW...like all of Clint's acting & directing work! Big fan!!
@@delavan9141 A good start is to know the rules and what their job parameters actually are. Plus, as many have pointed out, make sure your attitude is conducive to them allowing you into their country. Everyone has their biases, and even conservative clothing can make a big difference to how you are treated. You really don't want to negatively "stand out" in this particular setting. You won't get a trophy if you do. Fly low under the radar.
Link to written report about this video:
vagabondbuddha.com/how-to-do-visa-runs-successfully/
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What kinds of risks are you taking if you move overseas?
vagabondbuddha.com/our-liability-disclaimer-the-risk-is-on-you/
FYI: The industry and they themselves call them onward tickets but actually they're just booking reservations. No ticket was purchased. Real tcket offers are a scam. It's rare but immigration could ask to see an e-ticket, which these services do not provide. That's when I'll step out of line and buy the cheapest throw-away ticket I can find. Thanks for all you do Dan. Respect.
Very great points!
Since I am in Thailand at the moment and just extended my visa waiver (I am Canadian) I will provide an update here. I have been to Thailand many times and always fly in which is very easy. However, this time I was in Cambodia and decided to take a bus up to Koh Chang Island Thailand from Sihanoukville Cambodia. Crossing at the land border was pretty easy and I got a 30 day visa waiver at Thai Immigration after filling out a one page form. After staying in Thailand a couple of weeks I decided to extend my visa waiver. Here it gets a little interesting. You are now allowed to only extend your visa waiver (remember, visa -waiver is always 30 days with one 30 day extension allowed, visa waiver is NOT a tourist visa) 30 days, unlike the tourist visa which allows up to a 60 day extension. Furthermore, if you cross at a land border you are only allowed to have two visa waivers within one calender year, whereas if you fly in there is no such restriction on the number of visa waivers you can have and I think I have visited Thailand 4 times in one year using a visa waiver, including very short turnarounds. The reason I prefer visa waiver is it's free and I don't have to get it in advance like I do with a tourist visa. Anyways, to extend my visa waiver I needed to visit the immigration office at Laksi, near Bangkok's Don Muang airport. It was easy to get there as they just opened a new Pink Line monorail station connected by walkways to the Immigration office. The whole process took less than 90 minutes from the time I entered, filled out 3 forms, photocopied my passport data page and Thai stamped page, submitted the forms and paid the 1900 baht extension fee, and waited for my passport to be returned to me with the stamp. Very straightforward and pretty efficient. Forgot to add you can pre-book an appointment online, thus saving time. I would also add don't go on a Monday or just before or after a holiday if you can help it for obvious reasons. There is a passport pic/photocopy shop right at immigration so you don't need to do that in advance although obviously that will save you some time if you do so.
Yep. I have gotten the extension to my visa waiver you mentioned 3 times over 3 years now....and will apply and plan to get another 30 day exempt extension to another entry I make in December. Good to know about the new pink line monorail. I will have to look into that route map for the future if ever using DMK vs. BKK for flights. THX.
However you slice it the most you can squeeze out staying in thailand is 9 months in a year.. making it impractical place to stay long term without an actual Visa.
And after you extend your visa 4 times they have denied people entry flat out for coming in and out too often (Thailand)
Thailand has superior food and infrastructure to the Philippines (by far) yet it cheaper
Philippines has the best dating scene (long and short term) in the world. Nothing else like it
Thanks for all the detail. Very helpful Brian.
Did you have to submit a TM 30 form from your hotel when for visa extension?
@@X_Marks-u7r No. When I registered with my apartment I told them I would be extending my visa since it would run out during my stay there. After I extended it I just had to show them the stamp in my passport. Easy peasy.
Fortunately I am in Thailand now on an annual retirement visa, but when I first started coming in 2003, you still had unlimited u-turn border runs, but that changed around 2006, where every third extension, you had to get to a Capitol City and go to the embassy and start again. At least Vietnam recently brought back the
3-months border runs continually since last July.
Sometimes too much bend can still break. Rules are no different and as always your thoughts are from a position of respect every seasoned slow traveler would support for mutual benefit. We appreciate your guidance and look forward to following those footprints in the sands with smiles, peace and love. ✌️
You’ve gotten better with the years. Full of concise, clearly explained info. Thanks.
Good advice on an increasingly complicated issue. I see a lot of bad advice in FB groups these days, part of it being due to the inconsistencies in the Mexican government's policies and the ability of the immigration officer you meet to arbitrarily give you anywhere from a 7 to 90 day visa based on how he feels that day.
Visa runs are flagged in the new computer system.The visa facilitators in Mexico are amazing.They know the latest, and any loopholes available. My visa person (Sonia Diaz) was with me from when I first got here and has saved my butt a few times over the years. She always posts on FB groups the latest info to make sure it's out there, and that's a good thing because it keeps changing!
Great video as always.
Cool. Have her email me if she would like to be interviewed on my channel. vagabondbuddha.com/contact/
I know a swedish couple dananna who successfully do a U turn visa run same day between malaysia and thailand border and the malaysian side extended another 3 months. Very rare case. So total stay was 180 days + 90 days. Because the officer was convinced they were doing wonderful vlogs in malaysia. Amazing risk taken by the couple.
It’s easy to simply rotate within the region . 90 days Malaysia , 90 days Vietnam , Thai tourist Visa 60+ 30 = 90 days, Bali 60, Cambodia 60 with internal extensions.
If you’re retired , why not have some variety ?? And then , by the time you get back to the original country it’s been nearly a year since the Immigration guy saw you.
It’s only a cheap 1 hour flight to Thailand from Vietnam ….yet spans 3 countries on the Map. It’s the same peice of dirt really……if I was counting the pennies in any of those countries I’d prefer that rotating tourist to keep his nose clean , stay in my country & spend his money.
After all….whatever immigration document you get, it doesn’t change who you are. And often , it’s cheaper in the long run to get the Long term Visa.
I often come back to the same apartment that’s sat empty , no rent while I was gone. The landlord & nearby cafes, restaurants & gyms are pleased to see you back after 6 months away. But rules are rules ……we must spend our coins with the opposition tourist markets …Economics 101. 😆😆
Very smart. This is what I teach slow travelers.
Stuff I didn't know I didn't know, but need to. Thanks Dan & Qiang !!
I went to Vietnam on a 30 day visa this September left 2 days before I had to for the Philippines and stayed for 28 days also. When i was in the Philippines i applied for a 90 day Vietnam visa when i arrived the immigration looked at his computer and my passport and stamped it but didn't even look at the printed visa i had set on the counter ok👌 happy Days in Da Lat 🎉🎉🎉👍
Now in Vietnam since you must apply for a 90 day entrance visa on-line, after you are there apply for another one 2-3 weeks before your first one expires then you will know if you can leave the country and come right back (better to wait a day or two anyway) That way you can leave all your luggage etc. in Vietnam and just leave and return with a carry-on so you can get a cheap flight out and back made in advance as soon as you get your new visa letter. .
@@theoldgringo7482 have to exit before you can re-apply been there tried that must be gone before they will let you apply oky
Vietnam finally, has gotten the visa thing down. I’ve never traveled in Vietnam, because of the prior history of complicated visa processes, and limitations. So far I’m hearing really good things about their visa package for tourism and opportunities for retirees to stay longer without a lot of problems and hassles with the visa program. Congratulations to Vietnam for their efforts in changing the visa system.
@@Michael-xp9ln when submitting your fotos I used visa foto and checked vietnam for the country. It's a paid service but I've never been turned down and most visas are rejected because of the fotos not being correct 💯 okay 👍 I think I only paid 7.50 USD to download them then upload them to the Visa website okay 👌
Thailand allows two border bounces by land to obtain a visa exempt re-entry in a calendar year (January 1-December 31). Border bounces by air are not limited, but if you seem to be living in Thailand without the proper visa by a immigration officer, you can be denied entry at their will.
Exactly. Ay will of the officer. This is where the other factors come into play in Thailand. Thanks for sharing. :-)
@@VagabondAwake
The one land border to avoid is Poipet, Cambodia because they can be difficult there.
what do they do that causes difficulty or who is doing it. Thanks for insight@@danporath536
@@user-tg5ck5hh2n Interesting...good to be aware of. To clarify, you flew into Thailand having ALREADY (PREVIOUSLY before arriving) spent 157 of 180 days of some prior period in Thailand? Or was it GOING TO BE 157 of 180 if you had been admitted and then allowed to stay the normal 30 day upon arrival visa-exempt period? I just did my calcs and given when I arrived BKK this year (July 10, 2023) and counting 180 days from then (which equals January 6, 2024) I will have been in Thailand for 91 days. It gets a little confusing if they count being "IN COUNTRY" the days when you arrive and also depart. I assume they would.
Yep, this is good info as I just did visa waiver via landborder and then a visa waiver extension (30 days max) and they told me the same thing - 2 per year via land border and no restriction entering by air which is what I normally do (highest was 4 entries in one year back in 2019)
Good video Dan, good seeing you guys again! Until next time, safe travels
Great seeing you two also J.R. Small world huh? :-)
As always Dan, nice work😊 I especially enjoyed the written report you created.
Thank you Chris.
Expedia has a 24 hour cancelation. I sometimes book a ticket prior to heading to the airport and cancel after I get an email confirmation of the booking. I use this if asked for a return ticket.
Great idea.
This is a great topic that sparked ideas for potential videos you might want to consider.
Visa run luggage load out based upon the luggage weight and size restrictions of budget airlines. Maybe you leave behind all but a couple sets of clothes, cameras/notebook, and risk the monitor and other clothing and luggage.
How do you back up your RUclips videos. I don't recall from your luggage video large external drives. I just missed an 18TB Western Digital $200.00 Black Friday deal. For long term travel 4TB NVMe drives, size of computer RAM and an external USB NVMe reader would be a lighter, smaller yet more expensive option.
Also how do you handle long term leases - would be horrible not to get back to property you're renting. Maybe just don't do leases over the term of your visa. Also you mentioned renting from owners. That would probably introduce the problem of recovering a deposit fee - another interesting video topic.
And I don't recall if it was you that mentioned in Thailand or maybe Philippines if you sign an English and native language lease only the native (Thailand/Philippines) lease is recognized by the courts.
I carry 6 of these for video and photo back up: www.amazon.com/Seagate-Portable-External-Hard-Drive/dp/B07VS8QCXC/
I'll cover other ideas in another video. :-)
@@VagabondAwake Dan...you do the physical drives vs. backing-up to a cloud service like Dropbox? Or both?
@@RobPittman always keep a physical drive (you’ll sleep better) Cheers
Be careful about booking a temporary ticket while outside the US. Many countries don't require airlines to give you a 24 hr cancellation period. You could use a VPN.
Thanks Dan I recently spent two months in Thailand and now a month in Malaysia. Currently in Langkawi and want to go to Cambodia. For some reason airfare is excessively high ive looked at all the airports. For some reason it is cheaper to fly to Vietnam from Bangkok than Cambodia even though you have to fly over Cambodia to get to Vietnam. So my plan is to fly back to Penang for two nights and get a cheap flight to Bangkok (for some reason it is cheaper two days later) and then take a bus to Cambodia. Usually flights from Bangkok to Phnom Penh have been 70 to 80 dollars now I am seeing 130 or more which the difference is two nights lodging so I will take the bus even though it is more than four times as long.
That parts never makes sense. Sometimes I travel by land because I get to see the beautiful scenery.
@@VagabondAwake sometimes I like it also if I can take a train. I have been on many bumpy bus rides that stop every ten minutes to let someone off or on.
@@vgshwk LOL! happy travels, may you have many less stops!
@@vgshwkTo your point, I definitely recommend running the train from Da Nang south to Nha Trang. Along that route, stopping for a few days or more in Quy Nhon (I did)...and maybe even Tuy Hoa (I didn't) is a good idea if trying to experience a lot more of the Vietnam South China Sea coastal areas.
@@RobPittman I took the train from Saigon to Da Nang and stopped in Nha Trang for a couple of days. I then flew back to Saigon due to time constraints. The Da Nang airport is an old USA airbase and you can see the old hangars from the terminal. I remember Bob Hope did one of his Christmas specials from there. And if you stop in Da Nang you have to stop in Hoi An for a few days there is a cheap city bus you can take from Da Nang.
in May of this year 2023 I went for three weeks to the Philippines, and while I was there, we decided to go to Hong Kong for a weekend. When I left the country, I asked how it would affect my visa on entry, and the officer said that automatically it restarts the clock so, even though my intention was not to leave the country just to restart the clock, they had no problem with it whatsoever the fact that I would have a total of 30 days on the new entry, even though I was just out of the country for a total of three days in Hong Kong and it wasn’t my intention to just reset the clock so that’s in May 2023 who knows if it’ll change in the future
The Philippines will let you do 36 consecutive monthly extensions after your free entry 30 days. If you leave anytime before the 36 months, you can do a full 36 extensions again. They have a very easy program for staying long term.
@@VagabondAwake
This is not true, you can't live permanently in the Philippines on a tourist visa, some people may be getting away with it for a time, but don't get thinking that you can do this forever. I had this explained to me by an immigration officer at Mactan airport Cebu. I had been doing this sort of thing and no-one ever said anything before, I told him that I was living here with my fiancee to which he said, sir, you have two options, you can get married and apply for the 13A permanent residency visa, or you can apply for the srrv special retirement visa. He was very polite and sympathetic but told me that if I did this again I would not be allowed back in the country. It all depends on which officer is on duty when you return, and you must have an onward ticket. I am now married to my filipina and have successfully obtained my permanent residency. Please pass this message on...
Vietnam up until recently only had 30day visas, I did 3 visa runs this year flying from Vietnam to Singapore leaving in the early morning and returning on an afternoon flight on the same day, they now have a 3mth visa so it has now become less of an issue
Has Vietnam fixed their buggy immigration evisa website? I tried to do the 90 day 4 or 5 months ago when it was finally enacted as an option and it was impossible to complete/get due to the site not working correctly. I finally just settled for a 30 day evisa and went to Malaysia once it expired. Too bad for Vietnam, but actually very happy I came over to KL.
@@RobPittman yeah I heard about the visa application issues but never encountered any problems with any of my visa applications, so I couldn't tell you 😊
Yes, we just used the Vietnam eVisa process. It works great now. Thanks for sharing!
@@VagabondAwake Great to know! Two of my three Vietnam evisa applications were nailbiters in terms of going smoothly or not over the last couple years. Glad to know it is now better apparently. Ironically, Cambodia has been the best by far in terms of online visa procurement. But it's pretty hard to beat Malaysia's show-up and get 90 days without any prior online requirements (USA citizen). Since I don't intend to come and go from Malaysia more than once maybe even twice a year, I don't expect to have to look deeper into how many times that could be done before they start suggesting that I get a "proper visa".
@@RobPittman I had problems too. I turned off my VPN and it worked.
It's so strange why would they even care..
Every day you're in their country you're spending money And supporting that countries economy.
Agreed. The mystery is beyond me. People with 4x the spending power on average are bounced when they have committed no crime they can find in writing anywhere.
IMHO there really isn't "one answer" to that question. As Dan says it makes "no sense to him"...and I generally agree given his "you are a good guy, will spend money & behave" reasoning....but we do live in a senseless world most of the time. Plus, immigration control is also about 1) collecting revenue for extensions and visa fees (and the occasional bribe I hear), and 2) keeping the deadbeats out who won't behave/spend money...or at least controlling them as best as possible, and 3) the citizens of desirable countries where foreigners like myself want to go/move to ....like Thailand in my case....want border control to maintain or improve the standard of living (SOL) for their country. That SOL argument can be debated on all sides of the topic depending upon if the citizen is simple local shop owner wanting foreign purchases or a wealthy Phuket Thai citizen/homeowner wishing to reduce traffic and congestion at the local coffee shop perhaps. As the attorneys will usually rightfully say...."it depends". Best to just do your homework and play by the rules....even if the rules seem to be ever-changing. And DEFINITELY talk to numerous expats who have been there/done that...and even visa agents or the (gasp) government officials if you can get to them. Ideally your goal would be to improve your odds of reaching your entry/visa goal...and that may be the best you can do. If you are pushing the limits of the rules, you cannot necessarily expect the immigration folks to look the other way and cut you some slack just because you need them to. Buyer beware....
"Visa runs" are only tolerated. Some countries tolerate these more than other countries.
Exactly. And rules change when a new party takes power. So current data is necessary.
Staying an extra 30 or 60 in Philippines now is so expensive, a short flight and a couple days out of the country would not be much more expensive.
Hi thank you for this revealing video! I have learned alot!❤
You are so welcome!
Their country their rules. When I got my 1st exit clearance from BI in Cebu-City for my 1st Visa run, the manager of the BI wanted a talk with me to tell me that it is legal but still in the administrative discretion of immigration at entry if they issue me a new Visum.
So if they deny it it's just them applying their rules and nothing bad!
True. Even the monthly tourist extensions in the Philippines are at the discretion of the office. An American in the Philippines told me they denied him after about 10 monthly extensions. So he had to leave the Philippines before the normal 36 monthly extensions. The officer wouldn't tell him why either.
@@VagabondAwake Perhaps he didn't provide a few pesos in an envelope? Naw...surely not! :)
Most likely they were trying to shake you for money. PH BI is notorious for that.
PS: PH allowes unlimited visa runs they can not deny reentry unless there is good reason.
Thai education visa is another option so i have heard e.g. some "language schools" are more relaxed on the attendance requirements. Havent done this myself tho.
Yes. That is key so ask the agent and the schools.
There have been some scam schools in the past so Thai Immigration is on the lookout for people abusing the education for several years now. If it is a legitimate school and you get your visa with their assistance you should be OK but you will be expected to actually attend classes.
Great video, Dan...I love all the information you present...just out of curiosity...where did you lease the large power boat in the video? Thanks!
caleycruisers.com
Can you please answer (or do video) on how you secure good place to stay before travel, safely get transportation to place, and set up phone/money. I really want to do what you do but these parts are really stressing me out enough not to go. Thank You SOOO Much
Great question @jc2028r, those are the kinds of questions I answer in detail in my free eBook here: vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Dan
@jc2028r, Here is how we find cheap apartments all over the world now. Watch the video and read the text to get all of our tips:
vagabondbuddha.com/how-i-find-perfect-apartments-traveling-the-world/
Thanks,
Dan
There was a train that went from Thailand to Malaysia and then the new stamp for another 6 months.
My friends in Spain would go to Portugal for a weeknd,they did this for many years.
Nowadays, there’s no stamp required between Spain and Portugal. They’re all members of Schengen scheme along with the majority of the European countries. Visitor visas to Schengen countries are maxed out at 90 days. My advice is do your research on any European country and the visa process for that country or countries you plan to visit. Some people go to non-participating countries for three months or longer that are not members of the Schengen scheme. Two more thoughts, mini mini passport holders from certain countries can enter into Europe without a visa, but be sure and check to make sure your country is on that list. No visa required. The 90 day can be used with a floating 180 days. Check for the details.
I’ve been living in Thailand and doing exits and re-entry. My last time back 2 months ago I got stopped at immigration. After seeing when I exit I stay minimum 30 days in other countries he said ok. I asked what rule was and he said it’s not clear. Now I’m staying 2 months in Malaysia before returning in Feb.
Thanks for sharing. :-)
I rented a 48hr the onward ticket, But I wasn't even asked for it By BI when I arrived in the Phils
And by the Having my online pass Philipiines E-Pass filled out before boarding my 1st flight from
my home airport all I had to do was show them my pass walked right on through.
Good info, I wouldn’t have known this
No worries!
this is good stuff. i didnt know about this.
I have often wondered about this. I hold 2 passports, British and American. Can I enter with one, after the visa expires, leave for a few days, return with the other. Wash rinse and repeat? Your thoughts?
I have never tried it. But I would be hesitant.
Not sure what the issue is since he never used up his 90 days from any given time. He never over stayed his stamp date. But thanks for the warning having lived here in Thailand for many years and never once had any issues with Malay in the past. I had planned to return early next year to do some filming for my channel. Now second thoughts and likely much less time in Malaysia. May not go back at all if they start getting a bad attitude against all foreigners I will just go elsewhere like others.
There are signs at some Thai border crossings to dress politely. You would not believe the foreign freak show I have witnessed. I do not wish to be seen near them. They give all foreigners a bad name. Where do you think you are?
I was literally stranded in Malaysia during the Pandemic and stayed 6 months. They just kept extending our 90 day visas. Never had a problem going back either. Was last there just a couple months ago.
@@BrianBaileyedtech Only been to KL so far and would not mind being stranded here actually. Different story if they close-down the awesome multi-faceted public-transportation system and/or the beautiful & cheap golf courses though!
@@BrianBaileyedtechit's once you stay past 6 months in Malaysia, they will monitor you.
I am not sure what is behind these recent visa run concerns. We never know all of the reasons policy changes unless they publish in advance which countries rarely do. We don't have enough data points to know if what is going on was a quirk or a policy change. But I would not hesitate visiting Malaysia for the normal 90 day entry stamp and the 2 month extension available in the immigration office.
A word of advice guys all always check the country you are staying in in SEA immigration website for visa updates and changes not bloggers on you tube after financial click bait because they wont be there at immigration when you apply for or extend youre visa.
Perfect advice. Thanks. get ideas from bloggers but check for law changes before relying on anything.
I wonder if you would have any advice regarding special agreement visa waivers? My wife is Brazilian so gets 90 day visa waiver! Would she be permitted two runs by land both at 90 days or are they likely to ignore the agreement and give only 30 days 2nd run?
I have never been asked this question and don't know. Sorry.
Vietnam has multiple re-entrys, I think.
I will trying to find out soon ... if I enter on the 90 day online eVisa ... can I apply for another right away? I would think so. But I haven't seen it in writing anywhere yet.
Yes they do.
So you can come into vietnam multiple times with visa runs?
I wonder why nations want people to always do visa renwealls when they are spening money and being good in their nation
Exactly. Like if Vegas came to your room and made you leave when you are dropping $$ every day. The mystery is beyond me. People with 4x the spending power on average are bounced when they have committed no crime they can find in writing anywhere.
Time limit rules are a good measure of respect, as well as an easy process to kick out an undesirable type out who overstays......And ofcourse tax collection and jobs...... I just hope the Philippines will stay the course on their policy.
@@VagabondAwakeHeck Vegas will even comp (i.e. provide free of charge) the room, food and ESPECIALLY the drinks for high-rollers willing to blow a bunch of money in their respective casino. It's more a matter of "making it easier & more CONVENIENT" for the busy perhaps egotistical/entitled/power-tripping high-roller to do just that.
First it is about countries exercising their right to control their borders. Second, not all the people on visas are being good. Human trafficking is a big issue, smuggling, drugs, criminals evading justice in their home countries.
Thanks for all the great info! Have you ever applied for a retirement visa? I would love to know some of the easiest and cheapest retirement visas in different countries? :)
Not yet! Great idea, Thanks for the idea. :-)
SRRV in Philippines. LTR in Thailand.. Retirement visas in Cambodia. All easy and cheap
What are the requirements for Thailand Long-Term Resident Visa?
Holding at least USD 1 million in assets.
Personal income: min. USD 80,000/year in the past 2 years.
Investment: min. USD 500,000.
---- In what world is this cheap??? LOL not cheap in any sense of the word.
@@michaelcsandt in every world. The cost of the visa is 50k baht. 5k baht for a multiple entry visa including FastTrack with no reporting and tax free (depending on category). It's the cheapest visa they have ever offered in Thailand. You just have to qualify. It's dirt cheap.
Many people from bali and thailand do visa runs to malaysia.
Are you renting that boat you were driving? Where was that at?
My sister invited a bunch of people to Scotland for her 60th birthday. It was a 4 day rental. :-)
@@VagabondAwake I hope they provided you both the winter clothes! Figured you do not travel with those. :) Or are you gearing-up for the South America swing?
If you are in China as a tourist, does exiting for a short period of time to Macao, Hong Kong or Taiwan count as a visa run?
I am not sure. So sorry. I would join one of the China Expat pages on facebook and ask expts there.
Excellent information. Thanks.
Great work, Thanks Dan 👍👍
My pleasure!
I usually hear about philippines, thailand, and malaysia but, not so much about indonesia? I've been planning on visiting there and considering staying longer but, i get the feeling indonesia is not as expat friendly. Am i missing something?
bali is actually one of the most visited places in SEA. bali is in indonesia. though one thing unique in bali is that it is not a muslim majority area in indonesia. most of the people there are hindus. that may explain why bali is popular but the rest of indonesia is not.
whether we accept it or not, tourists are afraid of meeting muslim radicals. malaysia is actually a muslim country too but their marketing campaign never focused on islam. even mosques are hardly seen in their tourist ad campaigns. a clever marketing ploy by malaysia.
I have been t Bali many times. Love it.
I have been to Indonesia many times in the past 5 years, even when they were just opening up again in early 2022 - zero problems. Actually I have been to every country in East/SE Asia (except Brunei - because it is boring, haha) so hit me up if you have questions. Indonesia is one of my fav countries in the whole world - because the people are so awesome!!
@@BrianBaileyedtech Great to know! But be careful what you volunteer to help with Brian! I hope to head to Bali later next year or 2025+ and have been known to ask a question or two. I will hit you up then as needed. THX.
Absolutely! I have been to Bali 3 times, as well as Lombok, Sulawesi, Java and Sumatra - all have their jewels. @@RobPittman
I heard that if you are going to be visiting the Philippines for less than 30 days that a Visa is not required for an American tourist. Can someone please let me know if that is not the case? Also would it be better to have a Visa anyway?
Correct. I did three weeks in Manila, went to Bangkok, now my 2nd week in Cebu. 30 day stamps on arrival each time
Many western countries get 30 day entry stamps without a visa in advance. Those countries can also get 36 one month extensions before having to do a visa run. Just read the Philippines embassy home page to see if your country is in the list .... PLaces like USA, UK, Canada, Australia, EU, etc are on the list and don't need to get a visa.
Just google it. Can't believe you would ask that here.
WONDERFUL. THANK YOU!
HELLO DAN, I HAVE BEEN IN THE PHILLIPINES SINCE RIGHT AFTER XMAS. ..WELL MY EXTENDED VISA...DID NOT COST $25 (AMERICAN DOLLARS...I AM ASSUMING YOU MEANT FROM YOUR PREVIOUS VIDEO) MY EXTENSION...COST ME $3,500 PESOS ! I COULD NOT UNDERSTAND
Was that for the month when you have to pay the ACR card?
@@VagabondAwake HELLO, @ THE END OF MY FIRST MONTH...I EXTENDED' MY STAY.
Helpful info Any advice on how to avoid a return ticket to home country?
Great question @noah786,
As you have probably heard we almost never buy round-trip tickets. We move forward slowly traveling the world. But some countries require a return ticket or onward flight before they allow entry. But the rules change all the time so don't assume what I am about to tell you is true for any airline or country. You have to check every time. But if they require a return ticket or onward flight, here is what we do. When you try to board your flight going to the country, with a one-way ticket, the airline will ask for proof of a return flight or an onward flight. We handle this in three possible ways. If you can find a refundable ticket a few hours before you board your flight, buy that, and cancel after you clear customs at your destination. If not, buy an onward flight from one of the online companies that offer onward flights. They cost about $12 USD. Just Google the words "Onward Flights" and a few will pop up. Basically they put your name on a flight leaving the country on whatever date you say and they email you a confirmation that you can show to prove you have an onward flight. But if you decide to buy the $12 onward flight, show up at the airport 3 hours early. We had one refused by the airline only once in the last 5 years. So that brings up the third way. When your $12 onward flight is refused, step out of line, and log on with your computer or smartphone and buy the cheapest flight you can find exiting the country. For example, we search online for the cheapest ticket to a nearby country, leaving that country. Then you lose much less money than you would if you bought a roundtrip ticket to your home country. Skyscanner is the best place to find cheap tickets in our experience. Some countries will also let you buy an onward train or bus ticket to another country which can be even cheaper. Use RometoRio.com to find those. Best, Dan
I. COULD NOT UNDERSTAND...WHY? I ASKED OTHER AMERICANS AND INDIVIDUALS FROM 'ISRAEL AND IT WAS DIFFERENT PRICES...FOR US ALL (NEVER $25 TO $35) FOR ANY OF US ????
For which expense?
@@VagabondAwake AN EXTENSION....
Great information and a nice video
Thanks a lot
Great information!
Glad it was helpful!
Great insights. Thanks
Thanks for watching!
Most of South Asia and S. E. Asia are very modest in attire. Being in skimpy bikini is a put off. Not saying you should not wear it. But why should the viewers see it.
This video is about visa runs. I always suggest going through immigration in moderate clothing. It is better to be invisible in front of government officials because they have power over you and you don't know what they believe.
Dan excellent info. Thx
Glad it was helpful!
can one bring a pet to the Philippines on the 30 day visa the Philippines grants US citizens on entry. or, would you only be allowed into the Philippines with your pet with a longer term visa? (this question is assuming one has completed the pet importation requirements). thanks
Sorry to say, I don't know. :-(
Yes you can have a pet with the 30 day on arrival visa. I and my 30KG dog arrived and got a 30 day visa. We did a 29 day wavier, and now on a 6 month visa extension. Now the paperwork for getting a pet in and out is a complex issue.
that's good to know, thank you.when you say the paperwork is complex, do you mean that the paperwork you prepared to bring your dog was difficult or are you talking about bringing your dog back to the US?@@deanhumphrys2541
Can you get a student visa for Philippines even when you are retired? And also as the digital nomad visa been finalised in the Philippines
Just google it. why waste time trying to get an answer here, which you probably wont get? what's the point?
Yes. Just pick something you want to study, find a school, and then ask a visa agent to help you.
Its legitimate & allowed in the Phils.
Does Malaysia still give 90 days?
It does to Canadians. I was just there a month ago just for a one night layover and they gave me 90 days.
Only to 60 plus countries. Yes.
For almost 10 years now. They always give this American 90 days on a my entry stamp.
just google it
super good information
Thank you so much 🙂
usefull info - maybe a bit long winded - you coul´ve done it in 5 min...
Thank you for your constructive criticism @EVITPOF. That is how we get better. And thanks for commenting, Best, Dan
I was thinking the same, especially the first 5 mins. could have been 30 sec.
Russians are doing the same and using different passport. Example : Russians Uk and thirds like mutation Georgian or Ukraine. They get just rewarded with 90 days visa free option
0k
👍🏽
Great info Dan. Headed back Jan 1. Have our certified marriage license from the U.S. Department Of Stste signed by Blinken. Might teach home electrical and plumbing repair at a school a friend is starting. I will send you an email on somthing that could me a future issue with expats. Take care and say hi to Chung.
Thanks for the info! Love to hear about it Dennis. :-)
SE Asian countries are not as poor and weak as used to be…
Yes. They are doing well these days.
🙀
And now here to fill our heads with more necessary worries....
I hope to save you some trouble. :-)
Hey Dan have you ever ran across a power tripping immigration official that gave you grief 😮🎉❓
Only in America. I am not kidding. One asked me why I leave America so much. I said I love my country but I like seeing the world even more. He asked his manager to take me to the side and searched all of my luggage like I was a drug dealer or something. That was the only time in my life it took me more than 1 minute to get through an immigration. I was still out in like 20 minutes. No big deal. I am happy they didn't strip search me or something.
@@VagabondAwake UN-freaking real..😏
Uncle Sam is not your fun Uncle anymore.... 😔
@@VagabondAwake Yeah a bit crazy for sure. Shades of that Clint Eastwood movie "THE MULE". At least he got a saweet truck out of the deal! :) A cool flick BTW...like all of Clint's acting & directing work! Big fan!!
How do you differentiate someone who's "power tripping" and someone who's doing their job?
@@delavan9141 A good start is to know the rules and what their job parameters actually are. Plus, as many have pointed out, make sure your attitude is conducive to them allowing you into their country. Everyone has their biases, and even conservative clothing can make a big difference to how you are treated. You really don't want to negatively "stand out" in this particular setting. You won't get a trophy if you do. Fly low under the radar.
Why stirring up problems for others?
As soon as I learn things that make life overseas easier for me I share them with my audience.
Wth?
I'd prefer not to see the photos of your wife, so I scroll up to hide the video. Do you make the assumption your audience wants to see those?
Sure. Why not? She is a former fashion model and is easy on the eyes.
Videos with Qiang get more views.