Applicants
entering Thailand on tourist visa are not permitted to conduct business or
indulge in other means to earn money. One has to apply for visa to Thai
embassies and consulates in one's country. Maximum stay permitted is 60
days. Visa must be used within three months from the date it is issued. Visa Regulations
Regulations governing the stay of foreign nationals in Thailand are given below:
Countries Not Requiring Visa
Nationals of the following countries are permitted for a maximum stay of 30 and 90 days under inter-governmental agreements.
30 Days : Laos, Macau, Hong Kong, Vietnam
90 Days : Brazil, Chile, Korea South
Nationals of the following countries are permitted for a maximum stay of 30 days under Ministry of Interior's regulation.
Nationals of the following countries are required to obtain tourist visa on immigration checkpoints in Thailand. The visa permits them for the stay of 15 days.
Bhutan, China with Taiwan, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Hungary, India, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Mauritius, Oman, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine
Countries Exempted From Visa Fee
Some countries have been exempted from visa fee under the existing agreements. These countries are:
Malaysia, Philippines (maximum stay of 59 days), Singapore, South Korea, Tunisia
List of Immigration Checkpoints
Bangkok
Don Muang International Airport
Bangkok Harbour Immigration Checkpoint
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai International Airport
Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai Airport Immigration Checkpoint
Mae Sai Immigration Checkpoint
Chieng Saen Immigration Checkpoint
Chieng Khong Immigration Checkpoint
Phuket
Phuket International Airport
Phuket Immigration Checkpoint
Songkhla
Hat Yai International Airport
Sadoa Immigration Checkpoint
Harbour Immigration Checkpoint
Rayong U-tapao Airport Immigration Checkpoint
Mabtaput Immigration Checkpoint
Surat Thani
Samui Immigration Checkpoint
Samui Immigration Checkpoint, Samui Airport
Torn Harbour Dock Yatch
Surat Thani Airport, Immigration Checkpoint
Others
Betong Immigration Checkpoint, Yala
Sukothai International Airport, Tak
Si Racha Immigration Checkpoint, Chonburi
Nong Khai Immigration Checkpoint, Nong Khai
Satun Immigration Checkpoint, Satun
Krabi Immigration Checkpoint, Krabi
Additional Requirements
Some applicants need additional requirements for getting visa. Related information is given below:
Documents
Nationals of these countries are required to submit additional documents to obtain visa.
Bangladesh, China, Cambodia, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Middle East countries, and socialist countries
Health Certificates
Unless the applicant has been to an infected area, no inoculation or vaccination is required. However, if the applicant has been to area considered 'infected' by the Thai Government, he will have to submit the health certificate.
Essential Documents
Documents needed for applying for a Thai visa are:
» Passport or travel document with at least 6 months validity
» Two recent ( 4 x 6 cm) photographs of the applicant
» Air ticket paid in full
» Financial means
» Consulates reserve the right to ask for additional documents if deemed necessary.
Visa Fee
Of course, the visa fee needs to be paid with the application. The fee should be in cash or through money order.
Processing Time
Time taken for processing of the application is usually two days if submitted in person. If applied by mail, the processing time would be approximately 10 working days. The mailing time would be aditional.
Visa Extension
Over-staying the visa would attract penalty. For some reasons, if one is unable to leave the country before the stay limit, it is better to get the visa extended. The decision of extension rests solely at the discretion of the immigration officer.
Major cards and travellers' cheques can be encashed at banks, money changers, major shopping centers and money changers.
Do remember that exchange rate at authorised money changers and banks is better than shopping centers and hotels. One would need passport to encash travellers' cheques in banks. Major credit cards are widely accepted though the shopkeepers might charge some extra money as the cost of transaction.
Restrictions
» No limit on amount of foreign currency brought into the country.
» The foreign currency carried out of Thailand, should not be more than the amount stated in the customs declaration made on arrival.
» Travellers leaving Thailand are not allowed to take out more than 50,000 baht per person.
Refunds
International tourists in Thailand are entitled to refund of 7% V.A.T. (Value Added Tax) on products purchased at registered retail outlets.
