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Tourist Visas
Generally speaking Thailand requires foreigners to have a visa to
enter the country as a tourist. There are several types of visas
but for our purposes here we'll concern ourselves with the most
popular visa procedures for individuals wishing to enter Thailand
as a tourist.
Tourist Visa Exemptions
Nationals of a select group of 39 countries and Hong Kong SAR (see
below) are not required to have a visa to enter Thailand as a tourist.
Upon arrival such passport holders will be issued a tourist visa
for up to 30 days provided that the applicant possesses the means
to support themselves (10,000 Baht per person and 20,000 Baht per
family).
Visa exempt countries are: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil,
Bahrain, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany,
Greece, Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan,
Korea, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway,
Oman, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Singapore, Spain, South
Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UAE, UK, USA, and Vietnam.
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Standard
Tourist Visa
The visa fee is 1,000 baht with a validity of three months. Upon
arrival a tourist visa allows visitors to stay in Thailand for a
period not exceeding 60 days at any time provided that they meet
the following requirements:
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Passport or travel document with validity not
less than 6 months |
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Visa application form completely filled out |
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One recent( 4 x 6 cm.) photograph of the applicant
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Onward air ticket paid in full |
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Financial means
(20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family) |
Applicants who are nationals of India,
Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon,
Sudan, Algeria, Libya, Yemen, Egypt and Palestinian State need to
file their visa application at the Thai Embassy or Thai Consulate-General
in the country of their permanent residence prior to their visit.
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Visa Upon Arrival
In addition nationals from the 15 countries listed below may apply
for a Visa Upon Arrival at immigration checkpoints for tourism purposes
for a period not to exceed 15 days provided that they meet the conditions
below. Be advised that visitors who enter Thailand using the Visa
on Arrival facility generally cannot file an application for an
extension of their stay. Visa upon arrival requirements:
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The applicant must
possess the means to support themselves (10,000 Baht per person
and 20,000 Baht per family). |
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The applicant must
produce a full prepaid ticket, which is valid and usable within
15 days of the date of entry. |
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The applicant needs
to produce the Visa Upon Arrival application form with a recent
photograph (2½ inches) attached. |
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The application
fee is 1,000 Baht. |
Countries
eligible for Visa on Arrival:
Bhutan, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Hungary, India, Kazakhstan,
Maldives, Mauritius, Oman, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan,
Ukraine.
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Other
Visa Information
Overstaying your tourist visa is subject to a fine levied for each
day over your visa expiration date. If you know in advance you need
to be in Thailand for more than 30 days you should arrange for a
60 days visa prior to your departure for Thailand. Anyone who stays
in Thailand for 90 consecutive days up to one calendar year must
obtain a tax clearance certificate before leaving Thailand. Visitors
who are already in the country and wishing to stay longer or who
wish to change their visa status must file an application for permission
at the Office of Immigration Bureau located on Soi Suan Plu (off
South Sathorn Road) in Bangkok. Tel (66 2) 287-310-110.
As well there are several other types of visas available, transit,
work and long stay visa for foreigners wishing to retire to Thailand.
For more information click on http://www.mfa.go.th/web/156.php.
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Customs
Formalities
Once past Immigration take the escalators or stairs down to the
Baggage Claim area. You will find luggage carts available free of
charge. Once you have collected your baggage proceed through the
appropriate customs area (Items to declare OR No Items to Declare).
In general, Customs is "cursory" for Western tourists
however random spot checks do occur. For the record foreign visitors
are allowed 1 liter of alcohol and up to 200 cigarettes duty free.
Computers, cameras, video cameras, cassette recorders and sports
equipment are allowed.
Prohibited items: Visitors
to Thailand are forbidden to bring the following items into the
Kingdom: Dangerous chemicals, drugs, pornography, firearms and ammunition
or accumulated foreign currency exceeding the equivalent of USD10,000.
Note: travelers who carry prescription medicine with them, would
do well to bring along the prescription confirming that the medicine
is used for their physical well-being while traveling.
From the Customs area you will exit via frosted glass doors into
the arrival hall. Here you will find currency exchanges, ground
transport and travel related services. If you have arranged to be
picked up by the hotel or company car the driver will be waiting
for you with a sign with your name on it as you leave this area.
Warning:
Drug Trafficking / Possession
Drug trafficking and abuse is taken VERY seriously in Thailand.
Penalties are very severe and can include the death
penalty. Possession of even small quantities of illegal
drugs is enough to receive a lengthy jail sentence.
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