Thailand
Restricted entry
Nationals of Afghanistan and Iraq will be refused (except for business purposes).
Passports
Passport valid for six months beyond intended length of stay required by all except the following:
(a) holders of a Hong Kong (SAR) certificate of identity issued to residents of Hong Kong (transit only);
(b) holders of a Singapore certificate of identity with a visa;
(c) holders of South African temporary passports;
(d) holders of a UN laissez-passer and Macau (SAR) China Travel Permits.Visas
Required by all except the following nationals for tourist stays, provided they hold valid passports, sufficient funds and confirmed tickets to leave Thailand within 30 days:
(a) nationals of the countries referred to in the chart above, except 1. nationals of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovak Republic and Slovenia, who do need a visa;
(b) nationals of Bahrain, Brazil, Brunei, Hong Kong (SAR), Indonesia, Israel, Korea (Rep), Kuwait, Laos, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Peru, The Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam;
(c) transit passengers continuing their journey, provided holding confirmed tickets and other documents for an onward journey and they do not leave the transit lounge.Note
(a) 2. The following nationals can obtain an entry visa on arrival at 23 designated immigration checkpoints throughout Thailand (consult nearest Embassy/Consulate for further information), provided holding a confirmed ticket to leave within 15 days, proof of sufficient funds, application form with recent photo, a valid passport and that their visit is for tourist purposes only: Bhutan, China (PR), Cyprus, Czech Republic, Hungary, India, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Mauritius, Oman, Poland, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia and Ukraine. The fee for this service is approximately 300 Baht; note that this is subject to frequent change. Travelers should also note that there are normally long queues at the immigration checkpoints. (b) Visitors who enter the Kingdom with Visa on Arrival generally cannot file an application for extension of stay except in special cases such as illness which prevents them from traveling, etc. They should submit their application to the Office of Immigration Bureau, Immigration Division 1, Soi Suan Plu, South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120. Tel. (662) 287-3127 or 3101-10 ext. 2264-5; website www.police.go.th/frconten.htm).Types of visa and cost
Tourist: US$43 (single-entry); Non-immigrant (for activities such as business or study): US$69 (single-entry), US$155 (multiple-entry); Transit: US$26 (single-entry: also issued to those participating in sports activities in Thailand or crew members of a conveyance entering Thailand).Validity
Tourist: 60 days. Non-immigrant: 90 days. Transit: Three days, 15 days (crew members) or 30 days (those participating in sports activities). All visas must be used within three months of date of issue, except multiple-entry non-immigration visas which are valid for up to six months. Extensions are available from the Immigration Bureau in Bangkok.Application to
Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Passport/Visa Information.Application requirements
(a) Passport with validity not less than six months. (b) One completed application form. (c) Two recent passport-size photos (4 x 5cm). (d) Fee (cash only). (e) Proof of sufficient funds to cover stay (Bt20,000 per person, Bt40,000 per family). (f) Confirmed onward or return ticket paid in full. Non-immigrant: (a)-(f) and, (g) Copy of passport. (h) For a business visit, a letter from the employer in country of origin and from the business partner in Thailand explaining the purpose of the visit is required. Other documents may also be required, depending on purpose of visit. Transit: (a)-(g), (h) Visa for next destination in passport or travel document and, (i) Letter of invitation stating the application's participation in sports activities in the Kingdom.Note
(a) The Royal Thai Embassy in London does not accept visa applications by post. (b) Nationals of Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Iran, Lebanon, Libya, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestinian Authority passport holders, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic and Yemen must fill in three application forms with three photographs when applying for a Thai visa and must provide additional information. Contact Consulate for details. (c) Nationals of China, Korea (Democratic People's Republic of) and Saudi Arabia must fill in three application forms with three photographs when applying for a Thai visa at the Royal Thai Embassy in London or Royal Thai Consulates across the UK and Ireland (d) Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required for applicants who have visited or come from an affected area. Other vaccinations, such as for Smallpox, may also be requested by the Immigration Doctor and compliance is essential.Working days required
Two days if submitted in person, approximately one week plus mailing time if applying by post.Temporary Residence
This must be applied for at the Office of Immigration (tel: (662) 287 3101-10) or at a Consular office in the home country (only for certain nationals: see Note.
No Test Required
THB500 for all international departures. Transit passengers and children under two years of age are exempt.
Royal Thai Embassy in the UK
29-30 Queens Gate, London SW7 5JB, UK
Tel: (020) 7589 2944 (ext. 115/119).
Website: www.thaiembassyuk.org.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1230 (Consular section); Mon-Fri 1400-1700 (telephone enquiries).Royal Thai Embassy in the USA
1024 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 401, NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA
Tel: (202) 944 3600 or 3608 (Consular section).
Website: www.thaiembdc.orgRoyal Thai Consulate General in the USA
351 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022, USA
Tel: (212) 754 1770 or 2536-8 or 1896.
Website: www.thaiembdc.org
There is a high threat from terrorism throughout Thailand, particularly in the far southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla. Travelers are advised against all but essential travel to, or through, these four Provinces where, since January 2004, there have been regular attacks including bombings and shootings. On 19 July 2005, the Thai Government announced a serious state of emergency in the provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat; this declaration was extended for a second time on the 17 January to 20 April 2006.
Services and facilities in most areas of Thailand affected by the tsunami, including Phuket, are now operating normally.
Watch out for crimes of opportunity. Theft of passports and credit cards is a problem. Passport fraud is high and penalties are severe.
Penalties for possession, distribution or manufacture of drugs are severe and can include the death penalty.
The Thai Ministry of Public Health issued a nationwide dengue fever epidemic alert on 9 May 2005.
There were outbreaks of Avian Influenza (bird flu) amongst poultry in Thailand in 2004, when there were a number of human fatalities. There have been a smaller number of outbreaks of bird flu in Thailand during 2005, but without any human fatalities so far. Travelers to Thailand are unlikely to be affected by Avian Influenza, but should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where they may come into close contact with wild or caged birds; and ensure poultry dishes are thoroughly cooked.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice: British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: (0845) 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel
