Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Visas
The
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
(
www.mfa.go.th
)
oversees immigration and visa issues. Check the website or the
nearest Thai embassy or consulate for application procedures and costs.
THAILAND'S IMMIGRATION OFFICES
The following are two immigration offices where visa extensions and other formalities can be addressed. Remem-
ber to dress in your Sunday best when doing official business in Thailand and do all visa business yourself (don't
hire a third party). For all types of visa extensions, bring along two passport-sized photos and one copy each of
the photo and visa pages of your passport.
»
Bangkok immigration office
(
0 2141 9899; immigration.go.th; Th Chaeng Wattana , Bldg B, Govern-
ment Centre;
9am-noon & 1-4.30pm Mon-Fri, 9am-noon Sat)
»
Chiang Mai immigration office
(
0 5320 1755; chiangmaiimm.com; Th Mahidon;
8.30am-4.30pm
Mon-Fri)
Tourist Visas & Exemptions
The Thai government allows entry to 55 different nationalities, including those from Australia, New Zealand, the USA
and most of Europe without prior visa arrangements for a set period of time. Some Eastern Europeans, Indians and
Chinese qualify for a visa on arrival valid for 15 days, though talks are under way to allow Chinese visa exemptions.
ASEAN countries are moving towards visa-waiving programs.
For most Western nationalities arriving in the kingdom by air, a 30-day visa is issued without a fee. For those arriving
via a land border, the arrival visa is 15 days. Some countries (including Brazil, South Korea, Argentina, Chile and Peru)
receive a 90-day free visa at all borders.
Without proof of an onward ticket and sufficient funds for one's projected stay any visitor can be denied entry, but in
practice this is a formality that is rarely checked.
If you plan to stay in Thailand longer than 30 days (or 15 days for land arrivals), you should apply for the 60-day
Tourist Visa from a Thai consulate or embassy before your trip. Contact the nearest Thai embassy or consulate to obtain
application procedures and determine fees for tourist visas.
Non-Immigrant Visas
The Non-Immigrant Visa is good for 90 days and is intended for foreigners entering the country for business, study, re-
tirement and extended family visits. There are multiple-entry visas available in this visa class. If you plan to apply for a
Thai work permit, you'll need to possess a Non-Immigrant Visa first.
Visa Extensions & Renewals
If you decide you want to stay longer than the allotted time, you can extend your visa by applying at any immigration
office in Thailand. The usual fee for a visa extension is 1900B. Those issued with a standard stay of 15 or 30 days can
extend their stay for seven to 10 days (depending on the immigration office) if the extension is handled before the visa
expires. The 60-day tourist visa can be extended by up to 30 days at the discretion of Thai immigration authorities.
