Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality
(SATH;
www.sath.org
)
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.
Tourist Visas & Exemptions
The Thai government allows tourist-visa exemptions for 55 different nationalities, including those from Australia, New
Zealand, the USA and most of Europe, to enter the country without a prearranged visa. Some Eastern Europeans, Indi-
ans and Chinese qualify for a visa on arrival valid for 15 days, though talks are under way to allow Chinese visa ex-
emptions. Asean countries are moving towards visa-waiving programs.
For those 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 the 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; you're more likely to be
granted multiple entries if you apply at a Thai consulate in Europe, the US or Australia than elsewhere. 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.
Another visa-renewal option is to cross a land border. A new 15-day visa will be issued upon your return and some
short-term visitors make a day trip out of the 'visa run'.
If you overstay your visa, the usual penalty is a fine of 500B per day, with a 20,000B limit. Fines can be paid at the
airport or in advance at an immigration office. If you've overstayed only one day, you don't have to pay. Children un-
der 14 travelling with a parent do not have to pay the penalty.
Foreign residents in Thailand should arrange visa extensions at the immigration office closest to their in-country ad-
dress.
