Thailand Travel Visa GuideMost people who take a holiday in Thailand are blissfully unaware that they don't have a Thailand travel visa although they are required to have one. Many of you will know that the stewardesses hand out a form for completion before going through immigration; this is in fact a visa exemption form. Visa Exemption FormThis form allows you to stay in the country for 30 days.You must also be able to prove that you have a ticket / booking for your return or onward journey before the end of the 30 day period. When we last checked, the nationals from 41 countries were did not require a Thailand travel visa but and were allowed to enter Thailand with a visa exemption. These include:
However, it’s best to check the Website for you local Thai embassy to see an updated list before you travel. You also need to be aware that the Thailand travel visa exemption only applies to tourists and you must have 6 months or more remaining on your passport on the date you enter Thailand. There is a sting in the tail though.... if you arrive from any of Thailand's neighbouring countries such as Myanmar, Malaysia, Laos and Vietnam then you will only be granted a 15 day Thailand travel visa exemption. This is a recently introduced rule that is catching out a few people who commonly go on 'visa runs' to extend their stay.
If you do not qualify for the 30 day visa exemption then you will have to apply for a Thai Visa on entry to the country if you have not arranged one in advance. As before, check with the Thai Embassy in your region to see which countries can use this facility. There are also conditions attached to the visa about proving your finances. You cannot apply for an entry visa at every entry point, but most of the major international airports and ports should be able to provide the visa. Check with the Thai Embassy before you travel! 60 Day Tourist VisaThere are a limited number of countries whose nationals can apply for a Thailand visa at a reasonable cost and will allow them to stay for 60 days. Most people who are reading this Website from Western Europe, North America and Australasia should be able to apply for these via their local Thai embassy or consulate. The same restrictions apply as with the visa exemption with regard to having a return / onward ticket and duration of passport. These are also limits on the amount of times you can enter Thailand and how many Thailand travel visas you can get in one year. read the rules carefully to avoid getting caught out. 3 Day Transit Thailand Travel VisaIt is unlikely that you are going to need one of these unless you are:
Non Immigrant Thai VisasThere are too many to list on this site. but the general guidance is that if you are not a tourist, you will probably need one of these. The categories include business travel, students, scientist on research, visiting children, official duties, making films. This is not an exhaustive list and you need to make sure you have selected the correct type of visa to apply for. One Year Retirements Visa - for over 50'sI guess I qualify for this! Read the Thai Embassy Website for exact guidance but you will have to:
Thailand Visa for TeachersYou will be required to prove you are qualified if you are intending to teach in Thailand on this type of visa.the visa will initially be valid for 90 days only (for employed teaches), so when you get to Thailand you will have to apply for an extension whilst you are there. If you are there on a voluntary basis the visa application is different and initially for only 60 days. WAS THIS INFORMATION USEFUL?If you want to add any more detail please contact us so we can enhance this free information for everyone's benefit. Return from Thailand Travel Visa to Thailand Travel Guide home page
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