Just checking my understanding of the Thai Visa

[jojo90]

Hi,

 

I made a last minute decision to fly to Thailand this Friday returning 19th so about 14 days.

 

Having googled a bit can I just check that the following is true about the Thai Visa system:

1) I can just get one when I arrive in Thailand and have to pay 1,000 BHT

2) I need to proove I have at least 10,000 BHT for the trip

3) I need to bring one passport sized photograph

 

?

 

I plan to return for 2 weeks At the end of Feb - any problems there??

 

Thanks!!

Edited November 30, 2009 by jojo90

[Dr.Winston]

You'll be fine as long as you are a National of one of the countries that the Thai authorities grant a visa upon entry to (includes UK and USA). You should get stamped 30 days upon arrival without applying for a visa in advance.

 

I doubt if you'll get asked to prove your funds. Passport photos are always good to have on you but I've never been asked for one entering Thailand myself. Returning for two weeks in february should be a problem either. Thailand does now restrict visas upon entry but it shouldn't affect your two planned trips.

[El Cata]

1) I can just get one when I arrive in Thailand and have to pay 1,000 BHT

Never heard of having to pay 1000b, & never have paid it.

 

You will get a 30 day or 15 day visa on arrival (stamp on passport) depending on your country of origin.

 

Check the Thai Consulate here: http://www.thaiconsul-uk.com/downloads/Ab%20%20Standard%20Visa%20Application%20Pack.doc

 

Which country are you from? It would help to know.

 

2) I need to proove I have at least 10,000 BHT for the trip

20,000b is the figure, but I have never been asked.

 

3) I need to bring one passport sized photograph

 

No.

 

I plan to return for 2 weeks At the end of Feb - any problems there??

 

No. There was a rule about the number of entries in 6 months or a year, but it has been abolished.

 

Thanks!!

 

No problem.

 

Compliments of the season.

[hedonist]

We Brits and others from countries not on the list pasted below, need to realise there is a subtle, but definate difference between a visa on arrival, thats valid for 15 days that we dont need, or get, and a VISA EXEMPTION thats valid for 30 days.

I dont know if anyone has noticed that, on their (sometimes long) walk from their arrival pier to Immigration, you will see a queue of people from various countries and native dress, in some cases. There will be a sign that says "Visa On Arrival" where the haed of the queue will be standing.

This must be both a right pain in the arse, cause it always seems busy, and one that DOES cost 1000 Baht, too. See below for a direct paste from MOFA of Thailand.

It would have helped if we had known the nationality of the OP, though

 

VISA ON ARRIVAL

 

- According to the Interior Ministerial Announcements, passport holders from 21 countries and territories may apply for visas at the immigration checkpoints for the purpose of tourism for the period of not exceeding 15 days.

- The applicant must possess means of living expenses at the amount of 10,000 Baht per person and 20,000 Baht per family accordingly.

- The applicant must possess a passport with at least six-month validity and must present full paid ticket which is usable within 15 days since the date of entry

- Visa on arrival is provided at 24 designated international checkpoints and applicants should submit the application form duly filled out and to which his/her recent photograph (4 x 6 cm) is attached. The application fee is 1,000 Baht.

 

 

- 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 travelling, etc. They can submit an application at the Office of Immigration Bureau , Immigration Division 1, Soi Suan Plu, South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120. Tel. 02 287-3127 or 02 287-3101-10 ext. 2264-5 or at website http://www.immigration.go.th

 

 

List of countries and territories is as follows :

 

1. Bhutan : Kingdom of Bhutan

2. China : People’s Republic of China

3. Cyprus : Republic of Cyprus

4. Czech : Czech Republic

5. Estonia : Republic of Estonia

6. Hungary : Republic of Hungary

7. India : Republic of India

8. Kazakhstan : Republic of Kazakhstan

9. Latvia : Republic of Latvia

10. Liechtenstein : Principality of Liechtenstein

11. Lithuania : Republic of Lithuania

12. Maldives : Republic of Maldives

13. Mauritius : Republic of Mauritius

14. Oman : Sultanate of Oman

15. Poland : Republic of Poland

16. Russian Federation

17. Saudi Arabia : Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

18. Slovakia : Slovak Republic

19. Slovenia : Republic of Slovenia

20. Taiwan

21. Ukraine

 

 

 

List of Thailand’s Immigration Checkpoints which provide facilities for issuance of visa on arrival :

 

1. Suvarnabhumi Airport

2. Don Muang International Airport , Bangkok

3. Chiangmai International Airport , Chiangmai

4. Phuket International Airport , Phuket

5. Hatyai International Airport , Songkhla

6. U Tapao Airport , Rayong

7. Mae Sai Immigration Checkpoint , Chiengrai

8. Chieng Saen Immigration Checkpoint , Chiengrai

9. Chieng Khong Immigration Checkpoint , Chiengrai

10. Betong Immigration Checkpoint , Yala

11. Sadoa Immigration Checkpoint , Songkhla

12. Samui Airport , Surat Thani

13. Sukhothai International Airport, Tak Immigration Checkpoint

14. Bangkok Harbour Immigration Checkpoint, Bangkok

15. Sri Racha Immigration Checkpoint , Chonburi

16. Mabtaput Immigration Checkpoint , Rayong

17. Nong Khai Immigration Checkpoint, Nong Khai

18. Samui Immigration Checkpoint , Surat Thani

19. Phuket Immigration Checkpoint , Phuket

20. Satun Immigration Checkpoint , Satun

21. Krabi Immigration Checkpoint , Krabi

22. Songkhla Harbour Immigraion Checkpoint , Songkhla

23. Chiangrai Airport Immigration Checkpoint, Chiangrai

24. Surat Thani Airport Immigration Checkpoint , Surat Thani

 

Hedonist

Edited December 1, 2009 by hedonist

[El Cata]

Ah interesting, sorry to the OP for bad advice.

 

I got my info from the Thai Consulate in Hull, which does mention the 'visa on arrival' rules but strangely omits the need for a passport photo & 1000b fee.

 

Also, I was referring to the visa obtained upon arrival, not the 'visa on arrival' re the 15 or 30 days.

 

All the best.

[Scumbag]

Here is the list of countries whose nationals do not need a visa before arriving or have to worry about the visa on arrival as described about:

Australia

Austria

Bahrain

Belgium

Brazil

Brunei

Cameroon

Canada

Denmark

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hong Kong

Indonesia

Ireland

Israel

Italy

Japan

Kuwait

Luxembourg

Macau

Malaysia

Netherlands

New Zealand

Norway

Peru

Philippines

Portugal

Qatar

Singapore

South Africa

South Korea

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

Turkey

United Kingdom of Great Britain and N. Ireland

United States of America

Vietnam

 

Even people of these nationalities may be asked to show evidence of fund but I have never heard of anyone who has. You may also be asked to show proof that you have booked a method to leave the country. Again this doesn't appear to happen often but like anything in Thailand things can change very quickly.

[hedonist]

 

Even people of these nationalities may be asked to show evidence of fund but I have never heard of anyone who has. You may also be asked to show proof that you have booked a method to leave the country. Again this doesn't appear to happen often but like anything in Thailand things can change very quickly.

As soon as they swipe your passport, they know more than people think they know about you and your travel arrangements, including date of proposed return.

 

Hedonist