Immigration Information

This information was correct at the time of writing, however immigration policies are subject to change. For the latest information please contact the Department of Immigration.

• Visas on Arrival
• Tourist Visas
• Re-Entry Permits
• Non-Immigrant Visas

Visas on Arrival

All visitors entering Thailand must possess a valid passport. Citizens most of the large western countries (listed below), may enter Thailand without a visa for 30 days without any charge. This visa may be extended for a period of one week at a charge of Baht 500. This is at the immigration officer’s discretion.

This excludes the nationals of the counties with a * - Republic of Korea, Denmark, Finland, New Zealand, Norway and Sweden, who are permitted to stay in Thailand for maximum 90 days from the day of entry.

Visas on arrival can be obtained from the following airports :

• Don Muang (Bangkok International Airport)
• Chiang Mai
• Phuket
• Hat Yai

The nationals of the following counties are eligible for transit visas, which are issued on arrival with a payment of Baht 300. These can only be extended at the discretion of the Immigration Division.

Certain other nationalities may be required to obtain a visa in advance of travel.

Tourist Visas

A tourist visa is valid for 60 days and costs of US$15, it may be extended for 30 days. An extension of a visa needs to be applied for at the Immigration Office and costs Baht. 500. The address of the Department of Immigration is Soi Suan Phlu, South Sathorn Rd., Bangkok 10120 Tel: 2873101-10. Only one extension will be granted.

Re-entry Permits

No exit visas are required but if you wish to leave the country and re-enter on the same visa you need to get a re-entry visa. These are available at the Department of Immigration at a cost of baht 500 or you can get one at the Immigration Counter at Bangkok International Airport (Terminal 1)..

If getting a re-entry visa at the airport, make sure you do this before you go through immigration or they won’t let you come back out again! You will need a passprt sized photograph.

Non-Immigrant Visas

If you are visiting family or friends, working in Thailand, taking an extended business trip, studying or retiring to Thailand, then these are all considered good reasons to get a 90-day non-immigrant visa. This must be obtained in advance, before you arrive in Thailand and costs US$20. Visitors to Thailand with a non-immigrant business visas have unlimited entry in and out of the country provided you get a re-entry permit. However users of this type of visa must leave the country every 90 days.

Extending a non-immigrant visa is at the discretion of the Immigration Officer and success depends on the reasons for requiring the extension, your appearance and supporting documentation produced.

If you are planning to spend a while in Thailand, then you should keep a supply of passport photos and copies of your passport handy. These are useful if you need to visit immigration or other government offices and help if you were to loose your passport.