Travellers planning the Thailand holiday must apply for the appropriate visa to match the purpose of their visit. However, there are certain territories and countries that are permitted to obtain a visa on arrival or entitled to visa exemption.
Tourist visa
Citizens of the countries that have an agreed visa exemption in place aren’t required to obtain a Thailand visa before entering the country. This applies to 62 countries (the USA, New Zealand, Australia, and most European countries). This exemption is limited to tourism purposes and gives a stay in the country of up to 30 days per visit – although this can vary with the nationality and entry point to the country (land or air)
In order for tourists on the Thailand travel packages to take advantage of the visa exemption it is a necessity to show documentary proof of sufficient funds and an onward ticket for the duration of the stay in the country. Without this proof there is the risk of being denied entry, but in reality, this rule isn’t always checked.
For the travellers that plan to visit Thailand for a period in excess of 30 days, it is practical to apply for the long term visa, which can last for 60 days and available in advance from a local Thai embassy or consulate.
Also, for the travellers applying for the tourist visa, there is the option to apply for an ACMECS visa which gives access to both Cambodia and Thailand, and lasts for a period of up to 90 days. This type of visa is available to nationals of the UK, Sweden, Austria, Finland, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, Luxembourg, Italy, Canada, Ireland, Greece, Germany, France, and Australia.
However, the ACMECS visa is only a viable option if planning to spend 30 or more days in Thailand.
Contact a local Thai consulate or embassy to obtain the relevant procedures and paperwork to complete, as well as the latest prices.
Types and cost:
The cost of the Thailand visa varies with the type: a single-entry tourist visa: $41.50, a multiple-entry tourist visa $208.50, a transit visa $36.50 (single entry), and visa on arrival $27.50.
Visa extensions and renewals
If you had originally applied for a 30 day tourist visa and wish to expend the Thailand travel beyond this point, there is the option to extend the visa. This is a relatively easy process and is completed by visiting the local immigration office in Thailand. Visa extensions are subject to a fee of about $52.50. By paying this fee it it is possible to extend the visa by 30 days and it should take place before the existing visa is allowed to expire.
Also, the 60-day tourist visa can be extended by a further 30 day period, but at the discretion of Thai immigration authority.
Alternatively, there is the option to renew the Thailand visa by crossing a land border. After making a short stay in a neighbouring country, a new 15 to 30 visa exemption is issued on returning back to Thailand. However, the authorities aren’t keen on this type of practice and are starting to clamp down on the repeated or frequent visa runs.
Overstaying your visa
Any traveller that stays in Thailand beyond the period of the visa is subject to receiving a penalty fine which costs in the region of $13.50 per day, and limited to $550. The fines are payable in advance at an immigration office or at the airport when leaving the country. Fines for overstaying do no apply to children aged 14 or below who are travelling with their parents.
Also, for the traveller that incurs a lengthy overstay, there is the risk of receiving a potential jail term which is the maximum penalty, while also being banned from any future entry to the country.
Passports
To enjoy the Thailand private tour, a valid passport is required with at least six months remaining from the time of leaving the country.
Note: for tourists that have recently visited a region that has issues with yellow fever-infections, it may be necessary to provide proof of a yellow fever vaccination before being permitted to enter the country.
Validity
A typical time-frame for the Thailand visa is 30 days for a single tourist visa, 30 or 60 days for a multiple-entry tourist visa, or 15 days for a transit visa.
Single-entry tourist and transit visas are valid for a period of 3 months from the issue date, so it is important to not apply for the visa too far in advance of the intended travel date. The multiple-entry tourist visa gives more flexibility and stays valid for up to 6 months.
Also, the ACMECS visa has a period of validity that lasts 90 days from the issue date, which makes it possible to travel in Thailand for up to 60 days and in Cambodia for up to 30 days.
Temporary residence
Any visitor that is planning to study, work, or conduct business while in Thailand has the option to apply for the non-immigrant visa. By applying for this visa it is possible to stay in the country for a period not exceeding 90 days. But, to be in a position to legally work in the country, it is also necessary to obtain a work permit that is produced by the Ministry of Labour and subject to passing certain criteria.
Sufficient funds
On entry to the country, it is a requirement to display proof of sufficient funds to last the duration of the Thailand tours. For instance, the single traveller is expected to have a sum equal to 10,000 Thai Baht (about $275.50) in cash or travellers checks, while the family group is expected to have 20,000 Thai Baht (about $557.50). In reality, this proof is rarely requested, but it is still worth being prepared.
Entry with pets
Anyone travelling to Thailand has the option to import up to 2 domestic pets, such as cats, birds, dogs, etc. and subject to providing the appropriate health certificate issues by the country of origin. Also, the animals are liable to undergo the normal quarantine checks on arriving in the country.
