GENERAL INFORMATION

As a general rule, any foreigner seeking entry into the Kingdom of Thailand for business, investment, study, medical treatment, mass media, religion, employment and other purposes is required to apply for a visa from a Thai Embassy or Consulate-General. To do so, a foreigner must possess a valid passport or travel document that is recognized by the Royal Thai Government and comply with the conditions set forth in the Immigration Act B.E.2522 (1979) and its related provisions.

Foreigners who fall into any of the following categories are prohibited to enter the Kingdom.

(1) Having no genuine and valid passport or document used in lieu of passport; or having a genuine and valid passport or document used in lieu of passport without visaing by the Royal Thai Embassies or Consulates in foreign countries; or from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, except if a visa is not required for certain types of aliens in special instances. Visaing and visa exemption will be under the terms and conditions as provided in the Ministerial Regulations.

(2) Having no appropriate means of living following entrance into the Kingdom.

(3) Having entered into the Kingdom to take occupation as a labourer, or to take employment by using physical energy without skills or training , or to work in violation of the Alien Work Permit Law.

(4) Being mentally unstable or having any of the diseases as prescribed in the Ministerial Regulations.

(5) Having not yet been vaccinated against smallpox or inoculated or undergone any other medical treatment for protection against disease and having refused to have such vaccinations administered by the Immigration Doctor.

(6) Having been imprisoned by the judgement of the Thai Court; or by a lawful injunction; or by the judgement of the Court of foreign country, except when the penalty is for petty offense or negligence or is provided for as an exception in the Ministerial Regulations.

(7) Having behavior which would indicate possible danger to the Public or likelihood of being nuisance or constituting any violence to the peace or safety of the public or to the security of the public or to the security of the nation, or being under warrant of arrest by competent officials of foreign governments.

(8) Reason to believe that entrance into the Kingdom was for the purpose of being involved in prostitution, the trading of women of children, drug smuggling, or other types of smuggling which are contrary to the public morality.

(9) Having no money or bond as prescribed by the Minister under Section 14 of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522.

(10) Being a person prohibited by the Minister under Section 16 of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522.

(11) Being deported by either the Government of Thailand that of or other foreign countries; or the right of stay in the Kingdom or in foreign countries having been revoked; or having been sent out of the Kingdom by competent officials at the expense of the Government of Thailand unless the Minister shall consider exemption on an individual special case basis.

The examination and diagnosis of disease of a physical or mental nature, including protective operations as against disease, shall be conducted by the Immigration Doctor.

Information on location and contact number of the Thai Embassy and Consulate-General abroad could be obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of Consular Affairs, Visas and Travel Documents Division,

123 Chaengwattana Road, Bangkok 10210,
Tel. (662) 981-7171 ext. 3201-2, 3204-5
or direct line 575-1062-4, Fax. (662) 575-1066
E-mail : div1303@mfa.go.th

VISA ISSUING AUTHORITIES

Official Agencies in charge of issuing visas are 1. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs 2. The Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates abroad 3. The Office of Immigration Bureau

TYPES OF VISA

1. Transit Visa  2. Tourist Visa  3. Non-Immigrant Visa  4. Diplomatic Visa  
5. Official Visa  6. Immigrant Visa  7. Non-Quota Immigrant Visa  8. Courtesy Visa

ISSUANCE OF VISA
1. Transit Visa  2. Tourist Visa  3. Non-Immigrant Visa  4. Diplomatic Visa  5. Official Visa
6. Immigrant Visa  7. Non Quota Immigrant Visa   8. Courtesy Visa

ISSUANCE OF VISA

1. Transit Visa

1. REQUIREMENT
This type of visa will be issued to applicants who wish to enter the Kingdom for the following purposes : -
- to travel in transit through the Kingdom in order to proceed to the country of destination or to re-enter
  his/her own country (category "TS")
- to participate in sports activities (sportsmen, sportswomen, etc.)(category "S") ***
- the personin charge or crew of a conveyance coming to a port, station or area in the Kingdom
  (category "C")

2. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
- Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months
- Visa application form completely filled out - One recent( 4 x 6 cm.) photograph of the applicant
- Instrument of means of transportation (confirmed air ticket paid in full)
- Evidence of adequate finance (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht (per family)
- Visa of a third country in a passport or travel document
- Letter of invitation stating the application's participation in sports activities in the Kingdom
- Consular officers reserve the rights to request for additional document as deemed necessary

3. VISA FEE
800 Baht per entry ( Visa fee may be changed without prior notice )

4. VALIDITY OF A VISA
The validity of a visa is three months.

5. VALIDITY OF A STAY
Travellers coming to Thailand with this type of visa will be permitted to stay in the Kingdom for
a period not exceeding 30 days at any time.

6. EXTENSION OF STAY
Those who wish to stay longer or may wish to change their status of visa must file an application for permission at the Office of Immigration Bureau located on Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120 , Tel (662) 287-3101-10 (or at http://www.police.go.th/thaiimb/frconten.htm ). The extension of stay as well as the change of certain type of visa is solely at the discretion of the Immigration officer.

*** Those who are scheduled to stay in the Kingdom longer than one month , Non-Immigrant
Visa category “O” can be issued to them

2. Tourist Visa

1. REQUIREMENT
This type of visa will be issued to applicants who wishing to enter the Kingdom for tourism purposes .

2. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
- Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months
- Visa application form completely filled out - One recent( 4 x 6 cm.) photograph of the applicant
- Air ticket paid in full - Financial means (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family)
- Consular officers reserve the rights to request for additional documents as deemed necessary

3. VISA FEE
1,000 Baht per entry ( Visa fee may be changed without prior notice )

4. VALIDITY OF A VISA
The validity of a visa is three months.

5. VALIDITY OF A STAY
Upon arrival, visitors with this type of visa will be permitted to stay in the Kingdom of Thailand for a period not exceeding 60 days at any time.

6. EXTENSION OF STAY
Those who wish to stay longer or may wish to change their status of visa must file an application for permission at the Office of Immigration Bureau located on Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120 , Tel (662) 287-3101-10 (or at http://www.police.go.th/thaiimb/frconten.htm ). The extension of stay as well as the change of certain type of visa is solely at the discretion of the Immigration officer.

7. Applicants who are nationals of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Sudan, Algeria, Libya, Yemen, Egypt and Palestinian State

Passport holders of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Sudan, Algeria, Libya, Yemen, Egypt and Palestinian States are requested to file for application at the Thai Embassy/Consulate-General where they have their permanent residence.

3. Non-Immigrant Visa

1. REQUIREMENT
This type of visa is designed for applicants who wish to enter the Kingdom for the following purposes.
- to perform official duties (Category "F")
- to conduct business / to work (Category "B")
- to invest with the concurrence of the Thai Ministries and Government Departments concerned
  (Category "IM")
- to invest or perform other activities relating to investment, subject to the provision of the established laws
  on investment promotion (Category "IB")
- to study, to come on a work study tour or observation tour , to participate in projects or seminars ,
  to attend a conference or training course , to study as a foreign Buddhist monk (Category "ED")
- to work as a film-producer, journalist or reporter (Category "M")
- to perform missionary work or other religious activities with the concurrence of the
  Thai Ministries or Government Departments concerned (Category "R")
- to conduct scientific research or training or teaching in a research institute (Category "RS")
- to undertake skilled work or to work as an expert or specialist (Category "EX")
- other activities (Category "O")

2. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED **
2.1 The applicants must submit the following relevant documents depending on the purpose of their visit.
- Visa application form completely filled out
- Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months and its copy
- Two 4 x 6 cm full-faced , bareheaded photos taken within the past six months
- Birth Certificate ("O")
- Certifcate of Marriage or its equivalents ("O")
- Transcript / Letter of acceptance from the concerned schools/universities or institutes ("ED")
- Letter from Thailand's Board of Investment. ("IB")
- Official Note certifying the purpose of travel from the Government Agencies /Embassies and Consulates /
  International Organizations / State Enterprises inThailand. ("F" / "B" / "ED" / "M" / "R")
- Letter of acceptance from the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (Alien Occupational Control Division,
  Department of Employment , Tel 662-2452745, 245-3209, 617-6578, 617-6584 Fax. 662-6176576, 245-2593) ***
- Letter from a company stating the objective of the visit to Thailand ("B")
- Document showing correspondence with trading partners in Thailand. ("B")
- Letter of invitation from companies qualified to employ foreigners. ("B")
- Employment contract indicating rationale for hiring the applicant as well as his/her salary, position and
  qualifications (document must be signed by authorized managing director and affixed the seal of the company) ("B")
- Copy of Work Permit issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (only in case the applicant
  has previously worked in the Kingdom ) ("B")
- Copy of corporate documents; namely 1) list of shareholders 2) business registration and business license 3)
  company profile 4) details of business operation 5) list of foreign workers stating names, nationalities and
  positions 6) map indicating the location of the company 7) Balance sheet, statement of Income Tax and
  BusinessTax (Por Ngor Dor 50 and Por Ngor Dor 30) of the latest year 8) Alien income tax return
  (Por Ngor Dor 91) and 9) Value-added tax registration (Por Ngor Dor 20) , etc.("B")
- Copy of educational records of the applicant and letters of recommendation from the prior employers,
  identifying job description and length of service time. ("B")
- Document indicating the number of foreign tourists (for tourism business only),or document indicating
  export transactions issued by banks (for export business only)("B")
- Evidence of adequate finance ( 20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family )

2.2 The document to be submitted for non-immigrant visa application is contingent upon necessities
  and appropriateness of purposes stated in the application form.

2.3 Consular officers reserve the rights to request for additional documents as deemed necessary.

2.4 Copies of company documents must be signed by Board of Directors and affixed the seal of the company.

2.5 In the absence of a required document, a letter indicating the unavailability of such document must be provided.

2.6 The applicant must sign on each page of the copy

2.7 Documents in foreign languages must be translated inThai. If translated into English, it should be notorized
   by notary organs or the applicant's diplomatic/ consular mission.

3. VISA FEE
2,000 Baht for single entry and 5,000 Baht for multiple entries

4. VALIDITY OF A VISA
Single-entry and multiple-entry visas are valid for three months and multiple- entry visas for one year respectively.

5. VALIDITY OF A STAY
The holders of this type of visa are initially granted a period of stay in the Kingdom not exceeding 90 days
unless otherwise instructed by the Office of Immigration Bureau.

6. EXTENSION OF STAY
Those qualified persons can obtain an additional one year stay permit counting from the date of entry in the Kingdom pertaining to the Office of the Immigration Bureau's regulations on extension of stay. The extension of stay is at the discretion of the Immigration officer.

N.B. Applicants wishing to stay in the Kingdom longer than 90 days, have to file their application either at the Thai consular mission aboard or at the Office ofImmigration Bureau in Bangkok located on Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road,Bangkok 10120 , Tel (662) 287-3101-10 (or website at http://www.police.go.th/thaiimb/frconten.htm ) . The consular officer must refer the case to the Office of Immigration Bureau for approval. Upon receiving approval, the consular officer may issue the visa as instructed by the Bureau.

7. Applicants who are nationals of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Sudan, Algeria, Libya, Yemen, Egypt and Palestinian State
Passport holders of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Sudan, Algeria, Libya, Yemen, Egypt and Palestinian States are requested to file an application at the Thai Embassy/Consulate-General where they have their permanent residence.

** 1. The document to be submitted for non-immigrant visa application is contingentupon necessities and appropriateness of purposes stated in the application form.

2. Consular officers reserve the rights to request for additional documents asdeemed necessary. 3. Copies of company documents must be signed by Board of Directors and affixed the seal of the company. 4. In the absence of a required document, a letter indicating the unavailability of such document must be provided. 5. The applicant must sign on each page of the copy 6. Documents in foreign languages must be translated in Thai. If translated intoEnglish , it should be notorized by notary organs.

*** For those foreigners who wish to work in Thailand, their employer in Thailand should submit Form WP3 (Application for applying a work permit on behalf of alien according to Section 3) at the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare

4. Diplomatic Visa

- Thai Embassies and Consulates-General may upon official request grant visas to diplomatic or official
  passport-holders who wish to assume duties at a foreign Diplomatic Mission or Consulate or International
  Organization in the Kingdom and their family members or who desire to enter the Kingdom on official duty.
- Supporting documents are Note Verbal and/or documents issued by the foreign government or
  international organization, certifying the identity of the person concerned and his/her purposes
  while visiting the Kingdom.

5. Official Visa

- This type of visa is granted for aliens who desire to take up permanent residence in the Kingdom.
- Applicants who fall in each of the following category can file an petition for a residence permit;-
- by yearly quota per nationality
- investment
- working / business
- supporting alien who already had residence permit or being supported by alien who already
  had residence permit (husband-wife, father-mother, or children who is under 20 years of age and single)
- Applicants who wish to engage in filing a petition must fulfill certain conditionsset forth by the
  Office of Immigration Bureau is located at Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120 ,
  Tel (662) 287-3101-10 or at website http://www.police.go.th/frmain5.htm )
- Moreover, foreign investors, experts or technicians, and Thai nationals who changed their citizenship
  who invest and bring in know-how and expertise for the benefit of the country's economy would
  also be eligible for permanent residence in the Kingdom if their qualifications meet the conditions
  set forth by the Office of the Board of Investment (BOI Announcement No.Por. 1/2544 dated 31th
  January 2001). For more information, please contact the Office of the Board of Investment,555
  Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900. (Tel.02-537-8111, 02-5378155
  Fax. 02-5378177 E-mail : head@boi.go.th Website : http:// http://www.boi.go.th/

6. Immigrant Visa

- This type of visa is granted only by the Office of Immigration Bureau in Bangkok to aliens
  who are domiciled in Thailand having as evidence valid permits to re-enter the Kingdom.
  Applicants shall submit their applications together with the Certificate of Residence
  directly to the Immigration Bureau in Bangkok.
- For more information, please contact the Office of Immigration Bureau , Soi Suan Plu,
  off South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120 , Tel (662) 287-3101-10 or website
  at http://www.police.go.th/frconten.htm

7. Non-Quota Immigrant Visa

- Thai Embassies and Consulates-General may upon official request grant courtesy visas to
  diplomatic/official/ordinary passport-holders who wish to enter the Kingdom on official duty
  and/or other purposes.
- Supporting documents are documents issued by the governmental agency, foreign government
  or international organization, certifying the identity of the person concerned and his/her purposes
  while visiting the Kingdom.

TOURIST VISA EXEMPTION

- According to the Interior Ministerial Announcements dated 1 October B.E. 2545 (2002), 20 December B.E. 2545 (2002) ,18 October B.E. 2547 (2004) and 6 May B.E. 2548 (2005) , passport holders from 40 countries and Hong Kong SAR do not require a visa when entering Thailand for tourism purposes if their stay in the Kingdom does not exceed 30 days.

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

- Please also be advised that ordinary passport holders of 40 countries and Hong Kong who intend to engage in certain activities are eligible to apply for a visa when entering the Kingdom if their qualifications meet the conditions set forth by the Office of Immigration Bureau. For more information, please contact the Office of Immigration Bureau, Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120, Tel. (662) 287-3101-10 or at website http://police.go.th/

• List of 40 countries and one region is as follows:

1. Australia : Commonwealth of Australia
2. Austria : Republic of Austria
3. Belgium : Kingdom of Belgium
4. Brazil : Federative Republic of Brazil
5. Bahrain : State of Bahrain
6. Brunei Darussalam : Negara Brunei Darussalam
7. Canada
8. Denmark : Kingdom of Denmark
9. Finland : Republic of Finland
10. France : French Republic
11. Germany : Federal Republic of Germany
12. Greece : Hellenic Republic
13. Hong Kong : Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
14. Iceland : Republic of Iceland
15. Indonesia : Republic of Indonesia
16. Ireland : Republic of Ireland
17. Israel : State of Israel
18. Italy : Republic of Italy
19. Japan
20. Korea : Republic of Korea
21. Kuwait : State of Kuwait
22. Luxembourg : Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
23. Malaysia
24. Netherlands : Kingdom of the Netherlands
25. New Zealand
26. Norway : Kingdom of Norway
27. Oman : Sultanate of Oman
28. Peru : Republic of Peru
29. Philippines : Republic of the Philippines
30. Portugal : Republic of Portugal
31. Qatar : State of Qatar
32. Singapore : Republic of Singapore
33. Spain : Kingdom of Spain
34. South Africa : Republic of South Africa
35. Sweden : Kingdom of Sweden
36. Switzerland : Swiss Confederation
37. Turkey : Republic of Turkey
38. United Arab Emirates
39. United Kingdom : United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
40. United States of America
41. Vietnam : Socialist Republic of Vietnam

TEMPORARY TOURIST VISA : VISA ON ARRIVAL

- According to the Interior Ministerial Announcements, passport holders from 20 countries 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 10,000 Baht per person and 20,000 Baht per family accordingly.

- The applicant must produce full paid ticket which is usable within 15 days since the date of entry.

- Visa on arrival is provided at 23 designated international checkpoints and applicants should produce the application form to which his/her recent photograph (2 ? inches) 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. (662) 287-3127 or 287-3101-10 ext. 2264-5 or at website http://www.police.go.th/frconten.htm

• List of 20 countries is as follow :

1. Bhutan : Kingdom of Bhutan
2. China : People's Republic of China (including Taiwan)
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. Ukraine

• List of Thailand's Immigration Checkpoints which provides facilities
  for issuance of visa on arrival are as follow :

1. Don Muang International Airport , Bangkok
2. Chiangmai International Airport , Chiangmai
3. Phuket International Airport , Phuket
4. Hatyai International Airport , Songkla
5. U Tapao Airport , Rayong
6. Mae Sai Immigration Checkpoint , Chiengrai
7. Chieng Saen Immigration Checkpoint , Chiengrai
8. Chieng Khong Immigration Checkpoint , Chiengrai
9. Betong Immigration Checkpoint , Yala
10. Sadoa Immigration Checkpoint , Songkla
11. Samui Airport , Surat Thani
12. Sukhothai International Airport, Tak Immigration Checkpoint
13. Bangkok Harbour Immigration Checkpoint, Bangkok
14. Sri Racha Immigration Checkpoint , Chonburi
15. Mabtaput Immigration Checkpoint , Rayong
16. Nong Khai Immigration Checkpoint, Nong Khai
17. Samui Immigration Checkpoint , Surat Thani
18. Phuket Immigration Checkpoint , Phuket
19. Satun Immigration Checkpoint , Satun
20. Krabi Immigration Checkpoint , Krabi
21. Songkhla Harbour Immigraion Checkpoint , Songkhla
22. Chiangrai Airport Immigration Checkpoint, Chiangrai
23. Surat Thani Airport Immigration Checkpoint , Surat Thani

 
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