Immigration into the Kingdom is governed
by the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (A.D. 1979) and is administered
by the Immigration Bureau of the Royal Thai Police, Ministry of
Interior.
A.
GENERAL INFORMATION
1.
Any alien wishing to enter Thailand, unless otherwise exempted,
must obtain a proper visa from a Royal Thai Embassy or Royal Thai
Consulate prior to arrival in Thailand.
2.
Aliens in transit and tourists from the countries listed
below are permitted to obtain an entry visa on their arrival at
designated entry points in Thailand. An entry visa allows a stay
of 15 days.
Bhutan, China (including Taiwan), Cyprus, Czech Republic,
Hungary, India, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Mauritius, Oman, Poland,
Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine.
3.
Aliens in transit and tourists from the countries listed
below are exempted from visa requirements. They are permitted
to enter and stay in the Kingdom for 30 days without an entry
visa. However, these individuals must obtain an entry stamp on
their passports at the immigration checkpoint of entry.
Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei,
Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong,
Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Kuwait,
Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Singapore, South Africa, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom
of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America,
Vietnam.
4.
For a stay longer than 30 days, all aliens must have a valid
visa which can be obtained from a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate
prior to entry into Thailand. The exceptions are nationals of
the Republic of Korea, Brazil, and Peru who are currently allowed
to stay up to 90 days after obtaining an entry stamp at the Immigration
checkpoint of entry. These lists of countries change periodically.
The Immigration Bureau adds and removes countries as circumstances
dictate. Therefore, checking with a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate
is recommended before traveling.
B.
TYPES OF VISAS AND PURPOSES OF VISIT
In
Thailand, there are numerous visa categories, with eight major
types issued under the Immigration Act. Each category is restricted
to a specific purpose. Aliens are advised to strictly adhere to
the rules governing each visa category. A visa authorizes entry
into Thailand for a specific length of time depending upon the
type of visa. The passport will show the date of authorized entry.
The permissible duration of stay is always entered in the passport.
1.
Transit Visa "TS". Applicable to aliens entering
Thailand with an intention to travel on to another country.
2.
Tourist Visa "TR". Applicable to aliens visiting
Thailand for sightseeing purposes only.
3.
Non-Immigrant Visa. Applicable to aliens entering
Thailand on a temporary basis for a particular purpose:
- "B" - Business.
- "B-A" - Business or investment.
- "IB"
- Investment or other affairs connected with an investment under
the law governing investment promotion.
- "IM"
- Investment which has been approved by the ministries or departments
concerned.
- "ED"
- Study or observation.
- "RS"
- Scientific research or teaching in a research or educational
institution in Thailand.
- "M"
- Performance of duties connected with the mass media.
- "R"
- Missionary work with approval from the ministry or department
concerned.
- "Ex"
- Performance of skilled or expert work.
- "O"
- Other purposes as prescribed in the ministerial regulations
(as dependents, retired persons, sports trainers, or for family
reunions, medical treatment, and legal proceedings).
- "O-A" - Temporary residence.
4.
Diplomatic Visa "D". Applicable to those aliens entering
the Kingdom on a diplomatic or consular mission or for the performance
of duties with international organizations.
5.
Official Visa "F". Performance of official
duties (involving the Thai government).
6.
Immigrant Visa (Permanent Residence). Applicable
to those aliens entering Thailand for permanent residence purposes.
7.
Non-Quota Immigrant Visa. Applicable to permanent
residents wishing to leave Thailand and return within a year.
8.
Courtesy Visa. Applicable to those diplomatic
and/or official passport holders who enter the Kingdom for purposes
other than official duties and to those ordinary passport holders
who enter the Kingdom in response to an official Thai request.
C.
LENGTH OF STAY
Length
of stay in Thailand depends on the type of visa:
- Transit Visa - not exceeding 30 days
- Tourist Visa - not exceeding 60 days
- Non-Immigrant Visa - not exceeding 90 days
- Diplomatic, Official, and Courtesy Visa - as necessary
D.
EXTENSION OF STAY IN THAILAND
- Transit Visa - a transit visa may be extended for 7 to 10
days depending on applicant's nationality.
- Tourist Visa - a tourist visa may be extended for a maximum
of 7 to 30 days depending on applicant's nationality.
- Non-Immigrant Visa - Non-immigrant visa categories "B" or
"B-A" are usually extended for a period not exceeding 1 year
at a time from the date of arrival except "IM" which shall not
exceed 2 years, and "IB" which is generally 2-3 years depending
on the recommendation of the BOI and the size of the investment.
The
government fee for an extension of a transit, tourist, or non-immigrant
visa is Baht 1,900.
E.
OVERSTAYING
The
period of stay allowed is always stamped or written in the passport
upon arrival in Thailand. Every alien is responsible for checking
his/her passport for the authorized length of stay. Any alien
who overstays in the Kingdom is subject to a fine of Baht 500
for each day after the expiration date of the permitted length
of stay up to a maximum of Baht 20,000. This fine may be paid
at the Immigration Division or at the airport upon departure.
If an alien cannot or is otherwise unable to pay the fine for
overstaying a visa, he/she is subject to detention at the Immigration
Detention Center.
F.
CHANGE OF VISA
The
Thai government gives foreigners who did not get a chance to apply
for a Non-Immigrant visa before arriving in Thailand to change
their visa if they need to stay in Thailand longer. This procedure
may be done within the country. A foreigner who is eligible for
a change of visa must have entered Thailand with a Tourist or
Transit visa granted by a Thai Embassy or Consulate abroad. The
foreigner must apply for a change of visa not less then 30 days
before his current visa is due to expire. Various documents are
required depending on the purpose of the application for a Non-Immigrant
visa.
G.
RE-ENTRY PERMIT
Aliens
holding any kind of visa for stay in Thailand who wish to leave
and return to the country by the expiry date of such visa without
having to apply for a new visa must apply for a re-entry permit
prior to departure. A re-entry permit allows the alien to re-enter
Thailand and use the time remaining on his/her visa. If a re-entry
permit is not applied for, the visa will automatically be canceled
although it has not expired. To facilitate the travel schedules
of aliens, aside from the Immigration offices throughout Thailand,
a re-entry permit may be obtained at Don Muang (Bangkok), Chiang
Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai, and Sukhothai international airports, as
well as other designated immigration checkpoints throughout the
country. Don Muang (Bangkok) International Airport operates 24
hours, 7 days a week, while other checkpoints operate from 8 a.m.
to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. The fee for single re-entry is Baht
1,000 while that for multiple re-entries is Baht 3,800. It is
advisable to request a multiple visa if one expects to be frequently
traveling out of Thailand. This allows him more than one entry
into Thailand during his travels.
If
one leaves Thailand before his visa has expired and wants to return
but does not have a re-entry permit, he must apply for another
visa. Exits may only be legally made at designated immigration
control points. The crossing of any border is an exit for immigration
purposes, whether or not the exit point is controlled. Thus, forays
into neighboring countries are deemed exits, legal or otherwise,
and returning to Thailand from such trips is a new entry, requiring
proper visas or re-entry permits.
H.
WORK PERMITS
Most
foreigners who intend to work in Thailand are subject to the Alien
Employment Act B.E. 2521 (A.D. 1978). Under the provisions of
this Act, a foreigner cannot perform any act of work or service
unless a work permit has been issued by the Department of Employment,
Ministry of Labor, or unless the individual, or the work performed,
falls within an exception to the Act. The term "work" is defined
very broadly, covering both physical and mental activities, whether
or not for wages or other remuneration. Working without a valid
work permit even for a day is a criminal offense. The validity
period of a work permit is governed by the holder's immigration
status, i.e. a work permit usually expires on the last day of
the period of stay allowed by immigration officials as shown on
the alien's visa.
I.
AIRPORT TAX
All
persons departing Thailand from any airport in the Kingdom must
pay an airport tax of Baht 500.
J.
EXCHANGE CONTROL
Thai
Currency: While unlimited amounts of Thai currency may be
imported, the amount of Thai Baht currently allowed out of the
country is Baht 50,000 per person per trip. There is a maximum
of Baht 500,000 per person per trip permitted when visiting bordering
countries.
Importation
and Repatriation of Personal Funds
Non-Residents:
An individual foreigner is not restricted in the amount of foreign
currency or negotiable instruments that he/she can bring into
Thailand. However, if the amount exceeds US$10,000, it should
be registered with the Customs officer upon entry to avoid problems
upon departure.
Residents:
Residents are not restricted in the amount of foreign currency
or negotiable instruments which they may bring into Thailand,
but as a general rule, such foreign currency must be sold to an
authorized agent and converted into Baht or deposited in a foreign
currency account within 7 days. According to the new foreign exchange
controls, a Thai resident traveling abroad for business or pleasure
can take unlimited amounts of foreign currencies out of the country.
However, prior approval is required for any purchase or conversion
of foreign currency in any form other than bank notes and coins
in the amount exceeding US$20,000 at a time. This includes letters
of credit and/or other negotiable instruments the traveler is
taking on the trip. Currently, no limits are set on credit cards.
K.
APPLYING FOR THAI NATIONALITY
Aliens
who wish to apply for Thai nationality under the Nationality Act
B.E. 2508 (A.D. 1965) must be permanent residence holders for
5 continuous years, have reached the age of 45, and be able to
speak and understand Thai. An exception may be made to this rule
if there is reasonable cause, such as marrying a Thai and having
children born in Thailand or having studied in a local university/college
as an undergraduate. The applicant must complete an application
form and submit various required documents to the Criminal Investigation
Division Group I, Subdivision 3, Royal Thai Police Headquarters,
Rama I Road, Bangkok. The official fee is Baht 5,000. The processing
takes 2 to 3 years. In the case of a minor child sponsored by
a mother or father having Thai nationality, there must be evidence
of both sponsorship and the child's birth. Likewise, a wife seeking
Thai citizenship based on her husband's Thai nationality must
submit evidence of the husband's nationality, the marriage, and
a formal request for Thai citizenship.
Under
the new provisions of the Thai Nationality Act (No. 2) B.E. 2535
(A.D. 1992), any person, whether born inside or outside Thailand,
whose father or mother has Thai nationality, is entitled to register
his/her Thai nationality at the local district office where he/she
wants to have his/her name registered in a house registration.
He/she must submit various required documents.
WARNING
Please
note that this information is not inclusive of all the answers
to questions involving immigration and related matters but is
intended to address general issues. Whenever appropriate, please
consult a lawyer versed in immigration matters or the nearest
Immigration Division officer. Policies and procedures may change
rapidly and without notice.
VISA PARTICULARS
|
TYPE OF VISA
|
ABB.
|
WHERE TO APPLY
|
DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE
|
LENGTH OF STAY*
|
PROCESSING PERIOD
|
OTHER INFORMATION
|
GOVERNMENT FEE
|
| Tourist |
"TR" |
Thai embassies and consulates
in foreign countries, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
embassy, or consulate of his country, or from a specialized
agency of the United Nations |
- Passport
- One recent photo (4X6 cm.)
- Air ticket paid in full
- Proof of financial means (Baht 20,000 per person) |
60 days |
1-2 days |
Exception: Visa is not required
if person will remain in the Kingdom for less than 15 days
and is a citizen of the enumerated countries. |
Baht 1,000 per entry |
| Transit |
"TS" |
"
|
- Passport plus visa of third
country in passport
- One recent photo (4X6 cm.)
- Confirmed air ticket paid in full |
30 days |
1 day-1 week |
"
|
Baht 800 per entry |
| Sport |
"S" |
"
|
- Passport
- Evidence of adequate finance (Baht 20,000 per person)
- One recent photo (4X6 cm.)
- Confirmed air ticket paid in full
- Letter of invitation stating the applicant's participation
in sports activities |
30 days |
1 week |
|
Baht 800 per entry |
| Controller & Crew of Conveyance |
"C" |
"
|
- Passport
- One recent photo (4X6 cm.)
- Name of conveyance
- List of crew members |
30 days |
1 week |
|
Baht 800 per entry |
|
Non-Immigrant
|
| Business |
"B" |
Thai embassies and
consulates in foreign countries |
- Letter concerning applicant and reasons
for employment of an alien
- Directors' Certificate
- Certificate of Incorporation
- VAT Certificate or official form Phor.Por. 01 or 09
- Cooperation letter from the employer
- Passport
- Two recent photos (4X6 cm.)
|
1 year |
1 week-3 months |
Any alien wishing
to obtain a business visa must first enter the Kingdom under
a non-immigrant visa, category B. Within 90 days from entering
the Kingdom, the alien should apply for a business visa at
the Immigration Bureau. |
Baht 2,000 for single
entry
Baht 5,000 for multiple entries |
| Business Approved Visa |
"B-A" |
Thai embassies and consulates
in foreign countries or Immigration Bureau in Bangkok |
- Same as above plus approval from Department
of Employment
|
1 year |
1 month |
Approval shall be given by the Immigration
Bureau in Bangkok before issuance of visa.
|
Baht 2,000 per entry |
| BOI |
"IB" |
Thai embassies and consulates
in foreign countries
|
- Letter of confirmation
- Passport
- Two recent photos (4X6 cm.) |
90 days |
1 week |
|
Baht 2,000 for single
Baht 5,000 for multiple |
| Capital Investment |
"IM" |
Thai embassies and consulates
in foreign countries |
- Letter of confirmation from
the ministry or department concerned
- Passport |
90 days |
1 week |
|
Baht 2,000 for single
Baht 5,000 for multiple |
| Study/Observation |
"ED" |
"
|
- Letter of confirmation from
university official
- General information about the institution
- Passport |
90 days |
1 week |
Exceptions: International School,
Ruam Rudee School, Bangkok Patana School, Thai-Japanese Assoc.
School |
Baht 2,000 for single
Baht 5,000 for multiple |
| Scientific Research Education |
"RS" |
Thai embassies and consulates
in foreign countries |
- Letter of confirmation from
government unit at the department level
- Job description
- Resume and certificates of educational qualifications
- Evidence of previous salary
- Employment contract
- Passport |
90 days |
1 week |
|
Baht 2,000 for single
Baht 5,000 for multiple |
| Mass Media |
"M" |
"
|
- Letters of confirmation from
Department of Public Relations and Department of Information,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Passport |
90 days |
1 week |
|
Baht 2,000 for single
Baht 5,000 for multiple
|
| Missionary Work |
"R" |
"
|
- Letter of confirmation from
Religious Affairs Department, Ministry of Education
- Passport |
90 days |
1 week |
|
Baht 2,000 for single
Baht 5,000 for multiple |
| Expert |
"EX" |
"
|
- Letter of confirmation from
the government unit at the department level
- Passport |
90 days |
1 week |
Exception: for entry involving
installation or repair of machinery, a letter from the company
or business enterprise which states reasons for hiring the
expert is required. |
Baht 2,000 for single
Baht 5,000 for multiple |
| Others (includes dependents and
retired persons) |
"O" |
"
|
- Passport
- Letter of confirmation from government or company of financial
resources, if applicable |
90 days |
1 week-3 months |
|
Baht 2,000 |
| Temporary Residence |
"O-A" |
Thai embassies and consulates
in foreign countries. |
- Passport
- Three recent photos
- Personal data form
- Bank statement and letter of guarantee from bank
- Criminal clearance certificate from country of nationality
- Medical certificate
|
1 year |
1 week |
|
Baht 1,000 |
| Diplomatic |
"D" |
Thai embassies and consulates
in foreign countries, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
embassy or consulate of his country, or from a specialized
agency of the United Nations |
- Passport
- Letter of confirmation |
Open |
1 week |
|
Baht 2,000 |
| Official |
"F" |
"
|
"
|
Open |
1 week |
|
Baht 2,000 |
| Non-Quota Immigrant |
|
Immigration Bureau, Residence
Certificate Section, Sub-Division 1, Bangkok
|
- Endorsement of notice of
departure
- Residence certificate
- Alien certificate with recent photograph
- Passport
|
|
1 day |
Non-quota residents must return
to Thailand within 1 year of issue date |
Baht 1,000 for single
Baht 3,800 for multiple
|
*For extension of stay, see Section D of this
summary.
For
further information, please contact Ms.
Piyanuj (Lui) Ratprasatporn,
Partner and Director, Commercial Department, Tilleke & Gibbins
(e-mail
piyanuj.r@tillekeandgibbins.com).
Updated March 15, 2005
©1998-2006 Tilleke & Gibbins, Bangkok, Thailand
