Immigration into Thailand is governed by the Immigration Act 1979
and is administered by the Immigration Bureau of the Royal Thai Police Department,
Ministry of Interior. To visit or work in Thailand, immigration requirements must
be met.
A visa authorizes entry into Thailand for a specified length of
time depending upon the type of visa. At present, a visa may be issued to an
applicant who wishes to enter Thailand, in the form of a sticker or stamp in the
applicant's passport. The visa will include details of the type and class. Each
visa will show issue and expiry dates. It should be noted that the stated time
limit means the period within which the person may present the visa for entry,
and not the duration of stay in the country.
When entering Thailand within the given time frame, the immigration
officer will grant the relevant initial period of stay according to the type of
visa. For an extension of stay beyond that, application must be made at an
immigration office. If "NO EXTENSION OF STAY" is stamped on the visa, an application
for an extension of stay can still be made. Each application is considered on a
case by case basis.
A re-entry permit allows a foreigner to re-enter Thailand and use
the time remaining in the foreigner's stay permit.
There are various visa categories issued under the Immigration Act.
Each category is restricted to the purpose for which the visa has been issued.
The rules governing each visa category must be strictly adhered to.
Diplomatic visas
Official visas
Non-immigrant visas
Non-immigrant Visas are issued to a person who falls in one of the following categories:
- official visitors
- business persons
- those arriving for investment related activities that have been approved by the relevant government agency
- those arriving for investment related activities under the auspices of the Board of Investment
- those visiting the country for study or observation
- media personnel
- missionaries belonging to missions that have been approved by the relevant government agency
- scientific researchers or lecturers at research institutes in Thailand
- experts in arts and crafts
- others
- family members of persons in categories (a) - (j)
- those working for state enterprises or for a public charity elderly persons
- those who formerly held Thai nationality
- those who need to obtain medical care in Thailand
- athletic coaches arriving to train Thai athletes
- those arriving to attend legal proceedings involving Thai courts
As pointed above, a business visa will be indicated as a
non-immigrant visa, type "B" (business visa). The initial period of stay in
respect of a non-immigrant visa is 90 days.
It must be noted that a non-immigrant visa is the only type of
visa that permits non-residents (other than embassy staff, consular staff or
official visitors) to be gainfully employed in Thailand. In addition to a
non-immigrant visa, an extension of the period of stay and a work permit
must be applied for and obtained.
A foreigner who has no intention of working, is 50 years of age
and above and who can satisfy the relevant requirements may apply for a
non-immigrant visa, type "O-A" (retirement visa) which will allow the foreigner
to stay in Thailand for a period not exceeding 1 year. The financial requirement
is as follows:
- bank account showing not less than 800,000 Thai Baht; or
- monthly income of not less than 65,000 Thai Baht; or
- combination bank and monthly income (multiplied by 12) must not be less than 800,000 Thai Baht.
Tourist Visas
The initial period of stay in respect of a tourist visa is 60 days.
For nationals of most countries, this can be extended for another 30 days by an
immigration office.
Transit Visas
This type of visa is for transit passengers only. The initiali
period of stay in respect of a tourist visa is 30 days. For nationals of most
countries, this can be extended for another 30 days by an immigration office.
It should be noted that this type of visa is rarely issued these days, as a
tourist visa is readily granted.
Immigrant Visas
In practice, this type of visa is not issued.
Non-quota immigrant visas
This type of visa is a re-entry visa for persons holding residency
status. Residence permit holders must ensure that they have a re-entry visa and an
endorsement in their residence book.
Courtesy Visas
Courtesy visas are given to visitors who hold diplomatic or
official passports, and who wish to stay in Thailand for 30 days but do not
intend to work in the country. There is no visa fee for a courtesy visa.
Visas on Arrival
Nationals of the following 21 countries require a
visa upon arrival at international airports in Thailand. The period of stay is
15 days. Holders of such visas may apply at any Immigration Office in Thailand
to delay their departure for a short period, normally up to 7 days.
Entering Thailand without a Visa
Nationals of the following 42 countries benefit from the
visa exemption regulation, which permits them to enter and stay in Thailand up
to 30 / 90 days without a visa. This exemption is for holders of ordinary
passports only and they must obtain an entry stamp at the checkpoint of entry.
Persons entering Thailand without a visa may apply at any Immigration Office
in Thailand to delay their departure for a short period, normally up to
7 days
Bilateral Agreements on Visa Exemptions
There are countries (currently South Korea, New Zealand, Sweden,
Denmark, Finland and Norway) that have bilateral agreements with Thailand to
permit their nationals who hold ordinary passports to enter and stay in Thailand
up to 30 / 90 days without a visa.
Applying for a Visa
The application form must be filled out and submitted with:
- a passport valid for the duration of stay in Thailand
- a photocopy of the relevant portions of the passport
- two 2" x 2 1/2" color photos (portrait) without hat or dark glasses and less than six months old
- in the case of an application for a non-immigrant visa, an application letter from the company where the applicant is to work and a company profile must be attached to the application
For a future foreign employee, a letter from the Department of
Employment is also required.
90-day Address Report
For a permit to stay which exceeds 90 days, when completing a stay
of 90 days in the Kingdom, the foreigner shall report the foreigner's address to
the Immigration Bureau and repeat the process every 90 days. Currently it appears
that the foreigner is allowed to report 7 days before or after the due date.
Foreigners living in Bangkok or elsewhere in Thailand can make the report:
- in person
- by giving a letter to another person to submit accordingly
- by registered mail
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