Visas

[dj3401 0]

If you only plan on staying only for 7-14 days, do you have to apply for a visa prior to going?

[stephentaylor 54]

no, you can stay in thailand fo 30 days without a visa, you only need a visa if you are staying longer than 1 month

[whitespider 1]

Firslty can I stress that I am not trying to insult the intelligence of any "old stagers" with this post but it may well save any Newbies here some dissapointment.

 

Immigration officials at BKK airport have been instructed to STRICTLY enforce the 6 month passport rule. Sadly many tour operators are failing to stress this to holidaymakers.

 

Anyone planning a trip for the first time - you MUST have a minimum of six months left on your passport NOT just enough time to cover your stay. If you arrive for 2 weeks with 5 months left on your passport you are likely to be sent straight home.

 

Oh and also please don't spend your last 500 baht on a ST - time afetr time we see first timers cagging cash in Don Muang because they have forgotten (or were not informed) of the exit fee.

[Eneukman 1]

Firslty can I stress that I am not trying to insult the intelligence of any "old stagers" with this post but it may well save any Newbies here some dissapointment.

 

Immigration officials at BKK airport have been instructed to STRICTLY enforce the 6 month passport rule. Sadly many tour operators are failing to stress this to holidaymakers.

 

Anyone planning a trip for the first time - you MUST have a minimum of six months left on your passport NOT just enough time to cover your stay. If you arrive for 2 weeks with 5 months left on your passport you are likely to be sent straight home.

 

Oh and also please don't spend your last 500 baht on a ST - time afetr time we see first timers cagging cash in Don Muang because they have forgotten (or were not informed) of the exit fee.

One point about whitespider's comments. It is my understanding that your passport has to be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the END of your stay not from when you arrive. So, if you're coming for a 3 month stay, ensure that your passport is valid for at least 9 months from when you arrive.

 

Regarding the airport departure tax, it is due to increase to 1,000 baht when the new airport opens. (whenever that may be )

 

Alan

[LilWilly 0]

One point about whitespider's comments. It is my understanding that your passport has to be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the END of your stay not from when you arrive. So, if you're coming for a 3 month stay, ensure that your passport is valid for at least 9 months from when you arrive.

 

Regarding the airport departure tax, it is due to increase to 1,000 baht when the new airport opens. (whenever that may be )

 

Alan

My understanding is that it is 6 months from your arrival date. I made my first trip arriving Feb 1st. My passport expires August 16th. So I only had 6 months and two weeks left on my passport when I arrived.

 

 

Hmmm, I just realized I might have had a problem and was lucky. I extended my visa once at the immigration office, and did one visa run to Cambodia. In both cases I'd have had less then 6 months remaining. If they are strictly enforcing the 6 month rule - either of those extentions might have been refused.

[EDP 0]

Wish they would leave the departure fee alone. Im sure they will raise it with the new airport though.

 

They had a tough time last time doing it. They jacked up the rate and there was an uproar about it and they actually reduced it back to original 500!!!! That really happened!!

 

Im sure this time they will have an excuse with the new aiport