Thailand: Documents needed for entry

Like all the other countries, Thailand also has a specific set of requirements when it comes to Visa and Travel Documents that you should take care of before traveling to Thailand. However, the requirements can confuse many travelers as the visa and documents needed depends on what passport you are using to enter Thailand.

If you are an American traveler who meets all of the following criteria, then you do not need to apply in advance for a visa.

• The purpose of your visit is strictly tourism.
  



• You are in possession of a confirmed flight ticket (an e-ticket is acceptable) to show that you will be exiting Thailand within 30 days of entry.
  
  Please note- Open tickets do not qualify. - Traveling over land out of Thailand to check-in for a flight from a neighboring country (Malaysia, Singapore etc.) does not qualify.(In these instances you will need to apply for a visa from a Thai Embassy/Consulate in your home country prior to departure.)

• You should have access to living expenses of 20,000 Baht (approx US$600) per person or 40,000 Baht (US$1200) per family. It may be necessary to prove this on entry to Thailand.

If you meet all the criteria above, you will be granted a visa exemption (sometimes known as permission to stay). This is very often (wrongly) referred to by travelers as a visa on arrival.

There is no charge for this and on arrival in Thailand you will be granted a 30-day stamp. You want to make sure that your Passport is valid for at least six months past the day you enter Thailand. If you don’t meet all of the criteria above, you are advised to contact your nearest Thai embassy or consulate and apply for the appropriate visa before you travel.

Please note that this information applies only to those entering Thailand by air. For questions about entering Thailand by land or sea, contact your nearest Thai Embassy.

Passport Health has a continued partnership with Travisa and they can help expedite the process of receiving your passport and/or visa.