Do I need a Passport to Visit Thailand
Passports are required to travel from the United States to Thailand. Current passport information can be found at the United States Department of State website. The site has a lot of useful information that you should check out. Here are links that ClubEX.org members find useful.
Remember, ClubEX.org travelers receive personalized information on how to obtain your passport, and other information to help you prepare for your trip. We want your trip to be easy fun and special! That's the ClubEX.org way.
From The US State Department Website
THAILAND - Passport required. Tourists staying no longer than 30 days do not need a visa. For longer stays, obtain a visa in advance. Visa requires 1 application form, 2 photos, postage for return of passport by mail, and appropriate fee. Transit visa, for stay of up to 30 days, $20 per entry fee, or tourist visa, for stay of up to 60 days, $25 per entry fee. Extensions may be applied for in Thailand. Transit and tourist visas require copy of airline ticket or itinerary. Business visas, valid up to 90 days, require $20 entry fee or $40 fee for multiple-entry and company letter (on letterhead) stating purpose of visit, name of company, and address of counterpart in Thailand. (Note: All visa fees are payable in cash or money order, if applying in person, or by money order only, if applying by mail.
Apply at the Royal Thai Embassy, 1024 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20007 (202/944-3600), or the nearest Consulate General: CA (323/962-9574), IL (312/664-3129), or NY (212/754-1770). For other Consulates General throughout the U.S., call 202/944-3600. Internet: www.thaiembdc.org
How can I get a Passport quickly?
To avoid stress, try and obtain a passport at least a month before your trip. If you need a passport in two weeks or less, immediately contact the closest U.S. Government Passport Agency. You may need an appointment, so be sure to call in advance. Most Passport Agencies operate between 8:30AM and 3:30PM. For the passport office closest to you, please check out the state department link, Local Passport Offices.
CLUBEX.ORG TIP - For fastest service, remember to bring two passport photos and your birth certificate when applying for a passport.
Is it a problem if I arrive on a one-way ticket?
Although ClubEX.org can provide one-way tickets to Thailand for people planning on moving there. There are certain issues that can come up with Thai immigration and the airlines. To help avoid problems, make you’re your immigration paperwork has been completed before you purchase your ticket.
Usually there is little cost difference between a one way and a round trip ticket, so most people decide to err on the side of caution and purchase a round trip ticket.
A ClubEX.org member representative will be happy to discuss your specific situation to find the right solution.
Do I need a visa?
Nationals of 56 countries will receive a 30 day pass on arrival in Thailand. These countries include:
|
|
|
|
Citizens of Brazil and South Korea are eligible for 90 days visas on arrival. Citizens of other countries receive a 15 day visa on entry or have to apply for one.
Sixty day tourist visas can be obtained through the Thai Embassy in your home country.
Non-immigrant visas can be applied for if you wish to work in Thailand and/or stay for a prolonged period of time. These are more difficult to get.
What happens if I overstay my visa?
There is no charge to overstay your visa by one day. The fines after that are a modest 200B per day, with a maximum fine of 40,000B (approx US$1000).
You can pay the fine as you go through Immigration when you leave Thailand, or in advance at any Immigration bureau.
Please remember, overstaying your visa is technically breaking the law. While you may not be have a problem with the Immigration Officers at the airport, it can be a very different story if you are stopped by the police for any reason and they discover your visa has expired.
If this should happen, your fate is up to the discretion of the officer, who may decide to detain you at the Immigration Detention Centers for a few days while your case is processed.
Though the chances of ending up in this situation are very small, ClubEX.org urges all visitors to be respectful and obey the laws of Thailand. A Club officer will be happy to help Club members keep their visas current.
How can I extend my visa?
All Immigration offices in Thailand are equipped to extend your Visas. The on-arrival visa can be extended for 10 days, the tourist visa by up to a month. The process normally takes under an hour, and costs 500B.
Extensions are given at the discretion of the immigration officer. As always, ClubEX.org advises our members to be respectful, dress smartly, smile a lot and be polite. This will always produce the best results in Thailand.
Another way to extend your visa is to cross a border out of Thailand and re-enter. This is free, and will extend your visa 30 days. There is no limit to the number of times this can be done.
The most common places for doing this are Penang in Malaysia, Mae Saion the Burmese border, Vientiane in Laos and Poipet in Cambodia. Malaysia is furthest from Bangkok but is the only one that does not require a visa to enter.
Is getting through customs and Immigration a problem? What if I have my own medicines? Can I really only take 5 rolls of film in with me?
Thailand is very receptive to visitors, so, generally, getting through customs is not a problem.
On the airplane on the way into the country you are given a landing card and customs form. These are simple to fill in. You will be required to provide an address where you are staying in Thailand. Club members are provided this information in their Pre-Trip Information Package.
If you require prescribed medicines, bring a copy of the prescription with you to minimize trouble. Without a proper and verifiable prescription your medication could be confiscated, and you could be detained.
The regulations state that 200 cigarettes, 1 liter of wine or spirits, one camera and 5 films (or a video camera with three films) can be brought in duty free. In practice, you seem to be able to bring in basically limitless numbers of film without problem. They are really only concerned about people trying to import and avoid paying duty.
Unlimited foreign currency can be brought in, though over US$10000 must be declared.
Getting through customs can take less than half an hour on a good day or much longer on a bad day.
Can I leave my luggage at the airport?
Yes. The usual charge is 70B per piece per day. The airport will hold your luggage up to 4 months.
What's the exchange rate like at the airport? Are there ATM's there? Is the exchange booth open 24 hours?
There are 24 hour currency exchanges at the airport both before and after Immigration. The exchange rates at these locations are generally market competitive.
There are several ATMs at the airport which accept all major cards and networks, such as Visa, Cirrus/Maestro and Plus.
Once in Thailand, your ClubEX.org host will direct members to the best places to exchange foreign currency, while helping members steer clear of the outlets to avoid.
What's the best way to get to the city center from Bangkok airport?
The ClubEX.org Group Tour includes transportation from the Airport to your hotel.
Are there guesthouses and hotels open even if I arrive in the middle of the night?
Your hotel staff is ready to greet ClubEX.org members with warm smiles, cold drinks and hot showers whenever the group arrives.