THAILAND ADJUSTS VISA RULES TO BOOST SAFETY AND SECURITY

The Thai government has amended its visa-free and visa-on-arrival privileges in an effort to boost safety and security.

The adjusted regulations will see the visa- free entry facility granted to citizens of 37 countries allowing them to stay in Thailand up to 30 days. The 15-day temporary tourist visa (visa on arrival) facilities will be extended to passport holders of 15 countries.

Though the measure was passed by the Thai Cabinet on December 18, 2001, it is not effectively immediately. Rather, it will take effect within 60 days after the Ministry of Interior officially publishes the new regulations. This could be several weeks from now.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs needs enough time to inform all Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates world-wide and make the necessary consular arrangements to process the visa applications, once they start coming in.
At the same time, the Tourism Authority of Thailand needs time to work with Thai tour operators to adjust their selling strategies accordingly and inform their foreign counterparts.

The TAT has pledged to work with both the MFA and Immigration Division, Ministry of Interior, to ensure minimal impact on international visitor arrivals by developing fast and efficient procedures for visa issuance within the shortest period of time.

TAT Governor Pradech Phayakvichien said, “Although the government is making every effort to promote tourism, there are wider concerns involved, especially safety and security, which must always take priority.”

In any case, he added, the 52 countries still on the visa-free and visa-on-arrival list generate roughly 90% of total visitor arrivals and daily expenditure.

“The impact will be negligible,” he said. “On the other hand, it does mean heightened confidence for international visitors to safely and peacefully enjoy their stay in Thailand. We are certain this will ultimately benefit the Thai tourism industry at large.”

Details of the adjusted regulations are as follows:

Visa Exemption -- Passport holders from 37 countries will not require a visa when entering Thailand for tourist purposes if their stay in the Kingdom does not exceed 30 days. They include:

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru Philippines, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey UAE, UK, USA and Vietnam.

Visa on Arrival -- Passport holders from 15 countries may apply for visa on arrival at specific immigration checkpoints for the purpose of tourism for a period not exceeding 15 days.

These are: Bahrain, Bhutan, China (including Taiwan), Cyprus, Czech Republic, Hungary, India, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Mauritius, Oman, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Ukraine.

Applicants for visa on arrival must meet three criteria:

The applicant must be a citizen of one of the countries listed in the Ministry of Interior Regulations;

The applicant must not intend to stay in Thailand longer than 15 days; and

The applicant must not meet any of the criteria under which entry can be denied under Immigration Acts B.E. 2522 (Article 12, 14 and 16).

The following documents will be required to apply for visa on arrival:

Passport or other travel documents issued by the government of applicant and recognised by the Thai government. Passport or other travel documents should be in a good condition and valid for at least six months.

Documents showing means of onward transport such as fully paid ticket or other travelling documents which are valid for use within 15 days from the date of entry.

Money or proof of other means of support of not less than 5,000 baht (US$200) per person and 10,000 baht (US$400) per family accordingly.

One 4 cm. X 4 cm. photograph.

Visa on arrival fee of 300 baht.

The visa on arrival facility will be available at 12 immigration checkpoints: Bangkok International Airport, U Tapao Airport in Rayong, Chiang Mai International Airport, Phuket International Airport, Hat Yai International Airport in Songkhla, three Immigration Checkpoints in Chiang Rai including Mae Sai, Chiang Saen and Chiang Khong, Betong Immigration Checkpoint in Yala, Sadoa Immigration Checkpoint in Songkla, Samui International Airport in Surat Thani and Sukhothai International Airport.

For more information on visa-free and visa on arrival, please contact the nearest Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates or TAT’s overseas offices worldwide or the Immigration Division in Bangkok.