Tourists coming from 28 countries are allowed the facility of Visa on Arrival at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang International Airports. Such Visa is available at 24 Check Points in Thailand (List of Check Points at the bottom of this page). Visa on Arrival is a temporary tourist Visa and entitles the holder to stay in Thailand for a period of 15 days (List of Eligible Countries at the bottom of this Page below the list of Check Points). Visitors who enter Thailand with Visa on Arrival generally cannot file an application for extension of Visa except in special circumstances like illness that prevents them from leaving Thailand, etc. The following documents need to be carried by the tourists with them:
1. Passport with a minimum remaining validity of six months
2. Return / onward journey air ticket for travel within the next 15 days
3. One passport size (4 x 6 cm) photo
4. Boarding card of the flight of arrival
5. Duly filled-in Visa on Arrival application (Get Application Form in this page below) and Arrival / Departure Card (provided during the flight)
6. Visa on Arrival fee of 1,000 Thai Baht to be paid in Thai currency only
7. Hotel reservation / other stay address in Thailand (Hotels in Bangkok and Pattaya) (Link opens in new window)
8. Thai or other currency or debit/credit card equivalent to 10,000 Thai Baht per person or 20,000 Thai Baht per family
(Thailand Visa on Arrival Form (jpeg) in this page below and other useful information). See Best Money Changer in Bangkok here: Super Rich Money Exchange in Bangkok
and Best Money Changer in Pattaya here.
(Thailand Visa on Arrival Form (jpeg) in this page below and other useful information). See Best Money Changer in Bangkok here: Super Rich Money Exchange in Bangkok
and Best Money Changer in Pattaya here.
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| Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport - Visa on Arrival |
Visa on Arrival Process at Suvarnabhumi Airport
(Visa Process at Don Muang Airport later in this page)
Arrival / Departure card is provided to the passengers during the flight itself and should be filled in carefully. Visa on Arrival application form is made available at the counter seen in the above picture. The staff at the counter will ask for your passport size photo that will be stapled on the blank form before the form is given to you. Completely filled in application form and other documents need to be carried into the above Visa on Arrival gate.
(Visa Process at Don Muang Airport later in this page)
Arrival / Departure card is provided to the passengers during the flight itself and should be filled in carefully. Visa on Arrival application form is made available at the counter seen in the above picture. The staff at the counter will ask for your passport size photo that will be stapled on the blank form before the form is given to you. Completely filled in application form and other documents need to be carried into the above Visa on Arrival gate.
Inside, the application form and other documents and 1000 Thai Baht fee are first subjected to a preliminary examination by immigration officials. There is usually a queue at this juncture which can mean a wait of 10 minutes to more than one hour depending on how many flights have simultaneously arrived. They also have a fast track counter (towards left side after entering the Visa on Arrival gate as seen in the above picture) where an additional fee of 200 Thai Baht is charged. This fast track counter is meant for tourists who have to catch domestic connecting flights from the airport. Probably anyone can use the fast track counter but I never tried it. Preliminary examination takes 1-2 minutes and usually no questions are asked if the documents are in order. A token number is given to the tourists for appearance at relevant Visa / Immigration counter. Wait time at this point is about 10 minutes. Token number and counter number are displayed on a LED screen and also announced over a PA system. One should proceed to the relevant counter and stand at the place marked on the floor for picture taking by the counter staff. Two immigration officials are present at the counter where Visa and Immigration happen simultaneously. The first official examines the documents, accepts the fee and makes a receipt. The second official staples your departure card to the passport and stamps Visa on the passport. Its a breeze except that you have already lost one full page of the passport because its a huge stamp. OK, Welcome to Thailand. Your baggage is waiting at the designated belt. Before leaving the airport, Thai Customs officials will screen bags on a random basis at the Green Channel so be careful about what you carry along. (See Immigration Traps in this page - scroll down)
Thailand Visa on Arrival Form (JPEG - Click on the Image to Enlarge - Save and Print)
This is a JPEG image of Bangkok Visa on Arrival Form. I converted it from PDF because PDF cannot be put on a blogger page. Hope it is useful!
How to locate the Visa on Arrival Counter
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| Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport - International Arrival |
If you are arriving on a low cost carrier like Air Asia, the bus will drop you at the above arrival gate. Premium carriers use aero bridges.
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| Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport - Immigration / Transfer Information |
Immigration / Transfer information is printed on the above two boards. Immigration counters are numbered 1, 2, and 3 and are printed in blue in the sign boards above. Visa on Arrival counter is Immigration Counters Number 2 (towards West). If you are looking at these boards, turn Right. Visa on Arrival is nearby.
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| Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport - Immigration Counter Number 2 |
Before Visa on Arrival, you will see Exchange Counter to change your currency in to Thai Baht and a small cabin for taking photo in case you forgot to bring your passport size photo along. Exchange rates here are not very favourable and a photo will probably cost 150 THB so better not to forget. If you need to change money here, change just enough to carry you into Bangkok city. You can find much better rates at Super Rich Money Exchange in Bangkok.
Beware of Immigration Traps
Thai Immigration officials sometimes try to trap tourists by making seemingly attractive offers of some kind but with a hidden sinister motive. Once while leaving Bangkok, an Immigration officer who looked like a Supervisor at the Immigration counters offered me a roll of currency notes asking me to buy a bottle of "Double Black" for him. I politely refused. But if I had accepted the money, I would probably be arrested for breaking some Law. Double Black means Johnnie Walker Double Black Whiskey that is popular among Tourists who buy the brand from the duty free shop while leaving Bangkok. It is very unlikely that a senior Immigration official will need to ask a tourist that too a complete stranger to buy a bottle of duty free booze for him at the airport. I have also read a story where a female employee at a duty free shop clandestinely put an extra packet of cigarettes in to the shopping bag of a tourist arriving into Bangkok and then he was stopped at the Green Channel. Remember, not all Thai people are your friends.
Visa on Arrival Process at Don Muang Airport, Bangkok
Immigration Area is easy to locate at Don Muang Airport by following sign boards like the one in the above picture. Visa on Arrival and Immigration enclosures are located side by side. Documents and other requirements are the same in both the airports, i.e. Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang. I urge you to read the entire page from the beginning before reading this section for better understanding of the subject. Please fill up Arrival / Departure Card that will be given to you during the flight before arriving into Bangkok. This card, Visa on Arrival application form (can be downloaded from this page - see link above) and other documents need to be carried to the Visa on Arrival counter.
Visa on Arrival Counters at Don Muang Airport Bangkok
The help desk seen in the above picture is not always vacant. Once I saw a security man handing out forms and guidance to the incoming passengers. If there is no one on this counter and you need help, please go the glass windows you see in the back. The sign board above the glass windows reads "Bangkok Airport Immigration". In fact these are not immigration counters but Visa on Arrival counters. Visa on Arrival form and other documents are to be presented along with the requisite fee of 1000 THB at this place. The staff at the counter do a preliminary check of the documents and give a paper token to the passenger who is then asked to wait. The wait is usually short because the number of passengers arriving at Don Muang is not much and out of those arriving, all do not need visa. I have been there twice and the wait time on both the occasions was about five minutes. After the wait is over, passengers are called by the token number back to the counter where the documents along with the visa fee receipt are returned to the passengers. A blank visa stamp is affixed on the passport here.
The next step depends on how lucky the passengers are feeling that day. On really lucky days or really lucky hours during each day, immigration formality is done at the special immigration counter located within the "Visa On Arrival" enclosure. The immigration process takes another 2 minutes as there is almost no waiting. However, on unlucky days or unlucky hours, this special counter is not operational and the passengers are directed to the regular Immigration Section where long queues await them. Fortunately, the queues are not as long as at Suvarnabhumi. At the immigration counter, photo of the passengers is taken with a digital camera and stamping on the passport is completed by immigration officers. Passengers can then proceed to collect their luggage (downstairs).
Also Read: Travel From Don Muang Airport to Pattaya (New window)
List of Check Points where Visa on Arrival can be obtained (In Alphabetical Order)
1. Bangkok Harbour Immigration Checkpoint, Bangkok
2. Betong Immigration Checkpoint, Yala
3. Chiangmai International Airport, Chiangmai
4. Chiangrai Airport Immigration Checkpoint, Chiangrai
5. Chieng Khong Immigration Checkpoint, Chiengrai
6. Chieng Saen Immigration Checkpoint, Chiengrai
7. Don Muang International Airport, Bangkok
8. Hatyai International Airport, Songkhla
9. Krabi Immigration Checkpoint, Krabi
10. Mabtaput Immigration Checkpoint, Rayong
11. Mae Sai Immigration Checkpoint, Chiengrai
12. Nong Khai Immigration Checkpoint, Nong Khai
13. Phuket Immigration Checkpoint, Phuket
14. Phuket International Airport, Phuket
15. Sadoa Immigration Checkpoint, Songkhla
16. Samui Airport, Surat Thani
17. Samui Immigration Checkpoint, Surat Thani
18. Satun Immigration Checkpoint, Satun
19. Songkhla Harbour Immigraion Checkpoint, Songkhla
20. Sri Racha Immigration Checkpoint, Chonburi
21. Sukhothai International Airport, Tak Immigration Checkpoint
22. Surat Thani Airport Immigration Checkpoint, Surat Thani
23. Suvarnabhumi Airport
24. U Tapao Airport, Rayong
List of 28 Countries Eligible for Visa on Arrival in Thailand
1. Andorra
2. Bhutan
3. Bulgaria
4. China
5. Cyprus
6. Czech Republic
7. Estonia
8. Ethiopia
9. Hungary
10. India
11. Kazakhstan
12. Latvia
13. Liechtenstein
14. Lithuania
15. Maldives
16. Malta
17. Mauritius
18. Oman
19. Poland
20. Romania
21. Russian Federation
22. San Marino
23. Saudi ArabiaVisa on Arrival Process at Don Muang Airport, Bangkok
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| Immigration Area in Don Muang Airport Bangkok |
Immigration Area is easy to locate at Don Muang Airport by following sign boards like the one in the above picture. Visa on Arrival and Immigration enclosures are located side by side. Documents and other requirements are the same in both the airports, i.e. Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang. I urge you to read the entire page from the beginning before reading this section for better understanding of the subject. Please fill up Arrival / Departure Card that will be given to you during the flight before arriving into Bangkok. This card, Visa on Arrival application form (can be downloaded from this page - see link above) and other documents need to be carried to the Visa on Arrival counter.
Visa on Arrival Counters at Don Muang Airport Bangkok
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| Visa on Arrival Counter at Don Muang Airport Bangkok |
The help desk seen in the above picture is not always vacant. Once I saw a security man handing out forms and guidance to the incoming passengers. If there is no one on this counter and you need help, please go the glass windows you see in the back. The sign board above the glass windows reads "Bangkok Airport Immigration". In fact these are not immigration counters but Visa on Arrival counters. Visa on Arrival form and other documents are to be presented along with the requisite fee of 1000 THB at this place. The staff at the counter do a preliminary check of the documents and give a paper token to the passenger who is then asked to wait. The wait is usually short because the number of passengers arriving at Don Muang is not much and out of those arriving, all do not need visa. I have been there twice and the wait time on both the occasions was about five minutes. After the wait is over, passengers are called by the token number back to the counter where the documents along with the visa fee receipt are returned to the passengers. A blank visa stamp is affixed on the passport here.
The next step depends on how lucky the passengers are feeling that day. On really lucky days or really lucky hours during each day, immigration formality is done at the special immigration counter located within the "Visa On Arrival" enclosure. The immigration process takes another 2 minutes as there is almost no waiting. However, on unlucky days or unlucky hours, this special counter is not operational and the passengers are directed to the regular Immigration Section where long queues await them. Fortunately, the queues are not as long as at Suvarnabhumi. At the immigration counter, photo of the passengers is taken with a digital camera and stamping on the passport is completed by immigration officers. Passengers can then proceed to collect their luggage (downstairs).
Also Read: Travel From Don Muang Airport to Pattaya (New window)
List of Check Points where Visa on Arrival can be obtained (In Alphabetical Order)
1. Bangkok Harbour Immigration Checkpoint, Bangkok
2. Betong Immigration Checkpoint, Yala
3. Chiangmai International Airport, Chiangmai
4. Chiangrai Airport Immigration Checkpoint, Chiangrai
5. Chieng Khong Immigration Checkpoint, Chiengrai
6. Chieng Saen Immigration Checkpoint, Chiengrai
7. Don Muang International Airport, Bangkok
8. Hatyai International Airport, Songkhla
9. Krabi Immigration Checkpoint, Krabi
10. Mabtaput Immigration Checkpoint, Rayong
11. Mae Sai Immigration Checkpoint, Chiengrai
12. Nong Khai Immigration Checkpoint, Nong Khai
13. Phuket Immigration Checkpoint, Phuket
14. Phuket International Airport, Phuket
15. Sadoa Immigration Checkpoint, Songkhla
16. Samui Airport, Surat Thani
17. Samui Immigration Checkpoint, Surat Thani
18. Satun Immigration Checkpoint, Satun
19. Songkhla Harbour Immigraion Checkpoint, Songkhla
20. Sri Racha Immigration Checkpoint, Chonburi
21. Sukhothai International Airport, Tak Immigration Checkpoint
22. Surat Thani Airport Immigration Checkpoint, Surat Thani
23. Suvarnabhumi Airport
24. U Tapao Airport, Rayong
List of 28 Countries Eligible for Visa on Arrival in Thailand
1. Andorra
2. Bhutan
3. Bulgaria
4. China
5. Cyprus
6. Czech Republic
7. Estonia
8. Ethiopia
9. Hungary
10. India
11. Kazakhstan
12. Latvia
13. Liechtenstein
14. Lithuania
15. Maldives
16. Malta
17. Mauritius
18. Oman
19. Poland
20. Romania
21. Russian Federation
22. San Marino
24. Slovakia
25. Slovenia
26. Taiwan
27. Uzbekistan
28. Ukraine
- Bus Service from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya
- Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok City by Airport Link Train
- Click Here to see my other Bangkok Pages
They did NOT ask for $640 currency although we carried it. I think it is safe to carry money if you are traveling abroad first time. If you have traveled to other countries before, it gives them a reason not question you.
ReplyDeleteIf you are not carrying cash, you should at least carry your bank statement as a backup document to prove that you can afford your vacation.
We traveled from Bangalore, India in May 2012. The queue was long for us. We landed around 4am and took almost 2 hours to get VOA. If you have a connecting flight, please tell them so they can put you on a fast track.
I am traveling to this country for the first time and do not want to disclose this to anyone close. Please confirm if any physical verification is done at residence address.
DeleteNo such thing.
Delete"APPLICATION VISA FOR ARRIVAL" got a query adress in thailand & Name/adress of person of reference in thailand.
DeleteIf a normal visitor//Tourist didn't got any relation what to be filled there. Can you clarify All?
At immigration form what has to filled on column
DeleteAdress in thailand.............?
name & adress of person in thailand...............?
Address in Thailand will be your hotel address. Name and address of person of reference in Thailand and relation can be left blank by tourists. No problem there.
Deletethanks for the Information.
ReplyDeletecan i exchange indian currency for visa fees on bangkok airport or
ReplyDeletei need to borrow thai currency from india
Yes you can. There is an exchange counter very close to the Visa on Arrival Counter. Only problem is, the exchange rate will be very bad. It will be better to withdraw Thai currency from an ATM at the airport. One money changer in Bangkok offers the best rates: http://www.desiyatri.com/2012/01/best-money-changer-in-bangkok.html It will be best to do maximum money changing there.
ReplyDeleteHello RESTLESS INDIAN, great and accurate information.
ReplyDeleteThis information helped us a lot and made first step of our trip a breeze.
Good work and keep it up.
i paid 1200 bhat for visa through fast track. i got receipt only for 1000 bhat.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the information, that will make things easier for us!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the information.
ReplyDeleteWent through the fast track for 1200 bahts as the normal line was taking too long. They barely checked any documnents or the cash.
Was out in no time. There seemed to be more stringent checking in the normal line.
Much faster and cheaper than applying for a visa in India itself.
that was a nice piece of info .... i am planning to go this novembber with friends ... this will be my first trip abroad ... can you please help me with the issue of money exchange as to how can one have it in rolls at a cheaper rate from the outset only? getting exchange from kolkata will be a good option or should i go to bangkkok and ten get an exchange. also please help me with accommodation issues.
ReplyDeletethanks
Exchange INR to buy about 3000 THB per person in Kolkata. The rest you can change after getting to Bangkok: Best Money Changer in Bangkok. Plenty of ATMs everywhere in Bangkok to withdraw THB in case of emergency. About hotels, it would be best to look for any hotel in Thailand through Staybot.com. Staybot.com search will tell you which booking site is charging the lowest price for your hotel. In Bangkok stay in Nana/Asoke area(Plenty of Indian Food) or Pratunam area (Shopping). In Pattaya, Beach Road hotels will be most convenient. Browse this blog for other info.
DeleteI have a waiting time for about 5 hours from the time of my flight arrival from japan at bangkok airport. So i wanted to check out bangkok during that time, just take the express train and return back roaming for a couple of hours and return back again for the return flight to india.
ReplyDeleteWill i be allowed to take this kind of short trip... Has anyone had any such experience.
please share..
RV
There is probably a tour if transit time is between 6 and 12 hours. Check out this link: http://www.orientalescape.com/thailand/sightseeing/bangkok/transit.html
ReplyDeleteHi
ReplyDeleteI'm going to visit bangkok in mid of november. i'm bit confused abot the 7th pint "7. Hotel reservation / other stay address in Thailand" that you mentionde above.
What if we don't have any hotel reservation? or do they asked about the seventh point.
Visa on Arrival application form requires "Address in Thailand" without which your application would be incomplete. You will need to give hotel or other address. When you give hotel address, better have reservation.
ReplyDeleteso you mean before heading to bangkok i should have a reservation, would you recommend me some cheap budgeted hotel atleast 3 Star, we also need to travel Pattaya, could you please tell me the best hotel for there as well.
DeleteThanks for clearing my doubt.
Hello guys, I would appreciate if you could tell me what kind of visa do I need if my travel arrangements are as follows:
ReplyDelete3rd December 2012 - arrive to Thailand, spend there 10 days and leave on 12th Dec.
18th December – 2012 - coming back to Thailand Suvarnabhumi Airport, will spend 3 days in Bangkok and leave on 21st Dec.
All my flights are booked and I have a valid Lithuanian passport (EU). I live in London.
Can I apply for 2 tourist visas on entry to Thailand?
Thank you!
Visa on arrival is valid for a single entry only and entitles you to stay for 15 days in one spell. For multiple entry, better check with your local Thai Consulate / Embassy.
ReplyDeleteHello all,
ReplyDeleteI have a connecting flight from bangkok to samui and the time difference between the two flights is barely 2 and a half hours. kindly do let me know how to put the visa on fastrack once i am there.Thanks a bunch
Just go to the fast track counter. info in this page itself.
ReplyDeleteHi. I have two questions.
ReplyDelete1. I'm an Indian currently living in Japan on student visa. I'll be going to Thailand in a few weeks and plan to get a VOA. My question is, whether the VOA rules are the same for me as well. Especially with the money issue. How much Yen (in cash) should I show? Or can I just show my debit/cash card (Japan Bank)? I also read on the thaiembassy website that the proof of finance per person is now 20,000 TBH. Is this true?
2. Is there even a remote chance that a VOA can get rejected and for what reasons?
Hi. Visa rules are same for you. Proof of finance per person is 10,000 THB per person and 20,000 THB per family. You can carry Yen equivalent of 10,000 THB. Generally speaking, if you carry about 2000-3000 THB for Visa fee and taxi fare to your hotel and carry your international ATM/Debit card, it should be OK. I have never seen Immigration officials verifying cash with travellers. And regarding your second question, it is entirely up to Thai Immigration to grant a Visa. But if your appearance does not raise a doubt and you satisfy all conditions of Visa on Arrival, there will be no problem.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the useful informaiton. Is there a specific dimension for the photograph ?
ReplyDelete4 x 6 cm or a little less should be OK. They are not too particular.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI do have some questions
1. I'll be going to bangkok (from delhi) and then in 2 hours after arrival I'll be boarding a flight for Phuket, so from where I'll get the Indian currency converted to THB?
2. Can I take THB from India also?
There are ATMs as well as Exchange Counters at the airport just before Visa on Arrival entry. Exchange takes only a few minutes. You can carry THB from India. Try Thomas Cook.
ReplyDeleteAs I've already mentioned that I'll be boarding a flight for Phuket from Bangkok. So my query is, whether I can have VISA in Phuket instead of Bangkok.
DeleteNo. Just use the fast track counter at BKK to get your Visa.You cannot board a domestic flight from BKK without a valid Visa.
DeleteOk, Thanks a lot for your response. Will be clarifying any doubts that comes to my mind.
DeleteAre there any closing times for Visa On Arrival counters at Suvarnabhumi Airport as I will be arriving at 00:30 AM. Will I be able to get the VOA at that time or have to wait until morning?
ReplyDeleteIt is open 24/7. Only waiting is in the queue for your turn.
DeletePlease let me know whether there will be any atm after my arrival in bangkok, as i want to withdraw thb from atm. Also please let me know which atm charges are minimum.
ReplyDeleteYes there are ATMs at Suvarnabhumi Airport. All ATMs in Thailand charge at least 150 THB per transaction for non-Thailand ATM cards.
DeleteYour information has been very useful for me. Thanks so much. I have about 9 hours time at BKK before my flight to Yangoon. So do i have to show an address in BKK? I will only be doing sight seeing for 5-6 hours before i return to the airport for my next flight.
ReplyDeleteLogically no. Try writing Transit or something like that in the space where address is to be written. Show them your onward flight ticket. Hope they will understand. The problem with the immigration staff at the counter is that they speak very little English. Wish you good luck.
Deletehi,we are 9adults going to bangkok Don Muang.We have to take visa on arrival and leave for pattaya.The 9 seater taxi from Don Muang to pattaya is costing 200THB all inclusive.Is it ok to book in advance or take it from airport directly
DeleteI guess you meant 2000 THB? That would be OK.
DeleteHi
ReplyDeleteMe and my fiance are visiting Thailand for a week. I have booked the hotel in my name which does not have my fiance's name. Will it be too problematic? We would be staying together. Please advise what should be done in this situation??
Thanks and Regards
John
Most hotel booking vouchers contain one name only but mention booking for 2 adults. Just make sure booking on the voucher is for 2 adults. Your fiance may carry a copy of the same hotel booking and write the same hotel address in her Visa application form.
DeleteIs it best to carry cash as USD to Thailand and then convert to THB or best to carry THB from India?
ReplyDeleteLittle confused as to what is the best way to go about this.
Thanks in advance.
It depends on how much conversion cost you incur to convert INR into USD in India. You will no doubt get a very good exchange rate for USD in Thailand at these places: Super Rich (Thailand) Bangkok and T. T. Money Exchange Pattaya. Buying THB in India will always be more expensive than in Thailand. Withdrawing from ATM in Thailand is also very expensive because of 150 THB per transaction Thai bank fee and 3.5 percent Indian bank mark-up on top of the exchange rate. Better to put your energy into looking for cheap USD in India. But do carry some THB for Visa fee.
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI have read all he conversion very use full it but still want to know, I want to exit for shopping only Watches, shoes etc... where to buy cheap one in Bangkok. Is M BK mall is OK.
I have only 6 hours for shopping also is it fine if i will opt for only transit visa(VOA) and take a cab from airport instead of transit tour package. we are three friends.
MBK Mall has everything, only one needs to bargain a little. They generally reduce 30% after polite bargaining. Buying 3 pieces of the same item also gets a good price. Taking VOA and doing the tour on your own is fine. Just take Airport Train instead of taxi. It will save you time. Get down at Phaya Thai station and then take skytrain to Siam Station. You can walk from Siam to MBK or take another skytrain to the National Stadium Station which comes after Siam on the Silom Line. Click here for Airport train info.
Deletehi..
ReplyDeleteyou are a very helpful person and thnx for sharing all such lovely information to indian tourist.. i just have 2 questions it would be great if you can help
1) what do we fill in the voa application form where it states "Name and address of person of reference in thailand" do we leave it blank if we have no one
2) Some friends told me that the voa fees for fast track is 1000+ 800 = 1800 THB.. is that true.. you state it to be 1200 THB.. I am travelling on 21st Dec Cathay pacific..
I just dont want to be waiting for long for VOA.. please suggest appropriate..
Thank you
Its OK to leave the reference blank. Fast Track VOA fee was 1200 THB last time I checked. Please correct me if you find it different after going there. Fast Track VOA is really fast, almost no waiting. Many times, regular VOA queue is also very short. Don't worry.
DeleteSure sir i will.. thank you very much for your kind reply.. actually this information was passed to me by my friend who was there last month (it could be that some voa agents must have helped him so it must be the additional charge as he did nothing, his baggage photo etc everything was taken care of).. but i will re-check the same and give you first hand information..
DeleteCurrently in Pattay...As promised i am passing first hand information about Thailand VOA (Visa on Arrival)
DeleteYes the charges for Fast Track VOA is 1200 THB and it precisely takes for VOA and immigration 5 mins and you are out.. the Regular VOA is 1000 THB and takes about 20-30 minutes.. so i suggest to my fellow travelers its best to take VISA on Arrival as it falls cheaper and quicker too.. because if you take visa from india it cost around 3000 INR and secondly you cannot avail the fast track for immigration.. so you end up in a long Que..
Rest all the information provided by restless indian is fantastic and must follow.. A very big Thank you to Restless Indian.. On my way to bangkok now.. will pass some more useful info if i come across
Thanx Jivesh. Enjoy your holiday.
DeleteHi Sir,
ReplyDeleteI am travelling to Thailand (Phuket, Pattaya & Bangkok) on 21 Jan'13 for my honeymoon. Its our 1st abroad visit. Kindly assist on following matter-
1. How much minimum money we need to carry with us?
2. What will be the best way to have Thai Bhat in Thailand ? Is it to convert in USD in india & then USD to Baht in Thailand, or to have INR with us & change in Thai Baht in Thailand?
3. What is the best shopping place in bangkok for TV purchase? Is it cheaper to buy TV & other electronic items from Thailand?
4. Do we need to pay any excise duty on indian airports after return if we purchase some items from duty free shops in thailand?
Kindly assist on the matter.
Regards,
Udit Vashistha
If your hotels are prepaid, carry about 100 USD per day for living expenses to cover sightseeing and food for 2 persons. Shopping will be extra.
DeleteBetter buy USD in India and convert to THB in Thailand. Best money changer links for Bangkok and Pattaya are in this page itself in the opening paragraph. From India, it is not allowed to carry INR more than 7500 per person.
For buying TV, go to Pantip Plaza. Inside Pantip Plaza there are TV shops and outside on the pavement, you will find sign boards about best offers on LED TV, etc. LCD/LED TVs, Blu Ray players in Thailand are cheaper than in India. If in doubt, check online prices of items in India before buying in Thailand. Ebay.in has everything in India. For Pantip Plaza info, follow this link: Shopping in Ratchadamri.
Your imports above INR 25000 per person are liable for customs duty at Indian airports at 35% + surcharge, cess, etc. It doesn't matter where you buy them in Thailand.
Does Indian customs limit INR 25000 per person mean that a couple can get an item of INR 50000 or less without duty? I plan to get a LED TV from my trip
ReplyDeleteNo. Duty free allowance of two or more persons cannot be clubbed. If your TV costs 50,000 you pay duty on Rs. 25000, even when the total imports of both the persons together are worth Rs. 50000 only. You can bring two separate items worth Rs. 25000.
DeleteI'll be going to bangkok and phuket for my honeymoon for a week from 10th of Feb. Hotels, flights, sightseeing are already booked for us.
ReplyDeleteI want to know how much money should I carry for this duration. Is there any constraint of the max money you can take with you?
What would be better in below cases:
1. Carrying INR and converted them to THB in thailand itself
2. Carrying THB from India itself
3. Carrying USD from India
Do not carry currency value in excess of 5000 USD or currency plus other instruments (TC, DD, etc.) value in excess of 10000 USD. These are safe limits. Any higher and you may have to explain the source of money. INR cannot be carried out of India in excess of 7500 per person. It is best to carry USD from India and convert to THB in Thailand. See this page: Super Rich Thailand. For two persons, it is advisable to carry at least 100 USD per day to meet miscellaneous expenses.
Deletecan u suggest me how to go to cambodia angkor wat temple from bangkok, and additional visa requried plese sugest me
ReplyDeleteThe fastest and the most convenient way is to take a flight to Siem Reap from Bangkok. Bangkok Airways has several flights during the day. But their flights are expensive. Airasia flies to Phnom Penh from where one can take a bus to Siem Reap. This route will take two extra days for travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and back. Direct buses go to Siem Reap from Bangkok. If you start in the morning, you reach at night on the same day (I do not recommend this route for families). Check with a local travel agent in Bangkok. Visa on arrival is available in Cambodia for 20 USD. Carry all the same documents you carry for Thailand Visa.
DeleteI am visiting bangkok and Pattya for five days. I will take VISA on ARRIVAL. Is there any problem for taking the same. We are five persons. This is my first visit to Bangkok/Pattya. Could any body suggest that I should get visa from India itself or should take VOA. Except these following documents, should i bring any other papers in this regards:- Passport with a minimum remaining validity of six months
ReplyDelete2. Return / onward journey air ticket for travel within the next 15 days
3. One passport size photo
4. Boarding card of the flight of arrival
5. Duly filled-in Visa on Arrival application (Get Application Form in this page below) and Arrival / Departure Card (provided during the flight)
6. Visa on Arrival fee of 1,000 Thai Baht to be paid in Thai currency only
7. Hotel reservation / other stay address in Thailand (Bangkok Hotel Price Comparison) /
ANIL BABU
INDIA, DELHI
VOA is better than taking Visa in India. VFS Global service fee can be saved this way. Rest of the info is in this page itself.
DeleteHi The Restless Indian,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for all the information. Quick check, some websites stating that VOA is THB1,900!? Is it true? Or THB1,000 is the standard fee?
Appreciate if you can please clarify.
Regards!
Tourist Visa cost is 1000 THB. Immigrant Visa cost is 1900 THB which is a different animal, not concerned with tourists.
DeleteI just gone through the previous questions, but still I've some queries as below:
ReplyDelete1. What is better,
a. I take THB from India
If yes, then how much amount should be enough for 6 days in thailand. I'll only have to arrange my dinner (ofcourse some shopping :))and everything else is already booked.
If not, then for VOA, do I need some.
b. I take USD from India
How much amount should I've with me.
2. I'll going on 10th of Feb. I checked on internet regarding weather there in Thailand and I found that in Bangkok its raining these days, whereas in Phuket its pleasant weather.
So, should I take warm clothes with me.
No need for warm clothes in Bangkok or Phuket. Carry USD from India and some THB for Visa and initial expenses. Convert to THB in Thailand. For one person, 50 USD per day is enough for dinner and sightseeing except for branded attractions like Ripley's. Shopping is up to you. No Customs duty in India up to a value of INR 25000.
DeleteSightseeing is already booked for me. So, can you please let me know the amount needed for dinner for 2 persons for 5 nights.
DeleteTotal 100 - 200 USD should be OK.
Deletei am planning to visit bangkok and pattaya total of 6 nights. my question is can u tell best location both in pattaya and bangkok where i can take hotel? i arrive in bkk around 1930 and after taking voa in bkk i want to go to pattaya does bella bus service is available at that time if not any other cheap alternative to go to pattaya?
ReplyDeleteIn Bangkok, Nana / Asoke area has many Indian restaurants and the area is connected to skytrain. In Pattaya, Beach Road or Second Road are good. Getting a bus from BKK airport to Pattaya in the evening becomes doubtful, but see the bell travel website. See this page: Bell Travel
ReplyDeletei am going to bangkok and pattaya in april. i have booked by flights and will make the hotel reservation soon. i have read the entire conversation and found it very useful and seek help for my following queries
ReplyDelete1.I know april is an off season hence considering that will there will be major affects on my holiday.
2. can you suggest me good hotels in central pattaya for around 2oooINR. kindly also suggest if we can get serviced apartment 2 bedroom hall.
3. i have heard that i have to take my credit card (which i have used to make payment to the airline) at the time of collecting my boarding pass. kindly clarify what documents i need to get in time to boarding flight in india and then for VOA in bangkok.
4. considering that we are four ppl travelling is it better to hire a car or use the bus service.
5. should i buy alcohol from duty free when arriving.(coz it ll be the major amount of money for us).
Regards,
Amit
I cannot suggest individual hotels. Please search your hotels using www.staybot.com and sort by guest rating, filter by area. In Pattaya stay at Beach Road or Second Road. Soi Buakhao on Second Road is a good area. Leaving India, you need passport and ticket. For VOA, the list is in this page itself. Better hire a car to save time travelling to Pattaya. You can carry one liter of alcohol per person while entering Thailand and 2 liters per person while entering India.
DeleteHi Restless Indian,
ReplyDeleteThank you for all the efforts you are taking to all the questions and thus providing foreigners like us good info.
I have some questions, please if you could answer them for me,
1. I and my family (have a kid too) will reach Bangkok at midnight 12:00 AM from India, will VOA take longer time (the fast track one) coz we would have travelled for almost the whole day So it would be very tiring to wait for an hour or so.
2. Is it safe to travel in Bangkok from airport to hotel at midnight? Do we have to carry 40,000 thai Bahts as mentioned in the visa requisites? Should we take the hotel airport transfer for travelling to hotel or the metered taxi?
3. If i carry USD will I get good exchange rate for USD to Thai baht in Bangkok? Will it be too hot in Bangkok in 2nd week of MAY?
1. VOA at midnight will not take much time. Take fast track if possible.
Delete2. Metered taxi is safe. Hotels generally charge more for pickup. Carry the money or at least part of the money and your ATM card.
3. carry USD and convert to THB in Bangkok or Pattaya. Links are in this page for best money changers.
4. It will be hot in Bangkok in May. So carry light colored cotton clothes.
Hi i am travelling to Thailand on 9th & would spend 3 days at pattaya & last day at bangkok. Have already booked city tour at bangkok.
ReplyDeleteWant to know that
1. How much time it takes for Bangkok City Tour & Temple Tour in S.I.C Basis. My City tour journey will start at 12:30 Pm.
2. I want to Buy LED/LCD from Bangkok, so can i buy it in the evening, night or early morning as the entire day time i would be doing city tour.
3. If i buy a 4 series samsung LCD/LED of 32" or 40" what an approximate cost it would be in Bangkok.
Thanking You.
Please Reply.
Your tour duration is decided by your travel agent. It looks like your tour will end in the evening leaving you with less time to buy your TV. Better to buy it in the morning before starting the tour. TV shops will be open by 10AM. You can try Pantip Plaza. A 32 or 40 inch Full HD LED is the best buy. I do not know the cost but if it costs above INR 25000, you may have to pay Customs duty in India at 35% on the amount above INR 25,000.
DeleteHi I am travelling from Mumbai for stay in Thailand for almost a week, from bangkok I am travelling to kho phangan island where v intend to stay for two days, v do not have any reservations there as v r unable to book any hotels over there, wat do we write in the VOA form about address? (Thanks a lot for the above information provided)
ReplyDeleteYou will need the address of at least your first destination in Thailand. So if you are staying in Bangkok first, write that hotel address and likewise if you are going to Koh Phangan straight. You can search and book Koh Phangan and Bangkok hotels using these links: Hotels in Koh Phangan / Hotels in Bangkok.
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI', travelling to Bangkok on 26th June from Bangalore. Two questions:
1. I will not be travelling back to India as I work in Indonesia. So, I need to present my onward journey ticket to Indonesia, don't I? Some Indian airports create hullabaloo over this and insist on return journey ticket till I convince them on this.
2. Is there shuttle bus available from Suvarnabhumi to Don Mueang airport?
Your help is much appreciated.
Prem
In Bangkok they will ask for onward or return ticket. No issue. There is a shuttle service between the two airports in Bangkok. Please check airport website for service hours.
DeleteHi Sir,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your wonderful posting…….
We (set of 5 people from india) planning to travel Thailand on next week (feb 25th), we will reach Don Muang airport at 3 AM in the morning and would like to know whether VOA is operating for 24/7?
We planned for 7 days trip. Also few sites said that we need show proof of funds 20000TBH per person. Is it true? (here is the site for your reference: http://www.makemytrip.com/legal/visaregulations-Thailand.php#Tourist)
Can you please let us know the current requirements of VOA.. whether we need to show 10000 TBH or 20000 TBH per person
VOA is operational 24/7. Proof of funds requirement is 10000 THB per person and 20000 THB per family. That means five friends need 50,000 THB but husband-wife and three kids need 20,000. Carrying all in cash is not necessary. You can carry part cash and your international ATM / debit / credit cards, etc. I have never seen immigration people counting money with tourists.
DeleteYour response helps lot. We are planning to carry 400 USD dollar each with international debit/credit cards.
Deletewill this work?
Planning to see Bangkok, Pattaya and Kochang
Will work great. Enjoy your trip.
DeleteIs hotel confiramtion letter necessary for Visa on arrival?
ReplyDeleteIf yes , Do we need to have all of our 4 friends name on letter?
Hotel confirmation letter will serve the purpose of showing address in Thailand. Names of all travellers are not necessary on the confirmation letter but you will need booking for all four, like two rooms for 2 adults each. All persons should carry a copy of the confirmation letter.
DeleteBooking would be done for all 4 of us but the letter would contain just my name.....that should be fine right?
ReplyDeleteYes. very fine.
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeletethanks for the wonderful info...
can you please tell me , if i am travelling to viet-nam via Bangkok ..do i need to take any visa at Bangkok?
i will reach bangkok at 3am and again at 7am i have flight to viet -nam.
Assuming that you are flying to Vietnam from the same airport in Bangkok, and remain in the transit area, there is no need for taking visa in Bangkok. Your luggage will have to be checked-in up to vietnam. If you need to collect your checked baggage and re-checkin, you need a visa to get your luggage. You should either get your boarding card for vietnam flight from your home country itself or your airline should be able to give you a boarding card in bangkok airport transit area. Some airlines (like airasia) do not have check-in counters in the transit area. Study all this before starting your trip.
DeleteHi restless Indian,
ReplyDeleteFirstly, I appreciate you a lot for all your postings and it is very helpful. Thanks for that.
Coming to my trip..
We are 4 people travelling.
Starting from Chennai
on Wed 20 Mar 2013, 2230 hrs ( 10:30PM)
to Bangkok (DMK) Don Mueang International Airport Thu 21 Mar 2013, 0320 hrs ( 3:20AM)
Return -
Bangkok (DMK) Don Mueang International Airport Wed 27 Mar 2013, 1955 hrs ( 7:55PM) to Chennai
We have not booked our hotels yet.
We will staying in Thailand for about 6 nights and planning to visit Bangkok, Pattaya and if possible Phuket.
Can you please suggest some hotels in Bangkok and Pattaya which can be safe, economical & convenient to reach through public transport system.
Also, will it be feasible to also include Phuket in our trip? If yes, can you suggest hpw to get there and get back to Bangkok.
If No, please suggest some other place nearby which cannot be missed.
Based on your suggestions, I will book my Hotels.
Thanks in advance
VK Reddy
Hi. For the duration of your trip, Phuket is not advisable as it will only make your trip too hectic. Better try to enjoy Bangkok and Pattaya. If you wish to visit Phuket, I will suggest catching a Phuket flight from DMK airport on March 21 itself. This may require taking visa at DMK airport before you catch the Phuket flight. Spend 2 nights in Phuket, return to Bangkok airport and proceed straight to Pattaya from the aiport. You can choose to stay in Pattaya for 1-2 nights and then in Bangkok for 2-3 nights. In Bangkok, hotels in Nana / Asoke area will be good. In Pattaya, stay near Beach Road or on Soi Buakhao. You may use the search box given in this page. After the results are displayed, sort by Guest Rating and go for the hotel that comes within your budget.
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteSome quick questions for you:
1) Is VOA only for 15 days or is there a possibility for 30 days as well?
2) Can VOA be extended? If so, how?
3) Can one cross into Thailand over any land border from Laos and get VOA?
4) Is proof of onwards travel an absolute necessity to get VOA or can there be a travel itinerary/unconfirmed ticket to show onwards travel?
Any help would be appreciated!
thank you.
1. Visa on Arrival is possible for 15 days only.
Delete2. Extension of Visa obtained on arrival is generally not allowed except in case of illness etc. that prevents a tourist from leaving Thailand.
3. I have added the list of check points where VOA can be obtained in this page. Please go through the list.
4. Return / Onward confirmed ticket is necessary at the time of making application for VOA.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI have query regarding the time taken to grant a VOA in Bangkok Airport.
I shall reach BKK at 5:50 AM in the morning and have an onward flight to Phuket at 7:55 AM , i.e. jst 2 hours. Do you think considering the anticipated rush in the immigration counter , this time gap is enough to get the visa and then collect the luggage?
Thanks in advance
Assuming that your incoming flight is on time, there should not be any problem. Only, you will need to go for Fast Track Visa (1200 THB). Fast Track Visa and Immigration take about 5 to 10 minutes. Fill up the Visa Application Form and Arrival Departure Card in the flight itself. Download the Visa Application Form given in this page.
DeleteI"m a Austrian citizen and my mother is a Romanian citizen - on 05.04.2013 we will arrive in Bangkok (from Kathmandu) and we have our flight ticket back to Munich on 03.05.2013.
ReplyDeleteIs there any problem to get a tourist visa for 30 days on BKK airport ?
Thanks in advance.
ovi
Citizens of Austria are covered under the Visa Exemption Scheme and may stay in Thailand for 30 days. However, citizens of Romania require a Visa. On arrival Visa is given for 15 days only and is generally not extended except in case of emergencies. However, if Visa is obtained from a Thai Embassy before arriving in Thailand, citizens of Romania can stay for 30 days.
DeleteIs there a change to minimum carrying of baht of at least 30,000 per person on arrival in Thailand
ReplyDeleteNo such thing.
Deletehow much amount in INR is valid to take in Thailand? should take INR or USD or both to thailand ? heard that , it needs 7500 USD for VOA.
ReplyDeleteINR limit is 7500 per person. VOA requires 10,000 THB per person. Read Money Exchange in Thailand for details on currency issues.
ReplyDeleteHi restless indian,
ReplyDeleteYour posts& sincere replies have been extremely usefull for fellow travellers..
I am travelling phuket between april 22nd night to 26th noon.. I verified this link http://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand/visa-on-arrival.php which says voa fees have been revised to 1900 baht for tourist visas. Can you confirm with any recent travelers. Cos if is is 1900 baht for voa then applying visa with vfs wil be cheaper and wud save a lot of time too.. Can you confrim for me..
You can see this Govt of Thailand website: http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/services/123/15393-Visa-on-Arrival.html
DeleteIf VOA fee is X amount, VFS Global will charge X plus their fee. It will never be cheaper.
Hi kishore,
ReplyDeleteCan you confirm how much you paid for visa on arrival..
Thanks
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI am planning to go Thailand in June for 5 days and getting visa on arrival.
I have Canadian Dollar with me. Can you help me out whether this will be useful for me or shall I get USD.
Can I show Canadian Dollar (Equivalent to 10,000 BAHT) to the immigration officer and Exchange it later in Bangkok.
Thanks.
You can show Canadian Dollars to Immigration if they ask. Any money is good for them. Canadian Dollars get easily exchanged in Thailand. However, if you need to change some at the airport for Visa or Taxi, etc., change only a part of your money. You will get better rates in Bangkok City and Pattaya. I have given links for best money changers in Bangkok and Pattaya in this page.
DeleteHi
ReplyDeleteI hold a valid driving license in india and no international driving license. Is there any risk involved for renting a bike in phuket.
I am staying for 3.5 days in phuket so could you suggest some must see places/beautiful beaches, activities in phuket.
I am not aware of the Thailand Law in this regard. Please check with some authority in Thailand. Similarly, I have not visited Phuket. Cannot suggest on that too.
Deletei am travelling to bangkok in a couple of days. i am considering buying baht at 1.90 and i ll be buying around 60k baht.i have read your post above wherein you have suggested to buy USD and get exchanged to baht in bangkok itself (and little bath for visa and initial travelling charges. however i like to know is it better to buy baht directly at price as mentioned above considering conversion cost to dollars and then baht(i.e. double conversion charges).kindly help
ReplyDeleteYes, 1.90 looks like a good price. Current inter-bank rate is 1.85. You are paying approximately 2.70% conversion cost. Not a bad deal.
Deletesir hum april me bangkok ja rhe hai. Toh pls. Sir yeh btaye max. Kitni thai currency lekar ja skte hai nd jo visa on arrival me koi prblm toh nhi aayegi. Nd yeh visa thai ke kisi bhi airport par lg jayega nd uske leye kya kya proof ki jarurat padegi. Nd without visa indian airport pe koi prblm toh nhi aayegi. Aur sir waha se kitni shoping kr skte hai agr limit se jyada krle toh kya pralm aayegi. Nd sir hum 3 log hai hmara 6 days ka hotel rent kitna hoga.
ReplyDeleteCarry 1000 THB per person for Visa and 10,000 THB per person for living expenses. List of airports where Visa on arrival can be obtained is given in this page. Documents needed for Visa are also mentioned in this page. You can tell at Indian airport that you will take Visa on arrival in Thailand. Maximum duty free shopping is Rs. 25,000 per person. You will need one or two hotel rooms. Cost of rooms starts from 600 THB per room per day.
Deletesir visa india se he lgva le te best nhi rhega kya? Yaha pr 3 thousand fees 3 month ki hai kya?
ReplyDeleteNo. As per my info, VFS Global charge Rs. 2300 per person. They keep your passport for a few days, you have to first submit or mail your application and then collect it back. In Thailand, you still have to stand in the Immigration queue.
DeleteVisa on Arrival is hassle free and cheaper because 1000 THB is equal to less than Rs. 2000.
thanks restless indian for your valuable posts... got 1.88 baht rate at CP, Delhi. will be flying early morning to bangkok...
ReplyDeleteWish you all the best. Enjoy your trip.
Deletehello good day, this is bel i am currently in the philippines, manila now. i am planning to go to bangkok on april 28,2013 and return on may 2, 2013. i will be meeting my bf there. i just want to ask if do i still need to apply a VOA since i am a filipino?? if yes, what am i going to bring with me in the airport. me and my bf will just have a vacation there so we will just stay in a hotel. the hotel reservation is under his name and we will stay there together. Do i still need book a hotel for the proof of hotel reservation or i just need to have the copy of the hotel were my bf reserved? do i also need a show money and pictures of us together as a proof that i am going there to see my bf?? and what are the payments i need to pay before going to bangkok??
ReplyDeleteP.S what are the names of the cheap shoppinng malls there ? coz i am planning to buy few dress.. hope to hear from you.. thank u... looking forward for ur responds. God Bless
Filipino citizens are covered in the 30 day visa exemption scheme. No need for VOA for you. Go for immigration after arrival there. You will need hotel address, booking in your bf's name will be ok. No need for pictures. Carry some money with you, at least equal to 10,000 Thai baht. There is no visa so no need for any visa fee. I have got some pages on shopping in Bangkok. Check this: Shopping in Bangkok
DeleteFROM PATTAYA TO OUR HOTEL IN BANGKOK CITY A 9 SEATER TAXI IS COSTING 1800 THB(ALL INCLUSIVE).IS IT OK TO BOOK IN ADVANCE FROM P.T.TAXI OR IS THERE ANY OTHER PROVIDER CHEAPER THAN THIS.
ReplyDeletePattaya to Bangkok (Victory Monument Station) costs 100 THB per head in shared 9 seater cab. 1800 THB for the full cab is a little too much. Try the cab stop behind Central Festival Mall on Second Road in Pattaya.
DeletePLEASE LET ME KNOW ON HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON A 9 SEATER TAXI FROM DON MUANG TO PATTAYA TOO.
ReplyDeleteA 4 seater cab from DMK to Pattaya costs 1500 THB. Anything under 2000 THB for a 9 seater is a good price. Dont think too much. If u can book thru internet, do it.
DeleteHi to you again, thank u for ur quick response, i do really appreciate it. I just want to clarify do i need to have an invitation letter to travel to bkk? My bf is not residing there and we will just go there for vacation for a few days, i will arrive earlier than him.. Is there any papers that the immigration might ask from me?? I wil not get any visas since ill be staying there for 4 days only. My concern is do the immigration here in the phils wil ask any documents from me? If yes what are those?? Im sorry for too many questions this is my first time traveling abroad, hope to hear from u . Thank u
ReplyDeleteYou don't need any invitation letter for travel to Thailand as a tourist. Usually, if you have a confirmed return or onward journey ticket, hotel reservation, passport with a remaining validity of at least six months, and money for living expenses, you should be OK. Fill up the arrival departure card they give you in the flight to Thailand. Your airline in Philippines will see your return air ticket. Tell the airline or immigration while leaving your country, if they ask, that yo don't need visa for travelling to Thailand.
DeleteThat answers all my questions! Thank You So very Much :-)
ReplyDeleteHi, i am travelling to bangkok on 4.7.13 and will stay upto 10.7.13, thereafter leaving for china. will return from china on 15.7.13. my flight from china reaches at 12.30 p.m and flight to india leaves at 4.30 p.m. what typr of visa will i be requiring for the two visits.
ReplyDeleteUpon arrival in Bangkok on 4.7.13, you will need to take visa on arrival. Upon returning from China on 15.7.13, if you need to collect your bags from the China flight and re-book your bags for the India flight, you will need to take visa on arrival again. If your incoming-outgoing flights are from the same airport and your luggage is booked up to India, you can stay in the transit area and catch your flight to India without taking any visa in bangkok.
DeleteHI Restless Indian,
ReplyDeleteThank you for all the information. I have few queries for you-
I will reach Suvarnabhoomi Airport at 00:50 on 8th June. I want to book flight from Bangkok to Phuket earliest and cheapest airline is Air-Asia. But the boarding is from D airport. Air-Asia had good frequency of Phuket flights from 5 AM onwards.
1. Could you please suggest what flight timing I should prefer considering VOA time,currency exchange time, travel time between Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airport?
2. Is there any other convenient way to reach Don Mueang airportother than shuttle bus available from Suvarnabhumi to Don Mueang airport, since the shuttle service starts only from 5 AM.
3. Can you suggest, if there is any restriction on size of LED TV purchased from Bangkok considering Indian Customs? I have seen most of the people buy 32 inches LED. I am planning to buy 40 inches one. As you have mentioned, I am aware of 35% duty above 25k.
Roads will be free at that time of the night and a Taxi will be the best option. Visa time will depend on the number of people there but if the queue is too long, you may take fast track by paying 200 THB extra. You can reach DMK by 3.00 AM, the 5.00 AM flight should be OK.
DeleteThere is no restriction on the size of TV but some airlines charge extra for carrying TVs larger than 32-inch.
Hi Dear Restless,
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for above helpful information. I have one query too:
:- I need VOI but I need by boarding pass take back with me for official reimbursement, do they submit the original boarding pass with them with required documents or return back? or you can suggest some way out.
Thanks in advance
Sharad
You can relax. The boarding pass will be returned to you after seeing at the preliminary examination counter.
Deletei am travelling to thailand with my wife for 4n/5d trip. 2nights in pattaya and 2 nights in bangkok. i have my hotel bookings done. however my hotel booking conformation e-mails for both hotels has just my name on it and says booking for 2 adults. will that be a problem for VOA.
ReplyDeletealso my booking representative said the VOA fees is 1900 THB per person. is it 1000 or 1900?
the other thing i was asked to carry was a proof that we had 20000THB per head while our stay in thailand. wat "proof" do i need to carry? how will they check the balance in my account if i carry a debit or credit card?
All hotel vouchers are like that. Just let your wife carry a copy of the voucher and it will be OK. VOA fee is 1000 THB per person and proof of funds required is 10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family. You may carry all cash (USD, THB, etc.) or part cash and your ATM card. They never ask about balance in the account. if you have the documents I listed in this page and a confirmed hotel booking, you will be fine.
DeleteThanks a lot sir. there's another thing i wanted to know...my trip package includes a trip to coral islands from pattaya. is there any chance for me to try deep sea diving there? if so do u happen to know how much that costs?
DeleteThere are plenty of options there. I think prices start at 1000 THB. Try google.
Deletehi sir,
ReplyDeletei am holding a gabonese passport and i am living in Tunisia. i have booked my ticket to Bangkok for 14days next month
so i want to know :
1.where i can get the VOA application form because i heard africans should send it before boarding and to whom i'll send it
2.if i need other documents like an invitation letter or sth else for the VOA knowing that i already have:
-my bank statement
-some cash in USD
-passport pictures
-my friend's address
thank u for the answer
I don't see Gabon in the list of countries eligible for Visa on Arrival. These are the links I could find:
DeleteVisa application form: http://royalthaiconsulatetunis.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Visa-Application-Form.pdf
Visa requirements and other information for passport holder of Gabon: http://www.thaiconsulatesydney.org/country/g/gabon
Hope it helps.
Hello the restless Indian,
ReplyDeleteI am travelling to Bangkok and relying on Visa on arrival. The photos I have have are 4.5 X 3.5 cm. Is it likely to cause an issue in visa?
Thanks,
Amit
They are not too particular about the size of the photo as long as the face is clearly visible. No problem.
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteGreat blog and thank you for taking the time to answer questions so patiently. I got a lot of good insights.
Here is my quick question...I am traveling with my family (5 people) from Bangalore to Koh Samui. We arrive at Bangkok airport at 5:55am and our flight to Samui is at 7:45am. I'm a bit paranoid and though I plan to take the fast track VOA line it still seems like we are cutting it too close. Any tips from your side? Also wanted to check...can I print the visa form on this site and fill it out and take it along in order to save time or do I have to take a form there and fill it out?
Thanks and keep up the good work!
Let me reply to your second question first. You can print the form given in this page & staple the photo in advance. I always do like this. When you reach the preliminary check counter, they will affix a rubber stamp on this form to validate it. The form you get at the visa on arrival help counter will already have that rubber stamp. There is no other difference. About the timing, your apprehension is justified. I guess you will be taking a different airline from BKK and will need to collect your bags after taking visa. Everything is doable if your flight arrives at BKK at 5.55am. I wish you good luck.
DeleteThank you. I will print the form and take it along.
DeleteSince I am flying Thai all the way to Samui I believe i will not have to collect my baggage and check it in again. Let's hope the flight lands at BKK on time.
In that case, even if there is a delay, Thai Airways will wait for you or take you to Samui in the next flight. You need not worry at all.
DeleteThat's a relief. Thanks again...
DeleteDear "the restless indian",
ReplyDeleteYou are really very helping person. I need your advice. I am going to Pattaya and Bangkok in June 2013. Every booking I had done except hotel booking in Bangkok in the last part of my trip. Will it cause problem in getting visa on arrival as I am thinking of booking hotel after reaching Bangkok. For Pattaya I have booked hotel for two nights stay. Do they ask for hotel booking for whole period at the time of getting visa on arrival at BKK. Please guide me.
Regards
If on the day of arrival you are heading straight to Pattaya, its OK. If you are going to Bangkok later from Pattaya, you can book your Bangkok hotel after going there. In the Visa form, write your Pattaya hotel address where they ask Address in Thailand.
Deletei am travelling to thailand on 26th may, i am boarding a bangkok airways flight and shall reach Bangkok and shall arrive bangkok by 650 am , my connecting flight to phuket is at 810 am, can i get my visa at phuket as time is too short in bangkok.
ReplyDeleteIs your flight to Phuket by the same airline? If so, please check with Bangkok Airways if they can transfer you to the Phuket flight from the transit area. That means your baggage will be already checked-in up to Phuket. If they can't, you need to clear Immigration and take Visa at Bangkok.
Deletethanks so much , yes my onward flight to phuket is through the same airline, shall check with bangkok airways on the same.
ReplyDeletewill it be raining in phuket? do we need to carry umbrellas /monsoon coats? pls advise.
ReplyDeleteDon't know
DeleteHey, travelling with children aged 11 and 13 what is the VOA process in bangkok for them? Do they have to stand in the line or can they accompany the parent?
ReplyDeleteWhen you go to the counter where they do preliminary scrutiny of documents and give a token number, go along with your kids. They will issue same tokens for you and kids so that you can go to the next counter together.
DeleteThank you for the wonderful advice you give everybody. Appreciate the good work.
Delete