So you have everything booked and will soon be on your way, but you have a thousand questions! What about your visa? Is Thailand safe? do you need any vaccines? Where's the best islands?
We have compiled a list of the most common things asked about arrival (and departure) and one or two tips for when you arrive
This page will assist you with answers to those and many other questions
Thailand Travel, Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How easy is it to navigate the airport?
A: All Thailand's airports are sign posted in both English and Thai and are very easy to find your way around. You will most likely arrive via Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. We have compiled a guide HERE.
Q: What are the countries and territories from which travellers may enter Thailand?
A: Thailand is open to all travellers from any countries and territories from around the world, although you should check the travel advice from your own Government. EG: in the UK the Foreign Office, or in the US, the Bureau of Consular Affairs run by The State Department.
Q: What are the visa requirements, if any?
A: For tourism purposes, there are currently two types of visa, for which travellers may apply for
• Tourist visa (single entry): stay up to 60 days with possible one-time extension of 30 days.
• Tourist visa (multiple entry): stay up to 60 days but valid for re-entry for 6 months
For other types of visa’s we can obtain click HERE
Visa on Arrival
Foreign travellers from certain countries can apply to be exempted from a visa. This exemption, although not technically a visa is known as Visa on Arrival (VOA), However, the VOA will be granted for only 30 days with only one possible extension and at the discretion of the immigration officer when you reapply.
Q: I’ve heard of people doing a ‘Visa Run’ to get a new visa by leaving the country for just a few hours, how does this work?
A: Officially Visa runs (a trip over the border and returning quickly, often the same day) are limited to two per year.
Q: What is the COVID-19 test requirement to enter Thailand?
Currently there are no restrictions to entering the Kingdom in regard to Covid -19.
Q: In the event that Covid rears it’s ugly head again, which vaccines are accepted by the Thai Authorities?
A: Thailand currently approves 10 COVID-19 vaccines. A list can be found here.
Q: What about other types of vaccinations?
A: Obviously the best advice would come from your own doctor. Most doctors recommend vaccination against tetanus and hepatitis. Also consider a rabies shot – dogs, cats and monkeys can all carry the viral disease. Malaria is present along the borders with Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Malaysia. If you visit these regions, consider use of anti-malarial prophylaxis such as atovaquone/proguanil or doxycycline.
Q: Is insurance is compulsory?
A: During COVID-19, Thailand imposed several travel restrictions and requirements. Among these was now a requirement that foreign nationals planning to enter the country must provide evidence of insurance against the disease. This has since been removed and travel insurance is now optional for tourists. Of course it's always been common sense to have adequate travel insurance, and we would recommend you don’t travel without it. Healthcare in Thailand can be very expensive. LINK TO INSURANCE
Q: What are the rules of ‘weed’, I hear it is legal now?
A: In June 2022, marijuana and hemp were removed from the Category 5 narcotics list in Thailand. However, there are still restrictions and smoking marijuana in public is not recommended.
Q: Can I bring in Prescription Medication?
A: In general yes, but check that these are allowed into Thailand before you travel. As an extra precaution keep a copy of the prescription to hand to demonstration to Immigration that they were prescribed to you. Note:- many drugs which will be only available at home on prescription can often be bought over the counter in a Thai pharmacy (eg Anti-biotics)
Q: Where are the tourist information centres located?
Tourist information is available at the Tourism Authority of Thailand head office in Bangkok, local offices in 22 major cities, and the TAT information counter at every airport where there is a TAT local office. They provide maps, brochures and useful information on tours, shopping, dining and accommodation. All TAT information offices are open seven days a week from 8.30 AM. to 4.30 PM. For more detail about local offices in 22 major cities, visit the Amazing Thailand site
Q: What is there to see and do?
Thailand truly has something for everyone, whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion. The country's stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing. Meanwhile, a cruise along the Chao Phraya River offers a unique perspective on Bangkok's bustling cityscape.
For those interested in Thai culture, there are countless events and festivals to attend throughout the year. From the famous Songkran water festival to the Loy Krathong lantern festival, these celebrations offer a glimpse into Thailand's rich history and traditions.
Sports enthusiasts can witness the excitement of Thai boxing matches or hit the links at one of Thailand's world-class golf courses. And for those seeking wellness and relaxation, Thailand is renowned for its medical tourism industry as well as its meditation retreats.
Foodies will delight in taking Thai cooking classes to learn how to make traditional dishes like pad thai and green curry.
Bangkok features the following attractions: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Emerald Buddha Temple, National Museum, and Floating Market.
Ayutthaya attractions are the Bang Pa In palace, Ayutthaya historical park and wat chaiwatthanaram. Chiangmai features Doi Inthanon and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep as its attractions. Phuket has Patong Beach and many secluded, romantic beach resorts as its major attractions.
Thailand is a country with lots of cool places to visit. Some of the best places to go are Krabi and Phan Nga, where you can go rock climbing and see amazing islands like Koh Phi Phi and James Bond Island. Another great place is Kanchanaburi, where you can see the famous bridge of River Khwai and the beautiful seven tiered Erawan waterfall.
If you prefer to see some other islands, how about Ko Samui and the nearby islands of Koh Tao and Koh Pha Ngan. You can also go kayaking around Mu Ang Thong Marine National Park. Koh Lan, off the coast at Pattaya is a really pretty island.
Finally, if you like nature, you should check out Nakhon Ratchasima, which has a really cool national park called Khao Yai
But there are still lots more places to explore in Thailand! There are so many cool things to see all over the country, so you should definitely go and explore for yourself.
Q: Are there any parts of Thailand to be avoided for safety reasons?
A: On the whole Thailand is a safe place for sensible tourists. Big cities such as Bangkok are actually safer than many European or North American ones. Obviously if you flaunt large amounts of money or make a pickpocket’s job easy, of course you stand to get robbed, just as you would at home.
In addition, be aware that the far south of Thailand, along the Malaysian border, has been troubled by a separatist insurgency since the 1940s. Most foreign governments advise against travel to Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and parts of Songkhla. Check with your own Government website.
© Copyright 2024. All rights reserved. The information and commentary on this website is provided free of charge for information purposes only. The information does not, and is not intended to, amount to legal advice to any person. We try to make sure information is accurate at the date it is published. Immigration requirements change on a regular basis. For the latest update contact us directly. Thai Embassy UK and ThaiEmbassyUK.co.uk are trading names of The Penn Visa Company.
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