You have to admit, sometimes the whole thing seems backwards, but the trick to being successful at the VISA game is understanding the rules. Gaining this understanding is further complicated by bad information running rampant. First, the basics. For a good look at visa regulations, consult the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs website at: www.mfa.go.th/web/12.php and get the official version. Generally most of us are interested in the “Tourist” visa, the Non-Immigrant B (business) visa, or the Non-Immigrant O (retirement) visa. The basic rules for all three are on the website, as well as fees and processes.
In its simplest form, there are 39 countries whose citizens are eligible for an entry permit without a visa that is good for 30 days, and may be renewed for an additional 15 days. The initial 30 day period has no fee, and the extension (available at the Pattaya Immigration Office on Soi 8, costs 1900 Baht. If you need to apply for this (or other) extensions, you should try to be a the visa office in the morning to make your application. You will need to complete the required form, and provide a recent visa photo, as well as a copy of the main page of your passport and the pages containing your current visa stamp, current visa (if any) and your current departure card.
The 39 countries on the list for entry without prior visa include: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bahrain, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Singapore, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, and Vietnam. The normal “Tourist” visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, and is issued for 60 days, with a 30 day extension available at the Soi 8 office as well. The initial visa fee is 1000 Baht per entry, and the extension is 1900 Baht. Requirements for a “Tourist Visa” include a valid passport with at least 6 months time remaining, a visa application form, on recent photo, a return air ticket, demonstrated financial support (20,000 baht per person or 40,000 baht per family). Individual consular offices have the right to request additional documents they deem necessary. Starting in our next issue, we will look at the documents and processes for the Non-Immigrant B visa.
WE NEED YOUR HELP. Getting the official version is only a starting place. We all know that not every embassy in every country processes things in exactly the same way. We hope to begin sharing experiences (good and bad) that our readers have had in the visa process. Please feel free to write your story and send it to us via e-mail at: editor@pattayainfo.com or bring them by the office on Pattaya Tai (South Road), just past the Third Road intersection.
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