People planning a Thai getaway have been issued with an update by the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO). On Thursday, August 15, the FCDO highlighted “new information” on its travel advice page for Thailand, specifically regarding visa entry requirements.
The latest guidance states: “New information on visa entry requirements”. For those looking to soak up the sun or conduct business in Thailand, the updated visa section clarifies: “You can visit Thailand for a period of 60 days for the purpose of tourism, business engagements, and urgent or ad-hoc work. This visa category can be extended for another period not exceeding 30 days.”
Moreover, travellers can secure a multiple-entry visa for up to 60 days if arranged in advance. However, for longer stays involving work, study, or other activities, securing a visa prior to arrival is mandatory.
The FCDO also cautions against overstaying your visa, warning of fines amounting to 500 Thai baht per day, capping at 20,000 baht. Overstayers face detention, deportation at their own cost, or even a ban from re-entering Thailand for a decade, reports Bristol Live.
The FCDO notes that “conditions in detention centres can be harsh”. To gain entry, your passport must have at least six months remaining from the date of arrival and contain one blank page.
The FCDO cautioned that those without valid travel documents or attempting to use a lost or stolen passport would be refused entry. Furthermore, dual-nationals are advised to exit Thailand using the same passport they entered with to avoid immigration issues.
The FCDO has also highlighted areas where all but essential travel is discouraged. These include regions in the south near the Thailand-Malaysia border.
Additionally, the FCDO advises against non-essential travel on the Hat Yai to Padang Besar train line running through these provinces due to frequent terrorist attacks near the Malaysian border.