Tourist visas are generally granted upon arrival into Thailand, at least for most Nationals from Western Countries. These can be valid from 30 – 90 days depending on your country of origin and your plans. These visas can be easily obtained when passing through immigrations at the airport. Visa extensions are now available in Hua Hin, next to the Police Office. If you are planning on making several trips back and forth to neighboring countries you will want to ask for a multiple entry visa which is only about $20 US. A multiple entry visa can be granted when you leave Thailand. Normally a 30 day grace period is required before each entry into Thailand but it is up to the discretion of the Thai Immigration Officer whether to enforce it. If you are planning on living in Thailand, you should apply for either a retirement visa (if you qualify - 50 years of age with sufficient funds) or a Non-immigrant visa. Although there are many ex-pats who live quite freely in Thailand by doing visa runs as needed, this could actually be challenged at any time. Especially if you have purchased a home, or wish to work, it would be wise to ensure that your visa papers are in order. Visas in Singapore typically take only one day to process and can often be picked up the following afternoon. Monday's generally have a longer line, so if possible, wait the extra day until Tuesday and you'll spend less time at the Thai Embassy.. A non-immigrant visa is good for 90 days to 1 year. You should apply for this visa if you plan to do business in Thailand or reside with a Thai spouse. You will need either a letter from your employer/ spouse’s employer, or a marriage certificate with your Thai spouse, photos & your passport and currently $85 Singapore. Later on as the visa application process, you will need a medical certificate from a Thai doctor for submission. These can be easily obtained at the Hospital or medical clinics and are not very expensive. The medical examination generally is not very elaborate, as long as you appear to be in good health. In fact, if your situation is typical, the examination will probably consist of the doctor spending about 5 minutes asking about your general health. However, the wait to see the hospital doctor, can take sometimes take a couple of hours. The medical report is generally valid for about 30 days. Being from a western country normally only one visa application form needs to be filled out. However to save time and frustration, it might be wise to fill out a second in case it is requested. The line ups can be long if you go on a Monday and you must take a number. If you don’t require the work permit then a display of sufficient funds (copy of a bank book) in a Thai Bank account will suffice. When applying for a non-immigrant visa, you begin with a 90 day visa and then extend to a year by submitting an application to the Immigration Department with the appropriate paper work. This normally requires multiple trips. If the one year application has not been processed before your visa expires, then you must ask the clerk to stamp your passport with an extension. Extension are usually granted for one month intervals. If you are planning on applying for long term status in Thailand, it is important not to overstay your visa as this could negatively affect your approval, at a later date. If you need to leave Thailand and re-enter before your 90 day visa expires and you don't have a multiple entry visa, you will have to re-apply but with current reference letters. Retirement Visas can be applied for by anyone over the age of 50 showing sufficient means and wishes to retire in Thailand. Sufficient means can translate into the money needed to purchase a house or if you plan on renting, an income of $20,000 US a year. Transit visas are quite similar to a tourist visa, but require a ticket to be shown so the immigration officer knows you will be continuing your travels. They are issued for 30 days, so this is not really the visa you would want if you are planning on entering Thailand numerous times. In the last year, with the huge wave of new foreign visitors and homeowners arriving in Thailand there has been increased pressure by the Thailand government to get their immigration in order, and perhaps rightly so. Homeowners who create companies to hold their homes generally are not the target. Rather the focus of the government’s attention seems to be foreign operated businesses working without proper work permits who are trying to stay off the radar and avoid paying proper income tax. Expats will find that any business they set up are now more likely to be investigated to insure proper visas and paperwork are in order, and be guaranteed that the taxman will visit, so keep company books up-to-date and in order. As of March 15, 2006, fines for visa overstays have increased to 500 baht per day. However when it is combined, the total will not exceed the maximum penalty of 20,000 baht. The fine will be enforced on your way out and major violations of overstaying for months or years will have more serious implications, especially if you are applying for residency visas. When passing through immigrations at the airport or here in Hua Hin, it is prudent to check your passport stamp. Due to the cumbersome Thai system and the number of stamps used errors with stamp dates are often made. Mistakes made by the Thai immigration workers though will not grant you immunity, although perhaps some sympathy. Overstays will be your responsibility and you will have to pay the fine, even if the mistake comes from Thai immigration. Thai custom agents at the airport are generally quite reasonable. There normally isn’t a problem with bringing in valuable personal belongings or business equipment. If you are carrying more than one copy of something that is obviously re-sellable and valuable, such a mobile phones or watches be prepared to do some explaining. Best to declare them when entering the country so you can avoid potential problems when exiting. Buddha images are tightly controlled, especially the larger ones, or antiques. You need to get a license from an approved national museum to bring many such items out of the country. Drugs, guns and pornography are banned in Thailand, as well as certain other items, such as harpoon for fishing. Possessing drugs is a very serious crime in Thailand. Even though it is advisable for ex-pats to get longer term visas for work permits or residency in Thailand, “visa runs” by ex-pats are a common occurrence. When working in Thailand, consider that extra effort really should be applied in order to get a work permit. This is one violation, which if you are caught could result in your deportation. Back to topic, visa runs have become a lucrative business and many travel companies offer packages for visa renewals. With the visa runs make sure that all the paperwork you need is with you. Get a multiple re-entry visa if you will be traveling outside of Thailand again before your next visa expires. This can be done 3rd floor of the Bangkok Airport. Allow extra time, you will need to fill out an application and get a passport photo. Photo stations are available at the airport. Although there are a number of neighboring countries with Thai Embassies, many of the ex-pats prefer to travel to either - Penang, (Malaysia) or Singapore. They are deemed safer and have much more consistent rules. Penang is fairly modern and inexpensive. English is commonly spoken and there are a great many computer/electronic shops and guest houses/hotels with resort type settings. Many of guest houses will offer services to renew your visa for a fee and although one should get a receipt when letting go of their passport, there have been few reported problems with passport theft. Typically, the Thai consulate here processes the visa applications efficiently and without hassle. Westerns can travel to Malaysia without needing to get a visa from the Malay Embassy, unlike some of the neighboring countries like Laos or Cambodia. Singapore is another option and is well known for great shopping and restaurants. Be advised the Embassy, in Singapore is quite strict and many have been denied renewals of tourist visas at the Thai Embassy which often enforces the official 30 day waiting period when re-entering Thailand. There are reportedly, companies in Thailand who will renew your visa for you for a fee. Generally, this should not be considered as it is illegal and more often than not, the companies are actually fronts for thieves who want to steal your passport. At the Thai Embassy in Singapore, there is a warning concerning this. Once you have your retirement visa or immigrant visa in place, you will be allowed to ship your personal effects and furniture to Thailand. Each family is allowed one shipment, which is not taxable. In addition it must reach Thailand within 6 months of the acceptance of your immigrant/retirement visa. You can receive additional shipments but they will be assessed and duty is applied accordingly at the discretion of the duty agent. A good contact is important if you don’t have all your paperwork in order, as tea money can often be applied in lieu of this. Documents you will need are original passport, non-immigrant visa or resident visa valid for 1 year, original work permit, valid for one year. Inventory (two copies, legible and in English) showing the following details: Manner of packing, carton, wrapped, crated, etc.). For all electrical appliance the brand name, model and serial number. For TV’s the diameter for the picture tube and whether color or black and white. You will also need a copy of insurance policy (if applicable) and the shipper’s contact address and phone number. For custom regulations, the customer must be in the country for customs clearance. All shipments are subject to inspection. Anyone with a full year Work Permit (or one year Visa) and returning Thai residents who have lived more than one year abroad (too frequent traveling back and forth can cause problems with customs) will be considered for duty-free exemption. Customers are allowed duty-free import of one air and one sea shipment from country of last residence. Shipment must not arrive before the customer. Goods must arrive no later than six months after the date on the Work Permit. Goods must originate from the same country as the customer. New items (less than six month old) require invoices, Alcoholic beverages, and works of art and antiquities are restricted. High duty is applied to stereos, video equipment, all appliances, luxury items, carpets, food and office equipment. Only one of each type of electrical appliances is allowed. Duplicate appliance will be charged full duties. Computers, fax machines and phones can cause problems, as they may not be considered as household/personal effects, but rather as dutiable office equipment. Automobiles and motorcycles are heavily taxed and require approval from the Ministry of Commerce prior to forwarding of vehicles from origin. Water vehicles must prove legal ownership. Animals are subject to duties. Information such as sex, name, age and breed should be provided to Destination Agent well in advance of importation of animal. Quarantine may be required, documents such as import permit, health certificate with evidence that rabies vaccination has been administered 7 days prior to departure, certificate of vaccination and pedigree (if available). Prohibited items include narcotics and drugs, medical equipment, gold and silver, plants (health certificate required), several plants and fruits. Radio equipment and transmitters of any kind, firearms, weapons, ammunition and dangerous objects are subject to taxes and licensing, which take a very long time. Goods of this type should not be included in household goods shipment. You will want to go through a reliable shipping agent who provides door- to- door service. There are many reports of people having their belongings wind up at the airport terribly damaged, looted and/or held for ransom for ridiculous custom charges. Better rates have been negotiated but this often entails a great deal of patience and waiting for long periods of time in hot warehouses in order to do so. Feel free to send me emails with your questions, comments and concerns and we will answer your emails as best we can. |