Visas and Visa Runs in the Kingdom of Thailand

Not as easy or as cheap to get as they used to be

“The Americans are credited with inventing pop culture and the industry which surrounds it.  The Thais should be duly credited for creating a visa culture.  Web sites, forums, and travel agents have sprouted wherever new confusing visa regulations have been planted.” Doug Knell, Doug’s Republic

Thailand is not unique in having visa regulations.  Nearly all countries do.  What is unique is the inconsistency in the way these visas are issued, the mandatory 3-month exit rule for nearly all long term visitors, and the convoluted immigration rules for those non-Thais with the legal right to work and/or live in Thailand.  Web sites and forums have sprung up to discuss just these issues, and no one can be 100% of the answers as speculation and rumors are rife.

For most visitors to Thailand, a visa won’t even be required. They’ll be staying two weeks to a month.  Most Eastern European nations, China, India, Taiwan, and some Middle Eastern nations can apply for a visa on arrival and stay up to 15 days.  The more stable wealthier nations such as the USA, Australia, Japan, the European Union, and New Zealand, can stay 30 days, along with Hong Kong, Laos, Macau, Mongolia, Russia, and Vietnam.   Argentina, Brazil, Chile, South Korea, and Peru can stay 90 days without a visa.  Information can AND WILL change without notice.

Those staying periods only apply if you fly into Thailand, however.  If you come in overland from a neighboring country, most people eligible for a 30-day stay will now find they can only stay 15 days.

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2. Working In Thailand
3. Number Of Foreigners Living In Thailand
4. Khon Kaen
5. Australian Visas