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Thailand Visas
For a holiday visa regulations in Thailand are very simple indeed. For anything more than that they become labyrinthine verging on Byzantine. Not only that, the rules are liable to change at short notice confusing not only the foreign investor, businessman or long term visitor, but also the Thai officials who are required to implement the rules. This state of affairs is in the process of being overhauled, but whatever your reason to visit it is always worth checking the visa requirements before you leave home.
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Visitors from most countries who arrive in Thailand without a visa will be granted a 30 day stay on arrival.
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For longer stays you should apply for a visa before leaving home. A tourist visa allows the visitor to stay for 60 days. You should enter Thailand within 90 days of the visa being issued otherwise it will expire.
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The 30 day visa on arrival cannot be extended, but a 60 day visa can be extended.
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If you plan to leave Thailand for a short trip, and then return before your visa expires, a re-entry permit can be obtained from the immigration office.
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Those qualifying for visas on arrival can come in and out of the country as many times as they wish, but they can only stay for a maximum of 90 days in any six month period. If they stay 90 days then they must leave for 90 days before they are entitled to another visa on arrival, although they can go and request a tourist visa from a Thai Embassy or Consulate in another country and then and come back into the country.
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To apply for a visa you need:
- Current Passport or Travel Document with validity not less than 6 months.
- One completed and signed application form.
- Two passport-size photographs (2"x2") (Photostat or Photocopy are not accepted). Photographs must have a light colour background with a full- face view of the person without wearing a hat or dark glasses. Photos must be taken within 6 months.
- If submitting the application in person, processing fees are payable only in cash.
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If you are doing business, seeking medical treatment, involved in education, media or missionary work you may be eligible for a non immigrant visa. These are valid for 90 days. You will need a letter stating your reasons. If it is employment then that would need to be from your employer. If it is medical then a letter from a licensed doctor is required. You can apply for an extension once in Thailand.
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If you are over 50 years old and can show sufficient funds then you can apply for a retirement visa which is indefinitely renewable as long as you remain solvent.
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About The Author
Alex Smith maintains and manages the Cheap Thailand Travel website at http://www.cheapthaitravel.com - All of the materials on this site are the sole property and responsibility of Cheapthaitravel.com. This material may not be reproduced in any form without express written permission.
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