Passport/Visa | Passport Required? | Visa Required? | Return Ticket Required? |
| British | Yes | No | Yes |
| Australian | Yes | No | Yes |
| Canadian | Yes | No | Yes |
| USA | Yes | No | Yes |
| Other EU | Yes | 1 | Yes |
PassportsPassport valid for
six months beyond intended length of stay required by all nationals of countries referred to in the chart above.
VisasNot required by nationals of countries referred to in the chart above for tourist stays, provided they hold valid passports, sufficient funds and confirmed tickets to leave Thailand, except
1. nationals of Bulgaria, Malta and Romania who
do need to obtain a visa before traveling to Thailand. All other nationals may stay visa-free for stays of the following durations: (a) 15 days for nationals of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovak Republic and Slovenia, who must obtain an entry visa on arrival; (b) 30 days for all other nationals listed in the chart above.
Visa NoteNationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see
General Info).
Types of Visa and CostSingle-entry
tourist visa: £25.
Validity60 days.
Applications to:Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission); see
General Info.
Working Days RequiredTwo. Seven by post.
WarningTravelers are advised against all but essential travel to, or through, the far southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla, where there is continuing violence due to insurgency and civil unrest. Since January 2004, there have been regular attacks including bombings and shootings. Most recently, on 18 and 19 February 31 bombs exploded in the far southern provinces. The Thai Government has declared a serious state of emergency in the provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat.
There is a high threat from terrorism throughout Thailand. Attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets in public places including those places frequented by foreigners.
On 31 December 2006, eight bombs exploded in various locations in Bangkok, killing three people and injuring at least 36 others including six foreigners. On 23 February 2007, the Thai authorities warned that there could be further attacks in Bangkok which could happen at any time. They have strengthened security in the city. Visitors should exercise caution when traveling within Bangkok.
On 19 September 2006, there was a coup against the Thai civilian government and martial law was imposed throughout the country. An interim Prime Minister was appointed on 1 October 2006 and on 26 January 2007 martial law was lifted in 41 (of the total of 76) provinces, including Bangkok. There remains a risk of further political instability in Thailand. Travelers are advised to avoid any demonstrations and large crowds.
Penalties for possession, distribution or manufacture of drugs are severe and can include the death penalty.
Outbreaks of avian influenza (bird flu) in Thailand have resulted in a small number of human fatalities. The most recent fatality was in Uthai Thani Province in central Thailand on 3 August 2006. The Thai authorities are currently investigating suspected outbreaks in a number of other central, north and north eastern provinces. As a precaution, visitors should avoid live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where they may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.
The monsoon season in Thailand is normally September and October. It was particularly severe in October 2006 and there has been heavy flooding in lowland areas in many parts of Thailand.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:
British Foreign and Commonwealth Office Tel: (0845) 850 2829.
Website:
www.fco.gov.uk US Department of State Website:
http://travel.state.gov/travel Health | Special Precautions | Certificate Required? |
| Yellow Fever | No | 1 |
| Cholera | 2 | No |
| Typhoid and Polio | 3 | No |
| Malaria | 4 | No |
Health CareHealth insurance is recommended. Medical facilities are good in main centers. All major hotels have doctors on call.
Note1A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over one year of age arriving from infected areas. Countries and areas included in endemic zones are considered to be infected areas.
2Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry to Thailand. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness.
3Vaccination against typhoid is advised.
4Malaria risk exists throughout the year in rural areas throughout the country, especially in forested and hilly areas and around the international borders. There is no risk in cities and the main tourist resorts, eg Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket and Samui. The malignant
falciparum form is present and is reported to be highly resistant to chloroquine and resistant to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. Resistance to mefloquine and to quinine has been reported from areas near the borders with Myanmar and Cambodia.
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