Just joined the group. Searching for visa requirements for an Australian to visit Chiangmai in early March for 7 days of tourism. It LOOKS like I don't need a visa at the moment. Just turn up at the airport with a passport good for at least 6 months, some hotel bookings, a ticket out again that's valid and dated, and at least 2,000 THB. What have I missed???
2,139
views
4
likes
58
all likes
20
replies
1
images
9
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
Australians visiting Chiang Mai for tourism do not need a visa for stays up to 60 days as they are eligible for a visa exempt entry. Travelers should have a passport valid for at least six months, hotel bookings, a valid return ticket, and an amount of 20,000 THB or equivalent (though this is rarely checked). It's also advisable to have onward travel plans.
This is from the London Thai Embassy website FAQs :
"14. Can I go to Thailand if the validity of my passport is less than 6 months?
As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when travelling internationally. Most countries will not permit a travel to enter their country, and will reject visa application, unless the passport will be expired at least six months after the final day of travel. So, if your passport has less than six months remaining until the expiration date, you should renew it right away.
However, if you are entitled to Thailand's tourist visa exemption scheme, may not notice the expiry of your passport until last minute, and decide to go to Thailand anyway, this is at your own risk. It is entirely the discretion of the airlines and the immigration officer whether or not to allow you on board the aircraft and enter Thailand, respectively.
Please make sure of the validity of your passport whenever you plan to travel. "
Believe it or not, Thai Embassy websites (run by the Ministry of Frieign Affairs) contain errors on Immigration matters (run by the Ministry of the Interior).
Reply to
Graham ******
Reply
Tod *********
You as an aussie passport holder will have no issue stamping in on a 60 day visa exempt entry (free stamp entry).
You are highly unlikely to be asked ANYTHING by the officers at passport control when you stamp in.
You said you have onward travel so that is all your airline can require.
Mick ********
While it's unlikely you will be asked for anything by the IO you could be asked and should have everything to meet the entry requirements.
as a general rule unless you have a crazy entry/stay history here (milking free entry stamps to live here) there is slim to none chance of being asked anything
and usually the first thing they will ask for if they're going to hassle you on entry is onward travel ๐
As the O/P has confirmed onward travel in 9 days I'd say they're pretty well covered comin' in.
Reply to
Tod *********
Reply
Mick ********
That's about it, just add a zero to money, need to have equivalent to 20,000 baht, so $1k AUD will cover it, not that they normally ask to see it but better to have it just incase.
I have never been asked either but it is a requirement to have it in CASH on you and if you get an IO that's following all the rules it can be used to deny your entry, showing a bank balance doesn't cover it, so better to be safe and follow the rules just incase you are asked to show it. Personally I would always have more then that is cash anyway.
I have never heard anyone ask to show proof of money. I think it's more people from Cambodia and Malaysian and laos people. I have heard from a friend in Malaysia that they had to show money
yeah I have never heard of an Aussie being asked to show it, I have only ever been asked to show onward ticket and accommodation, but as it's a requirement I always have it on me just incase.