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Entry and Departure/ Safety

Thailand

Tourist Visa Exemption:

US and Canadian citizens are not required to obtain a visa when entering Thailand for tourism purposes and are permitted to stay in the Kingdom for a period not exceeding 30 days on each visit. You will be required to have a valid passport that will not expire for at least 6 months from date of entry, and may be asked for proof of return or ongoing flight or itinerary. You must have adequate finances, which the Thai Consulate shows as 10,000 Thai Baht (approximately $325) for individuals, and 20,000 Baht for families. There is a 700 Baht departure tax charged when leaving Thailand, but this is included in all tickets issued for international flights.

Foreigners who enter Thailand under the Tourist Visa Exemption may re-enter and stay in Thailand for a cumulative duration of stay not to exceed 90 days within 6 months of the date of first entry. For additional information click here: Embassy of Thailand.

Health:

No specific immunizations are required for US travelers entering Thailand from the United States, but travel.state.gov has reported that there are certain unenforced HIV/Aids restrictions for travelers, but we have not been able to substantiate that statement. If this is concern to you please contact the Embassy of Thailand. Additonally, visa applicants who have traveled from or through countries which have been declared Yellow Fever Infected Areas must provide an International Health Certificate proving that they have received a Yellow Fever vaccination. A list of those countries, and additional information can be found at the Royal Thai Embassy. Always consult your physician or health practitioner about recommended procedures or immunizations, before traveling to foreign countries.

Safety:

Crime rates in Bangkok, and Thailand's other major cities, are relatively low, and typically lower than in many US cities. The most prevalent crimes are opportunitic such as pickpocketing in crowded areas, and theives that cut into tourist's bags and serreptitiously remove valuables. Violent crime against tourists is rare, although there have been reported incidents recently in Phuket and Koh Samui, and repports of overcharging, and threatening behavior by taxis or "tuk-tuks" is not uncommon. There are also known scams incvolving the sale of gems, city tours, credit cards, and enertainment. Independent travelers should always use common sense and caution, particulary when traveling alone in Thailand or anywhere else. For more information please visit travel.state.gov.