Asia and Oceania

Visa Requirements

 

British passport holders arriving by air may enter Thailand for up to 30 days without obtaining a visa in advance of arrival.  However, those arriving at overland crossings will only be given visa free entry valid for 15 days.  If you intend to stay in Thailand for longer than the time endorsed on arrival, or you intend to work in the country, you must obtain an extension of stay or a valid visa.
 

Overstaying without the proper authority is a serious matter and you can be held in detention until a fine is paid.  The only legal way of obtaining a new visa, entry permit or extension of stay is from a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate, an Immigration Officer at a point of entry into Thailand or one of the Immigration Offices around the country.

 

Visas issued by visa shops, travel agents or by any other means are likely to be illegal and lead to criminal proceedings, which may result in a large fine or imprisonment.  You would also be prohibited from entering Thailand again.

If you have any queries about visas or entry requirements, you should check with the Royal Thai Embassy.

Passport validity

 

Entry to Thailand is normally refused if you have a passport with less than six months’ validity. Entry is also normally refused if your passport is damaged, or if pages are missing from your passport.

 

Employment in Thailand

 

You need a work permit, which is difficult to obtain and time consuming, in order to work legally in Thailand.  If you enter Thailand on a tourist visa you are not allowed to take up employment.  Failure to observe this rule can lead to arrest and deportation.

Travelling with children

 

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country, or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.  Thai authorities do not require such evidence, but if you have any concerns please check with the Royal Thai Embassy.