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| - 13-01-2006 General information for foreigners | GENERAL INFORMATION by Ministry of Foreign AffairsAs a general rule, any foreigner seeking entry into the Kingdom of Thailand for business, investment, study, medical treatment, mass media, religion, employment and other purposes is required to apply for a visa from a Thai Embassy or Consulate-General. To do so, a foreigner must possess a valid passport or travel document that is recognized by the Royal Thai Government and comply with the conditions set forth in the Immigration Act B.E.2522 (1979) and its related provisions. Visaing and visa exemption will be under the terms and conditions as provided in the Ministerial Regulations (2) Having no appropriate means of living following entrance into the Kingdom. (3) Having entered into the Kingdom to take occupation as a labourer, or to take employment by using physical energy without skills or training , or to work in violation of the Alien Work Permit Law. (4) Being mentally unstable or having any of the diseases as prescribed in the Ministerial Regulations. (5) Having not yet been vaccinated against smallpox or inoculated or undergone any other medical treatment for protection against disease and having refused to have such vaccinations administered by the Immigration Doctor. (6) Having been imprisoned by the judgement of the Thai Court ; or by a lawful injunction; or by the judgement of the Court of foreign country, except when the penalty is for petty offense or negligence or is provided for as an exception in the Ministerial Regulations. (7) Having behavior which would indicate possible danger to the Public or likelihood of being nuisance or constituting any violence to the peace or safety of the public or to the security of the public or to the security of the nation, or being under warrant of arrest by competent officials of foreign governments. (8) Reason to believe that entrance into the Kingdom was for the purpose of being involved in prostitution, the trading of women of children, drug smuggling, or other types of smuggling which are contrary to the public morality. (9) Having no money or bond as prescribed by the Minister under Section 14 of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 . (10) Being a person prohibited by the Minister under Section 16 of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522. (11) Being deported by either the Government of Thailand that of or other foreign countries; or the right of stay in the Kingdom or in foreign countries having been revoked; or having been sent out of the Kingdom by competent officials at the expense of the Government of Thailand unless the Minister shall consider exemption on an individual special case basis. 1. TRANSIT VISA1. REQUIREMENT This type of visa will be issued to applicants who wish to enter the Kingdom for the following purposes : - to travel in transit through the Kingdom in order to proceed to the country of destination or to re-enter his/her own country (category "TS") - to participate in sports activities (sportsmen, sportswomen, etc.)(category "S") *** - the person in charge or crew of a conveyance coming to a port, station or area in the Kingdom (category "C") 2. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED - Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months - Visa application form completely filled out - One recent( 4 x 6 cm.) photograph of the applicant - Instrument of means of transportation (confirmed air ticket paid in full) - Evidence of adequate finance (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht (per family) - Visa of a third country in a passport or travel document - Letter of invitation stating the application's participation in sports activities in the Kingdom - Consular officers reserve the rights to request for additional document as deemed necessary 3. VISA FEE 800 Baht per entry ( Visa fee may be changed without prior notice ) 4. VALIDITY OF A VISA The validity of a visa is three months. 5. VALIDITY OF A STAY Travellers coming to Thailand with this type of visa will be permitted to stay in the Kingdom for a period not exceeding 30 days at any time. 6. EXTENSION OF STAY Those who wish to stay longer or may wish to change their status of visa must file an application for permission at the Office of Immigration Bureau located on Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120 , Tel (662) 287-3101-10 (or at http://www.police.go.th/thaiimb/frconten.htm ). The extension of stay as well as the change of certain type of visa is solely at the discretion of the Immigration officer. *** Those who are scheduled to stay in the Kingdom longer than one month , Non-Immigrant Visa category “O” can be issued to them 2. TOURIST VISA 1. REQUIREMENT This type of visa will be issued to applicants who wishing to enter the Kingdom for tourism purposes . 2. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED - Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months - Visa application form completely filled out - One recent( 4 x 6 cm.) photograph of the applicant - Air ticket paid in full - Financial means (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family) - Consular officers reserve the rights to request for additional documents as deemed necessary 3. VISA FEE 1,000 Baht per entry ( Visa fee may be changed without prior notice ) 4. VALIDITY OF A VISA The validity of a visa is three months. 5. VALIDITY OF A STAY Upon arrival, visitors with this type of visa will be permitted to stay in the Kingdom of Thailand for a period not exceeding 60 days at any time. 6. EXTENSION OF STAY Those who wish to stay longer or may wish to change their status of visa must file an application for permission at the Office of Immigration Bureau located on Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120 , Tel (662) 287-3101-10 (or at http://www.police.go.th/thaiimb/frconten.htm ). The extension of stay as well as the change of certain type of visa is solely at the discretion of the Immigration officer. 7. Applicants who are nationals of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Sudan, Algeria, Libya, Yemen, Egypt and Palestinian State Passport holders of India , Pakistan , Bangladesh , Sri Lanka , Nepal , Syria , Iraq , Iran , Lebanon , Sudan , Algeria , Libya , Yemen , Egypt and Palestinian States are requested to file for application at the Thai Embassy/Consulate-General where they have their permanent residence. 1. REQUIREMENT This type of visa is designed for applicants who wish to enter the Kingdom for the following purposes. - to perform official duties (Category "F") - to conduct business / to work (Category "B") - to invest with the concurrence of the Thai Ministries and Government Departments concerned (Category "IM") - to invest or perform other activities relating to investment, subject to the provision of the established laws on investment promotion (Category "IB") - to study, to come on a work study tour or observation tour , to participate in projects or seminars , to attend a conference or training course , to study as a foreign Buddhist monk (Category "ED") - to work as a film-producer, journalist or reporter (Category "M") - to perform missionary work or other religious activities with the concurrence of the Thai Ministries or Government Departments concerned (Category "R") - to conduct scientific research or training or teaching in a research institute (Category "RS") - to undertake skilled work or to work as an expert or specialist (Category "EX") - other activities (Category "O") 2. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED ** 2.1 The applicants must submit the following relevant documents depending on the purpose of their visit. - Visa application form completely filled out - Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months and its copy - Two 4 x 6 cm full-faced , bareheaded photos taken within the past six months - Birth Certificate ("O") - Certifcate of Marriage or its equivalents ("O") - Transcript / Letter of acceptance from the concerned schools/universities or institutes ("ED") - Letter from Thailand 's Board of Investment. ("IB") - Official Note certifying the purpose of travel from the Government Agencies /Embassies and Consulates / International Organizations / State Enterprises inThailand. ("F" / "B" / "ED" / "M" / "R") - Letter of acceptance from the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (Alien Occupational Control Division, Department of Employment , Tel 662-2452745, 245-3209, 617-6578, 617-6584 Fax. 662-6176576, 245-2593) *** - Letter from a company stating the objective of the visit to Thailand ("B") - Document showing correspondence with trading partners in Thailand . ("B") - Letter of invitation from companies qualified to employ foreigners. ("B") - Employment contract indicating rationale for hiring the applicant as well as his/her salary, position and qualifications (document must be signed by authorized managing director and affixed the seal of the company) ("B") - Copy of Work Permit issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (only in case the applicant has previously worked in the Kingdom ) ("B") - Copy of corporate documents; namely 1) list of shareholders 2) business registration and business license 3) company profile 4) details of business operation 5) list of foreign workers stating names, nationalities and positions 6) map indicating the location of the company 7) Balance sheet, statement of Income Tax and BusinessTax (Por Ngor Dor 50 and Por Ngor Dor 30) of the latest year 8) Alien income tax return (Por Ngor Dor 91) and 9) Value-added tax registration (Por Ngor Dor 20) , etc.("B") - Copy of educational records of the applicant and letters of recommendation from the prior employers, identifying job description and length of service time. ("B") - Document indicating the number of foreign tourists (for tourism business only),or document indicating export transactions issued by banks (for export business only)("B") - Evidence of adequate finance ( 20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family ) 2.2 The document to be submitted for non-immigrant visa application is contingent upon necessities and appropriateness of purposes stated in the application form. 2.3 Consular officers reserve the rights to request for additional documents as deemed necessary. 2.4 Copies of company documents must be signed by Board of Directors and affixed the seal of the company. 2.5 In the absence of a required document, a letter indicating the unavailability of such document must be provided. 2.6 The applicant must sign on each page of the copy 2.7 Documents in foreign languages must be translated inThai. If translated into English, it should be notorized by notary organs or the applicant's diplomatic/ consular mission. 3. VISA FEE 2,000 Baht for single entry and 5,000 Baht for multiple entries 4. VALIDITY OF A VISA Single-entry and multiple-entry visas are valid for three months and multiple- entry visas for one year respectively. 5. VALIDITY OF A STAY The holders of this type of visa are initially granted a period of stay in the Kingdom not exceeding 90 days unless otherwise instructed by the Office of Immigration Bureau. 6. EXTENSION OF STAY Those qualified persons can obtain an additional one year stay permit counting from the date of entry in the Kingdom pertaining to the Office of the Immigration Bureau's regulations on extension of stay. The extension of stay is at the discretion of the Immigration officer. N.B. Applicants wishing to stay in the Kingdom longer than 90 days, have to file their application either at the Thai consular mission aboard or at the Office ofImmigration Bureau in Bangkok located on Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road,Bangkok 10120 , Tel (662) 287-3101-10 (or website at ( http://www.police.go.th/thaiimb/frconten.htm ) . The consular officer must refer the case to the Office of Immigration Bureau for approval. Upon receiving approval, the consular officer may issue the visa as instructed by the Bureau. 7. Applicants who are nationals of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Sudan, Algeria, Libya, Yemen, Egypt and Palestinian State Passport holders of India , Pakistan , Bangladesh , Sri Lanka , Nepal , Syria , Iraq , Iran , Lebanon , Sudan , Algeria , Libya , Yemen , Egypt and Palestinian States are requested to file an application at the Thai Embassy/Consulate-General where they have their permanent residence. ** 1. The document to be submitted for non-immigrant visa application is contingentupon necessities and appropriateness of purposes stated in the application form. 2. Consular officers reserve the rights to request for additional documents asdeemed necessary. 3. Copies of company documents must be signed by Board of Directors and affixed the seal of the company. 4. In the absence of a required document, a letter indicating the unavailability of such document must be provided. 5. The applicant must sign on each page of the copy 6. Documents in foreign languages must be translated in Thai. If translated intoEnglish , it should be notorized by notary organs. *** For those foreigners who wish to work in Thailand , their employer in Thailand should submit Form WP3 (Application for applying a work permit on behalf of alien according to Section 3) at the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare. - Thai Embassies and Consulates-General may upon official request grant visas to diplomatic or official passport-holders who wish to assume duties at a foreign Diplomatic Mission or Consulate or International Organization in the Kingdom and their family members or who desire to enter the Kingdom on official duty. - Supporting documents are Note Verbal and/or documents issued by the foreign government or international organization, certifying the identity of the person concerned and his/her purposes while visiting the Kingdom. - This type of visa is granted for aliens who desire to take up permanent residence in the Kingdom. - Applicants who fall in each of the following category can file an petition for a residence permit;- - Applicants who wish to engage in filing a petition must fulfill certain conditionsset forth by the Office of Immigration Bureau is located at Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120 , Tel (662) 287-3101-10 or at website http://www.police.go.th/frmain5.htm ) - Moreover, foreign investors, experts or technicians, and Thai nationals who changed their citizenship who invest and bring in know-how and expertise for the benefit of the country's economy would also be eligible for permanent residence in the Kingdom if their qualifications meet the conditions set forth by the Office of the Board of Investment (BOI Announcement No.Por. 1/2544 dated 31th January 2001). For more information, please contact the Office of the Board of Investment, 555 Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road , Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900. (Tel.02-537-8111, 02-5378155 Fax. 02-5378177 E-mail : head@boi.go.th Website : http:// www.boi.go.th - This type of visa is granted only by the Office of Immigration Bureau in Bangkok to aliens who are domiciled in Thailand having as evidence valid permits to re-enter the Kingdom. Applicants shall submit their applications together with the Certificate of Residence directly to the Immigration Bureau in Bangkok . - For more information, please contact the Office of Immigration Bureau , Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120 , Tel (662) 287-3101-10 or website at http://www.police.go.th/frconten.htm 7. C OURTESY VISA - Thai Embassies and Consulates-General may upon official request grant courtesy visas to diplomatic/official/ordinary passport-holders who wish to enter the Kingdom on official duty and/or other purposes. - Supporting documents are documents issued by the governmental agency, foreign government or international organization, certifying the identity of the person concerned and his/her purposes while visiting the Kingdom. TOURIST VISA EXEMPTION - According to the Interior Ministerial Announcements dated 1 October B.E. 2545 (2002), 20 December B.E. 2545 (2002) ,18 October B.E. 2547 (2004) and 6 May B.E. 2548 (2005) , passport holders from 40 countries and Hong Kong SAR do not require a visa when entering Thailand for tourism purposes if their stay in the Kingdom does not exceed 30 days. - The applicant must possess instrument of means of living expenses 10,000 Baht per person and 20,000 Baht per family accordingly. - Please also be advised that ordinary passport holders of 40 countries and Hong Kong who intend to engage in certain activities are eligible to apply for a visa when entering the Kingdom if their qualifications meet the conditions set forth by the Office of Immigration Bureau. For more information, please contact the Office of Immigration Bureau, Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120, Tel. (662) 287-3101-10 or at website http://police.go.th TEMPORARY TOURIST VISA : VISA ON ARRIVAL - According to the Interior Ministerial Announcements, passport holders from 20 countries may apply for visas at the immigration checkpoints for the purpose of tourism for the period of not exceeding 15 days. - The applicant must possess means of living expenses 10,000 Baht per person and 20,000 Baht per family accordingly. - The applicant must produce full paid ticket which is usable within 15 days since the date of entry. - Visa on arrival is provided at 23 designated international checkpoints and applicants should produce the application form to which his/her recent photograph (2 ½ inches) is attached. The application fee is 1,000 Baht. - Visitors who enter the Kingdom with Visa on Arrival generally cannot file an application for extension of stay except in special cases such as illness which prevents them from travelling, etc. They can submit an application at the Office of Immigration Bureau , Immigration Division 1, Soi Suan Plu, South Sathorn Road , Bangkok 10120 . Tel. (662) 287-3127 or 287-3101-10 ext. 2264-5 or at website http://www.police.go.th/frconten.htm
1. Don Muang International Airport , Bangkok REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE ISSUANCE OF NON-IMMIGRANT "B" VISA I. Visa Issuance 1.1 Foreigners who wish to work/conduct business or undertake investment activities in Thailand must apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa at the Royal Thai Embassies or Consulates abroad. (Information on location and contact numbers of the Thai Embassies and Consulates-General can be obtained through website http.www.mfa.go.th/Embassy/default.htm.)Various categories of non-immigrant visa are currently provided to meet the need and qualification of individual business people. These include business visa (category B), business approved visa (category B-A) and investment and business visa (category IB). Visa fee is 500 Baht for single entry with three-month validity and 1,000 Baht for multiple entries with one-year validity. 2 Passport holders of Syria , Iraq , Iran , Lebanon , Palestinian State , Sudan , Algeria , Libya , Yemen , Nepal , Sri Lanka , India , Bangladesh , Pakistan and Egypt have to apply for visa at the Thai Embassy or Consulate General where they have their permanent residence. II. Categories of Visa 2.1 Non-Immigrant visa (category “B” – Business) can be obtained from all Thai Embassies and Consulates provided that the following relevant documents are submitted. Foreigners who wish to work in Thailand • Visa application Form completely filled out • [ For those foreigners who wish to work in Thailand, their employer in Thailand should submit Form WP3 (Application for applying a work permit on behalf of alien) together with other related documents such as a certificate issued by the Department of Commercial Registration, documentary evidence of educational qualifications, etc. at the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.] • - Official marriage and birth certificate (In case of the applicant's family members) • - Evidence of adequate finance (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family) • - Copy of Work Permit issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (only in case the applicant has previously worked in the Kingdom ) Foreigners who wish to conduct business in Thailand 1) list of shareholders • Consular officers reserve the rights to ask for additional documents as deemed necessary. • In the absence of a required document, a letter indicating the unavailability of such document must be provided. • The applicant must sign on each page of the copy. • Documents in foreign languages must be translated in Thai. If translated into English, it should be notorized by notary organs or the applicant's diplomatic/ consular mission. • The holders of this type of visa are entitled to stay in Thailand for a maximum period of 90 days. Upon completion of such period, an extension of stay for a period of one year counting from the date of arrival in the Kingdom can be applied for at the Office of the Immigration Bureau. 2.2 Business approved visa (category “B-A”) may be applied for at the Embassies or Consulates abroad but approval shall be given by the Office of the Immigration Bureau in Bangkok before visa is issued to the qualified applicant. The company in which the applicant will invest or do business with can also apply for this type of visa at the Immigration Bureau. The validity of stay for B-A type visa is valid for a period of one year counting from the date of arrival in the Kingdom. 2.3 Investment and business visa (category “IB”) is issued to foreign staff working under investment projects promoted by the Board of Investment of Thailand (BOT). The project must benefit the country in the following ways : III. Additional Information 3.1 After entering the Kingdom, applicants or their assignee must go to the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (Alien Occupational Control Division, Department of Employment) to apply for a work permit and shall pay the income tax accordingly. If the company's applicant is located in other provinces, the applicant must apply at Labour Development Office in that province. 3.2 Applicant's family members, namely; spouse, parents and children who are unmarried and under 20 years old, are eligible to apply for Non-Immigrant Visa (category “O”) and will allow to stay from the period of 90 days up to 1 year 3.3 Foreigners entering the Kingdom under a Transit Visa (“TS”) or Tourist Visa (“TR”) wishing to engage in business activities may apply for a change to Non-Immigrant Visa at the Immigration Bureau Office located at Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120, Tel (662) 2873101-10 or at website http://www.police.go.th/thaiimb/frconten . htm. The extension of stay as well as the change of certain type of visa is at the discretion of the Immigration officer. IV. One Stop Service Center for Visas and Work Permits 4.1 One Stop Service Center for Visas and Work Permits was established by the Regulations of the Office of Prime Minister which was promulgated on 30 June 1997 with objective to strengthen the procedure to promote good investment circumstances by providing for the one stop service to avoid delay and inconvenience to the foreigners in applying for stay permission in the Kingdom, re-entry permit and work permit. It has been opened since 1 July 1997 onwards and located on 207 Rachadapisek Road , Krisda Plaza , 3-5th Floors, Dindaeng, Bangkok 10310, Tel 662-693-9333-9 and Fax. 662-693-9340. 4.2 Qualification of applicants for work permit at the One Stop Service Center for Visas and Work Permits are as follows : 4.2.1 The aliens who are executives or experts obtaining priviledges according to other laws as follows : 4.2.2 The aliens who are general investors ; 4.2.3 The aliens who are executives and experts ; VISA ISSUANCE FOR TEMPORARY RESIDENCE [ NON-IMMIGRANT "O-A" (LONG STAY)] This type of visa will be issued to applicants aged 50 years or above wishing to take retreat in the Kingdom at least for the period of one year. I. QUALIFICATION OF THE APPLICNAT • A foreign national whose age is 50 years or above (on the date of submitting the application). • Not being prohibited from entering the Kingdom under the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (A.D.1979). • Having no criminal record against the security of Thailand and the country of his/her nationality, or the country of his/her residence. • Having the nationality of or the residence in the country where his/her application is submitted. • Not having prohibitive diseases (Leprosy, Tuberculosis, Drug Addiction, Elephantiasis and Third step of Syphilis) as indicated in the Ministerial Regulation No.14 (B.E. 2535). • Not being allowed to work in Thailand . II. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR VISA APPLICATION • A passport with validity not less than 18 months • Three copies of visa application form completely filled out. • Three passport-sized photos of the applicant taken within • A personal Data Form • A copy of bank statement showing a deposit at the amount equal to not less than 800,000 Baht or an income certificate (an original copy) with a monthly income of not less than 65,000 Baht, or a deposit account plus a monthy income totalling not less than 800,000 Baht. • In the case of the bank statement, a letter of guarantee from the bank (an original copy) is to be shown as well. • Verification stating that the applicant has no criminal record issued from the country of his/her nationality or residence (the verification shall be valid for not more than three months and should be notorized by notary organs or the applicant's diplomatic/consular mission). • A medical certificate issued from the country where the application is submitted, showing no prohibitive diseases as indicated in the Ministerial Regulation No.14 (B.E. 2535) (the certificate shall be valid for not more than three months and should be notorized by notary organs or the applicant's diplomatic/consular mission). • In the case that the applicant wishes to have his/her spouse stay together in the Kingdom but the spouse is not qualified for the “O-A” visa, their marriage certificate shall also be produced as evidence and should be notorized by notary organs or the applicant's diplomatic/consular mission. (The spouse will be considered for temporary stay under category “O”). III. CHANNELS TO SUBMIT VISA APPLICATION • Applicants can submit their applications both at the Thai embassy / consular missions where they have their permanent residence or at the Office of the Immigration Bureau in Thailand . (Address : Section 1, Sub-Division 1, Immigration 1, Immigration Bureau, Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road , Sathorn District, Bangkok 10120. Telephone 287-4948 (direct line) or 287-3101-10 ext. 2236) • Please be advised that the following applicants are eligible to apply for this type of visa in the country : IV. Recommendations for the aliens while staying in the Kingdom • When completing the stay of 90 days in the Kingdom, the alien shall report to the competent authority and repeat it every 90 days with the immigration officer in the alien's residence area, or report to the police station in the alien's residence area if there is no immigration control there. • At the end of the one-year stay, the alien who wishes to extend his/her stay shall submit a request for the extended period at the Immigration Bureau with documented evidence of money transfer, or a deposit account in the Kingdom, or an income certificate, at the amount of not less than 800,000 Baht, or an income certificate plus a deposit account at the total amount of not less than 800,000 Baht a year. Extension for one year at a time will be granted to this group of people as long as they meet the requirements as earlier stated and is at the discretion of the Immigration officer. • If the alien's spouse wishes to extend his/her stay as well, the marriage certificate shall be produced. Thai Master Inter Law And Accounting Co., Ltd. offers its unique onestopservices for any legal stay in Thailand since 1996, according to the regulations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Thailand. We make our customers satisfaction sure! Inquiry here. |
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29 March, 2006
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