Читать книгу Thailand – Important Instructions for Tourists - - Страница 18

Visa-free entry allows travelers to Thailand without first obtaining a visa at a consulate. Tourists arrive at the airport, go through passport control, and receive a stamp permitting them to stay in the country for a specified period. This regime is only valid for tourism, short-term trips, vacations, or visiting friends.

Thailand regularly expands the list of countries it allows visa-free entry to. As of the latest changes, the expanded visa-free travel program covers over 90 countries.

Who is allowed to enter without a visa and for how long?

Visa-free entry is divided into several groups of countries, because the time limits for different countries differ.

1. Countries that are allowed 60 days without a visa (main group)

This group includes most countries in Europe, North America, parts of Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. Tourists from these countries are allowed to visit Thailand.60 days without a visa, receiving a stamp directly at the airport.

If necessary, the period can be extended for another 30 days (see below).

This group includes more than 90 countries, including:

Europe

European Union and EEA countries (most):

Austria, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Poland, Czech Republic, Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovakia, Belgium, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, Ireland and others.

Also Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein.

North America

USA, Canada.

South and Central America

Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica and a number of other countries in the region.

Asia-Pacific region

Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Brunei, Mongolia, Hong Kong, Macau.

Middle East

UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman.

Africa

South Africa, Mauritius, Morocco and other countries included in the extended list of permitted countries.

2. Russia: visa-free regime

Russia is on the list of countries whose citizens are allowedvisa-free entryto Thailand.

Russian citizens can stay in Thailand60 days without a visa, receiving a stamp upon entry. If necessary, your stay can be extended for an additional 30 days at the Thai Immigration Office.

Thus, Russians can stay in the country until90 days of tourismwithout obtaining a full visa.

3. Countries with bilateral agreements (special terms)

Some countries have separate agreements with Thailand. They have their own stay requirements, which don’t always align with the general rules.

Examples:

· Countries that have agreements on30 dayswithout a visa.

· Countries that have agreements on90 dayswithout a visa (a very small number of countries, for example, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, South Korea and some others).

4. Countries that allow 30 days visa-free stay

There is a group of countries for which visa-free entry is permitted for a period ofup to 30 days.

These are countries that are not included in the extended 60-day list, but have an agreement for short-term visits.

This list changes, but the meaning remains the same: a category of countries with a shortened period of up to 30 days.

A 30-day extension is also possible for such countries.

How to extend a visa-free stamp

Extensions of visa-free stay are processed by the Thai Immigration Service. Tourists can apply at any immigration office in their place of residence. Extensions are not automatic: the decision is made by the immigration officer, but in practice, most applications are approved if the requirements are met.

Renewal rules:

1. The extension period is30 days.

Suitable for both those who have received a 60-day stamp and those who have a 30-day stamp.

2. Extension is possibleonceduring the current entry.

After renewal, the tourist receives a new stamp with the departure date.

3. You must present:

· passport;

· migration card (if required);

· residential address (hotel reservation or rental agreement);

· passport size photo;

· completed form;

· payment of the established amount.

4. If necessary, extend your stay for a longer period

The tourist must leave the country and re-enter, or obtain a full visa (for example, a tourist TR, student ED, work or family visa).

2.2. Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is a new electronic system that replaces the paper TM6 immigration card, which previously had to be completed upon entry into Thailand. With the introduction of the TDAC, the entry process has become simpler, faster, and more convenient.