(Updated December 21, 2021)
Thailand has closed all its borders in an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19 in most of 2020 under the invocation of the Emergency Decree. At present, Thailand has opened the country to foreign travelers and tourists. Now, fully vaccinated travelers, both Thai and foreigners, are allowed to enter Thailand without quarantine under the Test and Go Program or the Phuket Sandbox Program. However, the mandatory quarantine of 10 days is still required for both unvaccinated travelers and 14 days for those traveling from African countries.
UPDATE:
To learn more about the Test and Go Program and Phuket Sandbox please check:
Download your Complete Travel Guide HERE! 
Who is qualified?
Travelers should be any of the following:
- Thai nationals
- Foreigners under the Visa Exemption List
- Foreigners under the Visa on Arrival List
- Foreigners who are holding a valid non-immigrant B visa (with Work Permit) and those with the extension of stay of Non-immigrant B visa (with Work Permit), including their spouses and children.
- Foreigners who are granted permission (WP3) from the Ministry of Labor to work in Thailand and their families.
- Foreigners who are holding non-immigrant D and F visas as part of the diplomatic corps and their families.
- Foreigners who are holding non-immigrant O visas who are spouses, parents, or children of Thai nationals.
- Foreigners who hold Certificate Permanent Residence including their spouses and children.
- Foreigners who are students of formal educational institutions approved by Thai authorities, including the parents or guardians of the students.
- Foreigners who are in need of medical treatment in Thailand, and their attendants.
- Foreigners who are invited by the government and those who are permitted to enter the Kingdom under a special arrangement including Thailand Elite Visa.
- Foreign migrant workers with official documents.
Want to stay in Thailand for 5, 10, or 20 years? Consider the Thai Elite Visa program.
Where to apply for permission to enter Thailand or Thailand Pass?
The Thai or foreigners must apply for the Thailand Pass to enter Thailand from the official webs portal: https://tp.consular.go.th/
The application is done online and the processing time ranges from 3 to 7 days. If you are required to have a valid visa, it is recommended to secure your visa from the Thai Embassy or Consulate before applying for the Thailand Pass.
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What do you have to prepare prior to traveling to Thailand?
The foreigner or non-Thai nationals must carry the necessary documents as follows:
- Thailand Pass issued by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs Thailand Pass System.
- COVID 19 Health Certificate issued by the relevant authority and the COVID-19 medical test result. The test must be conducted no longer than 72 hours before the date of travel. This certificate is also necessary at the airline’s check-in counter for a boarding pass to be issued.
- COVID-19 Insurance covers treatment and medical expenses related to COVID-19 with a minimum coverage of 20,000 USD.
- Confirmation of reservation of a Test and Go Hotel, Sandbox Hotel, or the ASQ Hotel.
- Vaccination Certificate or vaccine card
How to obtain a Thailand Pass?
The foreigner must apply for the Thailand Pass at least 5 to 7 working days prior to the intended date of travel.
For the Thailand Pass, he/she must submit the following documents:
- Copy of Passport
- Copy of the Travel Health Insurance Policy covering treatment and medical expenses related to COVID-19 with a minimum coverage of 20,000 USD.
- Copy of flight details of the intended date of travel.
- Copy of Confirmation of reservation of a Test and Go Hotel, Sandbox Hotel, or the ASQ Hotel.
- Copy of proof of Vaccination (if any)
NOTE: Thailand Pass System will reject your Thailand Pass application if you do not have the correct format for Health Insurance, Hotel Confirmation, and Vaccination Document.
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Note: In the case of foreigners who are required to apply for a Thai visa before traveling to Thailand, you may apply for your Thai visa separate from the Thailand Pass application. For e-visa application, please visit: https://thaievisa.go.th/
Thailand Pass Application Service by Siam Legal
Application for the Thailand Pass is free of charge and you do not need any assistance to apply for it. However, there may be instances where some individuals may voluntarily choose a paid service provider such as a law firm to provide consultation, assist them to prepare their documents, and submit them on their behalf. Individuals may encounter problems with their documents that are not being uploaded properly or some information or documents that are deemed unacceptable to the Thai embassy or consulate that may cause delay or rejection of your Thailand Pass application, so it may be helpful to retain a service provider to assist you with the application. These paid Thailand Pass services offered by Siam Legal are listed below.
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Package 2: 100 USD (all eligible countries) 5-7 days
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What to do upon entry to Thailand?
When entering Thailand, the foreigner or non-Thai national is requested to follow the Thai authority’s guidelines for preventing the COVID-19 pandemic as follows:
- Present the Thailand Pass QR Code to the Thai authorities at the airport of arrival
- Present the COVID-19 PCR test result (issued from the country of departure)
- Present the COVID 19 travel insurance policy
- Present the proof of airport transfer and accommodation reservation which includes proof of RT-PCR test upon arrival
- Present the valid non-immigrant visa and work permit (if applicable)
- The traveler will be subjected to a mandatory 1-night Test and Go, 5-night Sandbox stay or the mandatory 10-day or 14-night state quarantine at a designated hotel under the supervision of the Ministry of Public Health at his or her own expense.
Book a complete ASQ package. CLICK HERE
Hi, I’m Thai national and I have a question regarding to travel to visit my fiance in the UK (Scotland)
If I travel to visit my finance in Scotland during August 2020, would that be possible? If so, when I come back and get to the state quarantine, will all expense be on mine? Thank you
Dear Montha,
If you travel to the UK and you return to Thailand also in August, it is very likely that you will still undergo a mandatory quarantine at the state quarantine. It is free of charge for Thai nationals.
Thank you.
Hello Rex,
I still cannot figure out how to make a post of my own so I am posting as a reply. My apologies! I have a WP3, repatriation flight booked, ASQ and all necessary documentation. Do I understand correctly that I now have to apply for a non immigrant B visa and COE? I will be applying through the Washington DC Embassy. I read somewhere that the Embassies are not issuing any work visas for teachers at this time. Do you know if this is correct? Do I even need the visa if I have the WP3? THank you!
Dear Mary,
Yes, you need to apply for the Non Immigrant B Single Entry and COE on this page:
https://thaiembdc.org/2020/07/11/non-immigrant-b-ib_workpermit/
Please fill out the application form on this page:
https://thaiembdc.org/onlinevisaapplication/
Please scanned all your documents for uploading.
After you have uploaded everything, the Thai Embassy or Consulate will contact you to send your passport and payment to the embassy for the visa processing. Then after that, they will also inform you about the COE.
Thank you.
Hello Rex. This week the Thai government extended it’s state of emergency until August 31st. That will further push back the time when tourists will be allowed to enter Thailand. I am in Tokyo waiting, but my valid Thai 6-month Tourist visa will expire September 9. It seems unlikely I can enter before that date. I would have thought that a Thai Embassy or Thai Immigration would offer some kind of validity extension stamp, considering It is not my fault that I could not enter before it expires. They are giving foreigners inside Thailand extensions. Is it possible to get some kind of extension on my visa before I enter? I would seem only fair. I should not have to pay for another visa on top of the required insurance and quarantine costs. A 30-day entry stamp will not do, since my return ticket will be more than 30 days.
Dear Barbara,
My answer your question is the same as the previous answers. The visa that was issued to you cannot be extended but you can still use it to enter Thailand before September 9; ONLY if the Thai borders are open for tourists.
Thank you.
This does not seem fair. That the Thai government repeatedly extends the visas of people inside Thailand due to COVID, but will not do the same for people like me who paid their hard-earned money for a visa, but could not enter Thailand due to COVID. It means I just wasted $200 through no fault of my own. I can’t imagine this is true-that the Thai government does not care. So should I even try to go to the Thai Embassy in Tokyo (if they ever open consular services) to ask for an extension of validity. I sincerely doubt Thailand will let me in before my visa expires.
Dear Barbara,
Please contact the Thai Consulate in Los Angeles or Thai Embassy in Tokyo regarding your complaint on this issue.
Thank you.
Hi Rex,
I am a work permit holder and I am currently working in thailand.My wife got non O (dependent visa) March 06 2020 with the help of documents provided by BOI and employer.But she was unable to travel to Thailand due to Covid 19 and now her visa is expired on June 05 2020.Now she wants to come thailand and is about to apply for COE at thai consulate,
Could you please provide some advice on getting the expired visa renewed,
Dear Sayooj,
The application for the new non-immigrant O visa and the certificate of entry depends on the location of the application. May I ask where is the applicant right now?
Thank you.
Right now the applicant is in South India which comes under the royal Thai consulate in Chennai.They having already issued COE for some of my friends who has work permit along with their spouse.But in my case I am in Thailand now but my wife is in India.So far Chennai consulate is considering only work permit holders.
Dear Sayooj,
All you need to do is to convince the Thai Consulate in Chennai the urgency of your wife’s travel to Thailand. If you are working in Thailand, you may show them the Thai visa and work permit. You may also ask your Thai company director to call the consulate about the urgency of her trip to Thailand.
Thank you.
HI Thai Embassy,
I have work permit in TH valid till 17 Aug 2020. However, now Im in my home country – Vietnam, due to covid I wanted to fly back to reunite with my family. Given the case there is no oversea flight allowed from Vietnam yet, can you advise if it’s possible to renew work permit online without showing actual passport and current visa? Thanks!
Dear Luna,
Right now, the application for both visa and work permit are done in person. If it happens that you are in Vietnam and your work permit and visa expires, the only you can do is to re-apply for a new visa to return to Thailand and also re-apply for a new work permit once you have returned to Thailand. If both visa and work permit expires in August, I recommend for you to contact Thai Embassy in Hanoi for application of the certificate of entry and also to know if there is a repatriation flight to Thailand that you are able to join.
Thank you.
I’m a UK national currently in Thailand where I’ve lived with my Thai partner since 2007 under a type “O” non-immigrant visa which is extended annually. I need to travel to UK next month with return to Thailand in September. With my valid type “O” visa and required valid health insurance policy docs with coverage over usd 100k , will I be able to get the Certificate of Entry ?
Dear James,
If you are legally married to a Thai, yes, you are eligible to apply for the Certificate of Entry from Thai Embassy in London for your return to Thailand.
Thank you.
Hi Rex,
If i have Thai spouse and children and we also have our own house in Bangkok do we still need to stay at hotel by booking for Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) at one of the hotels approved by the Thai authorities ?
Can we quarantine at our own home as now i still in Thailand.
Can we extend more day after the automatic visa extension expired on 31th July using other type of visa
Dilemma,
Jack
Dear Jack,
Your inquiry is quite confusing. However, I will answer it:
1. If you are in Thailand right now, quarantine is not required. You only need to check with your local immigration office the possibility of changing or extended your current permit to stay.
2. If you are not in Thailand, you wish to re-enter Thailand, it is mandatory to undergo a quarantine. Thais can go to either state quarantine or the ASQ. The foreigner can only choose the ASQ. if you are abroad and you wish to return to Thailand, you need a non-Immigrant O visa, certificate of entry and travel insurance.
Thank you.
Hello, we are from Spain. You said that “Foreigners who are students of formal educational institutions approved by Thai authorities, including the parents or guardians of the students” can enter to Thailand. Our daughter is enrolled in an international school in Chiang Mai. We have contacted the embassy to process the Visa and the COE, but the embassy tells us that students are not allowed to enter Thailand. What can we do? We need help. Thanks.
Dear Eugenia,
Yes that is correct. Please refer to the official notification from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand:
https://www.caat.or.th/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/The-Notification-on-Conditions-for-International-Flight-Permit-to-Thailand-No.2-1.pdf
Thank you.
I would like to comment again under the reply to this question.
Please mr.Rex could you be more specific about of which schools the government allows students to enter exactly? What the difference?
If thai private school is it possible to enter for a child and a parent if have visa and re-entry following the school visa.?
Would be very thankful for a clear understanding.
Dear Svitlana,
Students who are holding Non immigrant ED visa and parents holding Non Immigrant O visas. These are students enrolled in primary, secondary schools and universities.
Thank you.
Dear Sir,
Do you have the roughly estimates of how long will it take for the local Thai Embassy to prepare the Certificate of Entry after submission of appropriate documents?
Dear Simon,
The Thai Embassy or Consulate will usually process it in 10 to 15 days depending on your location or which embassy do you use.
Thank you.
Hello Rex,
I’m Japanese living in Myanmar, but want to enter Thailand to work there for a several years. Hiring company in Thailand can apply WP3, but Thai embassy in Myanmar does not know this rule. She insists me to provide WP. May I know where I can find the official announcement of this rule to persuade her?
Dear Masa,
Please explain to the officer that first time worker only gets the WP3 or the Letter of Approval from Labour Office and then it will be converted to WP4 (work permit) or WP11 (new work permit booklet) when you are already in Thailand.
Thank you.
Hello Rex,
Can you please update me on the situation at the moment.
I am having difficulty getting a work permit or wp3 . I have letters of invitation from Thailand companies needing my expertise , I have the health insurance needed and have an exemption from the Australian government to travel.
Thank you.
Dear Martin,
Good day.
Please ask the Thai company to check with the Labour Office end of this week or early next week, they might start issuing the WP3.
Thank you.
Dear Sirs
I would like to know can I use Bangkok airport for transit on the same day .
Do I need transit visa if I am not leaving the transit area and have issued boarding pass for next flight
I booked a flight with Qatar airways arriving on 4 th of August and sane day travel to Kunming China . I have a valid new issued Chinese visa
Dear Valentine,
Yes you can use Bangkok airport as transit but you are required to present a health certificate that you have no COVID-19 even if you will not disembark the aircraft. It is best for you to call your airline about this.
Thank you.
The automatic visa extension ends in July 31st. Is there a way to stay longer or extend the visa further?
If yes, what kind of visa do I have to apply for?
Dear Kevin,
Yes, the government has given a grace period (subject to approval by Thai Cabinet) until July 26 for you to leave Thailand no extension to be given. However, it does not mean that you will not do anything on August 1. Starting August 1, you need to apply for an extension which is maximum of 30 days or you must apply for a non-immigrant visa if you desire to change to a non-immigrant visa and stay in Thailand.
Thank you.
Hi Rex, I am repeating this as a previous was not visible anymore.
A new entry on 17 July on the Royal Thai Embassy Singapore website states as a category to enter Thailand. 3. Non-Thai nationals who have certificate of residence or have been permitted to take up residency in Thailand:
I am retired in Thailand and lived there for past years. I have a rental apartment there. Will I now be allowed to return to my home ? I hold an OA retirement visa. Regards
Dear Henry,
This certificate of residence, this refers to the PR holders. This PR (permanent residence) is usually valid for 5 years and the holder possesses a white booklet. The Non-immigrant OA visa or the non-immigrant O retirement visas are not under this category.
Thank you.
Are non-im Business visas *without a work permit* permitted COE? I can’t seem to find a clear answer anywhere. Thanks!
Dear Brian,
The answer is no. In order to apply for the COE, you either have a valid work permit or a valid WP3 letter from the Labour Office.
Thank you.
Hi Rex. Has this been updated or changed recently? Many websites including above seem to state that business representatives and directors with business visas are permitted entry. Above on this page it seems to make the distinction that both (with or without work permit) are allowed entry.
“- Foreigners who are holding a valid non-immigrant B visa and those with the extension of stay of Non-immigrant B visa, including their spouses and children.
– Foreigners who are holding a valid work permit or granted permission from the Ministry of Labour to work in Thailand (WP3).”
Thanks!
Brian
Dear Brian,
The Non-immigrant B visa should be accompanied by either WP3 letter or accompanied by the work permit booklet (or online work permit). There are some company directors who may enter as short term business travelers but I believe they also need a special letter from BOI for example.
Thank you.
hello,
I own a condominium in Bangkok, I also have a bank account at krungsri bank in Bangkok, I monthly pay my electricity and water bills but I DO NOT have with me a certificate of residence. Can you please inform me if the thai embassy in Belgium can deliver me a certificate of residence if I show them the proof of ownership. can I also enter thailand end of July of begining of August.
thank you and best regards.
Dear Noureddine,
This certificate of residence mentioned in the CAAT Notification is the white booklet of the permanent residency holders. Do you have this type of visa?
Thank you.
on December 2019 I was applying for a retirement visa,the immigration told me to come back on March 2020 to have my retirement visa stamped. Unfortunately on 31th January I had to enter urgently to Belgium for a business deal and since then I was blocked with Belgium lockdown.
All I have is a copy of my ownership.the original is in my condo in Bangkok. I can ask my juristic office in my condominium to testify that I was living in my condo in Bangkok.
I hope you can help me how to get my certificate of residence and can enter thailand and do the quarantine in a hotel before go to my condo.
Thank you in advance.
Best regards.
Noureddine
Dear Noureddine,
So at this time, you do not have a valid Thai visa. And ownership of a condo does not equate to having a PR or the permanent residency. I would recommend for you to call Thai Embassy in Brussels to check if you are actually qualified to apply for the certificate of entry.
Thank you.
Is there any news on allowing elite visa holders back in the country?
Dear David,
There has been a proposal of the new groups of foreigners allowed to enter Thailand which may include foreigners with Elite Cards. We are still waiting for official announcement from the government or you may call Thailand Elite regarding this matter.
Thank you.
Hi,
1) my wife is a Thai national, I’m a German citizen. We live together in Germany but want to take residence in Thailand in the near future. I can meet the requirements for an O or O-A visa. Can I already get a Non-immigrant visa during the travel restriction phase – even though my Thai wife has her current residence with me outside Thailand?
2) Validity of visa: single-entry visa require the arrival in Thailand within 90 days. If I apply for a multiple-entry visa, which has a validity of 12 months, can the first arrival be 4-6 months after the visa has been granted? Or is the initial arrival in Thailand still required within 90 days?
thank you
Marco
Dear Marco,
If you and your wife are travelling together to Thailand, yes, you will still qualify to get the Non-immigrant O visa and the certificate of entry. Yes, you can apply for the 1 year non-immigrant O visa and fly to Thailand after few months. However, the embassy might have a policy that you cannot apply earlier than 3 months prior to the flight.
Thank you.
Hello Rex,
I acknowledge this medical and wellness package https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30391421 which interest to apply do you have any clues that how can non-Thai can register to this package and when it’s going to start?
Dear Surayot,
This news is still a proposal and we do not have the concrete guideline on hoe to avail this program.
Thank you.
Hi, I have an O visa- long stay valid until 2024. I want to return to Thailand as I reside there. I lease an apartment and pay my utility bill. I can prove that if I need to.
Do I need a certificate of entry?
Dear Patrick,
Yes, every foreigner coming to Thailand will be required to have a certificate of entry and also undergo mandatory quarantine. Please get in touch with the local Thai Embassy in your country for more information.
Thank you.
I’m applying for non-immigrant B visa/COE at the NYC consulate, and looking for clarification on the negative covid-19 test requirement. Currently it’s asking for a 72-hour window of time, but the current turnaround time for hospitals/labs to receive covid results in NYC is 7-10 business days. How are we to get test results within only 72 hours? (Must the exam itself be conducted within 72 hours of departure? Or can the test date be prior as long as the fit to fly certificate is dated within 72 hours?
Dear Jesse,
I believe this test is not required for the COE application. It is required for you to present when you are already at the airport taking your flight our of the USA to Thailand. Please get in touch with Thai Consulate in NYC for the clarification.
Thank you.
Hello,
I was hired by an international school in Bangkok to teach. I have been directed to apply for my visa in DC, but the DC office referred me to New York. Based on everything I’ve heard New York is closed too. How can I get a work visa at this time from the consulates if all the consulates are closed?
Thank you for your help.
Sincerely
John
Dear John,
I believe this is just an internal problem of both Thai Embassy in DC and the consulate in NYC. If you reside in NY state, you need to apply at the consulate in NYC. if the Thai Embassy in DC advised you to call NYC, it is understood that the NYC is open for visa application by mail or online.
Thank you.
I’m just wondering can Thai nationals leave Thailand at present? I can’t enter Thailand so I’m wondering if my girlfriend can leave Thai and where she can go ?
Dear Lyndon,
Thai nationals are able to travel to another country such as UK or US. But the problem would be the return to Thailand. The process for Thai to come back to Thailand is a long process, so it may not be advisable to travel right now.
Thank you.
Hello, I’ve lived in Thailand for 8 years.. I was in the process of transitioning my ownership to another country and cancelled my work permit (still have a valid non-b until September).. I understand based on the circumstances my non-b is no longer valid.. I am being issued a new work permit, but am being told I will have to go to Australia to obtain my non-b and valid work permit. Is this the only option? I have a family in Thailand that I am not able to leave. Any help is appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Dear Chris,
Good day.
Yes, under normal circumstances, you need to leave Thailand and obtain a new non-immigrant B visa from a Thai Embassy abroad. You will present to the embassy your WP3 and the company documents of your new employer or company. At this time, there has been travel bans around the world so the Thai immigration offices are encouraged to be lenient and they should be able to issue this non-immigrant B visas. However, there has been no reports or confirmation that this will be the case. The Thai immigration offices are still advising foreigners to apply for the new Non immigrant B visa from abroad. We have to wait in case there will be a new announcement.
Thank you.
Hello.. I have a valid work permit.. but unfortunately am on a tourist amnesty visa as I was unable to travel to obtain a new non b in February when it expired (due to personal reasons)… I have a valid work permit until October and can obtain a letter from my employer stating I will still be living and working in Thailand. What are my options to get my non-b without having to go home? I have a house, a dog and a boyfriend here, as I’ve lived here for almost 4 years. Thank you in advance for your advice, Christina.
Dear Christina,
The problem in your situation is that, Thai Immigration cannot issue the visa since you have let it expire without renewing it. You need to have a visa issued by a Thai Embassy right now and the only way to do that is to go home and get it from a Thai Embassy.
Thank you.
I received information from my boss about the new requirements for foreigners returning to Thailand.
Do they need to get a free Covid-19 test for a work permit to return to Thailand?
Previously this was just a “fit for flight” certificate from a doctor / clinic.
Dear Jittima,
It is fit-to-Fly certificate which also include the COVID-19 test with negative result.
Thank you.
Hello,
I have a valid one year Multiple non-B visa but I need to leave the country every 90 days, my permitted 90 days stay will expire under the extension rule on 31 of July. I also have a valid work permit.
Is it possible to get an extension without having to leave the country?
Regards, steve
Dear Steve,
Good day.
Yes, you are able to extend your 90-day entry stamp to a 1 year extension of stay. You need to contact your employer and ask them if they are qualified to extend your stay. There are some companies that are unable to do this inside Thailand so it is best to check with your employer.
Thank you.
I have a still valid non-RA visa and Work permit for Thailand. I got stuck abroad when the boarders were shut down. It has been a few months now and am eager to come back.
They say they are not granting these types of visas… which I already have so I don’t need the visa. But that they are allowing people with work permits to return. I do have a work permit.
Am I eligible to apply for the COE?
Dear Rebecca,
If you still have a valid visa, then you do not need to get a new one. You only need to apply for the certificate of entry from the Thai embassy.
Thank you.
Hello Rex
My son is in the process of applying for a COE in the UK. We have a company here in Thailand, Thai ID cards, Thai house books and my son has held a work permit for three years. Whilst in the UK his work permit and visa expired, but the information on the Thai embassy site said he could still apply for a COA. Now they are asking for a WP3 and we have no idea how to get this. Can you help please?
Dear Janis,
If the WP has already expired. You need to obtain WP3 for your son. It is a letter from the Labour Office which at this time, they are not issuing. Which city or province the previous work permit was issued?
Thank you.
Thank you for your response Rex. My son’s previous work permit was issued in Suratthani and we have contacted them, but as you say they are not issuing WP3’s at present. Why do the Thai Embassy have it on their website as a requirement if they are not being issued? It is incredibly stressful for the people who are trying to come home.
Kind regards
Dear Janis,
Please until end of this week or early next week and contact the Labour Office again. They might start issuing the WP3s.
Thank you.
Hi im holding valid work permit and will expire on 19 September. My passport also will expire on 19 September. I will go to Malaysia n renew passport and once back to Thailand, can i self quarantine in my place (bkk) and i hv personal insurance coverage more than 100k and it covers covid19 but does it must cover covid19 not less thn 100k usd alone or total personal coverage that includes covid19?
Dear Kuma,
The coverage of 100USD is for COVID-19 only. No, you cannot do a self-quarantine. You must do a mandatory quarantine at one of the ASQ hotels. Before you return to Thailand, you need a new visa and new passport. You also need certificate of entry and certificate that you are fit to fly and no COVID-19.
Thank you.
You should renew your passport in Malaysia Embassy in Bangkok. It’s better not to go back your country to renew your passport.
Thanks rex..
Elaine, will take 6 months as per malaysia embassy in Thai.
Hello! I’m an American married to a Thai living in Bangkok. We travelled here from Beijing in early January for our wedding just before the pandemic. I then extended my tourist visa twice before the current visa amnesty. My visa expired in mid-March. Well, life moves on, and I have already signed a contract with a local school to teach in September. I’ve also just done my 90-day reporting and have the no criminal-history record from Bangkok. All of my documents are ready to apply for a work permit. Now is there a way for me to apply for any type of visa without leaving Thailand before the visa amnesty expires at the end of July, then transfer it to a work visa? I would pay for this service. Thank you!
Dear Jordon,
The application for the Non Immigrant B visa inside Thailand is a case-to-case basis. What is the recommendation of your school? Do they confirm that they are eligible or their document are good enough to get your Non B visa inside Thailand?
Thank you.
Hi Rex,
I am seeing requirements now for exit screening before entering Thailand.
What is this and where do i get it from?
I am married with a Thai spouse and children and have put forward all my required documentation for trying to get back home and now i see this exit screening being asked for?
Your knowledge and help in this matter would be greatly appreciated as always.
Thanks in advance.
Dear Barry,
Good day.
I am not sure about the exit screening from UK to Thailand. However there is a requirement by Thai Authorities for you to return to Thailand. You need to get a non immigrant O visa if you don’t have it yet. Apart from that, you need to have the certificate of entry issued by Thai Embassy London. Please see this page:
http://www.thaiembassy.org/london/en/services/7742/119247-Requirements-for-Certificate-of-Entry-during-trave.html#4
Thank you.
Hello. I hold an expired 1 year business visa (expired 2nd June) and I am currently in Bangkok. I found new employment with a BOI company. Can I get a new business visa in Bangkok to be able to change it then into a BOI visa and what documents would my new employer have to provide? Thank you.
Dear Ingo,
With the current situation, the immigration offices in Thailand should be lenient in issuing the Non B visa. I would recommend for you to check with your BOI employer to check at local BOI one stop service office.
Thank you.
Hi,
Any indication when the MOL will start to issue WP3s again?
I think so many people are waiting for them.
Dear Patrick,
At the moment there is still issuance of WP3 at the Labour Office.
Thank you.
There is still issuance or still no issuance?
You are saying they are issuing them again?
Sorry, I meant to say there is still no issuance at this time.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs refers us to go to the Ministry of Labour to issue the WP3s. So why is the MOL not issuing them?
The MoL cites the emergency decree for not issuing it just yet. I am not fully knowledgeable why they are not issuing and they are not telling us when will they start issuing.
Right – but the new regulations from the MFA clearly allow people with WP3s into Thailand?
So it should follow logically that people should be able to apply for WP3s?
Where is the disconnect?
Dear Patrick,
Yes, you are correct. Unfortunately I cannot explain or justify why the MOL is not issuing the WP3s at this time.
Thank you.
Hello, what about if I am currently in Thailand, working, on the visa amnesty, when this ends, will I have to return to my home country and apply through the thai embassy?
Dear Fiona,
You stated that you are working in Thailand under visa amnesty. Am I correct to assume that your non-immigrant B visa has already expired but you still have a valid work permit? If this is correct, you must convince your Thai employer to extend your non-immigrant B visa inside Thailand, otherwise, you must leave Thailand before July 31 (if visa amnesty is not extended) to get a new non -immigrant B visa from a Thai embassy abroad and return to Thailand under repatriation flight.
Thank you.
Hi,
What is meant by “certificate of residence?” I own a home in Thailand and have a yellow book and Visa (no work permit.) Does that satisfy the requirements?
Thanks
Dear Jeff,
If you have a long term visa that was issued in Thailand, you may request for this certificate of residence from the Thai immigration where the visa was issued. if you are only a tourist in Thailand, you can get this certificate from your embassy by presenting the proof of your address such as ownership of your home or the yellow book.
Thank you.
I hold an Non-immigrant student visa from formal thai university.
My re-entry permit expired on June while I am not in Thailand.
I’ve heard that re-entry permit extended beyond 1 year.
Does it mean I can travel back to Thailand without need to re-apply for new visa?
Dear Marcel,
That refers to the PR or white booklet holders. It does not apply to you. You need to apply for a new non-immigrant ED visa along with the application for certificate of entry to Thailand from the Thai embassy in your current location.
Thank you.
Good afternoon,
I am from the Netherlands and holding a valid Multiple Entry Type B visa. For crital business purposes I need to visit the Kingdom. However I do not hold a Work>
I noticed that requirements have slightly changed since July 3rd. Will I qualify for requesting a DOE despite not having a Work Permit?
Dear Fons,
Yes, if you do not have a work permit but you have a letter from department of labour confirming the urgency of your trip, you may qualify to apply for the certificate of entry from the Thai Embassy in the Netherlands.
Thank you.
Hi,
We have a business in bangkok and I have filipino worker who went home and attended her only son’s graduation day and birthday. Along side, she renewed her Non B visa in the Thai embassy Manila and got a 1 year Non B, multiple entry. My question is, now that all borders are closed, Where can she report for her 90 days
Dear Clarissa,
If she is outside Thailand right now, the 90-day reporting is no longer required. All she can do for now is to obtain the Certificate of Entry from Thai Embassy in Manila, Fit to Fly Certificate and Health Insurance to be able to return to Thailand. Upon arrival, she needs to undergo a mandatory quarantine for 14 days at any of the ASQ hotels.
Thank you.
She is in Bangkok working in our company. She went to Impact Arena yesterday to try the 90 days reporting, because she went back to Bangkok 1st wk of March. She was told yesterday that she cant do 90 days reporting there in Impact Arena nor at the immigration because her visa is obtained outside of Thailand. She had it Thai Embassy Manila Philippines last March. My concern now is , where will she be reporting for 90 days when all borders are still closed? Thank you
Dear Clarissa,
Good day.
You have 2 options:
1. She cannot do a 90-day reporting because the visa was issued outside Thailand. She must do an exit and re-entry to Thailand which is impossible to do now. This will bring you to option 2.
2. You must extend or convert her visa into an Extension of Stay for 1 year. This way the visa stamp is now issued in Thailand and she can also do the reporting after that. Is your company eligible to get the extension inside the country? I would recommend for you to speak to your accountant about this.
Thank you.
Hello,
I am trying to travel to Thailand as an American citizen for work with an int. organization and will apply for a non-immigrant F visa. However, I am very confused about the Certificate of Entry application. My understanding (from the incomplete info on the Thai Embassy DC’s website) is that the application must be submitted 15 working days in advance of the departure, yet I saw on the online application that medical forms had to be uploaded. But these medical forms need to be completed 72 hours in advance of travel. As you can see, this does not make any sense; how can one submit something 15 working days in advance when it requires something 3 days in advance? Also, the embassy does not make available the fit to fly form and I do not know where to find it.
Could somebody kindly help me with this? It would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Dear Christian,
In some Thai embassies, the fit-to-fly certificate is not required when doing the application for certificate of entry. It is only required when you check-in for your flight at the airport of departure to Thailand. I would recommend for you to call Thai Embassy in Washington DC, Consulates in Los Angeles, Chicago or NYC to clarify this. This could also mean that you need to provide the certificate when filing the application and provide a new certificate when departing for the flight.
Thank you.
Hello Rex,
Is it possible to obtain a Non-B visa from Thai consulate abroad? I have a limited company with 7 Thai employees and 2 foreigners (including me). Our capitalization is 4 mio THB. I have a valid Work Permit until June 2021. My 1-year Non-B visa issued in Penang expired on 3rd of July 2020. Thanks to amnesty, my business partner and I, we are allowed to stay in the country until 31st July. My understanding is that we have to leave the country, apply for a Non-B abroad, and hope to be let back in. Kindly advice.
Dear Jorge,
I think to answer your question, we need to know which Thai Embassy or Consulate do you plan to go to. Thei embassy or consulate abroad may be closed due to the COVID-19 situation in that country. For example, Thai embassy in KL is closed for any visa service. If you have a company in Thailand, you may ask your accountant if it is possible to get your visas issued within Bangkok.
Thank you.
Hi,
do you suspect they will extend the visa amnesty for tourist visa holders after July 31st? I have accepted a teaching position, but I am unable to obtain a non-B visa since the borders are closed. Even if the borders are open, traveling to a nearby country and then trying to get back into Thailand seems highly unlikely. What would you suggest? Is there someone I can contact help address this situation? I appreciate your help! Thank you!
Dear Kyle,
Here are your options:
1. You may wait for the government announcement in case the visa amnesty is extended for 1 month or so.
2. If the visa amnesty is not extended, you may visit the Thai immigration office and request for the 30-day tourist visa extension.
3. If the visa amnesty is not extended, you may contact your embassy in Bangkok and request for a letter confirming that you are unable to travel to your home country and then visit Thai immigration office and request for the 30-day visa extension.
4. If you have a change of circumstance such as you have found an employment, you may be able to apply for the non-immigrant B visa at the immigration office if your new employer’s documents are good enough. Otherwise, you need to apply abroad.
5. If the visa amnesty is not extended and you cannot do the options I gave you in items 1-4, then you have no other option but you need to leave Thailand on or before July 31.
Hi there. I am currently on the visa amnesty, and have just founded a job (school teacher). I know that I would need a non-B visa in order to stay in Thailand, and would need to travel to a nearby country to do the visa. Do you know the restrictions on this and would I be able to leave Thailand, do my visa in a nearby country, and enter Thailand? Would I need to do the 14 day quarantine?
Dear Ethan,
Good day.
Yes, everyone must undergo a mandatory quarantine. I recommend that you return to your country to apply for the non-immigrant B visa because there is no nearby country that is open for you to apply for the non-immigrant B visa. Another thing you can do is to ask your employer if they could obtain the non-immigrant B visa from Thai immigration office so that you do not need to leave Thailand.
Thank you.
Hello, I would liek to come to Thailand for an orthopedic medical procedure. I have insurance and am fully covered. My question is does the 14 day quarantine take place before the procedure, or after? Would I fly in, have the surgery, then remain in quarantine for 14 days, then be free to go home or exit the hospital and remain in Thailand, or do I have to quarantine BEFORE the procedure?
Dear Verina,
The quarantine will start as soon as you arrive at the airport. After you are done with the quarantine, you may go to your hospital for the operation.
Thank you.
I’m a Malaysian and having a valid work permit (for 10years now) , and planning to return to thailand for work. Please advise what do i need in order to get ba k to work in Thailand.
Thank you
Dear Valentine,
Good day.
According to the Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur website, the embassy is not issuing any visa and any certificate of entry. Therefore, at this time, it is impossible for you to travel to Thailand.
Thank you.
Dear Rex,
I am student of Chulalongkorn university, Bangkok. I came back to India in March,2020 and my non immigration visa(Ed) expired. Now I want to come back to Thailand for starting my new semester. Would you please tell me whether Thai embassy is accepting new visa application or not? If not then would you please when it will be possible to apply for fresh visa?
Dear Sunita,
Good day. Please contact the Thailand VFS located in India to apply for a new ED visa and also contact the Thai Embassy in Delhi for the certificate of Entry.
Thank you.
Rex, thank you for your helping!
Give me advice please – we are russian and live in Thailand. We have year visa, I and 2 sons-Non O, and my husband- non B and work permit (owner), it will finish-at the March 2021. But every 3 months we have to do the border run…
What will we do after 31 July? We can’t do the border run. because all borders close, and many countries don’t enter russian. We don’t want to go to Russia, because we live in Thailand, work here, our children go to school, we are not tourist. We are long stair. Maybe you know, or give some advice… Thanks a lot. Ka!
Dear Olga,
Good day.
If you are unable to do a border run on July 31 and the visa amnesty is not extended, you must convince your husband’s employer to extend your husband’s visa inside Thailand as well as your dependant visas.Otherwise, you must leave Thailand or you can ask a letter from your embassy confirming that you are unable to travel.
Thank you.
Hi. I’m a Thailand Elite Visa Holder, will I be allowed to enter Thailand now?
Dear Fatima,
Good day!
At the moment, Thai Elite visa holders are not on the included groups of foreigners allowed to enter Thailand for July. To see the full list of the groups and the requirements, please check this page:
https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel/can-you-enter-thailand-now-during-the-covid-19-crisis.php
Thank you.
Good morning. Could you please give me advice on this? My Chinese boss is currently working for an BOI company with a valid work permit, he had left Thailand for his hometown in China since last March, now he needs to resume work asap as a plant manager in the company. I have sent all documents required for COE issuing by the Thai embassy in Shanghai where he lives on June 15th, so far still got no response from the embassy. Could you advise what to do for this case to get COE soonest?
Dear DK,
This is a problem that is an internal problem of the Thai Consulate in Shanghai. If the consulate is not issuing the certificate, maybe your boss can apply for it in Beijing.
Thank you.
Hi
i married a Thai national 3rd March want to go back, to Thailand after coming back to UK to finalise here my move, i understand i can go due to Relationship, but have to apply via my local Thai embassy , which is closed untill further notice, can yo advise me if there is another way or will i just have to wait untill the embassy opens, Thank you.
Dear Graham,
Good day.
If you are legally married to a Thai, you are able to apply for the certificate of entry to return to Thailand from Thai Embassy in London. You may check this page for more infomation:
http://www.thaiembassy.org/london/en/services/7742/119247-Requirements-for-Certificate-of-Entry-during-trave.html
Thank you.
hello:,
I am trying to get to Thailand to teach English. I will be a student at a certifiied University. Will I be able to get a tourist visa with all the required documents included to enter into the country?
Once I am certified through the university I will be assigned a job and a work permit.
Is my situation fit into being a student at a certified education institute?
thank you
Dear Ann,
At this time, Thailand has a travel for all foreign tourists. Should you wish to enter Thailand, you must have a student visa and the certificate of entry issued by the Thai Embassy in your country.
Thank you.
Hi,
I am Singaporean and my family is living in Thailand. Where can I get the health insurance to qualify for the COE to travel back from Singapore to Thailand?
Thanks
Dear TG,
There is no official list of health insurance. You may book an insurance company in Singapore as long as your coverage includes COVID-19 medical expenses and it covers Thailand also. You may check this page:
https://www.pacificcrosshealth.com/en/visa-friendly/
Thank you.
Not sure if there is any queue to fly back to Thailand from Barcelona? If my boss is holding work permits and got his ticket to Thailand already. Can he fly back as schedule?
Dear Chanya,
Good day. I am unable to answer that. You must contact the Thai Embassy in Spain to make sure that he will get the certificate of entry 100% and on schedule. They have information of the repatriation flights from Spain to Thailand. Please call Phone: +34 915 63 29 03.
Thank you.
Can we book the hotel (14-day quarantine) in advance?
Dear Chanya,
Yes, you can book it and it will be one of the requirements of the Thai Embassy. I recommend that you coordinate with the ASQ Hotel, The Embassy for the repatriation flight also.
Thank you.
Can i enter into the Kingdom of Thailand with a valid APEC business card?
Dear Justin,
No, you cannot enter Thailand with only an APEC card. You need to have certificate of Entry issued by the Thai Embassy in your current location. You also need Fit to Fly certificate and COVID-19 negative test result.
Thank you.
If I have an APEC card, will Thai embassy issue CoE automatically?
Dear Dave,
No, you still need to apply for it. It is better to directly contact the Thai embassy where you are located so get more updated information from that particular Thai Embassy.
Thank you.
Hello I’m thinking of going to the UK from China, via Bangkok, problem being, I would need to be buy two separate tickets, one from Kunming (China) – Bangkok, and on the same day from Bangkok- Bristol(UK), It would be considered as entering the borders of Thailand, does that mean I would not be able to go straight to my second flight and would have to fo 14 days under quaranteen?
Please advice me on the issue
Dear Jun,
Good day. At this time, Thailand has a travel ban and international transit passengers are not allowed to land in Thailand. You must book a flight directly from China to the UK.
Thank you.
Hi Rex,
I’m a Taiwanese, and I’m going to return to Thailand in the near future, I’d like to ask some questions.
1.Is quarantine at a free government-provided site only for Thai?
2.How can I apply for another quarantine places(live in hotel) options in advance?
3.Because I will go back with my fiancee, can we conduct quarantine in the same room together?
Dear Robert,
1. Yes, the free mandatory quarantine if for Thai nationals only.
2. For foreigners, you need to book a hotel with ASQ accreditation such as: Tango Hotel Bangkok, Anantara Riverside Bangkok, Siam Mandarina Hotel, Amara Hotel, Anantara Siam Hotel, Two Three Hotel, The Kinn Bangkok, Grand Richmond Hotel, Royal Benja Hotel, Qiu Hotel, The idle Residence, Movenpick Wellness.
3. If she is Thai, you can also book a hotel for her or stay together in the hotel.
Thank you.
My boss is holding a valid work permits and he plans to go back to Barcelona in the beginning of Aug and coming back to Thailand at the end of Aug. Guess he needs to follow the measures entering to Thailand when coming back?
Is it possible for him to select the hotel by himself? If yes, how? Where should I get the info?
Dear Chanya,
Yes, that is correct. He will be required to obtain a Certificate of Entry from Thai Embassy in Spain, Fit to Fly medical certificate with negative COVID-19 result, health insurance and ASQ quarantine. He can choose the hotel as long as it is accredited by the Ministry of Health. For the list of hotels that are accredited, please see below:
Tango Hotel Bangkok, Anantara Riverside Bangkok, Siam Mandarina Hotel, Amara Hotel, Anantara Siam Hotel, Two Three Hotel, The Kinn Bangkok, Grand Richmond Hotel, Royal Benja Hotel, Qiu Hotel, The idle Residence, Movenpick Wellness.
Thank you.
Hi,
I have signed a contract with a Bangkok based MNC. However before we could apply for the work/non-immigrant VISA the Covid shutdown the embassy and VFS services.
Are new applications for non-immigrant VISA and work permit currently being entertained? I am based in Mumbai, India.
Dear Nikunj,
Good day. Please direct your specific inquiry to this website: https://www.vfs-thailand.co.in/Mumbai/index.html
Thank you.
Hi,
Myself and my husband both have UK passports and have a home here in Thailand. We are both here on extension of stay due to retirement (original ‘O’ visa). My husband was overseas (Africa) when the world went into lockdown. During this time he’s extension of stay expired. He also contracted covid 19 while overseas, he is clear now. All I want to do is get him back to Thailand. Do you think this is possible and would he still have to go into quarantine on arrival?
Thank you.
Dear Sharon,
Good day.
We are sorry to hear about your husband and we hope he is alright now. At the moment, the Thai government has not issued any notification about the expired visa extension while abroad, so it is safe to assume that he needs to start the visa application same as before. He needs to get a Non Immigrant O visa before coming to Thailand and convert this non-immigrant O visa into a retirement visa. Unfortunately, right now, non immigrant O visa for retiree is not being issued because retirees are not on the priority list. So we have to wait for new announcement, and once it is allowed for him to enter Thailand, he will get non immigrant O visa, certificate of entry, fit to fly certificate, COVID-19 test with negative result and the health insurance covering COVID-19.
Thank you.
Hi, good morning
Thanks for reply me
My country is India and if I go India I am not able to back Amy country due to choose 19,
By the way when can apply for visa B,
Dear Nousheen,
I cannot answer that right now. The Thai Embassy in KL has suspended its services for visa application and application of certificate of entry. Since you are in KL right now, it will be more convenient for you to check with them as regularly as possible.
Thank you.
Hi Rex..
will I be able to transit at Don Muang Airport?
I will be flying from Jakarta, and the final destination is Maldives.
The transit will be about 10 hours, on August 01, 2020.
Thank you
Dear Agnes,
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has issued a notification on July 3rd stating the aircraft that are allowed to land in Thailand and passengers allowed to enter Thailand. However, the CAAT has not stated or included transit passengers. I recommend that for the time being, you must avoid Thailand.
Thank you.
Hi Rex,
Is there any other list or options of hotels for the State Quarantine Government arrangement .
Is there like another options to get for the quarantine hotels to stay.
I am a work work permit holder, but the price of their Choice quarantine facilities are just too high.
I am willing to be quarantine but hotels are just too expensive for a normal (work permit holder individual).
Thanks !
Dear Cindy,
Good day. You can choose the hotel as long as it is accredited by the Ministry of Health. For the list of hotels that are accredited, please see below:
Tango Hotel Bangkok, Anantara Riverside Bangkok, Siam Mandarina Hotel, Amara Hotel, Anantara Siam Hotel, Two Three Hotel, The Kinn Bangkok, Grand Richmond Hotel, Royal Benja Hotel, Qiu Hotel, The idle Residence, Movenpick Wellness.
Thank you.
My employer bought 49% of a Thai company, with the intention of making me Managing Director. We completed the contracts in December and the travel restrictions prevented me from traveling to apply for my work permit.
Given my companies investment, and the pending business we have in Thailand, is there a way to formally request permission from the Ministry of Labor for travel to Thailand?
Dear Tim,
Good day.
I believe at this time the Ministry of Labour are not issuing the letters or WP3s. I recommend for you to contact the Thai Embassy in your current location if they can waive this requirement and issue a Non Immigrant B visa and the certificate of entry to you.
Thank you.
Hi I am in Thailand now but next week plan to go to Turkey to visit my husband for two weeks and then will return to my job in Thailand. I have the non immigrant B visa.
Because i am only in turkey for 2 weeks is it possible to seek the certificate of entry into the Kingdom of Thailand starting now? Can i apply in Thailand?
the embassy is in Ankara but i will not be in that part of Turkey.
I have medical insurance in Thailand that already includes coverage for covid19.
thanks a lot for your help in advance
Dear Gen,
Good day.
The process to obtain certificate of entry will be 10 to 15 days so I recommend that you call the Thai Embassy in Ankara for more information or we suggest that you postpone your trip until Thailand’s entry requirements are easier to secure.
Thank you.
Hi,
Is there any clarity yet on when the MOL in BKK will start issuing WP3s or whether the non-B visa process will revert back to the old process for countries like Australia (i.e. no WP3 required)?
Dear Patrick,
We called the Labour Office today in Bangkok, and still they are not issuing the WP3 letters. At the moment, non-immigrant B visa under conducting business is not possible. The Thai embassy or consulate can only issue the non immigrant B visa for employment or proposed employment.
Thank you.
Hi,
I am needing to apply for a non-B visa for prospective work. However the Thai embassy asked for a “certified letter from the BOI or MOL”. Do you have any idea what this is?
I am applying from Australia where WP3s were never required before. The embassy here now seems confused as to what new non-B visa for work applications require.
Do you have any idea how to convince them that they should not need a WP3 in Australia to process non-B visas for new work contracts?
Dear Patrick,
Good day.
There are two type of non-immigrant B visa:
1. Non-immigrant B visa for conducting business which does not require the WP3 or letter from BOI/MOL. This visa is not being issued right now because there is a travel ban for this purpose of visit.
2. Non-immigrant B visa for employment and prospective employment. It requires WP3 or letter from BOI/MOL. You can apply for this visa because the CAAT will allow you to enter Thailand if you have the visa, the certificate of entry, fit to fly certificate and the health insurance. There is no travel ban for this purpose of visit or entry to Thailand.
Thank you.
Hi,
How do we get this letter from the BOI or MOL? Do you have contact details, a person to approach or something similar?
Dear Patrick,
Your prospective employer will apply for it. If the company is under BOI, they will apply at BOI. if the company is a normal Thai Co. Ltd. they can apply for the Ministry of Labour which is not issuing the letter at this time.
Thank you.
When will the MOL start issuing this letter?
Dear Patrick,
We called yesterday and the officer we spoke to, cannot tell us exactly when.
Ok so this is not a WP3 – this is a letter instead – a different document, right?
I also understand the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand can issue these letters?
I finally understand that the requirement is “letter authorizing to work issued by either (i) government agency or (ii) supervision agency”.
What would the supervision agency be in this case?
WP3 is actually the Letter which is issued by a government agency called Ministry of Labour or BOI in some instance. I recommend that you ask the Thai Embassy if another letter will suffice.
I already sended my documents to the Thai embassy, I have every required document.
How long do you think it will take to get an answer?
They sended it to the Thai ministry of foreign affairs in Bangkok last week.
Kind regards Christoph
Dear Christoph,
Good day.
It will be between to to 15 days processing time. I recommend that you get in touch with the Thai Embassy where you submitted you documents if it has been more than 10 days from the date ofsubmission.
Thank you.
Dear Rex,
My Japanese colleague is now having an assignment in Jakarta. He has already have a Work Permit but he has to come to Thailand for visa extension before its expiry by the end of this September. After extension, he will go back to Jakarta again.
I would like to ask if a “travel insurance”, or “Company Guarantee Letter for medical treatment” is acceptable for applying a Certififcate of Entry at embassy and check-in counter?
Thanks.
Dear Theresa,
Good day!
Based on the notification issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand last July 3rd, health insurance will be required for a non-Thai to enter Thailand. A guarantee Letter from the Thai company will not suffice.
Thank you.
Hi
I am HR Manager for foreigner investor – Argentinian Citizen, have it’s factory in Thailand under BOI Privilege.
One of our Expat left Thailand to Argentina since end March 2020, before Thailand announced the international travel flight banded . We will need him to re-enter to Thailand for business purpose and also for being as a key witness in the court by mid of August 2020. This expats has got he following information:
– He’s got Thai Work Permit which still valid and has been working in Thailand for over 15 years.
– He’s an expertise in computer business system. (Computer Engineer).
– We’ve got the document from the court (Summon for a witness to present in court)
Kindly advice how could we assisting him to leaving Argentina for Thailand.
Thank you very much
Dear Tanin,
You may contact the Thai Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Please check this page for their phone number and email address. The applicant must apply for a certificate of entry to Thailand as well as available flight to Thailand.
http://www.thaiembargen.org/contactos.php
Thank you.
Any ideas or recommendations on where I can get $100k USD COVID insurance coverage? This seems like an impossible requirement as all of the insurance companies I have looked at have big glaring warnings that their insurance plan do not cover COVID.
Dear Colin,
Good day. That is correct, it is expensive. That is why you may have to wait until Thailand lifted the travel ban in a few months so that insurance and quarantine will not be required by then. However, if you wish to secure a COVID-19 health insurance, you may email: [email protected] or you may check this page: https://www.pacificcrosshealth.com/en/visa-friendly/
Thank you.
Look at “World Nomads” travel insurance.
https://www.worldnomads.com/usa/help/insurance/recent-events/coronavirus-faqs
This is taken from the World Nomads website:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and travel – what you need to know
Due to the widespread media reports of Coronavirus (COVID-19), and the World Health Organization (WHO) announcement declaring COVID-19 a pandemic, COVID-19 is a foreseen or known event. If you are purchasing a new policy, certain coverages will not apply.
You may also check the Pacific Cross Health Insurance, I posted the link to the website.
The quote for $100,000 covid-19 medical insurance is high. Very high. There’s other sources much lower than that. Seems like everyone wants to take advantage of others during covid-19, including ASQ locations 15 days $2,000+, come-on. I have a gold printing machine to pay for all… BTC
Dear Tom,
Good day.
Yes, I do understand your concern. At the moment, you may avoid these requirements by postponing your trip to Thailand to a later part of the year.
Thank you.
Hey Rex! Thanks so much for your article. I was wondering if you know if those who are currently in Thailand but may need to leave the country can come back with a reentry permit. I was not planning to leave until October but I am going to get married and want to come back with my wife. Do you have any idea what the process might be for that?
Dear Michael,
Good day.
If you are holding a Thai visa and a work permit, yes, you are free to exit Thailand and you are also able to re-enter Thailand with your wife. The only struggle I see is that, for you to return to Thailand, aside from your visa and work permit, you will need Certificate of Entry, Fit-to-Fly certificate with COVID-19 test with negative result and 100,000 USD health insurance and hopefully commercial flights are more available at that time. For your wife, it will be non-immigrant O visa, Certificate of Entry, Fit-to-Fly certificate with COVID-19 test with negative result and 100,000 USD health insurance and flight to Thailand. This requirements are based on the current requirements and maybe in October, they will remove some of these requirements or maybe not.
Thank you.
Hi,
I am to renew my non b here in the Philippines, was here a few weeks before lockdown. My question is where will the quarantine take place or can we do home quarantine at our facility since we our own building/property in Bangkok.
Thank you and stay safe everyone
Dear Clarissa,
Good day!
For your travel from thePhilippines to Thailand, you have to do the following:
-Obtain Certificate of Entry from Thai Embassy Manila
-Obtain Fit to Fly certificate and medical test negative of COVID-19
-Provide Health insurance of 100,000 USD covering COVID-19
-Undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine at ASQ-affiliated hotels only
Thank you.
hii my company was processing to get non-immigrant b visa from india to thailand.can you please update when thai borders will open..we have a critical business meeting there..
Dear Dinu,
Good day. Thailand has relaxed its travel ban. It will now allow both repatriation flights and commercial flights into Thailand as long as the passengers on this flights are Thai nationals, foreigners with work permit and their families and foreigners with Thai families. If you can secure a non-immigrant B visa, certificate of entry and a flight to Thailand, you can enter Thailand already.
Thank you.
Good afternoon, I live in Shanghai and will move to Thailand for work and to live. Can I apply for a non-B visa in Shanghai and how long this will take ?
Dear Edwin,
Good day.
At the moment, I am not sure if Thai Consulate in Shanghai are now open for visa applications. You may call this number Tel：（86-21）52609899 to know if they are open for issuing visas and certificate of entry to Thailand.
Thank you.
Dear Rex,
I am from Myanmar and I am planning to study in the Netherlands this September. I need to travel to the Embassy of the Netherlands in Bangkok to collect my long-stay visa. Am I allowed to travel to Thailand in my case and what do I need to do prior to the entry into Thailand? Thanks 🙂
Dear Thwe,
I regret to inform you that at this time, you are not allowed to enter Thailand. You have to patiently wait for government announcement sometime next month. You can contact the Netherlands Embassy if they can send your visa to you by courier.
Thank you.
Dear Rex,
The Netherlands embassy said it is not possible for me to send my visa by courier and I must travel there in order to get my visa issued. In my case, what kind of visa do I need to apply for entry to Thailand?
Thanks again. 🙂
For you to enter Thailand, you need certificate of entry issued by Thai Embassy Yangon. You may email [email protected] to know the latest update on visa application and certificate of entry application as well as flights for Thailand.
Thank you.
Hello Im Shawn my question is my Thai sister in-law was visiting from Thailand she’s Thai national she’s been stuck her because of Thailand closing now its kinda open what does she need to do to go home. we have 2 months left on her B2 visa She’s in Seattle Wa Please help
Dear Shwan,
Your Thai sister-in-law may contact the Thai Consulate in Los Angeles and sign up for repatriation flights if commercial flights are not flying or operation at this time. You may call Phone: +1 323-962-9574. Thank you.
Hi I am planning to move to Thailand to learn Thai at a language school. Is a ED visa still an available option for travel to Thailand?
Dear Matthew,
Yes, ED visa for learning Thai is still available and you may apply for this visa at the Thai Embassy or Consulate in your current location. However, this type of ED visa does not qualify to enter Thailand in July or August because it is not an ED visa sponsored by a formal school such as university. Thank you.
Hi
I am a British national married to a Thai national and I have a current Retirement Visa (expires on 02/09/2020). We have been living/working for the last 5 years in Malaysia Kuala Lumpur. My work is now finished and we are looking to go home to Thailand.
I have Health Insurance above US$100,000 and it covers me for COVID-19. I believe I may qualify to return to Thailand under the present rules but can only assume this can be on a flight for returning Thai Nationals, with available seats?? Am I correct in my assumption??
Dear Paul,
Good day. Whether you have a non immigrant OA or O visa, as long as you can present your marriage certificate, you should be able to apply for the Certificate of Entry. Yes, you can enter Thailand on repatriation flight or commercial flight as long as the passengers have obtained Certificate of Entry or Fit-to-Fly certificate from the Embassy. Please call Phone: +60 3-2145 8004 for more information. Thank you.
Not sure where my previous post went. I am engaged to a thai national who lives in thailand. I am from a covid free country and we want to be in the same country together. What are my options for visas currently?
Dear Frankie,
If you are not legally married, you are not qualified to travel to Thailand for the month of July. We have to patiently wait until normal tourists are allowed to enter Thailand. That might happen in September or October. If you are from a COVID-free country, you might also want to consider for her to visit you there if your embassy in Thailand is already processing visa. Thank you.
Hi Rex, hope you are well.
I am holding a valid work permit. I have applied for the COE. May I know how long does it take to get the CoE issued? Is it true that the CoE is only valid for ten days?
Thank you.
Rita
Dear Rita,
Good day.
I believe the processing time is between 5 to 15 days. But it really depends on the Thai Embassy or Consulate in your location. I have not heard of any information that the CoE has a validity, perhaps it is valid to coincide the validity of the COVID-19 test.
Thank you.
Hi,
I am a UK citizen, currently in Singapore, holding a retirement visa in Thailand, both my wife and daughter are Thai. I urgently need to go back Thailand to see my heart specialist. How soon can i go back to Thailand?
Dear Terry,
Good day. If you have a Thai family, you may apply for the certificate of entry to Thailand. Please call +65 6737 2644 ext.665 or email [email protected] to learn more about the application.
Thank you.
Hi there, my fiance is a thai national and we are wanting to be in the same nation. I come from a covid free nation and looking to stay in Thailand long term. We are planning to get married this year but first we need to be in the same country. Are there any options for me to enter Thailand at this time? I don’t mind what visa it is on but just wondering what my options could be?
Dear Frankie,
Good day. If you are not legally married, you are not qualified to travel to Thailand for the month of July. We have to patiently wait until normal tourists are allowed to enter Thailand. That might happen in September or October. If you are from a COVID-free country, you might also want to consider for her to visit you there if your embassy in Thailand is already processing visa. Thank you.
Dear Rex,
I read in your comments the following statement
“If you have Thai family or Thai work permit, yes you can travel to Thailand. If you are only tourist, you must wait until September or October.”
But what about Non-O(A) year extension visa holders. These are not tourists. This is the big category who are left out of any short term solution to go back to Thailand. I have been stranded in the Netherlands waiting to go back to Thailand.
Dear Willem,
Good day. Yes, I totally agree with your. Retirement visa holders should be next to be allowed to enter Thailand together with those holding a Thai Elite Visa. At the moment, the government has not included these groups. We just have to patiently wait for the next group of foreigners to be allowed into Thailand in August. You may call Phone: +31 70 345 0766 to know if there is any waiting list in case the retirees will be allowed into Thailand.
Thank you.
Dear Rex
My grandmother is a Thai citizen and has been in Switzerland for more than 4 months as of now. According to the local Thai embassy in Bern, there are no repatriation flights planned from Switzerland and according to them, my grandmother can not enter Thailand with a commercial passenger flight, even thought she is a Thai citizen.
She already has a ticket from Thai airways that has been rebooked to the 2nd of August.
My question is: will she be able to return to Thailand with the Thai airways flight on the 2nd of August? What documents does she need to prepare and present?
Thank you!
Dear Tawan,
If the flight in August is not canceled, yes, she can fly to Thailand. She only needs to secure the Fit-to-Fly certificate from Thai Embassy in Bern which she will get before she flies out on August 2.
Thank you.
Hi, is entry into Thailand restricted by land and sea also (ie: from Malaysia)?
Or is this information for flight only?
Dear Yen,
All borders, air, sea and land are covered by the travel ban. Thank you.
Hey,
I’m from New Zealand and was planning to Apply for an Education visa and Study in Thailand for a year staying in a condo with my girlfriend I also have family living in Thailand my father From Nz and stepmother who is a Thai Citizen
Is it possible to get into Thailand without Health insurance of $100,000 USD Does it apply for all visa or just working visa? Is this a temporary restriction? Or permanent as I’m planning to fly in August If the borders are open
Dear Jeremy,
The only way to enter Thailand without COVID-19 insurance is when COVID-19 pandemic is gone or if the travel ban is lifted by Thailand. As for July and August, it will be required for any foreigner coming to Thailand. At the moment normal tourists may be allowed into Thailand in September or October 2020.
Thank you.
Are certified Language schools considered (Ones that give ED visas?)
Dear Catherine,
Yes, ED visa for learning Thai is still available and you may apply for this visa at the Thai Embassy or Consulate in your current location. However, this type of ED visa does not qualify to enter Thailand in July or August because it is not an ED visa sponsored by a formal school such as university. Thank you.
Hello,
How long will the government require arrivals to have 100,000 USD medical insurance?
For many, it’s very expensive. The cheapest policy I could find cost over 2,000 USD.
Thais are required to have 100,000 baht policies.
I am married to a Thai, and live in the Kingdom for ten years. The government has already stated the everyone is covered for Covid 19. I am switching jobs and have to leave a Thailand, do I need more insurance.
Will the immigration department make changes so expats with work permits will not have to leave Thailand? It would seem safer for all concerned.
Thanks for your time,
Sam
Dear Sam,
The COVID-19 health insurance will be required for any traveler coming into Thailand as long as COVID-19 crisis is there or as long as the travel ban not fully lifted.
As for the changes of guidelines by the government, there is no indication on that. However, some immigration offices are becoming more lenient and they are able to change tourist entry stamp into a non-immigrant visa as long as the foreigner is qualified.
Thank you.
Hi, I need to get insurance policy covering covid 100,000 use to return to Thailand to work. I’m 39 yo. How much will it cost?
Dear Toe,
I regret to inform you that our firm is not an insurance company. However, you may check private insurance companies in your current location if they offer a travel insurance covering COVID-19.
Thank you.
Hi , I would like to know I have to enter thailand to attend an important company meeting. How to apply permit to enter without quarantine? May I know what shall I do ? Pls advice .
Dear Eve,
You must call the Thai Embassy or Consulate in your current location to secure a permit to enter Thailand.
Thank you.
Hi. Can you please let me know what is required for a Thai national to fly to Thailand from northern ireland and please direct me to any forms that need completed.
Thank you
Dear David,
You may call the Phone number: +44 20 7589 2944 which is the Thai Embassy in London. Thank you.
Hi, Rex,
Due to my company in Thailand will have a new successor who is Japanese and will be the Managing Director but he hasn’t had Non-immigrant B visa yet.
-Can we apply for non-immigrant B visa now?
-Do you have the lists of required documents?
Thank you
Dear Sareena,
You need to let us know if the applicant is your new director and where is he located right now?
Thank you.
Thank you for your reply Rex,
Yes, the applicant is new director and he is now in Tokyo.
Thus, can we apply for non-immigrant B visa now?
Thank you.
Dear Sareena,
It is a case-to-case basis since some embassies around the world are already issuing new visas and some are still closed. It is best for you to call the Thai Embassy in Tokyo to learn more about the visa application procedure and application for certificate of entry to Thailand.
Thank you.
Hi
I French so no need visa to enter in Thailand I can stay 30 days
I have medical insurance cover also Covid
I can do the Covid test 72 h before departure
I can have certificate fit and fly
I have house to stay alone
I can also go to quarantine hotel by gouvernement
So my question
CAN GO in Thailand August
Dear Martial,
If you have Thai family or Thai work permit, yes you can travel to Thailand. If you are only tourist, you must wait until September or October.
Thank you.
Hi Rex
I have family but we are not married
We will married end of this year
Dear Martial,
Good day. If you are not legally married, you are not qualified to travel to Thailand for the month of July. We have to patiently wait until normal tourists are allowed to enter Thailand. That might happen in September or October. if you have a Thai child with her, that would qualify yourself to get a non-immigrant O visa and certificate of entry. Thank you.
Dear Loganathan,
Yes, if there is no commercial flights, you need to check with Thai Embassy if they can include you in the repatriation flights for Thai nationals.Thank you
Dear Rex,
I have checked with my local Thai Embassy Chennai, India. They shared that they will not able to arrange any special flights as there will be no repatriation flights for Thai nationals this month and moreover they said the COE will be valid for only 10 days form the date of issue, how to go about it now? I have to join my School coming August 2020. I have all the documents for my work visa- non immigrant B
You have no option but to wait for available flights and for the embassy to issue the relevant documents for your return to Thailand. There is nothing you can do right now. If you weren’t in India it could have been different.
Thank you.
Dies a Thai citizen require CoE and Fit to Fly and Covid test to re enter Thailand? Or just go to airport with ticket and passport to go back to Thailand?
Will quarantine in facility be required upon re entry?
Thx
Dear Su,
No, the Thai national only needs the fit to Fly Certificate and must register at the Thai Embassy in his or her current location for the repatriation flight. He or she will undergo a mandatory quarantine provided by the government.
Thank you.
Hello Rex. I have sent you massages before. Maybe now you might know some things more after June 30. I am currently holding a 6-month Thai Tourist Visa that will expire September 9. I still don’t know when Thailand will allow me to enter. In the case where Thailand still will not allow me to enter, will they extend the validity of my visa, seeing as though I paid a lot of money for it, and have not been able to use it. The Thai Embassy in Tokyo (where I am) continues to be closed for consular services for foreigners and the Thai Consulate in Los Angeles (issuing consulate) never answers the phone.
Dear Barbara,
My advice to you is still the same. We are not sure when will Thailand open its doors for tourists. There has been no announcement about it. As for the refund of your visa fee, I think you understood in the receipt of payment issued by the embassy that fees are non-refundable.
Thank you.
Thank you for that information, but I actually was not interested in a refund. I was interested to know if Thai Immigration or consular services would be able to extend the validity period of my $200 visa, considering this situation was not my fault. Certainly I am not the only person to whom this has happened. I have had no success contacting either the Thai Embassy in Tokyo or the Thai Consulate in Los Angeles to ask.
I was hoping now the it’s July, you’d have more information about this kind of thing. Again, thank you for your reply.
Yes, we do have new information about entry to Thailand but unfortunately tourists are not included on the list of foreigners allowed to enter. For the extension of your visa, we are not in the position to advise you on that matter, you must contact the Thai Embassy in Tokyo.
Thank you.
Hi,
About Fit to Fly certificate, pls let me ask the followig pioint
1) is there any specific format ?
2) The contentes does not require COVID-19 negative? (in our contry it’s not possbile to get COVID-19 negative proof in 72 hourts lead time)
Thank you for your kind attention.
Regrds,
I would recommend for you to contact the Thai Embassy in your current location or country to know the specific details of these documents.
Thank you.
Hi,
Regarding non-B visa holders now being allowed entry to Thailand.
Does that mean from countries like Australia the requirement for “permission to work” (the WP3) will now be dropped and the old non-B process will be put back in place, subject to the other requirements of health insurance, a covid negative test and quarantine?
Thank you
Dear Patrick,
There are 2 kinds of the Non Immigrant B visa application that are permitted to travel to Thailand.
1. Those with a valid or expired Work permit booklet applying for the visa.
2. Those who are newly employed holding the WP3 and applying for the visa.
***The non immigrant B visa based on conducting business is still on hold unless the applicant was invited by the Thai government agency.
Both must then apply for the certificate of entry from the Thai Embassy in order gain entry to Thailand. Both subject to health insurance and fit to fly test.
Thank you.
Ok, but I believe the Department of Labour / One Stop Service centre in Bangkok are still closed for issuing WP3s. So how can one get a WP3?
Or when will they start issuing them again?
Dear Patrick,
Yes, I heard of this information about non-issuance of the WP3. Perhaps what you can do is to contact the Thai Embassy in your country to check if a simple letter from your Thai company or employer will suffice the WP3 requirement in order to obtain the Non Immigrant B visa and Certificate of Entry.
We called the Labour Office yesterday and also they do not know when will they be allowed to issue it.
Thank you.
So that means there are not hard and fast requirements as of yet – embassies might be able to apply discretion with regards to issuing non-B visas?
I have an invitation letter to work from my employer. I won’t be going on business. It will be for employment.
Has the Ministry of Foreign Affairs specifically said WP3s are required? Or have they just said that you must be going to Thailand to work, not on business?
Will the Department of Labour and the embassies have discretion with regards to how to implement this?
Dear Patrick,
The notice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is that the person is coming to Thailand for work. So that means, you will either show a valid or expired work permit as proof that you were working already before COVID-19 travel ban or you have WP3 to show that you are newly employer to work in Thailand. The embassy may have the discretion to issue the Coe and Visa in the absence of WP3 by having the letter from your employer. But we cannot guarantee that they will approve it. perhaps in the letter, your employer can mentioned the difficulty they are facing getting the WP3.
Thank you.
Hello Ray,
I have been stuck in Laos since March 9th as I work here but live with Family in Thailand 1hrs drive once over the friendship bridge 1 that joins the 2 countries. Keen to get home to the family either over the bridge of via repat flights with CEO and new visa since unused SETV issued in Vientiane 18th March expired 17th June. Do you know if the Thai Embassy Vientiane has started accepting COE/Visa applications and I presume the repat flight and Bangkok quarantine most likely scenario and travel bubble / bridge crossing discussions by Thai government off the table until mid August i believe. Laos fared remarkably well and only had a total of 19 cases an 0 deaths. There is no less risk country to Thailand than that. Frustrating situation as coming on 5 months of separation and locked within Laos.
Dear Dan,
Good day. At the moment Thailand and Laos have no agreement about opening or loosing the travel ban. if there are repatriation of commercial flights from Laos to Thailand, I recommend that you contact the Thai Embassy in Vientiane if you are able to obtain the visa and certificate of entry. We understand your frustration but our firm cannot advise you further on this matter. We recommend for you to constantly check with the Thai Embassy on this page: http://vientiane.thaiembassy.org/th/
Thank you.
Hi, Rex,
My new Japanese boss has just got Non immigration B visa from Thai Embassy in Tokyo but he hasn’t had work permit yet. He intends to start working in Thailand in July. Can he come to Thailand?
Thank you.
Dear Pareeya,
I believe he still need to apply for the certificate of entry from the Thai Embassy in Tokyo. Perhaps the embassy will expect a WP3 letter from labour office in Thailand in order to issue the certificate.
Thank you.
How about documents to submit for visa long stay?
documents are same short stay?
Dear Somruedee,
Good day.
The short stay visit with invitation by government is a different category. For the Non-immigrant B visa for short visit or for long term employment are another category also. I highly recommend that you call the Thai Embassy where you intend to submit the application. I cannot answer on behalf of all Thai Embassies around the world.
Thank you.
Hello Rex – my daughter was going to go to Bankok from the US as a medical tourist. I am finding it is difficult to find any insurance that covers “pandemic” coverage, and traveling as a medical tourist adds yet another layer. Any advice you can offer? Also, if she is a medical tourist, how does the quarantine work..she will be confined to her hotel room anyway, but it states a government designated facility. Thank you for any info/clarity you can provide.
Dear Karen,
For the medical visa and certificate of entry, you must contact the Thai Embassy or the agency assisting the medical operation such as the hospital you have booked for her.
Thank you.
Hi have u got any idea when people from the UK can go to Thailand please?
Also how long will it take under these current circumstances today for Siam Legal to get me a Non O 90 Day Visa?
🙏 for your help and speedy reply.
Dear Charlie,
The Thai Embassy in London are issuing a Certificate of Entry for British nationals planning to return to Thailand. If you have a Thai wife or Thai child, please check this page to know how you can get the certificate:
http://www.thaiembassy.org/london/en/services/7742/119247-Requirements-for-Certificate-of-Entry-during-trave.html
Thank you.
I am supposed to be travelling from the UK the first week in September for a holiday to Thailand and I am due to pay the final amount now ,do you think travel restrictions will be lifted by then
Dear Sam,
It is still too early to say if the travel ban will be fully lifted in September. I recommend for you to check on updates perhaps every 2 weeks and wait for government announcements.
Thank you.
Hi, Rex, hope you are well
I am currently welling to apply a non-immigrant B visa in UK, do you know if the embassy has opened the visa service yet?
Dear Rosi,
The Thai Embassy in London is already processing it and COE. Please check this page:
http://www.thaiembassy.org/london/en/services/7742/119247-Requirements-for-Certificate-of-Entry-during-trave.html
Thank you.
Hi
My Thai colleague had contact with Ministry of Labour, Bangkok office yesterday regarding the new issue WP3. However, MOL said currently the counter is closed due to Emergency Decree. As a result they cannot issue any new WP3.
I was wondering is there any other way to obtain WP3? as it is hard to believe they don’t issue new WP3 because of Emergency Decree.
thanks!
Dear Bill,
Yes we got the same information when our staff called the Work Permit Office of the Ministry of Labour. So we have to patiently wait until the WP3 is secured unless your Thai company can obtain special permit if this company is under BOI for example.
Thank you.