Visa runs and renewals

Posted by Andaman Sam on June 3rd, 2010 filed in Tourist tips

Entry into Thailand requires a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry. If your passport will expire while you are in Thailand, be sure to obtain a new one before arriving or you may be refused entry.

Tourist visas are available by applying at any Thai Embassy or Consulate before traveling. As visa regulations are in flux and always change, it is wise to check with the Thai Embassy in your home country or visit Thailand’s ministry of foreign affairs’ website, www.mfa.go.th/web/12.php.

Phuket Visa Run:

Phuket is a bit of a leisure magnet and there are many people who end up here and stay longer than they had planned for. If your visa is about to expire but your enjoyment hasn’t, then you have to do a visa run which will loose you a day and about 1500 Baht to go to the incredibly smell border town of Ranong.

The Ranong visa process is abit complicated, upon arrival in the border town, you have to check in at Thai immigration to receive your exit stamp. This is also where you pay any over stay which is 500 Baht for a day. Although, you shouldn’t make a habit of staying your visa, don’t worry about being deported.

Bring your fee and a photocopy of your passport; photocopies are available at the immigration office. The irony of the over stay, is that once you have paid your fee, your are on the fast track getting your exit stamp.