All nationalities require passports valid for at least six months. Travelers entering
Thailand are required to prove they have sufficient funds to cover the length of their stay, and are recommended to hold documentation for return/onward travel.
Americans: Visas are not required for holiday travel by
US passport holders for periods of 30 days or less. Those arriving at overland crossings will only be given visa free entry valid for 15 days.
UK nationals: Visas are not required for travel by
UK passport holders endorsed British Citizen or British National (Overseas)
issued in
Hong Kong, for periods of 30 days or less; those arriving at overland crossings will only be given visa free entry valid for 15 days. Other UK passport holders require a visa.
Canadians: Visas are not required for travel by Canadian passport holders for periods of 30 days or less. Those arriving at overland crossings will only be given visa free entry valid for 15 days.
Australians: Visas are not required for travel by Australian passport holders for periods of 30 days or less. Those arriving at overland crossings will only be given visa free entry valid for 15 days.
South Africans: South Africans do not require a visa for tourist visits of up to 30 days. Those arriving at overland crossings will only be given visa free entry valid for 15 days.
Irish nationals: Irish passport holders do not require a visa for tourist visits of up to 30 days. Those arriving at overland crossings will only be given visa free entry valid for 15 days.
New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals do not require a visa for tourist visits of up to 30 days. Those arriving at overland crossings will only be given visa free entry valid for 15 days.
Health
Travelers should take medical advice at least three weeks before traveling to Thailand. Malaria is a risk outside
Bangkok and the major tourist resorts, and most physicians will also advise immunization against hepatitis A and typhoid fever. Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required from those traveling from infected areas. Since January 2005 there has been an increase in reported cases of dengue fever, particularly in the south, and vaccination against Japanese encephalitis is also recommended for many travelers. Outbreaks of leptospirosis often occur during the rainy season and after flooding. There has been an outbreak of waterborne diseases in the Provinces of
Khon Kaen,
Lop Buri, Phitsanulok and Prachin Buri. Outbreaks of cholera have also been reported. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Thailand you should seek immediate medical attention.There have been recent outbreaks of bird flu among poultry, and several human deaths, although the risk of travelers contracting the disease is slight; contact with live birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked. HIV/AIDS is rife in the major cities and resorts. Medical facilities are good in major cities, but good medical insurance is vital: without insurance, or cash/credit card, travelers will not be treated. Bangkok has excellent international hospitals.
Safety
The political situation in Thailand is very uncertain. There have been major political demonstrations taking place in central Bangkok and there have been outbreaks of violence. Travelers should be aware that there is a continuing threat to westerners from terrorism throughout
South East Asia and should be particularly vigilant in public places, including tourist resorts. Visitors are advised to avoid the border areas and not camp in undesignated areas in national parks. Visitors to major cities are advised to keep an eye on their passports and credit cards and ensure they don't carry around too much money or jewelry. In Bangkok visitors should be aware of scams, often involving gems recommended by kind strangers. In tourist areas, and in particular at the
Full Moon Party on Ko Phan Ngan, visitors should be careful about accepting drinks from strangers, as there have been several reported incidents of drinks being heavily drugged. Incidents of sexual assault, on women in particular, continue to occur, and female travelers should be cautious. The security situation in the southern provinces closest to the Malaysian border is unstable and travel to
Pattani, Yala and
Narathiwat and
Songkhla is to be avoided; recent bomb explosions and fighting have killed and injured many people in public places and the government has announced a state of emergency in the area. Further attacks could take place in areas frequented by foreigners, although the Thai authorities have put additional security measures in place throughout the country, including in Bangkok. Several explosions have occurred in Bangkok. The political situation remains unstable and numerous demonstrations have taken place in Bangkok with a risk of violence; visitors are advised to avoid all political demonstrations. Since 2005 there have been several sinkings of passenger boats causing loss of life, thought to have been caused by overloading. The height of the monsoon season in September and October (November to March on
Koh Samui) brings about routine flooding in the north, north east and central regions, often causing mudslides and flash floods; visitors planning to trek in the jungle during this time should check conditions with licensed tour guides before leaving.
