Tourist Visa Exemption

[Enjibenji]

Hi there,

I'm from UK, flying to Thailand, arriving on 18th December and departing on 16th January, making that 29 days and therefore plan to get a tourist exempt visa.

From the Thai embassy online, their visa rules states that: "Foreigners entering Thailand under the Tourist Visa Exemption category must provide proof of adequate finances for the duration of stay in Thailand at the point of entry (ie. traveller's cheques or cash equivilent to 10,000 Baht per person and 20,000 Baht per family)"

I'm just wondering - are proof of funds normally asked for? Normally when I come to Thailand I apply for a visa in the UK (due to staying more than 30 days each time). It normally takes me 30 seconds to get my stamp in the airport and get through to baggage and generally, others on the same flight on visa exemption take a fair bit longer. Is that because proof is required?

appreciate any help

[beechguy]

They can request it, but I've never been asked and I have only heard of a few people being required to present proof, usually at land crosssings if I remember correctly. Also your stay appears to be 30 days, the day you arrive counts as one.

[Lite Beer]

Agree with the above.

Highly unlikely you will be asked and your stay is for 30 days.

[Enjibenji]

Thanks for the help.

Not having to get a visa here/prepare anything is 1 less thing to do for my trip then

[Sheryl]

My experience too, even at land crossings and even with nationals of Cambodia (where the index of suspicion would be higher and indeed most don't have that sort of money), it is very rare that this is checked.

Basically my impression is that they make use of this provision only in cases where they are suspicious of the individual.

Also note that posession of a credit card is accepted in lieu of cash.

This regulation is aimed at people suspected of coming in to work illegally. (Not terrbly relevant there either since few illegal migrant workers enter with a passport!).