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Updated: 25 September 2022

Visit the PCEC’s Thai Visa & Immigration website pages for information on entry and extension of stay in Thailand as well as address reporting requirements.

This page contains the latest information we have on Thai Immigration matters that may be temporary or otherwise not included in our Thai Immigration webpages.

The information presented here relates to requirements or practices of at the Chonburi (Pattaya) Immigration Office which may not yet be included on the PCEC’s website.


COVID ANTIGEN TEST OR VACCINATION RECORD WILL NO LONGER BE REQUIRED FOR ENTRY INTO THAILAND - EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2022

The Thai Government will no longer require visitors to provide evidence they have been vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an antigen test for entry into Thailand.

Click here for the Pattaya Mail article.



INCREASE IN HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR EXTENDING STAY WHEN THE UNDERLYING VISA IS CATEGORY  O-A


Effective 1 October 2022, all those applying for an extension whose underlying Visa is category OA will now be required to have substantially higher health insurance coverage. The Amendment to the Police Order governing Extensions of stay now have provisions that allow non-Thai insurance policies to be used or requirements for those that cannot get health insurance policies. BUT, as usual, the devil is in the details and what specific documents Immigration Offices will require.

NOTE: The health insurance requirement does not apply to retirees whose underlying Visa is Category O.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Minimum amount of health insurance cover will be US$100,000 or Baht 3 million - the rule states it must cover Covid, but no longer states an amount that must cover outpatient care.
  • A health insurance policy (as in the past) from one of the Thai companies listed by the Thailand General Insurance Association (TGIA) will be acceptable. In the case of foreign health insurance cover, it will require a letter/certification from your Embassy OR apparently a notarized document signed by an authorized person that is then certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).(*) 
  • If a person provides evidence of a denial of coverage by an insurance provider, they can qualify for the extension if they have at least 3 million baht on deposit in a Thai bank for at least 2 months before applying and (1) evidence of denial of coverage certified by the person's Embassy or by a notarized document from the health insurance provider certified by the MoFA. (*)   . At present, what type of document and how it is notarized that will be accepted by the MoFA for certification is unknown.
  • Apparently one can use a combination method of health insurance and money in a Thai bank to be equal to or more than 3 million baht supported by the documents mentioned above. (*)

(*) At present, what type of document and how it is notarized that will be accepted by the MoFA for certification is unknown.


CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW FOR AN ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF THE THAI IMMIGRATION POLICE AMENDMENT ORDER


ExtractPoliceOrder-OA-Visa



 10 YEAR LONG TERM VISA NOW AVAILABLE

The new Long Term Visa program is administered by the Bureau of Investment (BOI) and is now available.  There are several categories to under the program.

For Retirees, the requirement is an income of at least US$80,000 per year or personal income of at least US$40,000 and investment of at least US$250,000 in Thai Government bonds, foreign direct investment, or Thai property.  In addition, health insurance of at least US$50,000 covering the period of stay or US$100,000 in a bank account for no less than 12 months or social security benefits which insures hospitalization & treatment in Thailand. 


  Click here for the Pattaya Mail article.  


[Source for chart below: Hua Hin Today - Click here for article]


CLICK HERE FOR BUREAU OF INVESTMENT  WEBPAGE FOR APPLICATION INFORMATION





INCREASE IN THE PERMITTED STAY TIME FOR THOSE ARRIVING AS VISA EXEMPT OR VISA ON ARRIVAL

The Thai Cabinet has approved the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) recommendation for increasing the number of days from 30 to 45 for those arriving Visa Exempt (Click here for information on Visa Exempt entry).

The Cabinet has also approved the CCSA's recommendation for increasing the number of days from 15 to 30 for those obtaining a Visa on Arrival when entering Thailand (Click here for information on VOAs). 

The effective date is October 1, 2022 and will remain in effect until March 31, 2023.  Note: Visa Exempt applies to citizens from 48 countries whereas VOAs are apply for citizens of 19 countries. 

Click here for the Pattaya Mail article.




CHONBURI (PATTAYA) IMMIGRATION - 90 DAY REPORTING DESK


If you encounter a long queue at the entry door, you can use the outside desk to file your 90 day address report.

It is located to the right after the entry gate. They will take your passport inside and then return it with the new 90 day reporting receipt and due date.



TM.6 ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE CARD TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED

The Thai Cabinet has agreed to temporarily exempt the use of immigration forms “Tor Mor 6” for foreigners entering and departing from Thailand.

For those entering at all international airports. The suspension does not apply to entry at land borders.  Click here for the The Pattaya News article.


EU ACCEPTS 'THAILAND DIGITAL HEALTH PASS'


The European Union has accepted Thailand Digital Health Pass, issued by the Public Health Ministry on Mor Prom application.

Thailand is now connected to the EU Digital Covid certificate system and Thai travelers can use Thailand Digital Health Pass as a proof of Covid-19 vaccination to enter 60 countries and territories.

Click here for the Pattaya Mail article. Click here for The Pattaya News article.




OBTAINING AN EXTENSION OF STAY AFTER ENTERING WITH AN e-VISA

In the past, visas were a sticker which the applicant placed in his or her passport. But this system has been replaced by a new e-visa which is sent to applicants in a detailed email prior to flying to Thailand.

This email should be retained after arrival in Thailand. A copy is required by the immigration bureau if and when a foreigner applies for an extension of stay.

Click here to read the article. Click here for Ministry of Foreign Affairs eVisa portal.


PATTAYA IMMIGRATION – LEGALIZATION OF MARRIAGE LICENSE IF FOREIGN SPOUSE IS OBTAINING A LONG STAY EXTENSION

Darren McGarry from Key Visa in his recent presentation to the Club mentioned that Pattaya Immigration is now requiring “legalization” of the marriage license when a spouse is applying for a long stay extension on the basis of their spouse’s retirement extension.

We have seen other reports that the marriage license will not be accepted unless the person’s Embassy has certified the document and it has also been stamped by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Legal Department in Bangkok. Click here for information regarding MFA “legalization” of documents.

In the case of a marriage license from the UK, per Darren and the reports received, the process is to have the document “legalized” by the UK Government, then by the Thai Embassy in London, and then by the MFA in Bangkok. We suggest you start the process so you have ample time before your extension renewal date to complete the process.

Currently, this the only information we have.

NOTE: If you are in this situation and not from the UK, you may wish to start now in determining what may be required if from a country other than the UK. We suggest you contact your Embassy as to whether they will certify the marriage license so you can then take it to the MFA for “legalization” or if your country has a similar arrangement with their Thai Embassy.

For US Citizens, any Government certification will depend on the State which issued the marriage license. We will appreciate receiving any information on the process that you can share with your fellow Expats.

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