Source: articlesbase.com
Thailand is a country full of beauty and mystique. The culture of the country is a combination of ancient customs and modern complexity. With a climate of tropical weather, visiting Thailand can take some getting used to when first arriving. Thailand is a country of extremes, both in climate and culture. There is a polarizing effect between the extreme wealth of the middle and upper classes, and the almost third world poverty of the lower-class. For US citizens traveling to Thailand for a stay of less than thirty (30) days, there is no visa requirement. You will however, be required to have a current US passport and a return ticket to the USA in hand to gain entry. For other foreigners to stay in Thailand for any length of stay, either short-term or long-term, a visa may be required. You will need to verify the visa requirements for the country from which your passport is issued. You may do this via the Thai Immigration Bureau’s website or via your own country’s immigration site, if available. Most foreign visas require arranged living accommodations during your stay. If staying in the city for a week or longer, a living arrangement such as a serviced apartment may be optimum. However, if you will be staying for just a few days, a hotel may be your best option. There are online companies that cater to providing serviced apartments for business travelers to many major cities in Asia, including Thailand. Other than US citizens, if you require an entry visa, you must obtain it prior to travel to Thailand. If you are a US citizen seeking a stay longer than 30 days, you must also apply and receive your visa prior to entry. A visa is the stamp that is added to your passport. Remember that for non-US citizens, any length of stay in Thailand, a visa may be mandatory. You can get this stamp at the Thai Embassy, or via an agent or on with an online application. To apply for a visa in Thailand, there is a requirement to obtain certain documents that may have fees applicable to them. However, it is a necessity to have all necessary information on the application to be approved. The requirements for obtaining a visa are: •Â Adhering to certain applications that are applied to every visa for a stay of 6 months or more. •Â A completed visa application form available at the Thai Embassy or from the Thai Immigration Bureau. •Â A photograph of the visa applicant that matches the passport identification •Â A round-trip physical or e-ticket •Â Proof of financial solvency that verifies you will have the adequate funds for your stay It is important to remember that the consul may request additional documents at their discretion. Visa applicants must be in a good state of overall health and if requested must be able to prove their financial solvency. The usual fee for obtaining a visa is $30 per person. The fee is subject to change without notice. It is wise to obtain the most recent information about the mandatory fees for a visa application on the Thai website or from the Thai consulate. The fee requirements are based on your native country. However, it is typical for the Thai consulate to set their fees at a flat rate, so research is required prior to effecting payment. After 30 days a traveler wishing to remain in Thailand will need to reapply for their visa extension. After obtaining an extended visa, you will have another 30 days before you will need to reapply once again. To file for a visa extension, you simply need to contact the Thai Immigration Bureau.
One of the prerequisites for obtaining a Thai visa is having set living arrangements. Finding a serviced apartment is a good option for people who will be staying for a week or longer in the country. The website Moveandstay.com features complete listings of all serviced apartments in Bangkok and other major Asian cities.