Visa-Free Thailand: Key Things You Must Know Before You Go

Thailand has become a new go-to destination among Sri Lankan & Indian travellers, especially with the recent announcement of visa-free entry. This new change opens up hassle-free travel to the Land of Smiles.

I recently travelled to Phuket, Thailand, under the new visa-free travel policy as a Sri Lankan passport holder from Singapore. In this article, I’ll share my experience and answer some of these frequently asked questions in WhatsApp groups about the visa-free process, entry requirements, and what to expect upon arrival.

Question 1: Is It Visa-Free or Visa-On-Arrival?

You don’t need to worry about obtaining a visa on arrival. It’s completely FREE! Citizens of 93 countries, including Sri Lanka, India, and Singapore, can now enjoy a 60-day visa exemption for tourism. Once you arrive in Thailand, head straight to the immigration counter.

Here is the official announcement about visa exemption from MFA Thailand.

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Question 2: Do We Need to Pay for the Visa?

No, it’s absolutely FREE! There are no charges for the visa.

Question 3: How Long Can I Stay in Thailand?

The duration of your stay depends on the visa exemption period. In most cases, you’re allowed to stay for up to 60 days under the visa-free policy. However, it’s important to check the stamp on your passport at the immigration counter, as it clearly indicates the last day you can stay in Thailand.

Question 4: What Should I Provide at Departure?

When travelling to a country that offers visa-free entry, it’s essential to have a return air ticket. Airlines are responsible for ensuring that passengers have the means to return to their country of origin in case the destination country denies entry. Therefore, they typically verify your return ticket before allowing you to board.

Side note: A friend of mine with a Sri Lankan passport joined our recent trip to Phuket from Canada. Since his return ticket was booked with a different airline than his departure flight, the airline at Pearson Airport in Canada asked him to write a letter stating that he would bear the cost of a ticket to return from Thailand if the immigration officials denied him entry. This caused unnecessary hassle. To avoid such situations, I recommend booking both your departure and return flights with the same airline whenever possible.

Question 5: What Should I Provide at Arrival in Thailand?

From my experience, the immigration officers didn’t ask for much. The officer just asked how many days I planned to stay in Thailand. All my friends had a similar experience.

However, it’s a good idea to come prepared. It’s highly recommended to have the following ready:

Hotel bookings for your stay.
Sufficient cash or cards for your trip.
A clear idea of your itinerary in case the officer asks what you plan to do in Thailand.
Singapore work pass (if applicable)

To make your planning easier, I’ve written a detailed article with an itinerary for a Phuket trip from Singapore. If you’re planning to visit Phuket, I encourage you to check it out and download the itinerary directly from there.

Question 6: Is There Any Arrival Card to Fill Out Before Proceeding to the Immigration Counter?

No, there’s no arrival form or card that you need to fill out before arriving in Thailand.

Question 7: Do We Need A Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is not a mandatory requirement for entering Thailand. However, it is strongly recommended that you have travel insurance before going on holiday to any country. Unexpected situations like medical emergencies or trip cancellations can occur, and having insurance can provide peace of mind.

For my 5-day trip, I purchased travel insurance from Singtel, which cost me around S$30. It offered comprehensive coverage and was easy to arrange.

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Question 8: Roaming or Buying a Sim?

I purchased an eSim from Phuket, which cost me TBH 400 (S$15) and gave me more data flexibility.

Thailand’s visa-free policy makes it easier than ever to explore this beautiful country. With the right preparation and these tips, you can enjoy a hassle-free and memorable trip. Pack your bags, plan your itinerary, and get ready to experience the Land of Smiles!

That’s it for today, guys. Thank You for Reading! I hope you found this article informative and useful.

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