Visa To Thailand

1. General requirements on application for visas:
	Valid passport or other travel document (not less than 6 months and it contains at least one blank visa page). One visa application form (be duly filled in and signed by applicant). Two passport-sized (2"x2") photographs are required (color or black & white, front view) Fee rate for each category of entry per person is collected, accordingly: Transit Visa $30.00; Tourist Visa $0.00; (Tourist visa fee exexmpted end March 4, 2010) Non-Immigrant Visa $65.00, (one-year multiple-entry Non-Immigrant Visa: $175). Fee can be paid by Money Order or Cashier's check. (Personnal check is not acceptable) Please made payable to "The Royal Thai Consulate-General, Chicago." When submitting application by mail, a self-addressed envelope size 6" x 9" or large enough to fit all passports with sufficient postage stamps is required. Metered stamps will not be accepted. Applicant may have their visa mailed by attaching a self-addressed envelope of Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation or Express Mail. (The Consulate will not be responsible for any lost, damage, delayed or misdirected mail.) Letter of Recommendation and/or relavant documents are required for doing business in Thailand or when apply for any other categories of Non-Immigrant visa. Reliable supporting documents are required for the former refugee holding permit to re-enter the United States (2 passport-sized photos, 2 copies of alien registration card, 2 copies of letter of recommendation from employer or authorized agency, copies of current bank statement, 2 copies of typewritten resume and confirmed round-trip air ticket). Additional documents requirements for the applicants who hold passports from the following countries : Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri lanka. the People's Republic of China, the People's Republic of Korea. Nigeria Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Palestine, Sudan, Syria, Yemen. 3 copies of passport identification page and extended validity page. 3 completed and signed application forms. 3 passport-sized photographs taken within 6 months. 3 photocopies of Permanent Resident Alien Card, or letter that indicates current status in the United Stated from INS. 3 copies of letter of recommendation from employer and/or invitation from host company in Thailand along with the company's letter of registration (plus 3 photocopies). 3 copies of confirmed round trip ticket and Itinerary. All citizens are allowed to transit Thailand 12 hours without visa.
2. Validity of visa entering Thailand.
	The visa should be utilized within 90 days from the date of issuance (for single entry)
3. Period of stay in Thailand by visa classification.
	NON-IMMIGRANT VISA: 90-days-stay and can apply for re-entry visa if the period of stay remains valid. TOURIST VISA: 60-days-stay, employment is prohibited. TRANSIT VISA: 30-days-stay, without extension. OFFICIAL VISA and DIPLOMATIC VISA: as per agreement with Thailand, otherwise period of stay is granted as necessary.
4. Currency or monetary instrument(s):
	Travelers over 12 years of age must have in hand currency or monetary instruments (e.g. traveler's check, bank draft) transferable into cash (Thai currency) for each category of visa as follows: NON-IMMIGRANT VISA: At least 20,000.00 Baht per person or 40,000.00 Baht per family. TOURIST VISA: At least 20,000.00 Baht per person or 40,000.00 Baht per family. TRANSIT VISA: At least 10,000.00 Baht per person or 20,000.00 Baht per family. There is no limit on the amount of Thai currency which can be brought into Thailand, but only 50,000.00 Baht may be taken out without obtaining a permit. Thai currency can be taken out to neighboring countries, e.g. Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, up to 500,000.00 Baht, without obtaining a permit. Taking out an amount of Thai currency exceeding 500,000.00 Baht the requires a permit from an authorized bank. The original permit must be shown to the Customs officer while passing through the outbound passenger channel. As from February 24, 2008, any person who brings or takes an aggregate amount of foreign currency exceeding USD 20,000 or its equivalent out of or into the Kindgom of Thailand shall declare such amount of foreign currency to a Customs Officer. Failure to declare upon bringing foreign currency that exceeds the amount restricted by law or its equivalent out of or into the Kindgom of Thailand or making any false declaration to a Customs Officer is a criminal offence.
5. Health requirement:
	It is not required unless traveling from an epidemic area to Thailand. Read Health Guide for travelers to Thailand. (click image) Quarantine Procedures For Passenger From Uganda. Thailand zero SARS transmission country.
6. Processing time.
	Applications are usually processed within 2 working days if submitted in person. Applying by mail will take approximately 5 working days plus mailing time. Opening hours for applications: 10.00 hrs - 14.00 hrs. (Monday - Friday, except holidays)
7. List of countries whose nationals are exempted from visa and permitted to stay only for the purpose of tourism for 30 days.
(The round-trip tickets must be confirmed and extension of stay not be permitted)
	Australia, Austria, Belgium, *Brazil, Bahrain, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, *Chili, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel,. Italy, Japan, *Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Lao, Luxembourg, Macao, Malaysia, Monaco (effective 26 Oct 07), Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, *Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, U.A.E., U.K., U.S.A., Vietnam. * Permission to stay 90 days. 1.Passport holders from 42 countries are not required to obtain a visa to enter Thailand for tourism purposes and will be permitted to stay in the Kingdom for a period of not exceeding 30 days. Entering the Kingdom at the immigration checkpoints which border neighboring countries, such passport holders will be allowed to stay for 15 days, except Malaysian passport holders who cross the borderline from Malaysia. 2. Holders of passports from APEC member economies may enter and stay in Thailand for business purposes for up to 90 days without visa, provided that they also hold APEC Business Travel Card.
8. List of countries whose nationals are exempted from visa fees:
	Rep.of Korea, Malaysia, *Philippines, Singapore, Tunisia. *Permission to stay 59 days.
9. List of countries whose nations may apply for visa at the Immigration checkpoints for the purpose of tourism for the period of not exceeding 15 days (Visa on Arrival)
	Bhutan, China (including Taiwan), Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, India, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Maldives, Mauritius, Oman, *Peru, Poland, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine. *Permission to enter and stay in Thailand for 90 days without necessity for obtaining a visa. Requirements for applying visa on arrival Not being prohibited from entering the Kingdom under the Immigration Act B.E.2522 (A.D. 1979) Valid passport or travel document at least 6 months Round trip air ticket for traveling out of Thailand within 15 days One photograph (4x6 cm.) Evidence of adequate finance: At least US$250.00 per person or US$500.00 per family
10. Holder of U.S. passport residing in the State of Missouri may apply visa either at Office of Thai Honorary Consular Officer in Missouri or at the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Chicago.

Shopping Tips In Singapore

Before hitting the stores, do equip yourself with information on local practices and conditions. The shopping tips provided below will help make your shopping experience in Singapore a pleasant one. It is also a good idea to check with your hotel concierge or visit any Singapore Visitor Centre for assistance, upon arrival.

Consumer Advisory 1. Always compare prices to get the best deals Prices can vary widely between shops because distributors are not obliged to follow each product’s Recommended Retail Price (RRP). Ask your retailer if the 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) applies; note that purchases above S$100 (in a single receipt) entitle you to GST refunds if you leave Singapore by air. 2. Be aware that purchases made are usually final Once payment is made, retailers generally enforce strict return, exchange or refund policies. To play safe, always ask your retailer about those policies before you make payment. 3. Check receipts/invoices for accuracy Ask for a receipt or invoice whenever you buy anything. Keep them for reference. Check that prices and item descriptions are correct to ensure that you do not pay more than what is required; gifts, where applicable, should be indicated as such. 4. Verify what your “international warranty” covers International warranties are not standardized. Ask and verify that your warranty is valid in your home country. Ensure both your invoice and warranty card bear your retailer’s stamp and signature; in the case of electronic goods, note the product’s serial number as well. • There are no international warranties for mobile phones. • A “worldwide local warranty” means the warranty is available only in the country of purchase; “worldwide” here refers to the availability of the product, not the warranty. • Parallel imported items have no warranty, and retailers do not entertain returns, refunds or exchanges. 5. Check before leaving the store Before you make payment, ask to test the item you wish to buy and take time to check that the promised accessories and peripherals are in the package and work like they should.

Shopping Hours

A good number of department stores and some smaller shops are open daily from 1000 hrs to about 2100 hrs, or even 2200 hrs. Singapore is one of the few countries in the world it is reasonably safe out in the streets even late at night. As long as basic precautions are taken, you can shop in peace. Mustafa Centre in Little India is the only department store in Singapore that is open 24 hours a day, everyday!

Prices and Bargains

The local newspapers are usually a good bet on the most current sales and promotions. You may wish to take time to browse and compare prices before purchasing. In department stores, all items price-tagged and prices are fixed. Many small retailers also practise price tagging but are often flexible when approached for a discount. Ask the retailer for his "best price" and then counter-offer with realistic prices until both of you reach an agreement.

Credit/Charge Cards Almost all stores accept major international credit and charge cards. Should you come across a shop insisting on adding a surcharge, do contact the local office of the card company so that corrective action can be taken.

Money For travellers’ cheques and other financial matters, approach the banks which generally operate from 0930 hrs to 1530 hrs, from Mondays to Fridays, and from 0930 hrs to 1130 hrs on Saturdays. For greater convenience, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are conveniently located at banks and most shopping centres and are open round-the-clock. Keep a lookout for these machines displaying Plus and Cirrus signs. You can exchange currency at all banks, hotels, and wherever the sign "Licensed Money Changer" is displayed.

Receipts and Return Policies All department stores and smaller retail shops provide either cash slips or receipts upon purchase. Feel free to ask for one if this step is omitted and be sure that details shown on the receipt are accurate. Larger shops and department stores will exchange goods if they are returned in good, original condition. However, returns are usually accepted only within a specified number of days (usually three) from the purchase date, and upon presentation of the receipt. Smaller shops may not be so accommodating, so always check goods carefully as well as the shop’s return policy before making a purchase. If you're undecided about a purchase in a department store and would like to take some time to consider, just ask the sales assistant to put it aside for you. Items can usually be reserved for a maximum of three days.

Singapore Service Star: Service You Can Trust. Whether you're shopping or dining, service makes all the difference to your experience. That's why the Singapore Tourism Board has developed the Singapore Service Star - an accreditation scheme that recognises and promotes establishments that deliver good service. So the next time you spot an outlet bearing the Singapore Service Star decal, you can confidently enter its door knowing it's service you can trust. For a list of accredited merchants, please visit: www.servicestar.com.sg.

CaseTrust CaseTrust is an accreditation programme, developed by the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE), which recognises good business practices among store-based and web-based business establishments. Visit www.case.org.sg for a list of CaseTrust members.

Goods and Services Tax (GST) A 7% GST is levied in Singapore. Under the Tourist Refund Scheme, tourists who buy goods in Singapore from participating retailers can claim a refund of the GST paid if the goods are brought out of Singapore via Changi International Airport or Seletar Airport within 2 months from the date of purchase. GST refunds are not applicable for land and cruise departures. For more details on the conditions and refund procedures on the scheme, please refer to this website. Eligible tourists who satisfy the conditions of the scheme will be entitled to receive GST refunds from the retailers or a central refund agency. Currently, there are 2 central refund agencies. They are Global Refund Singapore Pte Ltd and Premier Tax Free (Singapore) Pte Ltd.

Global Refund GST Scheme Under the Global Refund GST Scheme, visit any store that displays the “TAX FREE SHOPPING” logo and follow these simple steps: Spend a minimum of SGD 100 at any Global Refund affiliated retailer. Present your passport to the retailer to obtain a completed Global Refund Cheque. Get the Cheques validated at the Singapore Customs counter at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 or 2 as proof of export. The goods purchased, along with the receipts and Global Refund Cheques must be presented for verification. Claim your GST refund in the form of cash, credit card, bank cheques or Airport Shopping Vouchers at Global Refund counters in the airport. A small handling fee will be deducted from the GST amount due to you.

Global Refund's Cash Refund Network For more information, log on to www.globalrefund.com or contact Global Refund, Tel: + 65 62256238, email: taxfree.sg@globalrefund.com.

Premier Tax Free GST Scheme Since November 2003 Premier Tax Free has been endorsed by the Singapore Tourism Board to provide a GST Refund service in Singapore. Under the Premier Tax Free GST Scheme, visit any store that displays the "PREMIER TAX FREE" logo and follow these simple steps:- Ask for your Premier refund when you spend only SGD 100 at a single participating shop. There is no need to accumulate vouchers to a value over SGD 300 as before. The shop gives the tourist a Premier Tax Free export declaration form which indicates: description of goods, price paid including tax, refund amount.

Have your Premier Voucher validated by Customs at Changi Airport Terminal 1 or 2 or Seletar Airport as proof of export. Your goods purchased, along with your receipts, must be presented for verification. Claim your Premier GST refund in the form of cash, credit card, bank cheques at the Premier Tax Free counters in the airport next to Customs. A small handling fee will be deducted from the GST amount due to you. No additional service charge is applied to credit card refunds. Retailers that are not affiliates of the Premier Tax Free scheme may administer their own GST refund schemes. You are advised to check with these retailers on the minimum purchase amount to qualify for GST refund, as it varies from retailer to retailer. For more information, log on to www.premiertaxfree.com or contact Premier Tax Free, 371 Beach Road, Singapore 199597, 24-hour Hotline: 1800 829 3733.

Warranty Check that the warranty card for your purchase bears the correct details of the product purchased and is endorsed with the retailer's stamp. International warranties can be obtained for many goods, usually for a 12-month period, but some products are not accompanied by warranties and these are usually sold at a lower price. Some international warranties have limitations, and may not be applicable to certain countries. Most shops will comply with your requests for guarantee statements, but if one is not forthcoming, it may be best to simply shop elsewhere.

Delivery Many larger stores offer international shipping. To ensure timely delivery, do request for a written confirmation of your instructions. It is preferable to cover your purchase for damage in transit and loss by buying an All Risk insurance which the shop can arrange for you. Also, contact your national diplomatic representative to check the latest customs regulations of your country. If you are sending purchases home by post, check with the Singapore Post for information on requirements and regulations for air and sea delivery. Post offices are generally open from 0830 hrs to 1700 hrs on weekdays, and 0830 hrs to 1300 hrs on Saturdays while certain branches have extended opening hours. Some hotels provide a parcel wrapping service.

Export Permits All weapons (even swords and kris bought as souvenirs) must be accompanied by export permits issued by the Singapore Arms and Explosives Branch at 391, New Bridge Road, #02-701, Police Cantonment Complex, Singapore 088762, Tel: (65) 6557 5822. Singapore and many other countries place restrictions on items from endangered species such as ivory and skins. If in doubt, check with your national diplomatic representative whether a permit is required before you bring an item into your home country.

Convenient Underpasses and Covered Walkways In the tropics, sudden thunderstorms are not unusual, especially during the monsoon months of November and December. Singapore is well equipped with underpasses and covered walkways that link one shopping complex to another to protect against such weather conditions. From Orchard Road MRT Station, for instance, underpasses alone can lead shoppers to as many as six different shopping centres!

More Tips If you are having clothes tailor-made, establish a clear understanding about payment. It is wise to just leave a deposit when ordering, with full payment following only after you have inspected the completed garment for workmanship and fit.

Errant retailers list
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