Holidays in Thailand

Visa requirements

Citizens of Belarus need a visa to travel to Thailand. There is no visa-free entry for Belarusian citizens.

There are two ways to get a visa:

• Visa on Arrival — for trips of up to 15 days. Issued at the airport, the fee is 2,000 THB, payable in baht. Belarus is on the list of countries whose citizens are eligible for a visa on arrival.
• Electronic visa (e-Visa) — for trips longer than 15 days. Apply at www.thaievisa.go.th. For residents of Belarus the application is handled by the Royal Thai Embassy in Moscow: the fee is paid in cash in US dollars at the embassy, processing takes up to 14 working days.

All foreigners must fill in the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before arrival at tdac.immigration.go.th. The card can be submitted no earlier than 3 days before arrival and is free of charge. A confirmation with a QR code is sent by e-mail; you do not need to print it — showing it on your phone is enough.

Documents required for entry

• Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry;
• For a visa on arrival — an application form in English and a 4×6 cm photo;
• Return ticket or onward ticket to a third country with a departure date within the permitted stay (open tickets are not accepted);
• Hotel booking confirmation (tour voucher);
• TDAC arrival card confirmation;
• Funds for the trip: 10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family — you may be asked to show them when getting a visa on arrival;
• Medical insurance.

Customs regulations

Duty-free allowance:

• personal belongings in reasonable quantities;
• 1 litre of alcoholic beverages;
• 200 cigarettes or 250 g of cigars or tobacco.

Foreign currency exceeding 20,000 USD must be declared.

To bring a pet you need an international veterinary certificate and a rabies vaccination certificate.

Documents are required to take out of Thailand:

• jewellery and precious stones — a certificate from the shop;
• antiques and works of art — a licence from the Department of Fine Arts;
• Buddha images (except pendants and small figurines) — a permit from the same department.

It is forbidden to export raw coral, ivory items and products made from the skin of protected animals, live turtles and tortoiseshell items.

Good to know:

Stay calm when dealing with Thais: loudly expressing displeasure is considered rude.

Temples and the Grand Palace do not admit visitors in revealing clothing — shoulders and knees must be covered. Shoes are removed before entering a temple or a private home.

It is not customary to touch a Thai person's head or to show affection in public.

Smoking is banned on many beaches except in designated areas, and violations are fined. Drinking alcohol on beaches is also not allowed.

Bolt and Grab are convenient apps for calling a taxi.

Be careful with monkeys: they steal belongings and may bite.