Travel and Visa
Travel and Visa
International Flights and Connectivity
Bangkok is served by two major airports, providing excellent connectivity for international and domestic travelers:
Located approximately 30 km east of downtown Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi is the primary international gateway to Thailand and one of the busiest airports in Southeast Asia. It offers direct flights to major cities across Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
Serving primarily low-cost carriers, Don Mueang handles both domestic and regional flights. It is located approximately 24 km north of downtown Bangkok, making it closer to the city center than Suvarnabhumi.
Transportation in Bangkok
Bangkok offers a wide range of transportation options to suit all budgets and preferences. The BTS Skytrain (Bangkok Mass Transit System) and the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) are the two most convenient ways to travel around Bangkok and are one of the fastest modes of transport in Bangkok.
BTS Skytrain: The BTS consists of 62 stations along three lines: BTS Sukhumvit Line runs northwards and south-eastwards, BTS Silom Line which serves Silom and Sathon Roads, the central business district of Bangkok, and Gold Line runs from Krung Thon Buri to Klong San and serves Icon Siam. The fare can be paid using contactless Visa, MasterCard, JCB, and UnionPay.
MRT system: The MRT comprises two fully operational rapid transit lines (Blue and Purple Line) and two fully operational monorail line (Yellow and Pink Line). The fare can be paid using contactless Visa and MasterCard
Taxis: Taxis are plentiful and available 24/7 throughout Bangkok. They are the most convenient point-to-point travel. They are metered with 35 THB of starting fare. However, traffic congestion during peak hours can make taxi journeys slow, especially in downtown areas.
Tuk-Tuks: The iconic tuk-tuk is a three-wheeled vehicle that is popular among tourists for short trips. While fun and unique, tuk-tuks do not have meters, so fares must be negotiated with the driver before starting the journey.
Ride-Hailing Apps: Grab and Bolt are widely available in Bangkok. These apps allow users to book taxis, private cars, or motorbikes with upfront pricing and cashless payment options.
Visa Requirements
Nationals of the following 93 countries and territories are entitled to visa exemption for the purpose of tourism business engagements or urgent work or ad-hoc work, for up to 60 days period of stay and can be extended for another period not exceeding 30 days.
Additionally, nationals of the following 31 countries and territories may apply for visa on arrival at the immigration checkpoints on arrival for tourism purpose.
For nationals are not eligible for the visa exemption or visa on arrival scheme, they are required to obtain a visa from the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate-General located in the country of their residence, or from the Royal Thai Embassy assigned to oversee the country in which the foreign national resides. For any inquiries regarding visa application locations, please contact any Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate-General https://www.thaiembassy.org/
To check whether you need a Visa, please go to List of countries with visa exapmtion or Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Travel Insurance
Foreign visitors are not eligible for free medical care in Thailand. In the event of illness or injury, travelers will need to cover their own medical expenses. Therefore, it is highly recommended to purchase travel insurance before arriving in Thailand.
Comprehensive travel insurance should cover:
- Medical emergencies
- Personal injury and accidents
- Flight delays or cancellations
- Damage to personal belongings
- Lost or stolen luggage
To ensure adequate coverage, select a travel insurance policy specifically designed for travel in Thailand, as this will help avoid exclusions or unexpected conditions.