Trang Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Trang is a province in southern Thailand, and travelers entering Trang follow Thailand's national immigration policies. Most visitors arrive through Trang Airport or overland from other parts of Thailand or Malaysia. Thailand offers relatively generous visa policies for tourism, with many nationalities eligible for visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival options. The immigration process is generally straightforward, though travelers should ensure they meet all requirements before departure. Entry requirements for Thailand include having a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry, proof of onward travel within the allowed stay period, and sufficient funds for the duration of stay (typically 10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family). While Trang itself doesn't have separate immigration requirements from the rest of Thailand, travelers should be aware that if entering through land borders with Malaysia, specific border crossing points have designated hours of operation. Whether you're visiting Trang for its stunning beaches, island hopping, or cultural experiences, understanding Thailand's entry requirements will ensure a smooth arrival. Immigration officers may request to see accommodation bookings and return tickets, so having these documents readily accessible is advisable.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Thailand's visa policy varies by nationality. As of 2024, citizens of many countries can enter Thailand visa-free for tourism purposes, while others may obtain a visa on arrival or must apply for a visa in advance.

Visa-Free Entry (Bilateral Agreement)

30 days (when arriving by air), 15 days (when arriving by land border)

Citizens of these countries can enter Thailand without a visa for tourism purposes

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand Most EU countries (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, etc.) Japan South Korea Singapore Malaysia Hong Kong Norway Switzerland Turkey United Arab Emirates South Africa Brazil Argentina Peru Chile

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Visa-free entry can typically be extended once for an additional 30 days at immigration offices in Thailand for a fee of 1,900 THB. Land border entries are limited to 2 per calendar year via visa-exempt entry.

Visa on Arrival

15 days (not extendable)

Citizens of certain countries can obtain a visa upon arrival at international airports and some land borders

Includes

China India Kazakhstan Saudi Arabia Ukraine Uzbekistan Taiwan Bulgaria Bhutan Ethiopia Fiji Romania Papua New Guinea Cyprus Malta Mauritius

How to Apply: Apply directly at the immigration checkpoint upon arrival. Processing typically takes 30-60 minutes depending on queue length. Bring a passport photo and completed arrival card.
Cost: 2,000 THB (cash payment in Thai Baht required)

Must show proof of onward travel within 15 days, accommodation booking, and have 10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family in cash or equivalent. This visa cannot be extended. Travelers from these countries may prefer to apply for a tourist visa in advance for longer stays.

Tourist Visa Required

60 days (single entry) or 60 days per entry (multiple entry), extendable

All other nationalities must obtain a visa before traveling to Thailand

How to Apply: Apply at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence, or through Thailand's e-Visa system (available for citizens of most countries). Processing time is typically 3-5 business days for standard applications. The e-Visa system allows online application and approval.

Tourist visas can be extended for an additional 30 days at Thai immigration offices for 1,900 THB. Required documents include passport (valid 6+ months), completed application form, passport photo, proof of accommodation, financial evidence (bank statement showing 20,000 THB equivalent), and confirmed travel itinerary.

Arrival Process

The entry process into Trang follows standard Thai immigration procedures. Most international travelers arrive at Trang Airport on domestic flights from Bangkok or other Thai cities, having already cleared immigration at their first point of entry into Thailand. For those entering Thailand directly through Trang or crossing land borders from Malaysia, here's what to expect.

Arrival and Documentation

Upon arrival, proceed to immigration. Have your passport, completed arrival card (TM.6 form - distributed on flights or available at immigration), and any required visa documentation ready.

Immigration Counter

Present your passport and arrival card to the immigration officer. They will verify your passport validity, visa status, and may ask questions about your visit. Your photo and fingerprints may be taken digitally.

Entry Stamp

If approved, your passport will be stamped with your permitted length of stay. Verify the date on the stamp immediately - this is the date by which you must leave Thailand or extend your visa.

Baggage Claim

Collect your luggage from the baggage claim area. Keep your baggage tags until you exit the airport.

Customs Declaration

Proceed through customs. Use the green channel (nothing to declare) if you have no restricted items, or the red channel if you need to declare goods. Random bag checks may occur.

Exit

Exit the arrivals area. Transportation options at Trang Airport include taxis, hotel shuttles, and car rentals.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry. Should have at least 2 blank pages for stamps.

Visa (if required)

Either visa-free eligibility, visa on arrival, or pre-approved tourist visa depending on nationality.

Arrival/Departure Card (TM.6)

Must be completed before reaching immigration. Keep the departure portion in your passport for exit.

Proof of Onward Travel

Return ticket or onward travel booking within your permitted stay period. May be requested by immigration or airlines before boarding.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel booking, rental agreement, or invitation letter if staying with friends/family. May be requested by immigration officers.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Evidence of 10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family (cash, credit cards, bank statements). Rarely checked but required by law.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Dress respectfully when going through immigration - Thailand has cultural expectations of modest dress, especially in official settings.

Keep all required documents in an easily accessible folder or pouch to speed up the immigration process.

Take a photo of your passport information page and visa (if applicable) and store it separately as backup.

Keep the departure portion of your TM.6 arrival card safe in your passport - you'll need it when leaving Thailand.

If entering by land from Malaysia, be aware that some border crossings have limited hours and may close for lunch breaks.

Download offline maps and have your first night's accommodation address written in Thai to show taxi drivers.

Exchange a small amount of currency before arrival or at the airport to have Thai Baht for immediate expenses like taxis.

Be patient and polite with immigration officers. Answer questions clearly and honestly.

Customs & Duty-Free

Thailand's customs regulations apply to all entry points including Trang. Customs procedures are designed to prevent the import of illegal goods while allowing reasonable personal items duty-free. Most tourists pass through customs without issues by staying within duty-free limits and not carrying prohibited items.

Alcohol

1 liter of wine or spirits

Must be 20 years or older. Exceeding this limit may result in confiscation or payment of duty.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes, 250 grams of tobacco, or equivalent cigars

Must be 20 years or older. E-cigarettes and vaping devices are illegal in Thailand and will be confiscated.

Currency

Unlimited foreign currency, but amounts exceeding USD 20,000 (or equivalent) must be declared

Thai currency: maximum 50,000 THB per person without declaration. Declare higher amounts on arrival using customs form.

Gifts/Goods

Personal effects and professional instruments for personal use are duty-free

New goods valued over 20,000 THB may be subject to duty. Keep receipts for expensive items to prove they're personal belongings.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - Thailand has extremely strict drug laws with severe penalties including death penalty
Pornographic materials - including magazines, videos, or digital content
Counterfeit goods - fake designer items, pirated media
E-cigarettes and vaping devices - illegal to import, use, or possess in Thailand
Laser pointers - banned without special permit
Certain chemicals and hazardous materials
Gambling devices and materials
Firearms and ammunition - without proper permits and licenses
Explosives and fireworks
Protected wildlife products - ivory, certain animal skins, coral

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - bring only necessary amounts with doctor's prescription and original packaging. Some medications legal elsewhere may be controlled in Thailand
Religious items - Buddha images and fragments require export permit from Fine Arts Department
Antiques and art objects - may require special permits for export
Drones - require permit from National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission and Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand
Radio communication devices - certain frequencies require permits
Plants and plant products - phytosanitary certificate required
Pets - require import permits, health certificates, and vaccinations (see special situations)
Certain food items - fresh fruits, vegetables, meat products may be restricted

Health Requirements

Thailand does not currently require specific vaccinations for most travelers, but health requirements can change. As of 2024, COVID-19 requirements have been lifted, but travelers should verify current health regulations before departure.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - only required if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Not required for most travelers.

Recommended Vaccinations

Hepatitis A - recommended for all travelers
Hepatitis B - recommended for most travelers
Typhoid - especially if visiting rural areas
Japanese Encephalitis - for extended stays or rural travel
Rabies - for travelers who might have contact with animals
Routine vaccinations - ensure up to date on MMR, DPT, polio, etc.

Health Insurance

Travel health insurance is strongly recommended but not required for entry. Medical care in Thailand can be expensive for foreigners, and comprehensive insurance covering emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and medical evacuation is advisable. Some visa types may require proof of health insurance with specific minimum coverage.

Current Health Requirements: As of December 2024, Thailand has removed COVID-19 entry requirements including vaccination certificates and testing. However, health requirements can change rapidly. Check the Thai Ministry of Public Health website and your country's travel health advisory before departure. Travelers should monitor for any disease outbreaks or new health regulations that may be implemented.

Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Thai Immigration Bureau

Official immigration information and visa services

Website: immigration.go.th | Bangkok Call Center: +66 2 141 9889

Your Country's Embassy/Consulate in Thailand

Contact your embassy in Bangkok for citizen services and emergencies

Register with your embassy's travel registration system before traveling. Most embassies are in Bangkok, with some consulates in major cities.

Emergency Services (Thailand)

Tourist Police: 1155 (English-speaking, 24/7) | General Emergency: 191 (Police), 1669 (Ambulance), 199 (Fire)

Tourist Police can assist with translation, emergencies, and issues specific to tourists throughout Thailand including Trang.

Trang Immigration Office

For visa extensions and immigration matters while in Trang

Located in Trang town. Bring passport, TM.6 card, passport photos, and required fees for extensions.

Trang Hospital

Main government hospital in Trang for medical emergencies

Trang Hospital: +66 75 211 045 | Private hospitals also available with English-speaking staff

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport regardless of age. If a child is traveling with only one parent or with non-parents, carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) or legal guardian(s) authorizing the travel. While not always requested, immigration officers may ask for this documentation. Birth certificates showing parental relationship are also recommended. Children follow the same visa requirements as adults based on nationality.

Traveling with Pets

Pets entering Thailand require: 1) Import permit from Thai Department of Livestock Development (apply at least 30 days before travel), 2) Health certificate from licensed veterinarian issued within 10 days of travel, 3) Rabies vaccination certificate (at least 21 days but not more than 12 months before arrival), 4) Microchip for identification. Pets must enter through designated ports with animal quarantine facilities. Some breeds may be restricted. Upon arrival, pets undergo inspection and may require quarantine period. Contact the Thai Embassy and check airline pet policies well in advance.

Extended Stays

Tourist visas and visa-exempt entries can be extended at Thai immigration offices. A 30-day extension costs 1,900 THB and requires passport, TM.6 card, passport photos, and completed application form. For stays longer than tourism allows, consider: Education visa (for Thai language or cultural courses), Non-Immigrant visa (for business, retirement, family), or Elite visa (long-term residence program). Overstaying your visa results in fines of 500 THB per day (max 20,000 THB) and potential ban from re-entering Thailand. Always extend or exit before your permitted stay expires.

Border Runs and Re-entry

Travelers on visa-exempt entry may exit and re-enter Thailand to reset their stay period, known as 'border runs.' However, immigration officers may deny entry to those appearing to live in Thailand on tourist entries. Land border visa-exempt entries are limited to 2 per calendar year. Air entries have no official limit but excessive entries may be questioned. If staying long-term, obtain an appropriate visa category rather than relying on repeated tourist entries.

Digital Nomads and Remote Workers

Thailand does not have a specific digital nomad visa as of 2024, though proposals have been discussed. Working remotely for foreign companies while on a tourist visa is technically not permitted. For legal remote work, consider: Non-Immigrant B visa with work permit, Thailand Elite visa, or education visa. Some digital nomads use tourist visas but this carries legal risks. Verify current regulations as Thailand may introduce new visa categories for remote workers.

Entry After Previous Overstay or Deportation

Previous overstays result in entry bans: overstay of more than 90 days = 1-year ban, more than 1 year = 3-year ban, more than 3 years = 5-year ban, more than 5 years = 10-year ban. Previous deportation or blacklisting may result in permanent ban. If you have previous immigration violations, consult with Thai Embassy before attempting re-entry. Immigration officers have access to complete history and discretion to deny entry.