Ubon Ratchathani Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Ubon Ratchathani, a province in Thailand's northeastern Isan region, welcomes international visitors primarily through its domestic connections from Bangkok, as it does not have an international airport for direct overseas arrivals. Travelers from abroad must first enter Thailand via an international airport (e.g., Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang) and clear Thai immigration and customs there before taking a domestic flight, train, or bus to Ubon Ratchathani. Therefore, all standard Thai entry requirements apply upon initial arrival in the country. The process involves presenting a passport with at least six months validity, a completed arrival/departure card (TM.6), and any required visa or proof of visa exemption. Travelers should ensure they meet all requirements before their initial flight to Thailand, as airlines will check documentation at check-in.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Ubon Ratchathani follows Thailand's national visa policy. Travelers must obtain the appropriate visa or qualify for a visa exemption based on their nationality before arriving in Thailand. The visa type determines the permitted length of stay.

Visa-Free Entry

Typically 30 days (for most nationalities) or 90 days (for specific countries like Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, South Korea).

Citizens of eligible countries can enter Thailand for tourism without a visa for a limited period.

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand Most European Union countries Japan Singapore Hong Kong Vietnam Brunei

Entry is granted at the port of arrival (airport). The 30-day exemption is for air arrivals only; arrivals via land border crossings from neighboring countries typically receive a 15-day exemption. Passport must have at least 6 months validity. Proof of onward/return travel and sufficient funds (20,000 THB per person, 40,000 THB per family) may be requested but are rarely checked for tourists.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

Varies by visa type (e.g., Tourist Visa - 60 days, Multiple Entry Tourist Visa - up to 6 months).

Thailand has an eVisa system for tourists and other visa types, allowing online application through Thai embassies/consulates.

Includes

Citizens of all countries requiring a visa or opting for a Tourist Visa can apply online where available.

How to Apply: Apply via the official Thai eVisa website (https://www.thaievisa.go.th/). Processing typically takes 5-15 business days, but apply well in advance.
Cost: Approximately 40-200 USD, depending on visa type and nationality.

The approved eVisa must be printed and presented upon arrival. This is not an ETA for visa-exempt travelers; it is a full pre-approved visa.

Visa Required

Determined by the visa type issued (e.g., Single-Entry Tourist Visa: 60 days).

Citizens of countries not eligible for visa exemption or eVisa must obtain a visa from a Thai embassy or consulate before travel.

How to Apply: Apply in person or by mail at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. Requires application form, photos, passport, fee, and supporting documents (flight itinerary, financial proof, accommodation details).

This category includes citizens of many Asian, African, and South Asian countries. Check the official website of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the specific list.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at your first port of entry in Thailand (e.g., Bangkok), you will go through the standard Thai immigration and customs process before proceeding to Ubon Ratchathani.

1. Arrival and Documentation Check

After disembarking, follow signs to Immigration. Have your passport, completed TM.6 arrival/departure card (if still in use; it may be phased out), visa or proof of visa exemption, and possibly proof of onward travel and accommodation ready.

2. Immigration Inspection

Proceed to the appropriate lane (Thai Nationals, Visa on Arrival, All Passports). An immigration officer will stamp your passport with an entry permit, noting the allowed stay duration. They may ask about the purpose and duration of your visit.

3. Baggage Claim and Customs

After immigration, collect your checked luggage and proceed through the Green (Nothing to Declare) or Red (Goods to Declare) customs channel based on what you are bringing into Thailand.

4. Domestic Transfer to Ubon Ratchathani

After clearing customs, you will be in the public arrivals area. For Ubon Ratchathani, you will need to check in for your domestic flight (if flying) or proceed to ground transportation for trains/buses.

Documents to Have Ready

Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry into Thailand. Must have at least one blank visa page.

Thai Visa or Proof of Exemption

Either a valid Thai visa sticker/stamp in your passport, an approved eVisa printout, or a passport from a visa-exempt country.

Arrival/Departure Card (TM.6)

A paper form usually distributed on your flight. Fill out both parts. The departure card will be stapled into your passport; DO NOT lose it. Note: Thailand is transitioning to a fully digital system, and this card may be discontinued. Follow instructions from your airline or at the airport.

Proof of Onward Travel

A confirmed ticket leaving Thailand within your permitted stay period. May be requested by immigration or, more commonly, by your airline at initial check-in.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Fill out the TM.6 card (if required) on the plane using a blue or black pen to save time.

Have your hotel reservation details and onward flight confirmation easily accessible, either printed or on your phone.

The immigration officer will staple a small departure slip into your passport. Keep this safe, as you must submit it when leaving Thailand.

Be polite and answer immigration questions clearly and concisely.

Customs & Duty-Free

Thailand's customs regulations apply upon your initial entry into the country. Declare any items exceeding duty-free allowances or any restricted/prohibited goods.

Alcohol

1 liter of wine or spirits per person.

Traveler must be over 20 years of age.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes, or 250g of cigars or smoking tobacco, or a total combined weight not exceeding 250g.

Traveler must be over 20 years of age.

Currency

Any amount over USD 20,000 (or equivalent) must be declared.

Declaration is required upon both arrival and departure. Use the provided form.

Gifts/Goods

Personal effects and goods with a total value not exceeding 20,000 THB.

Must be for personal use, not for commercial resale.

Prohibited Items

Narcotics (e.g., marijuana, heroin, methamphetamine) - severe penalties including life imprisonment or death.
Obscene materials/literature
Counterfeit goods or pirated copyright items
Protected wildlife and derivative products (CITES) without permit - includes ivory, certain shells, orchids.

Restricted Items

Firearms and ammunition require an import permit from the Police Department.
Plants, seeds, soil require a permit from the Department of Agriculture.
Live animals require an import permit and health certificate from the Department of Livestock Development.
Medications: Prescription drugs should be in original containers, with a copy of the prescription. Some psychotropic medications are controlled.

Health Requirements

There are general health recommendations for travel to Thailand. Specific requirements can change, regarding pandemics.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever vaccination certificate required if arriving from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission.

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTaP, Polio, Varicella, Influenza, COVID-19)
Hepatitis A and B
Typhoid (for travelers visiting rural areas or eating outside major restaurants)
Japanese Encephalitis (consider for rural, long-term travel, during rainy season)
Rabies (for those at risk of animal bites)
Measles

Health Insurance

Not mandatory for tourist visa entry, but highly recommended. Medical treatment can be expensive for foreigners. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation.

Current Health Requirements: As of November 2024, there are no COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or quarantine requirements for entry into Thailand. However, this is subject to change; check the latest updates from the Thai Ministry of Public Health and your airline before travel.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate in Bangkok.

Check your government's travel advisory website for contact details and location.

Immigration Authority

Immigration Bureau of Thailand

Official website for visa extensions and official regulations: https://www.immigration.go.th/

Emergency

Emergency services number

Police: 191, Tourist Police: 1155 (English speaking), Ambulance/Fire: 1669 or 199. In Ubon Ratchathani, these numbers apply.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children under 12 traveling with parents are included in the parents' passport photograph but should ideally have their own passport. For children traveling alone, with one parent, or with guardians, a notarized parental consent letter is strongly recommended. Immigration may ask for proof of relationship (birth certificate).

Traveling with Pets

Dogs and cats require an import permit from the Thai Department of Livestock Development, a valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered 21 days to 12 months before travel), and a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Pets may be subject to quarantine upon arrival. Strict regulations apply; contact the Department of Livestock Development well in advance.

Extended Stays

To stay longer than your visa or visa exemption allows, you must apply for an extension at a local Immigration Office in Thailand (e.g., Ubon Ratchathani Immigration Office). A 30-day extension is often possible for tourist purposes (fee: 1,900 THB). For longer stays, consider applying for a different visa type (e.g., Education, Retirement, Marriage) from a Thai embassy before entry or within the country under specific conditions. Overstaying results in a fine of 500 THB per day, with a maximum of 20,000 THB, and potential arrest, detention, and blacklisting.