Ubon Ratchathani Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Ubon Ratchathani is a northeastern Thai province accessible through Ubon Ratchathani International Airport and land borders. As part of Thailand, entry requirements follow Thai national immigration policies. Visitors must comply with Thailand's visa regulations, which vary based on nationality and purpose of visit. Most Western tourists benefit from visa-exemption schemes allowing short stays without prior visa application. The immigration process in Ubon Ratchathani is straightforward for international arrivals at the airport. Officers will verify your passport validity (minimum 6 months remaining), check visa status or exemption eligibility, and may request proof of onward travel and accommodation. Land border crossings from Laos are also available at Chong Mek, where similar procedures apply. Processing times are typically quick for tourists with proper documentation. Before traveling to Ubon Ratchathani, ensure your passport meets validity requirements, understand your visa status, and prepare supporting documents such as return tickets and hotel confirmations. Thailand has specific customs regulations regarding prohibited items, and travelers should familiarize themselves with duty-free allowances. The province serves as both a tourist destination and gateway to Laos, making it important to understand cross-border travel requirements if planning regional exploration.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Thailand's visa policy applies to all entry points including Ubon Ratchathani. Requirements depend on nationality, purpose of visit, and intended length of stay. Many nationalities enjoy visa-free entry for tourism purposes.

Visa-Free Entry

30-90 days depending on nationality and entry method (air vs. land)

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

Includes

United States (30 days) United Kingdom (30 days) Australia (30 days) Canada (30 days) New Zealand (30 days) Most EU countries (30 days) Japan (30 days) South Korea (30 days) Singapore (30 days) Malaysia (30 days) Brazil (90 days) Argentina (90 days) Chile (90 days) Peru (90 days)

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date. Proof of onward travel within the allowed period may be required. Land border entries may be limited to 30 days even for nationalities eligible for longer stays by air. Extensions possible at immigration offices.

Visa on Arrival

15 days, non-extendable

Available for citizens of specific countries at international airports and some border checkpoints

Includes

India China Taiwan Uzbekistan Kazakhstan Saudi Arabia Bulgaria Bhutan Ethiopia Fiji Romania Papua New Guinea

How to Apply: Apply upon arrival at Ubon Ratchathani International Airport. Bring completed application form, passport photo, and required fee. Processing typically takes 30-60 minutes.
Cost: 2,000 Thai Baht (cash only, exact amount preferred)

Must show proof of onward travel within 15 days, accommodation booking, and sufficient funds (10,000 Baht per person or 20,000 Baht per family). Not available at all land borders. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months.

Electronic Visa (e-Visa)

60 days for tourist visa (extendable for 30 days)

Online visa application system available for tourist visas and other visa types

How to Apply: Apply online through the Thai e-Visa system at least 2-4 weeks before travel. Upload required documents including passport copy, photo, flight booking, hotel reservation, and bank statements. Processing typically takes 5-15 business days.
Cost: Approximately 2,000-8,000 Baht depending on visa type and nationality

Available for most nationalities. Tourist e-Visa allows single or multiple entries. More convenient than visa on arrival for eligible nationalities as it provides longer stay and is extendable.

Visa Required

Varies by visa type: 60 days (tourist), 90 days (non-immigrant), or longer

Some nationalities must obtain a visa before travel through Thai embassy or consulate

How to Apply: Apply at Thai embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Submit application form, passport, photos, financial proof, travel itinerary, and supporting documents. Processing takes 3-10 business days typically.

Required for nationalities not eligible for visa exemption or visa on arrival. Consider e-Visa option if available for your nationality. Business, education, and retirement visas have specific requirements.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Ubon Ratchathani International Airport or land border crossings, travelers proceed through immigration and customs checkpoints. The process is generally efficient, though arrival times may vary during peak tourist seasons or holidays.

Arrival and Documentation

Disembark from aircraft or arrive at land border checkpoint. Ensure you have your passport, completed arrival card (TM.6 form, usually distributed on flights or available at immigration), and any required visa documentation ready.

Immigration Queue

Proceed to immigration counters. Separate queues exist for Thai nationals and foreign visitors. Present your passport, arrival card, and boarding pass or travel documents. Officers may be bilingual but basic English is standard.

Immigration Interview

Immigration officer reviews your documents, checks visa status or exemption eligibility, and may ask questions about your visit. Your photo and fingerprints may be taken. Officer stamps your passport with entry date and permitted stay duration.

Baggage Claim

Collect checked luggage from baggage carousel. Report any missing or damaged luggage to airline representatives immediately before leaving the baggage area.

Customs Declaration

Proceed through customs checkpoint. Use 'Nothing to Declare' (green channel) if you have no restricted items or amounts exceeding duty-free allowances. Use 'Goods to Declare' (red channel) if carrying items requiring declaration.

Exit to Arrivals Hall

After clearing customs, enter the public arrivals area where you can access transportation, currency exchange, SIM card vendors, and tourist information.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Thailand. Should have at least 2 blank pages for stamps. Machine-readable passports are required.

Visa or Proof of Visa Exemption

Depending on nationality: visa sticker in passport, e-Visa approval, or eligibility for visa exemption. Immigration officer determines your permitted stay based on this.

Completed Arrival Card (TM.6)

Required for all foreign visitors. Distributed on international flights or available at immigration. Keep the departure portion in your passport for exit. Fill out clearly in English or Thai.

Proof of Onward Travel

Return or onward flight ticket, bus ticket to neighboring country, or other proof you will leave Thailand within permitted stay. May be checked at check-in or immigration.

Accommodation Confirmation

Hotel booking, hostel reservation, or invitation letter from Thai host. Immigration may request this to verify your plans, especially for visa on arrival applicants.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

While rarely checked for visa-exempt tourists, be prepared to show 10,000 Baht per person or 20,000 Baht per family (cash, credit cards, or bank statements). Required for visa on arrival applicants.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Dress appropriately for immigration - avoid beachwear or overly casual clothing as Thailand values respectful presentation

Have all documents easily accessible in a travel folder rather than buried in luggage

Print physical copies of hotel bookings and return tickets even if you have digital versions, as internet may not be available

Be polite and patient with immigration officers - smile and answer questions clearly and honestly

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

Take a photo of your passport information page and visa as backup in case of loss

If entering by land from Laos at Chong Mek, arrive early in the day as processing can be slower and border hours are limited

Exchange some currency before immigration if possible, or use ATMs in arrivals hall, as having Thai Baht helps with immediate expenses

Check your passport stamp before leaving immigration to ensure the correct number of days was granted

Download offline maps and translation apps before arrival as airport WiFi may require local phone number

Customs & Duty-Free

Thailand's customs regulations apply at all entry points including Ubon Ratchathani. Travelers must declare items exceeding duty-free allowances and are prohibited from bringing certain items. Customs officers may inspect luggage, and penalties for violations can be severe including fines, confiscation, or prosecution.

Alcohol

1 liter of spirits or wine per person

Must be 20 years of age or older. Excess amounts subject to duty or confiscation. Beer is not included in the 1-liter allowance but reasonable amounts for personal use are typically allowed.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco or 250 grams of cigars per person

Must be 20 years of age or older. E-cigarettes and vaping devices are illegal in Thailand and will be confiscated with possible fines or arrest. Do not bring any vaping products.

Currency

Foreign currency exceeding USD 20,000 (or equivalent) must be declared. Thai Baht exceeding 50,000 must be declared.

Declaration required on arrival and departure. Failure to declare can result in confiscation. Amounts within limits do not require declaration. Keep exchange receipts if carrying large amounts.

Gifts/Goods

Personal effects and professional instruments for reasonable use. Gifts not exceeding 20,000 Baht total value.

Items must be for personal use, not for sale or commercial purposes. New items in original packaging may be questioned. Excess amounts subject to customs duty.

Perfume

Reasonable amount for personal use (typically interpreted as up to 250ml)

Commercial quantities will be taxed

Prohibited Items

Narcotics and illegal drugs - Thailand has extremely strict drug laws with severe penalties including death penalty for trafficking
E-cigarettes, vaping devices, and vaping liquids - illegal in Thailand with fines up to 30,000 Baht or imprisonment
Pornographic materials - including digital content on devices
Counterfeit goods - including fake designer items, pirated media, and knock-off products
Firearms, explosives, and weapons - without proper permits from Thai authorities
Endangered species products - ivory, turtle shells, protected animal parts, certain plants under CITES regulations
Laser pointers - restricted and may be confiscated
Certain radio communication devices - without proper authorization
Goods bearing Thai national symbols or images of Thai royalty - unless properly authorized

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - bring in original containers with prescription; carry doctor's letter for controlled substances; quantities should be reasonable for personal use during stay
Religious materials - Buddha images and statues require export permits; disrespectful use of Buddhist imagery is illegal
Drones and UAV devices - require permit from Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand; recreational use restricted in many areas
Pets and animals - require import permits, health certificates, and rabies vaccination documentation; quarantine may be required
Plants and seeds - phytosanitary certificates required; some species prohibited
Antiques and art - items over 100 years old or of cultural significance require export permits from Fine Arts Department
Certain foods - fresh fruits, vegetables, meat products may be restricted; check with Thai customs for specific items
Radio transmitting equipment - including walkie-talkies and certain GPS devices may require permits

Health Requirements

Thailand does not currently have mandatory vaccination requirements for most travelers entering Ubon Ratchathani, with the exception of yellow fever for travelers from endemic areas. However, several vaccinations are recommended for health protection during your stay.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - required only if arriving from or transiting through yellow fever endemic countries in Africa or South America. Proof of vaccination (yellow card) must be shown at immigration.

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations - ensure up-to-date on MMR, DPT, polio, and seasonal influenza
Hepatitis A - recommended for all travelers due to potential food and water contamination
Hepatitis B - recommended for travelers who may have contact with blood or body fluids, or extended stays
Typhoid - recommended for travelers eating outside major hotels and restaurants
Japanese Encephalitis - recommended for travelers spending extended time in rural areas, especially during rainy season
Rabies - consider for travelers with extensive outdoor activities, working with animals, or limited access to medical care
Dengue - no vaccine widely available but take precautions against mosquito bites as Ubon Ratchathani has dengue cases

Health Insurance

Travel health insurance is highly recommended but not mandatory for entry to Thailand. Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation and repatriation. Thai hospitals may require payment upfront or proof of insurance before treatment. Some visa types (like O-A retirement visa) require health insurance, but tourist visas do not. Verify your policy covers activities you plan to undertake.

Current Health Requirements: COVID-19 entry requirements have been lifted as of 2023, with no vaccination certificates, testing, or quarantine required. However, health measures can change rapidly. Check the Thai Ministry of Public Health website and your embassy's travel advisories for current requirements before departure. Travelers should monitor for any emerging health concerns including dengue fever, which is endemic in Ubon Ratchathani province, especially during rainy season (May-October).

Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Thai Immigration Bureau

Official immigration authority website: www.immigration.go.th

For visa information, extension applications, and official immigration policies. Ubon Ratchathani Immigration Office located at 89 Chayangkul Road.

Emergency Services

Dial 191 for Tourist Police (English-speaking), 1669 for ambulance/medical emergency, 199 for fire

Tourist Police can assist with translation and navigation of local services. Available 24/7 with English-speaking operators.

Your Embassy/Consulate

Contact your country's embassy in Bangkok or consulate if available

Register with your embassy's traveler program. Nearest consulates may be in Bangkok or Khon Kaen. Keep emergency contact numbers saved in phone.

Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Website: www.mfa.go.th - Official visa and entry requirement information

Check for latest updates on visa policies and travel advisories

Ubon Ratchathani Airport

Airport code: UBP - Tel: +66 45 244 080

For flight information and airport services inquiries

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)

Ubon Ratchathani Office: 264/1 Khuan Thani Road - Tel: +66 45 243 770

Tourist information, maps, and assistance with travel planning. TAT Call Center: 1672 (available 24/7 in multiple languages)

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport regardless of age. Minors traveling without both parents should carry notarized letter of consent from absent parent(s) including contact information. Single parents should carry child's birth certificate showing parental relationship. Children follow same visa rules as adults. Adoption papers should be carried for adopted children. Immigration may question adults traveling with children to prevent trafficking.

Traveling with Pets

Import permit required from Thai Department of Livestock Development (apply at least 30 days before travel). Pets need microchip, rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel but not expired), health certificate from licensed vet issued within 10 days of travel, and export permit from country of origin. Dogs and cats from rabies-controlled countries may avoid quarantine. Other animals may require quarantine up to 30 days. Contact Thai embassy for specific requirements. Airlines have separate pet travel policies.

Extended Stays

Tourist visas can be extended once for 30 days at Ubon Ratchathani Immigration Office (fee: 1,900 Baht). Bring passport, TM.7 application form, passport photo, copies of passport pages, and proof of accommodation. For longer stays, consider Non-Immigrant visas (education, business, retirement) which require specific documentation and can be extended multiple times. Visa runs (leaving and re-entering) are scrutinized - repeated tourist entries may be denied. Overstaying results in fines (500 Baht per day, max 20,000 Baht) and possible ban from Thailand.

Business Travelers

Business visitors can enter on tourist visa for meetings, conferences, or negotiations but cannot work or receive payment in Thailand. For actual work, Non-Immigrant B visa and work permit required. Bring business invitation letter from Thai company, company registration documents, and proof of business relationship. Business visa allows 90-day stay, extendable. Working without proper visa and work permit is illegal with serious penalties including deportation and ban.

Students and Educational Travel

Short courses under 90 days may be possible on tourist visa. For formal education, Non-Immigrant ED visa required with acceptance letter from Thai educational institution. School must be registered with Thai Ministry of Education. Visa allows 90-day stay, extendable for duration of studies. Must show proof of financial support and accommodation. Language students must attend reputable schools as some have been flagged for visa fraud.

Digital Nomads and Remote Workers

Working remotely for foreign company while in Thailand on tourist visa is technically illegal but rarely enforced if not working for Thai company. Thailand offers Long Term Resident (LTR) visa for remote workers meeting income requirements (USD 80,000+ annual). For stays under 30 days, many digital nomads use tourist visa but should not advertise working status. Co-working spaces are common in Ubon Ratchathani. Consider proper visa if staying extended period.

Transit Passengers

Transit without leaving airport (airside) generally doesn't require visa regardless of nationality. For transit requiring passing through immigration (landside), visa rules apply based on nationality and length of stay. Some nationalities eligible for visa exemption can stay up to 30 days even for short layovers. Ensure sufficient time between flights as Ubon Ratchathani is smaller airport with limited connections.

Border Crossings from Laos

Chong Mek border crossing (45km north of Ubon Ratchathani city) connects to Vang Tao, Laos. Open daily approximately 6:00-18:00 (verify current hours). Same visa requirements apply as airport entry. Visa on arrival available at this crossing for eligible nationalities. Land border entries may be limited to 30 days even for nationalities with longer exemptions by air. Keep passport and arrival card accessible. Money changers available but rates may be poor - use ATMs instead.