Chiang Mai Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Thailand's visa policy for Chiang Mai varies by nationality, purpose of visit, and length of stay. The country offers visa exemption schemes, visa-on-arrival options, and traditional visa applications through Thai embassies and consulates worldwide.
Citizens of these countries can enter Thailand without a visa for tourism purposes
Most visa-exempt travelers receive 30 days on arrival by air or land. Some nationalities (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, South Korea) receive 90 days. Extensions may be available at immigration offices for an additional 30 days (fee applies, approximately 1,900 THB). Land border entries may be limited to 2 entries per calendar year for some nationalities.
Citizens of certain countries can obtain a visa upon arrival at Chiang Mai International Airport
Cost: 2,000 Thai Baht (cash only, exact amount preferred)
Visa on Arrival is only available at international airports and select border checkpoints. Cannot be extended beyond 15 days. Separate queues from visa-exempt travelers. Have exact documentation ready to avoid delays.
Traditional visa for countries not eligible for visa exemption or visa-on-arrival, or for tourists wanting longer stays
Recommended for travelers planning stays longer than 30 days or those wanting certainty before travel. Multiple-entry tourist visas valid for 6 months from issue date. Some nationalities may require visa regardless of length of stay.
Nationals of certain countries must obtain a visa before travel regardless of stay duration
Additional documentation and security checks may be required. Contact the nearest Thai embassy well in advance of travel.
Arrival Process
Upon arrival at Chiang Mai International Airport or land border crossings, all travelers must clear immigration and customs. The process is generally efficient, though wait times vary by season and time of day. Have all required documents readily accessible.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Thailand's customs regulations are enforced by the Customs Department. All travelers must comply with duty-free allowances and prohibited items lists. Serious penalties, including imprisonment, apply for smuggling prohibited items, particularly drugs and counterfeit goods.
Prohibited Items
- Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances - Severe penalties including death penalty for trafficking
- Pornographic materials - Magazines, videos, digital media
- Counterfeit or pirated goods - Designer fakes, copied software, pirated media
- E-cigarettes, vaping devices, and related products - Illegal to import, possess, or use in Thailand
- Firearms, ammunition, explosives, and fireworks - Without proper permits
- Protected wildlife and products - Ivory, certain animal skins, endangered species parts
- Certain plants and agricultural products - To prevent disease transmission
- Gambling equipment - Cards, dice designed for gambling
- Laser pointers above certain power
- Counterfeit currency
Restricted Items
- Prescription medications - Bring original prescriptions and carry medications in original packaging. Some medications legal elsewhere may be controlled in Thailand
- Buddha images and religious artifacts - Export requires permission from Fine Arts Department. Respectful treatment required
- Antiques and art objects - Export permits required for items over 100 years old
- Drones - Require permits from multiple agencies. Illegal to fly without authorization
- Certain frequencies of radio equipment - May require permits
- Professional equipment - Video cameras, laptops for work may need temporary import permits for large quantities
- Pets - Require health certificates, vaccinations, import permits, and quarantine may apply
Health Requirements
Thailand does not currently require proof of vaccination for most travelers, though this can change based on global health situations. Health precautions are recommended for a safe and healthy visit to Chiang Mai.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow Fever - Required only if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country (primarily certain countries in Africa and South America). Certificate of vaccination must be presented at immigration.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations - Ensure up-to-date on measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and annual flu shot
- Hepatitis A - Recommended for most travelers due to possible exposure through food or water
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for travelers who may have intimate contact with locals, need medical procedures, or stay long-term
- Typhoid - Recommended for travelers eating outside major restaurants and hotels
- Japanese Encephalitis - Consider if spending extensive time outdoors in rural areas, especially during rainy season
- Rabies - Consider for adventure travelers, those working with animals, or visiting remote areas with limited medical access
- Dengue Fever - No vaccine widely available; prevention focuses on mosquito bite avoidance
Health Insurance
Travel health insurance is strongly recommended but not required for entry to Thailand. Medical care in Chiang Mai is of good quality but can be expensive for foreigners. Insurance should cover emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and medical evacuation. Some visa types (e.g., certain long-stay visas) may require proof of health insurance with minimum coverage amounts. Keep insurance documents and emergency contact numbers accessible.
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Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children must have their own passport and visa (if required). Minors traveling without both parents should carry a notarized letter of consent from absent parent(s) authorizing travel, including contact information. Single parents should carry child's birth certificate and may be asked about the other parent. Adoption papers should be carried for adopted children. Thailand takes child protection seriously, and immigration may question adults traveling with children who are not clearly their own. Unaccompanied minors require airline-specific documentation and arrangements.
Pets entering Thailand require: (1) ISO-compliant microchip, (2) Current rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel but not expired), (3) Health certificate from licensed veterinarian issued within 10 days of travel, (4) Import permit from Thai Department of Livestock Development applied for at least 30 days before travel, (5) Airline-approved carrier and booking. Pets must enter through designated ports including Bangkok and Chiang Mai airports. Quarantine may be required depending on origin country and documentation completeness. Certain breeds may be restricted. Costs include permit fees, health checks, and possible quarantine fees. Contact Thai embassy and airline well in advance.
Tourists wanting to stay longer than their initial visa exemption or tourist visa allows have several options: (1) 30-day extension at immigration office (1,900 THB, requires passport photos, copies, and TM.7 form), (2) Border run - exit and re-enter Thailand for new stamp (limited to 2 land entries per year for visa-exempt travelers), (3) Apply for appropriate long-term visa: Education Visa (ED) for language/cultural study, Retirement Visa (O-A/O-X) for those 50+, Marriage Visa (O) for those married to Thai nationals, Business/Work Visa (B) with work permit, Elite Visa (long-term paid program). Each visa type has specific requirements, documentation, and financial proof needed. Overstaying visa results in fines (500 THB per day, maximum 20,000 THB) and possible blacklisting or deportation. Always maintain legal status.
Thailand does not have a specific digital nomad visa as of January 2025, though this is under consideration. Remote workers typically enter on tourist visas/exemptions but technically should not 'work' in Thailand even for foreign employers. The new Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa for 'Work-from-Thailand Professionals' allows qualified remote workers (earning USD 80,000+ annually) to stay up to 10 years. Otherwise, consider Education Visa for language study, Elite Visa, or regular visa runs. Working for Thai companies requires work permit and business visa. Enforcement on remote work is minimal but not officially permitted on tourist status.
Visa runs (exiting and re-entering Thailand to obtain a new visa-exempt stamp) are common but increasingly scrutinized. Immigration officers may deny entry to those with multiple back-to-back tourist entries, suspecting illegal work or residence. Land border entries limited to 2 per calendar year for visa-exempt travelers. Flying out and back in is less restricted but still subject to officer discretion. If planning multiple entries or long-term stay, obtain appropriate visa type rather than relying on visa runs. Carry proof of funds, onward travel, and accommodation for each entry. Immigration may require you to show genuine tourist intent.
Volunteering in Thailand, even unpaid, legally requires a Non-Immigrant B visa and work permit. Many travelers volunteer on tourist visas, but this is technically illegal and can result in deportation and blacklisting if discovered. Legitimate volunteer organizations should assist with proper visa arrangements. Teaching English, working in hostels for accommodation, or any activity that could be considered work requires proper authorization. Penalties for working without a permit include fines, deportation, and re-entry bans.