Thailand Visa Information for Bangladeshi Citizens: Application Guide

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For Bangladeshi citizens looking to explore Thailand’s cultural richness and tropical landscapes, obtaining a proper visa is a crucial step before boarding a plane to the Land of Smiles. Thailand offers various visa categories, including tourist, official, non-immigrant, and transit visas. Each visa type caters to different travel purposes, whether it’s for leisure, official duties, business, or transitory travel.

thai passport on desk

Travelers from Bangladesh need to familiarize themselves with the visa application procedures, which involve submitting a duly filled application form and a passport with at least six months of remaining validity and a minimum of two blank pages for visa stickers and immigration stamps. Bangladeshi citizens are also advised to visit the official website of the Thailand Electronic Visa or contact the Thailand Visa Application Center in Dhaka for up-to-date information on the visa process, documents checklist, and application fees.

Acknowledging the importance of seamless travel arrangements, Thailand has also introduced an e-Visa service for applicants located outside the country. The approved e-Visa is sent via email and must be printed out to be presented to airline staff and Thai Immigration officials upon entry into Thailand, thereby simplifying the travel procedures for international visitors, especially those from Bangladesh who wish to experience Thailand’s renowned hospitality and scenic beauty.

Eligibility Criteria for Thai Visa

Travelers from Bangladesh looking to visit Thailand must carefully meet specific eligibility criteria and submit the required documents to obtain a Thai visa. The following are the detailed requirements distributed across various categories.

Passport and Photo Requirements

Applicants must have a valid passport with at least six months remaining validity from the date of travel to Thailand. The passport should have at least two blank pages: one for the Thai visa page and one for immigration stamps. Two passport-sized photos with a white background are also required. Photos must be recent, not older than six months, and should be 35mmx45mm in size.

Financial Proof

Travelers must demonstrate adequate finance for the duration of their stay. This can include a bank statement or a salary bank statement. An original bank statement showing a consistent balance equivalent to at least 20,000 THB for a single traveler or 40,000 THB per family is often sufficient. Bank solvency certificates may also be required.

Purpose of Visit Documentation

Documentation verifying the purpose of visit is pivotal. For a tourist visa, round-trip air tickets, and hotel booking confirmations are necessary. Business visa applicants must present an invitation or sponsorship letter from the Thai company, while those visiting family may need to provide a marriage certificate or a proof of relationship certificate.

Additional Support Documents

Applicants may be asked for additional documents depending on their employment status. This could include a trade license for business owners, bar council certificates for lawyers, or a salary certificate for employees. Students should provide a valid student card. Documents like the memorandum of article, and birth certificates may be relevant for other specific cases.

Special Considerations

Certain applicants may face additional scrutiny or have different requirements. Those with a diplomatic passport might be subject to a different process. Any change in circumstances requiring a renewal should be treated carefully, with the renewal page of the passport also being scrutinized.

Prohibited Practices

The submission of any false document or false statement can lead to the denial of visa. All documents should be genuine and translated by a credible translator if not in English. Photocopies must be attested by a notary public. Applicants should not seek to deface or alter any pages within their passports, especially the passport information page.

Visa Application Process

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The journey to securing a Thailand visa for Bangladeshi citizens encapsulates a series of precise steps from form submission to visa collection. Here’s a detailed walkthrough of each phase.

Application Form and Submission

Bangladeshi applicants must start by accurately completing the Thai Visa Application Form. This form can be obtained online or from the Royal Thai Embassy in Dhaka. Applicants are required to fill out the form with their personal and travel details, and then submit it along with a recent passport-sized photo and their passport, which should have a minimum validity of six months and at least two blank pages.

Consular Officers’ Interview

After the application submission, applicants may be called for an interview by consular officers at the Royal Thai Embassy. This step is crucial as officers assess the credibility of the information provided. Applicants should be prepared to answer questions pertaining to their trip and present any additional documents that officers may request.

Visa Fee and Currency

A visa fee is charged for processing the Thai visa application. The fee must be paid in the local currency, which is the Bangladeshi taka, equivalent to the amount specified in Thai baht. Visa fees vary depending on the visa category and are subject to change, hence it is advised to confirm the current fee before applying.

Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a Thai visa can vary, but applicants should generally expect it to take several working days. Applicants are encouraged to apply well in advance of their intended travel date to accommodate any potential delays in the visa processing.

Receiving the Visa

Once the visa is approved, applicants will be notified to collect their visa. When collecting the visa, it is essential to check the passport status to ensure the visa sticker and details are correct.

Post-application Submission Requirements

In certain circumstances, applicants might have to provide additional documents after their application submission. It is essential to provide these documents promptly to avoid delays in the visa processing.

Response to Queries

For any queries regarding the visa application process, applicants can contact the Thailand Visa Application Center at their designated phone number or contact details provided on their official website. It is beneficial to have all relevant information on hand when making inquiries to receive precise assistance.

Types of Thai Visas Available

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For Bangladeshi citizens interested in traveling to Thailand, understanding the available Thai visa types is crucial. Specific visa types cater to different travel purposes and durations of stay.

Tourist Visa

The Tourist Visa allows Bangladeshi travelers to visit Thailand for leisure. Generally, this visa grants a stay of up to 60 days and must be obtained before arrival. To apply for a tourist visa, applicants need to submit a completed tourist visa application form, photos with a white or light background, and a passport valid for at least six months.

Business Visa

The Business Visa, known as the Non-Immigrant B Visa, is intended for individuals planning to engage in business activities or invest in Thailand. Applicants are required to provide supporting documents, such as a memorandum of article from the company, a trade license, and a recommendation letter from a recognized entity.

Other Visa Types

Apart from tourist and business visas, there are various other visa types for specific purposes:

  • Non-Immigrant O Visa: Issued to individuals who have Thai family members.
  • Multiple-entry and long-stay visas: Suited for travelers with needs beyond the standard tourist and business visas.

Visa requirements for each category vary and must be carefully reviewed during the application process.

Royal Thai Embassy in Bangladesh

royal thai embassy building

The Royal Thai Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh, is a pivotal institution for Bangladeshi nationals looking to travel to Thailand, serving as the main point of contact for visa applications and consular services.

Embassy Contact Information

  • Address: 18 & 20, Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh
  • Phone Numbers:
    • General Inquiries: (880 2) 5881 3260-1, 5881 2795
    • Fax: (880 2) 985 4280
  • Email: [email protected]

Embassy Working Days

The Embassy operates from Sunday to Thursday. The public can access services during the following hours:

  • Morning: 9.00 – 13.00 hrs
  • Afternoon: 14.00 – 17.00 hrs

Please note that these hours are except on public holidays.

Consular Services

Consular officers at the Royal Thai Embassy in Dhaka offer a suite of services, including:

  • Visa Application Processing: Tourist, Business, and other types of visas.
  • Assistance to Thai Nationals: Support in cases of emergencies or legal issues.
  • Document Services: Certifications and legalization of documents.

Embassy Locations in Bangladesh

The primary location for the Royal Thai Embassy is in Dhaka, the capital city. However, it is important for applicants to confirm if there are consulate services available in other cities like Sylhet and Chittagong for their convenience.

Preparing for Your Stay in Thailand

travel preparation packing passport

Before setting foot on Thai soil, meticulous preparation is key to ensuring a smooth travel experience. This includes arranging accommodations, understanding the local laws, managing your budget effectively, and respecting cultural norms.

Accommodation and Itinerary Planning

In Thailand, a range of lodging options from luxury hotels in Bangkok to budget-friendly guesthouses in less touristy regions await travelers. Booking confirmation should be secured in advance, and it’s advisable to have documented proof for the duration of the stay to present at immigration if requested. Itinerary planning helps to streamline your travel, and keeping a record of your intended stay will assist you in complying with Thai immigration laws.

  • Bangkok: Have your accommodation addresses handy.
  • Beyond: Include booking confirmations for other destinations.

Budgeting for Thailand

When budgeting for your trip to Thailand, accounting for accommodation costs, local transportation, food, activities, and emergencies is essential. The local currency is Thai baht, and while credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, cash is king in smaller towns and rural locales. Ensuring adequate finance to cover your expenses is a prerequisite set by the immigration office, and the responsibility lies on the traveler to meet this requirement.

  • Daily Budget: Calculate considering all aspects of your stay.
  • Currency: Keep local currency on hand for small expenses.

Understanding Local Laws

Bangladeshis traveling to Thailand must be aware of and adhere to Thai immigration laws. Visa regulations are subject to change, and it is crucial to check for the latest information. Travelers should note that overstaying or violating visa terms may result in fines or other legal repercussions. To prevent any unwelcome surprises, it is recommended to keep abreast of the laws and ensure compliance with visas granted previously.

  • Visa Compliance: Follow the terms of your entry.
  • Legal Conduct: Abide by local laws to avoid penalties.

Cultural Etiquette

Thailand is known for its warm hospitality; however, showing respect for its culture is imperative. Simple gestures like removing shoes before entering someone’s home, dressing modestly, particularly when visiting temples, and being mindful of the monarchy are part of this. Thai society values decorum, so travelers should strive to observe these cultural norms to foster goodwill and enhance their travel experience.

  • Public Behavior: Maintain politeness and respect in public spaces.
  • Cultural Sites: Dress and act appropriately when visiting sacred places.

Additional Resources

us passport on world map

This section aims to equip travelers with specialized support and further guidance regarding the Thailand visa application process for Bangladeshi citizens.

FAQs and Help Centers

For up-to-date information on visa requirements and submission protocols, Bangladeshi travelers can consult the Royal Thai Embassy in Dhaka. The embassy’s visa section is open from Sunday to Thursday, between 9.00 – 13.00 hrs. and 14.00 – 17.00 hrs. The embassy’s help center can be contacted via their email provided on the official embassy webpage for visa inquiries.

  • Help Center Contact Information:
    • Email: Contact the email addresses provided for visa inquiries on the Thai Embassy’s official website.
    • Phone Numbers: Listed phone numbers are available for direct visa-related queries during office hours.

Legal and Emergency Assistance

In the event of legal issues or emergencies, Bangladeshi citizens in Thailand can seek assistance from both the Thai authorities and the Bangladeshi diplomatic missions. It is crucial to have contact information readily available.

  • Bangladeshi Embassy/Consulate Contact:
    • Address: 18 & 20, Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh.
    • Emergency Contacts: Utilize the designated emergency numbers or email for urgent assistance.

Note: Consular services may offer support varying from legal advice to emergency response, depending on the nature of the assistance required.

Travel Tips for Bangladeshis to Thailand

office meeting discussion team

While planning a trip to Thailand, Bangladeshi travelers need to be well-versed with the visa application process and travel nuances to ensure a seamless experience. Insight into the best times to visit can help in optimizing the trip.

Best Travel Times

Thailand, located in the heart of Asia, offers a range of experiences that vary greatly with the seasons. To fully immerse in the vibrant culture of Bangkok and explore the diverse landscapes of Thailand, selecting the appropriate time to travel is crucial.

Peak Season

  • November to February: Ideal for tourism as the weather is cooler and dryer, making it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Shoulder Season

  • March to May: The weather is hot and can be suitable for those who prefer fewer tourists and don’t mind the heat.

Off-Peak Season

  • June to October: This is the monsoon season with high levels of rainfall, which might not be ideal for travel but offers lower prices and fewer crowds.

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