Koh Samui Entry Requirements

Children must have their own passports and meet the same visa requirements as adults (visa exemption applies to all ages). If a child is traveling with only one parent or with non-parents (grandparents, guardians, etc.), carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) authorizing travel. This letter should include child's details, travel dates, accompanying adult's details, and contact information for non-traveling parents. While not always checked, immigration officers may request this documentation. For divorced/separated parents, carry custody documents if applicable. Unaccompanied minors (under 18) traveling alone require special airline arrangements and additional documentation including consent letters from both parents and contact details for person meeting the child in Thailand.

Importing pets to Thailand requires extensive advance planning (start at least 3-4 months before travel). Requirements include: ISO-compliant microchip, rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before arrival but not older than 1 year), health certificate from licensed veterinarian issued within 10 days of travel, import permit from Thai Department of Livestock Development (apply at least 30 days in advance), and specific airline-approved pet carrier. Dogs and cats from certain countries may require quarantine upon arrival (typically 0-30 days depending on country of origin). Pets must enter through specific ports - Samui Airport accepts pets but verify with airline and Thai authorities. Costs include permit fees, veterinary certificates, airline pet fees (typically $100-500), and potential quarantine fees. Some dog breeds are restricted or banned. Note: Bringing pets for short tourist visits is generally not recommended due to complexity and costs - consider pet-sitting at home instead.

Tourist visas and visa exemptions are limited to short stays (maximum 90 days with one extension). For longer stays, consider: 1) Education Visa (ED) - for studying Thai language, cooking, martial arts, etc. at registered schools. Requires enrollment proof and school documentation. Initially 90 days, extendable up to one year. 2) Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant O-A) - for those 50+ years old with financial requirements (800,000 THB in Thai bank or 65,000 THB monthly income). Valid one year, renewable. 3) Thai Elite Visa - premium long-stay visa program with 5-20 year options, costs 600,000-2,000,000 THB depending on package. 4) Work Visa and Work Permit - requires job offer from Thai company, employer sponsorship, and meeting qualification requirements. 5) Marriage Visa (Non-Immigrant O) - for those married to Thai nationals, requires marriage certificate and financial proof. 6) Volunteer Visa - for legitimate volunteer work with registered organizations. Extensions must be applied for at Thai immigration offices before current visa/stamp expires. Overstaying carries fines (500 THB per day, max 20,000 THB) and potential entry bans. For extended stays, consider consulting with Thai immigration lawyer or visa agency.

Thailand has introduced the Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa with a 'Work from Thailand' category for digital nomads and remote workers. Requirements include: employed by well-established foreign company or freelancer with substantial income (minimum $80,000 USD in past 2 years), health insurance with minimum $50,000 coverage, and clean criminal record. This visa allows 10-year stay with 5-year renewal option. Alternatively, many digital nomads enter on tourist visas or visa exemption and extend stays, though technically working while on tourist visa is not permitted. The new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) launched in 2024 offers 180-day stays (extendable to 360 days) for remote workers, freelancers, and those attending courses/activities in Thailand. Check current requirements as digital nomad visa policies are evolving. Note: Working for Thai companies requires proper work visa and work permit regardless of visa type.

Thailand is a popular medical tourism destination. Tourists can receive medical treatment on standard tourist visas or visa exemption entries. For extended medical treatment requiring longer stays, apply for Non-Immigrant O visa (medical treatment category) at Thai embassy/consulate before travel. Requirements include medical documentation from Thai hospital explaining treatment needed, appointment confirmations, proof of funds to cover treatment, and health insurance. This visa allows initial 90-day stay with possible extensions. Koh Samui has two major international-standard hospitals (Samui International Hospital and Bangkok Hospital Samui) offering various treatments. Ensure travel insurance covers medical procedures (some policies exclude pre-planned treatments). Bring complete medical records, prescriptions, and documentation from home doctors. Plan recovery time before departing Thailand.

Business visitors attending meetings, conferences, or exploring business opportunities (but not working or receiving Thai income) can enter on visa exemption if nationality qualifies, but Non-Immigrant B visa (business visa) is more appropriate. Apply at Thai embassy/consulate with invitation letter from Thai company, conference registration, or business documents explaining purpose. Business visa allows 90-day stay, extendable. For actual employment in Thailand, you need both Non-Immigrant B visa and separate work permit from Thai Department of Employment. Work permit requires employer sponsorship, meeting qualification requirements (typically bachelor's degree), and company meeting Thai employee ratio requirements. Processing takes several weeks. Never work in Thailand on tourist visa or visa exemption - penalties include fines, deportation, and entry bans.