Krabi Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Krabi, located in southern Thailand, is a popular tourist destination accessible through Krabi International Airport (KBV) or overland from other Thai provinces. As part of Thailand, Krabi follows the country's national immigration policies administered by the Thai Immigration Bureau. Most Western travelers benefit from generous visa exemption schemes, making entry straightforward for short tourist visits. The immigration process in Krabi is generally efficient and welcoming to tourists. Upon arrival at Krabi International Airport, travelers proceed through immigration checkpoints where officers verify travel documents, stamp passports, and may ask basic questions about your visit. The airport, while smaller than Bangkok's major hubs, handles international flights and maintains standard immigration procedures. Travelers entering overland from Malaysia or arriving by ferry from neighboring islands will also encounter immigration checkpoints. Before traveling to Krabi, ensure your passport has at least six months validity from your date of entry, secure appropriate travel insurance, and have proof of onward travel readily available. While Thailand's entry requirements are relatively relaxed for tourists, having all documentation prepared in advance ensures a smooth arrival process. Immigration officers may request evidence of accommodation, sufficient funds (approximately 10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family), and return tickets, though these checks are not always conducted.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Thailand offers various visa exemption and visa-on-arrival schemes depending on nationality. As Krabi is part of Thailand, all national visa policies apply equally here.

Visa-Free Entry (Visa Exemption)

30 days for air arrivals, 15 days for land border crossings (extended to 30 days as of 2023 for most nationalities)

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

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand Germany France Italy Spain Netherlands Sweden Norway Denmark Finland Switzerland Austria Belgium Japan South Korea Singapore Malaysia Brunei Hong Kong Brazil Argentina Chile Peru South Africa UAE Kuwait Czech Republic Poland Ireland Portugal Greece

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date. Visa exemption can be extended once for an additional 30 days at Thai immigration offices for 1,900 THB. Maximum 2 land border entries per calendar year (no limit for air arrivals).

Visa on Arrival

15 days (not extendable)

Citizens of specific countries can obtain a visa upon arrival at designated ports of entry including Krabi Airport

Includes

Bulgaria Bhutan China Cyprus Ethiopia Fiji Georgia India Kazakhstan Latvia Lithuania Maldives Malta Mexico Papua New Guinea Romania Russia Saudi Arabia Taiwan Uzbekistan Ukraine

How to Apply: Available at Krabi International Airport immigration counter. Bring one passport photo, completed application form, and proof of onward travel within 15 days. Processing typically takes 30-60 minutes depending on queue length.
Cost: 2,000 THB (cash only - Thai Baht)

Must show proof of accommodation, return ticket, and sufficient funds (10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family). This visa cannot be extended. Consider applying for a tourist visa in advance if you need to stay longer.

Tourist Visa (TR)

60 days (extendable for 30 additional days)

Citizens requiring a visa or those wanting longer stays should apply for a tourist visa at Thai embassy or consulate before travel

How to Apply: Apply at Thai embassy or consulate in your home country or country of residence. Processing typically takes 3-5 business days. Some countries now offer e-Visa applications through the Thai e-Visa system. Single-entry and multiple-entry options available.
Cost: Varies by country (approximately 1,000-2,000 THB or equivalent, plus service fees)

Required for nationalities not eligible for visa exemption or visa on arrival. Multiple-entry tourist visas valid for 6 months from issue date, allowing multiple 60-day stays. Recommended for travelers planning extended stays or multiple visits.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival in Krabi, whether by air at Krabi International Airport or overland, all international travelers must clear immigration and customs. The process is typically straightforward for tourists with proper documentation.

Disembarkation and Arrival Hall

After landing at Krabi Airport, follow signs to Immigration. Fill out your arrival card if you haven't already done so on the plane (departure portion must be kept with passport until you leave Thailand).

Immigration Control

Queue at the appropriate immigration counter (Thai nationals or foreigners). Present your passport, completed arrival/departure card, and boarding pass. The officer will check your documents, may ask brief questions about your visit, and stamp your passport with entry permission.

Baggage Claim

Proceed to baggage claim area to collect your luggage. Krabi Airport has a single baggage claim hall with electronic displays showing flight numbers and carousel assignments.

Customs Declaration

Pass through customs control. Use the green 'Nothing to Declare' channel if you have no restricted items or amounts exceeding duty-free allowances. Use the red channel if you have items to declare.

Exit to Arrivals

Exit to the public arrivals area where you'll find transportation options, currency exchange, SIM card vendors, and hotel transfer services.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. Should have at least 2 blank pages for entry/exit stamps.

Arrival/Departure Card (TM.6)

Distributed on flights or available at immigration. Fill out completely with accommodation address in Thailand. Keep the departure portion stapled in your passport.

Proof of Onward Travel

Return flight ticket, onward flight booking, or bus/train ticket out of Thailand. Immigration may request to see this, especially for visa-exempt entries.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel booking confirmation or address where you'll be staying. Required on arrival card and may be requested by immigration officers.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Officially 10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family, though rarely checked. Can be cash, bank statements, or credit cards.

Visa (if applicable)

Pre-arranged visa if you're from a country requiring one, or fee payment for visa on arrival if eligible.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents easily accessible in a travel folder rather than buried in luggage - passport, arrival card, return ticket, and hotel booking.

Dress respectfully when going through immigration. Thailand values modest dress, and immigration officers are more likely to wave through well-presented travelers.

Keep the departure card (stapled in your passport) safe throughout your stay - you'll need it to exit Thailand. Losing it requires filing a police report and paying a replacement fee.

Take a photo of your passport photo page and Thai visa/entry stamp as backup documentation in case of loss or theft.

If arriving on a visa-exempt entry and planning to extend, bring a passport photo with you (needed for extension application at immigration office).

Krabi Airport is small and rarely congested. Immigration processing typically takes 15-30 minutes, much faster than Bangkok's major airports.

Have your accommodation address written clearly in English. Many immigration officers will check this matches your arrival card.

Be patient and polite with immigration officers. Smiling and respectful behavior aligns with Thai culture and facilitates smoother processing.

Customs & Duty-Free

Thailand's customs regulations apply to all entry points including Krabi. The customs process is generally straightforward for tourists carrying personal belongings and reasonable amounts of duty-free goods. Most travelers pass through the green 'Nothing to Declare' channel without inspection.

Alcohol

1 liter of spirits or wine

Must be 20 years or older. Bringing alcohol beyond this limit may incur customs duty or confiscation.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco or 250 grams of cigars (combined total not exceeding 250g)

Must be 20 years or older. E-cigarettes and vaping devices are illegal in Thailand and will be confiscated. Possession can result in fines or imprisonment.

Currency

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

Declaration forms available at customs. No limit on amount you can bring, but failure to declare can result in confiscation and penalties.

Gifts/Personal Goods

Personal effects and professional instruments for personal use are duty-free. Goods not exceeding 20,000 THB in value

Items clearly for personal use during your stay are generally not taxed. Commercial quantities will be questioned.

Prohibited Items

Narcotics and illegal drugs - Thailand has extremely strict drug laws with severe penalties including death penalty for trafficking
Pornographic materials - magazines, videos, or digital content deemed obscene
Counterfeit goods - fake designer items, pirated media, or copyrighted materials
E-cigarettes and vaping devices - all types are illegal in Thailand despite being legal in many countries
Firearms and ammunition - unless proper permits obtained in advance (very difficult for tourists)
Explosives and fireworks - all types prohibited
Certain plants and animals - protected species under CITES regulations
Fake currency or coins
Laser pointers - considered weapons and illegal without permit

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - bring in original containers with prescription. Quantities should be reasonable for personal use during your stay. Some medications legal elsewhere (like codeine) are controlled substances in Thailand requiring special permission
Buddha images and religious artifacts - antique Buddha images cannot be exported without Department of Fine Arts permission. Reproductions are generally acceptable but should be treated respectfully
Drones - require permit from National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). Illegal to fly without proper authorization
Satellite phones and radio communication devices - require permits
Certain foods and agricultural products - fresh fruits, vegetables, meat products may be restricted or require inspection
Professional camera/video equipment - may be questioned if appearing commercial in nature

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 based on your travel plans and countries visited before arrival.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - only required if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Not required for most travelers arriving from Europe, North America, Australia, or East Asia

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations - ensure up-to-date with standard vaccines (MMR, DPT, etc.)
Hepatitis A - recommended for all travelers to Thailand
Typhoid - recommended, especially if visiting rural areas or eating street food
Hepatitis B - recommended for travelers who might have contact with blood/body fluids or staying long-term
Japanese Encephalitis - consider if staying long-term or visiting rural agricultural areas, though risk in Krabi tourist areas is low
Rabies - consider for adventure travelers, those working with animals, or visiting remote areas

Health Insurance

While not mandatory for entry, comprehensive travel health insurance is strongly recommended. Medical facilities in Krabi town and Ao Nang are adequate for common issues, but serious conditions may require transfer to Bangkok or medical evacuation. Ensure your policy covers emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and medical evacuation. Some visa types (like Special Tourist Visa or certain long-term visas) do require proof of health insurance with minimum coverage of USD 100,000 including COVID-19 treatment.

Current Health Requirements: As of January 2025, Thailand has lifted most COVID-19 related entry requirements. No proof of vaccination or pre-arrival testing is required. However, health requirements can change rapidly based on global health situations. Check the Thai Ministry of Public Health and your country's travel advisory websites 1-2 weeks before departure for current requirements. Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers pandemic-related disruptions and medical treatment.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Thai Immigration Bureau

Official website: immigration.go.th - For visa information, extensions, and immigration queries. Krabi Immigration Office located at 24 Uttarakit Road, Pak Nam, Mueang Krabi District

Krabi Immigration Office hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (closed weekends and Thai public holidays). Bring photocopies of passport pages for any transactions.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate in Bangkok. Most countries do not have representation in Krabi. US Embassy: +66 2 205 4000, UK Embassy: +66 2 305 8333, Australian Embassy: +66 2 344 6300, Canadian Embassy: +66 2 646 4300

Register with your embassy's travel registration system (STEP, ORANA, etc.) before traveling. Check your government's travel advisory website for Thailand.

Emergency Services

Tourist Police: 1155 (24/7, English-speaking), General Emergency: 191 (Police), Ambulance: 1669, Fire: 199

Tourist Police are specifically trained to assist foreigners and speak English. They have an office in Ao Nang and can help with crimes, scams, or emergencies involving tourists.

Krabi Airport

Krabi International Airport (KBV): +66 75 636 541-2. Located approximately 15km from Krabi town and 30km from Ao Nang beach area

Airport operates international and domestic flights. Facilities include currency exchange, ATMs, SIM card shops, restaurant, and taxi/transportation services.

Medical Facilities

Krabi Nakharin International Hospital: +66 75 666 222 (24-hour emergency, English-speaking staff, international standards). Bangkok Hospital Krabi: +66 75 689 500. Both located in Krabi town

These private hospitals cater to international patients and accept most travel insurance. Keep all receipts and medical reports for insurance claims.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport (included on parent's passport is no longer accepted). If traveling with only one parent or without parents, carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) authorizing the child to travel. This may be requested by airlines or immigration, especially if the child has a different surname. Unaccompanied minors require special arrangements with airlines and should have contact information for responsible adults in Thailand. Children follow the same visa rules as adults based on nationality.

Traveling with Pets

Bringing pets to Thailand requires advance planning. Required documents: import permit from Thai Department of Livestock Development (apply at least 30 days before travel), health certificate issued by licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel, rabies vaccination certificate (at least 21 days but not more than 12 months before travel), microchip implantation record. Pets must enter through designated ports (Bangkok airports primarily - Krabi Airport may not accept pet imports). Quarantine may be required depending on origin country. Some breeds (pit bulls, American Staffordshire terriers) are restricted. Contact Thai embassy for current requirements as they change frequently.

Extended Stays and Visa Extensions

Visa-exempt entries can be extended once for 30 days at Krabi Immigration Office (1,900 THB fee). Tourist visas can be extended for 30 days (1,900 THB). Apply before your current permission to stay expires. Required documents: passport, TM.7 extension form, one passport photo, photocopies of passport pages (photo page, current visa, entry stamp, departure card), proof of accommodation, and fee. For stays longer than tourist visas allow, consider: Education Visa (for Thai language schools, Muay Thai training, cooking courses), Non-Immigrant Visa Type O (for retirement if over 50, or family reasons), or Elite Visa (5-20 year visa requiring significant investment). Overstaying your visa results in fines (500 THB per day, maximum 20,000 THB) and potential ban from re-entering Thailand.

Digital Nomads and Remote Workers

Thailand does not have a specific digital nomad visa, though this is under discussion. Technically, working on a tourist visa (even remotely for foreign companies) is not permitted. Options include: obtaining a Non-Immigrant Visa B and work permit if employed by Thai company, applying for Thailand Elite Visa for long-term stay without work authorization, or doing visa runs (leaving and re-entering) though this is increasingly scrutinized. Many digital nomads work on tourist visas but this carries risk of denial of entry if immigration suspects you're working illegally. Always maintain proof of employment outside Thailand and sufficient funds.

Cruise Ship Passengers

Cruise passengers arriving at Krabi's port may be eligible for shore pass exemption allowing 24-48 hour stays without formal immigration processing if staying with organized ship tours. Independent exploration requires proper visa or visa-exempt entry. Check with your cruise line about arrangements. If disembarking in Krabi and not continuing with the ship, you must clear immigration normally with all required documentation.

Volunteer Work or Charity Activities

Volunteering in Thailand, even unpaid, requires a Non-Immigrant Visa (usually Type O) and work permit. Tourist visas do not permit any work activity including volunteering. Organizations hosting volunteers should arrange proper documentation. Volunteering on tourist visas, while common, is technically illegal and can result in deportation and ban from re-entering Thailand. Plan ahead and obtain proper authorization through sponsoring organizations.