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Thai Visa Procedures for ICBL participants to the 5MSP

Author/Origin: ICBL 5MSP Organizers 5mspSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERicbl.org

(Tuesday 08 July 2003 ) Update on visa procedures for ICBL participants to the 5MSP and the ICBL General Meeting

TO: 5MSP/ ICBL General Meeting Participants
FROM: ICBL
RE: Thai Visa Procedures

Dear campaigners,

As you know, we are very busy preparing for the 5MSP and ICBL General Meeting, to be held in Bangkok, Thailand from 15-21 September 2003. If you have been invited or plan to attend and have not yet registered please do so NOW at

http://www.icbl.org/campaign/5msp_reg.html

We have some updated information on visa procedures that we hope will assist you in registering and preparing your participation in these important meetings.
Regards,

Liz

1. Who needs a Thai visa?
2. How long can I stay in Thailand without a visa?
3. Do we have to pay for our visas?
4. Do I have to pay the Thai exit fee?
5. What should I do if I am concerned that my airline will not let me on the plane without a Thai visa?
6. Do I need a transit visa?
7. Who do I contact if I have any questions?

1. Who needs a Thai visa?

NO ONE FROM THE ICBL REQUIRES A THAI VISA! The Ministry of Foreign
Affairs of the Royal Thai Government (Thai MFA) has exempted all ICBL members, regardless of their citizenship, from Thai visas and thus, from visa fees. This overrides any information on the Thai MFA website or elsewhere.

The ICBL has a letter from the Thai MFA to the ICBL stating that ICBL members do not need Thai visas. All 5MSP participants who may have difficulties boarding planes without the Thai MFA letter and all sponsored ICBL participants will receive the Thai MFA letter by fax. If you do not receive a copy of the letter, and need one, please email the conference coordinator through this form. Remember that if you are from one of the 38 countries already permitted to enter Thailand without a visa you do not need this letter. The list is available in our previously circulated memo, and posted here.

However, even though ALL ICBL participants are now exempt from usual visa requirements, in order to take advantage of this offer we must submit a detailed list to the Thai MFA of all confirmed arrival dates, times, and flight numbers. If you have not yet done so, please book your flight immediately and send your information to the conference coordinator (through this form) by 1 August. If we do not receive this information in a timely manner, we cannot guarantee that you will not require a visa.

2. How long can I stay in Thailand without a visa?

ICBL members can remain in Thailand for 30 days without a visa. If you plan to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days it is up to you to deal directly with the nearest Thai Embassy and secure a visa.

3. Do we have to pay for our visas?

Since ICBL members do not require visas to enter Thailand you do not have any visa fees to pay.

4. Do I have to pay the Thai exit fee?

All participants are required to pay a 500 Baht/ US $12 fee when exiting the country. This fee will NOT be waived and must be paid in Thai currency (Baht).

5. What should I do if I am concerned that my airline will not let me on the plane without a Thai visa?

The Thai MFA has notified all embassies and Thai Airways International that 5MSP participants, including ICBL members, do not need visas. If you are concerned that your airline will not let you on the plane without a Thai visa, please contact them in advance and inquire about their procedures. Ensure that you bring a copy of your ICBL invitation letter and the letter from the Thai MFA with you on your travels to Bangkok.

6. Do I need a transit visa?

It is up to you to find out whether or not you require a transit visa to get to Bangkok. Once you know your flight route to Bangkok, find out from each country you are flying through whether or not you require a transit visa. For example, if I am an Ethiopian citizen and had to fly through London to get to Bangkok, I would check online to see if Ethiopian citizens require British transit visas. If you do require a transit visa, please apply for it immediately! Transit visa fees will not be waived for 5MSP participants.

For sponsored ICBL guests, your transit visa fees will be reimbursed if you bring all payment receipts with you to Bangkok.

You may wish to forward the Thai MFA letter with transit visa applications so the relevant authorities are aware that you do not need a visa to enter Thailand.