What is the experience like going through immigration at U-Tapao International Airport (UTP) on a tourist visa?

U-Tapao Airport Immigration Process Tourist Visa Visa Exemption Arrivals Travel Experience Thailand Immigration Proof of Funds Onward Travel

Feb 15, 2019

6 years ago

Glen *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Pattaya (UTP) international arrivals/immigration

Has anyone arrived through UTP international airport on tourist visa/visa exempt etc, what’s been your experience with immigration (getting through)?

Heard lots about immigration at DMK, BKK, CNX and Phuket but nothing about Pattaya (UTP) international airport!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The community discussion revolves around the experiences of travelers arriving at U-Tapao International Airport (UTP) in Pattaya on tourist visas or visa exemptions. Users note that UTP has limited flights, which may contribute to a quieter immigration process. Opinions suggest that while immigration can be slow, typically taking 40-45 minutes due to fewer officers on duty, travelers generally report a trouble-free process. It is advised to be prepared with necessary documents such as proof of funds and onward travel, as the immigration experience can vary based on the officer's discretion.

Garry *********

I do on a regular basis.. no problems, but immigration takes a while, usually only two or maximum 3 officers.

6 years ago

Glen *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Garry ********

cheers

6 years ago

Garry *********

Usually at least 40 to 45 mins.. one benefit is you usually do not get multiple flights building up as it is a small airport. If your flight is full can take up to 1 hour.. one tip is do not join the line with the older immigration fellow, he is allways their and is as slow as a tortise.

6 years ago

Glen *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Garry ********

what’s a while, 30 minutes or much longer?

6 years ago

Reply to

Glen *********

Toby ********

I have been in and out of Utapao few times on international flights, never had a problem although I have been on non imm visa, one thing that you will see though is all your luggage will be scanned before you exit into the arrivals terminal. Being a military airport they are more strict about what comes in and I have seen many ppl open up their cases for officials. Visa wise though it’s usually quick and trouble free.

6 years ago

Tod *********

@Ron ******

you fly in and out if U-Tapao how is immigration there?

6 years ago

Tod *********

No one is gonna be able to tell you IF you'll skate thru immigrations at ANY entry point.

It comes down to your previous entry/visa/visa exempt history, AND the mood of that officer on that day when you stand in front of them.

So few people really fly into U Tapao that I doubt you're gonna get much feed back.

I'd say be prepared with proof of funds (20K baht or the equivalent), proof of onward travel and hope for the best

6 years ago

Glen *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Jeremy Miller appreciate your assumption, and I would tend to think you maybe correct, but I’m really after actual experience :))

6 years ago

Jeremy ********

@Glen ********

I’m going to go with more lenient due to the low foot traffic they receive compared to BKK/DMK

6 years ago

Glen *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Tod Daniels yes I’m aware of that too - I’m simply asking what their experience has been, not what mine will be.

I’ve not heard anything good or bad about UTP - it would be nice to know if they are generally more easy going (like some Embassies compared to others are)...perhaps much more compliant - over enforcing or overzealous immigration officers there?!

6 years ago

Reply to

Glen *********

Jeremy ********

I know they have limited flights in/out so that might be why very few people use UTP

6 years ago

Glen *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jeremy *******

yes well aware of that, thanks 🙂

6 years ago

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