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What should first-time visitors from the USA expect at TSA and customs when arriving in Thailand?
Thailand travelTSAcustomsfirst-time visitorsvisa exemptairport tipsThai immigration2024 travel advice
Feb 13, 2024
2 years ago
Steve *******
ORIGINAL POSTERI am a first timer visiting Thailand from USA for 15 days, what can I expect to have happen at TSA, Customs? any tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated
TLDR : Answer Summary
First-time visitors from the USA arriving in Thailand can generally expect a straightforward process at both TSA and customs. After showing your passport, you'll receive a visa exempt stamp for 30 days, with an option to extend it for a fee. It's advisable to keep your boarding pass handy, as it's often requested during immigration. While waiting in lines could be a factor, they typically move quickly. Maintain good behavior and respect towards officials to ensure a smooth experience, as long as you have no prohibited items. Finally, budget time for potential long waits, especially during busy flight arrivals.
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Chris ********
Never swallow more than 35 “eggs” anymore runs risk of one popping! 💪🏻
Robert ********
Darwin
Todd **********
They love to do a cavity search and have you sing Moon River while grabbing your ankles!
Greg ********
Keep your shoes on if there is no metal in them to set off metal detector and have a copy of your return plane ticket to show immigration when you enter thailand
Colin *******
Make sure you have a hotel booked.👍
Colin ***************
We learn by OUR mistakes .
CT *******
A full body check!
Roger ******
When you've cleared the airport terminal and go outside to get a taxi, say meter before entering the vehicle; the meter is pronounced MEE-TAH. Don't allow yourself to be talked into an all-in, non-metered payment. The driver will ask you if it is your first time in Thailand. Be sure to tell him no, you've been before. Do NOT allow yourself to be drawn into a conversation with the driver, for he'll be trying to gauge how inexperienced and susceptible you are. There are honest taxi drivers, but they tout their business in non-tourist spots.
Laurence ***********
For only 15 day stay they will force you into ladyboy work at Nana Plaza. Great doctor! You’ll love the new look.
Tobben ********
Just walk right trough on green,nobody care anyway !
James *******
Make sure you "high five" a lot and wear a baseball cap , the older you are the better for this look.
Thomas ***************
@James ******
shouldn't it be a red MAGA cap tho?🤔James *******
@Thomas **************
That does work very well I agree.Reply to
James *******
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Derek ***********
If you make it through the airport in the US you will not have a problem entering Thailand
Jossie ************
If you are 61 can you perhaps go to priority line at airports
Steve **********
No problem at all. A wait , if get in at busy time. Just smile.
Welcome
Welcome
Todd ***********
You will be searched and asked questions by an uneducated minimum wage employee who will assure your security. It is highly unlikely this person will hold a passport or ever travel far from their home. They probably live in their parents basement.
Biitzy **********************
same,same
Gray ******
Request pat downs.
Terary **********
TSA - flags you through.. Nothing special.
Thai Immigration isn't much of anything either. I always recommend traveling with emergency money ($600+), your visa if you have one, documentation about where you will stay. If you got an evisa you should print it out and bring it with you. If you have return flight in 2 weeks immigration will not likely hassle you.
Thai Immigration isn't much of anything either. I always recommend traveling with emergency money ($600+), your visa if you have one, documentation about where you will stay. If you got an evisa you should print it out and bring it with you. If you have return flight in 2 weeks immigration will not likely hassle you.
Brooke ******
I’ve been there twice in the last two years and is very easy going through customs as long as you don’t have anything unusual on your personal or in your luggage it’s just like going through any customs
James ********
The full body cavity search is always a thing to look foward to 🤣
Steve *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *******
as long as she's prettyJim ********
Always ask if thats the whole Hand
James ********
@Steve ******
good point ..🤣Reply to
James ********
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Arne *****
Please unlock your phone, strip down your clothes and bend over we need to do a cavity search. Oh no, or was that another country?
James ********
Maybe a very long queue at immigration!!
Sone ********
@James *******
massively long but it moves quickly, has been my experience.James ********
@Sone *******
been doing this for 20 years!! Depends on the day!!Reply to
James ********
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Alan ******
U do exactly like you do in your country which is the same all around the world.
Christopher *************
If you are carrying contraband don't bother coming. Watch the TV series 'The Bangkok Hilton' and you will get the idea. As for the Backpack advice, ignore it. Just adhere to the rules and be respectful to officials and there will be no problems.
John *******
If you are 70 plus you can fast track at passport control
Scott *********
Don't bring anything illegal
Chris ******
Only tips and tricks are in the bars you need worry about
Jae *******
What do you think will happen?? Probably much like what happened to 40 million other tourists each year...
John *******
Same sht as usual just a different country oh yes maybe a cavity search I have heard it is wise when sleeping with your ladyboy have one eye open chohk di
Chuck *********
As others have commented, simple procedure. Be prepared to wait at immigration. If going to Pattaya or Bangkok you can pre-book a ride thru Nan's Lady Taxi service 1200 Baht. Always reliable and online.
Si *****
Gloves lots of gloves. Ladyboys lots of ladyboys. Your search can be conducted by a ladyboys wearing gloves. Or , the special "tool"
Johnny *********
Tips or tricks ? No reason for any kind of this if you not do anything illegal, but just are tourists as we all are, even we live there. Good behavior and respect is not wrong
Guy ******
It’s smooth. Bring as little as you can.
Si *****
@Guy *****
it's smooth bring lots of lubeReply to
Si *****
Reply
Christopher *************
I have been going there since the late 70's and never been asked anything or stopped either.
Ross **********
@Steve ******
just don’t be a typical loud American tourist. Very simple entry just read the signs . There are people there to point you in the right direction. You will be fingerprinted and your passport will be stamped. Just make sure you have your boarding pass with your passport. If you only take carry on then you are out in 5 minutes after your passport is stamped. Don’t need to take anything except a backpack. You can buy anything you need once you are there.Ruth *******
@Ross *********
but if you only have a backpack, how do you bring your newfound treasures home?Ross **********
@Ruth ******
buy a suit case in ThailandRuth *******
@Ross *********
seems like a costly, wasteful solution to simply carrying a suitcase. I agree that if one has many stops and doesn’t need the items most of the way, a smaller bag & buying a suitcase makes sense. I did that in 2019 and bought the bag in Cambodia. However, 1). suitcases are not cheap here.
2). I wasn’t arriving short of what I needed for my travels.
Reply to
Ruth *******
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Robert ***********
@Ross *********
Typical loud American? Sounds like a typical obnoxious comment.Ruth *******
@Robert **********
I’ve heard some pretty loud folks of other nationalities. In fact, the folks I hear talking loudly in the phones on the trains in Bangkok or on the beaches are never Americans.Oh, and the same goes for the rude, snarky ones here.
Robert ***********
@Ruth ******
The Americans are not the ones getting arrested every week by the police either.Ruth *******
@Robert **********
I believe thatReply to
Ruth *******
Reply
Ross **********
@Robert **********
just being honest and factual, if that offends you , I can’t help that.Robert ***********
@Ross *********
Honest? Lol. Look around. Every time I see an altercation it is either a European or an Aussie. But you know better....Ross **********
@Robert **********
don’t get your knickers in a twist.Reply to
Ross **********
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Jeff ********
Been there plenty of times as single male and had no issues. The immediate. The immigration line can be long. If your passport is in order and you are pleasant and respectful, you should be fine. Of course, you know not to bring in anything illegal, but I’ve never had my bags either coming in or leaving inspected. Relax.
Bill ********
Tricks are good! Give them a false passport...
Taz **********
Depending on where you are headed from the airport, if going by taxi - get a metre taxi from the taxi stand, there are ppl at the airport who will offer you a taxi 🤔, private car 🤔, but you will be charged a high fare for this
Xjwhudkwhry ********
As for the tricks: I recommend taking out a vape in front of the customs and start smoking it right there, it'll impress them for sure!
Xjwhudkwhry ********
Obligatory ping pong show after drinking a party bucket and smoking the whole joint of nastiest Thai skunk
Nigel ********
Internal search for being a yank
Leo ******
Just don't go telling everyone you're American and you'll probably have more international friends..
Steve **********
@Leo *****
If US say your Canadian.Ruth *******
@Leo *****
the only people who will take issue with his nationality are not worth the energy. I’m American and I’ve had no problems creating bonds. I’ve actually been a bit shocked by posts from people saying they can’t meet people.Leo ******
@Ruth ******
I'm sure Americans just like telling people they're Americans.. Like vegans do.. etc..Kev **********
@Leo *****
now you have a sense of humour...wonderfulReply to
Kev **********
Reply
Kev **********
@Ruth ******
I think he was jokingRuth *******
@Kev *********
I know he’s “joking”, but there’s always a kernel of how one thinks in their jokes. These jokes about Americans are prevalent on these pages. Are racial jokes acceptable too?Kev **********
@Ruth ******
O no, please. I have an American friend in Udan Thani..the banter is wonderful, we meet up with Irish, British Scandinavian and American and we have a laugh, yes there are what you may call racist jokes between us, we find it funny, if you don't that is your problem. None of us are racist we would help anyone.Ruth *******
@Kev *********
I’m sorry if you can’t see the difference between banter amongst friends and public attacks on a nationality. It’s not that difficult a concept to understandKev **********
@Ruth ******
what? I of course see the difference, how do you determine I can't? I detest attacks on any nationality. The guy who posted here, the one post I read appears to be joking. I commented on your post and now you seem to think you know a lot about me. I am a caring person I detest the Israel government for their cruelty..is that an attack on nationality? I am not to fussy on Jews in general, is that racist? But believe me having worked in many countries and having an Asian wife I certainly know the difference.Ruth *******
@Kev *********
I’m assessing your comments. If you don’t think your banter amongst friends is the same as posting in a group, then you shouldn’t use the former as an example to defend the latter. It’s that simple. I’m done here.Kev **********
@Ruth ******
O dear. My opinion is you need to find more things amusing it's good for your health. Anyway best wishes I am off to have coffee with my friends from around the world. If you're Offended I don't really care.Ruth *******
@Kev *********
I have no problem with jokes amongst friends. I do it all the time. I had a Chinese boyfriend and the teasing we had between each other we would not do amongst others. That’s not the same as these constant attacks on a few nationalities on these pages.Reply to
Ruth *******
Reply
Steve *******
make sure you pack your own bags on the return flight - empty the bags "completely" then repack - as a single guy it's a good habit to get into -
Sam **********
Coming back there could be secondary inspection at customs. They look at a man travel alone to Thailand as a red flag sometimes. Just plan extra time between flights on your way back home.
Jeff ********
Silly question.
John ********
Has anyone any info on the rumour that foreign retirees that are staying in Thailand on 'O', or O-A Visas have to pay income tax on their state pension from their own country? I've read conflicting information about this.
Edward *********
@John *******
Depends on the source country, some countries (such as the United States) have reciprocal tax treaties with Thailand that prevent double-taxation, so Thailand cannot tax you.John ********
@Edward ********
So I presume you are already paying some sort of tax in the USA? I don't pay any tax in the UK because I don't have enough income to be taxable, but if I moved to Thailand they'd want a lump of my pension.Edward *********
@John *******
Yes, in the US, as a retiree, both Social Security and private pensions are taxed 🙁Reply to
Edward *********
Reply
Taz **********
@Edward ********
yes but apparently it will be up to the individual to prove that they have already paid tax on the money they bring into Thailand & possibly having to do a tax return each year 🤔But I guess we will eventually know what is happening after they find out themselves 🤣🤣🤣
Reply to
Taz **********
Reply
Todd *********
@John *******
it’s coming this year sometime. Bring your walletJohn ********
There'll be a mass exodus of retirees me thinks. I read there isn't even a tax threshold before you pay tax. Maybe that is to fund corruption 😂
Greg ********
@John *******
if your home country has a tax treaty with thailand can’t you avoid double taxation?Reply to
Greg ********
Reply
John ********
@Todd ********
Give it a miss if that's the case.Todd *********
@John *******
some will likely do so. Or keep visits under 180 days. Taxes are great at funding corruption in the western world, might work here tooReply to
Todd *********
Reply
Martin *********
Tricks ? …. You’re arriving in Thailand FFS ..
are you a magician
are you a magician
Laurence **********
You will be stripped and a full cavity search is standard. Customs....TSA, they speak a different language and uniform is different. Are you really that dumb? Expect 5 to 7 hours to clear the airport, if you make it out alive.
Priscilla *******
@Ruth ******
no, it’s hateful sarcastic unhelpful comments all the old white guys makeRuth *******
@Priscilla ******
and how does Laurence’s comment not fall into that category? 🤦♀️Priscilla *******
@Ruth ******
you tagged mark, I’m talking about Lawrence lol 😆Ruth *******
@Priscilla ******
my message was a response to Mark’s comment and I referenced Laurence’s. I’m done trying to explain. This was finished 3 days ago.Priscilla *******
@Ruth ******
well here you are lol 😂Reply to
Priscilla *******
Reply
Ruth *******
Mark Sterns what does his reply have to do with the States? Comments like his reply are why decent people are leaving these groups.
Ruth *******
Mark Sterns you got likes. You should be so proud. 🤣. And there it is…exactly why we have this problem.
Reply to
Ruth *******
Reply
Robert ***********
@Laurence *********
Typical stupid unnecessary reply.Laurence **********
@Robert **********
Yours yes. You are correct. It's a reply to a stupid question, and most of you don't even read the question.Priscilla *******
@Laurence *********
it’s a good question for first time visitors. Your 2 cents were unnecessary, rude, and expose your illusory superiorityRobert ***********
@Laurence *********
Its not a "stupid question" if you have never been here before.Must be great to be a perfect AH.
Reply to
Robert ***********
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Laurence **********
Mark Sterns look in the mirror if you want to see dumb!
Reply to
Laurence **********
Reply
James *********
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1_01Joe ******
Someone from Thai immigration will check your passport after you get off the aircraft. Then if all is OK, they will put a stamp in your passport for 30 days visa free in Thailand. Then you can collect your luggage after that. 😊👍
Robert *******
Full body search
Kevin *********
Tips and tricks???
Like smuggling cocaine, or what?
Like smuggling cocaine, or what?
Greg ********
@Kevin ********
just remember that cocane people put up their noses has been inside of at least one rectumReply to
Greg ********
Reply
Brad *******
Sometimes there's only 3 people in line, sometimes 300. They usually don't hassle Americans at all. They know you're going back home. Change some cash and buy a Thai sim card outside customs. That's it. I always take the BTS train into bKk unless you're a big spender on Grab. It's not faster.
Laurence **********
@Brad ******
buy the sim card outside of the airport. Much cheaper!Brad *******
@Laurence *********
but then you have no internet for navigation or maps etc. I paid $33 yesterday for 30 days ..how much cheaper outside is it?Laurence **********
@Brad ******
I pay 399 baht a month with AIS for unlimited.Reply to
Laurence **********
Reply
Neil *********
@Laurence *********
Isnt it “digital” sim now? Buy anytime on your phone with AIS.Reply to
Neil *********
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James **************
Nothing,,, stand in line, get a stamp in your passport , didn't ask me for a boarding ticket either last year
Ray ******
@James *************
they probably will from now on James 👍Reply to
Ray ******
Reply
Richard **************
Remember, the Brits hate you more than the other foreigners who sit at the bar 10 hours a day. If you catch them before 6:00pm they are usually alright.
Stéfan ********
@Richard *************
they hate everybodyBernie *************
@Stéfan *******
it's a tough thing just living to hate but we're just so tough,Reply to
Bernie *************
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Reply to
Detlef ***********
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Sone ********
Depends where you fly through but expect to go through security on your connecting flight even though you’re already inside a security zone and just changing planes. Depending on the airport you may need to do that twice - once in the concourse and once at the gate with a wand and a detailed inspection of your carryon. None of that is about Thailand, TSA, or customs. So…no durian. Cheers.
Al ********
@Sone *******
I can’t understand this happening to me all the time. It’s aggravating what’s the point when you go from plane through secured areas and back on the plane. PointlessRobert **********
@Al *******
when you change planes on the same booking on Middle East airlines, you usually are directed to security as soon as you come out of the gate. The security is kind of perfunctory, and then you are air side and free to roam as you wish during your layover. I always love getting security over with before I do anything else at an airport.Al ********
@Robert *********
which makes no sense, since those areas are in the secured area already. In most American and Europe countries at airports when in transfer gate to next gate there’s many shops and restaurants to roam through while you wait at your connecting gate. No second tsa screening neededRobert **********
@Al *******
does it make sense, but that’s what they do. I guess there’s a chance, for instance, if an airport staff was a terrorist, and gave a harmful thing to a passenger in the secure area, that would compromise the security.Al ********
@Robert *********
it’s got to be the answer. I was thinking the same. Good chance a cook at a restaurant could get a knife to someone. Others thought maybe they don’t trust other countries. Maybe a combination of both lolReply to
Al ********
Reply
Ruth *******
@Al *******
they don’t trust the other countries? That would be the only explanation.Sone ********
@Al *******
that’s precisely why I mentioned it. Aggravating afReply to
Sone ********
Reply
Steve *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Sone *******
I'm flying from LAX to TPE then to BKK.Ruth *******
@Steve ******
if you’re taking EVA or Asia Air (which will actually be EVA on the first leg), you should not need to pass through security IF your two flights are on one ticket. Otherwise, you’ll need to pick-up your luggage, go through customs (if need be…I don’t know their actual regs, since I’ve never left the gates) and re-check. In Thailand, you’re unlikely to need to go through customs unless you have something to declare. TSA is just like any other trip. For your checkin, if your return trip is on the same ticket, that’s straightforward too. You just present your passport.
Steve *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ruth ******
thanks, it is EVA both legs and both ways.Ruth *******
@Steve ******
you should have an uneventful trip.Reply to
Ruth *******
Reply
David *********
@Steve ******
EVA just announced a change to the screening policy at TPE. Should be much easier now.John ********
@David ********
was always easy. Now even easierReply to
John ********
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Russell *********
jet lag will be the worst part .. welcome to Thailand
Joe *******
Hold on to your boarding pass. They like to ask for that.
Ruth *******
@Joe ******
I’ve been back and forth numerous times. On my last trip, I did not have an electronic boarding pass and I left the paper one on-board. Oops. Luckily, my immigration officer was kind enough to I probably just looked like a bumbling old lady. 555Sam ********
@Joe ******
yessssJeff ******
@Joe ******
☝️This is a great tip! I wish everyone knew this, because it’s part of the reason the lines move slow. Because people are looking for their boarding pass to show the immigration officer…Greg ********
@Jeff *****
the one i got was pissed that is only had a boarding pass on my phone. Printed ones are best to avoid pissing off the surly onesBrian **********
@Jeff *****
I keep all my boarding passes, my insurance company demanded them when I made a claim.Reply to
Brian **********
Reply
Tk *******
Expect nothing out of the ordinary. It’s easy and painless. Only annoyance is the lines can be long depending upon flights arriving at the same time.
Bernie **********
For what???
Bä ****
Show your passport and you’ll get 30 Days visa exempt (free visa basically) enjoy…..You also have an option of extending another 30 days for $55 USD…Easy Peezee
Ernesto ********
Like any other county
Reply to
Ernesto ********
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