Travel advice

Last update

The information on this page is dedicated to the travel advice of the Embassy of Luxembourg for travelling safely in and around Thailand. If you would like to have more information on the other countries covered by this Embassy (Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore and Vietnam), we suggest that you visit the respective websites of the German and French Ministries of Foreign Affairs that contain regular updates of their travel advice for each of these countries.  

News

Updated measures on traveling to Thailand from 15 July 2024

The new visa policy extends the stay period from the previous 30 days without visa to 60 days for visitors from Luxembourg and many other countries.

Travel insurance is still highly recommended when you travel to Thailand. You should buy a travel insurance for your protection to cover your entire trip to Thailand.

Those who are traveling for business purposes, including aircrews and students, may provide an attestation from the host or another form of insurance which clearly covers such treatments.

IMPORTANT: Thai VISA may be required for entry based on the purpose of your visit to Thailand and the duration of your stay in Thailand.

International transit/transfer passengers at Suvarnabhumi/Don-Mueang Airports

International transit/transfer passengers at Suvarnabhumi and Don-Mueang International Airports need to check for the latest travel requirements with the airline and the country of their further destination.

During the Stay

While in Thailand, travellers who are experiencing COVID-like symptoms should get tested. If testing positive, they must get the appropriate medical treatment.

Restrictions in the country

Anyform of criticism - especially if expressed on social media and especially about the monarchy - is likely to lead to legal action. 

Keep up to date with the latest health advice provided by Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health and updates from the Thai government on the situation, including daily video briefings in English provided by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Hygiene rules

Travelers present on Thai territory are invited to respect the health rules in force in the country.

As these measures are evolving and subject to change without notice, it is advisable to consult the sites

High fines can be imposed for violations of hygiene rules.

Entry requirements

Visa

Luxembourg nationals may visit Thailand for tourism purposes without a visa for stays of up to 60 days, provided they hold:

  • a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Thailand, and
  • a return or onward ticket.

Important: A Thai visa may be required depending on the purpose and duration of your stay.

Immigration authorities may also request proof of sufficient funds, equivalent to THB 20,000 per person, preferably in cash.

A visa-exemption extension of up to 30 additional days may be requested for tourism purposes only at a Thai immigration office before the expiry date indicated on the entry stamp.

Luxembourg nationals may enter Thailand by land under the visa-exemption scheme a maximum of two times per calendar year. For more frequent land entries, the appropriate visa must be obtained before travelling. This restriction does not apply to arrivals by air.

When applying for a tourist visa, additional documents and a visa fee are required. Requirements and fees may change at any time without prior notice. You are therefore advised to contact the Royal Thai Embassy or your local consulate before submitting your application.

If you hold a valid Thai visa and plan to leave and re-enter the country before its expiry, you must obtain a re-entry permit (single or multiple) from Thai immigration before departing Thailand.

 

Exceeding the authorized stay (“overstay”)

Violations of immigration regulations are taken very seriously in Thailand. Travellers who overstay risk:

  • arrest and detention;
  • heavy fines;
  • deportation at their own expense;
  • a ban on re-entering Thailand.

The overstay fine is THB 500 per day, up to a maximum of THB 20,000. Enforcement is strict, and conditions in detention centres can be harsh.

 

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all travellers. It should cover the entire duration of your stay in Thailand, including medical treatment and emergency expenses.

Travellers entering for business, studies, or as airline crew may be required to provide proof of insurance or an attestation from the host organisation covering medical expenses.

Hygiene rules

Travelers present on Thai territory are invited to respect the health rules in force in the country.

As these measures are evolving and subject to change without notice, it is advisable to consult the sites

High fines can be imposed for violations of hygiene rules.

Lëtzebuerger am Ausland

The Embassy invites you to register your stay in Thailand on the website "Lëtzebuerger am Ausland". Declaring your temporary stay or permanent residence abroad will allow the Embassy to contact you to provide assistance or advice, in the event of an emergency or crisis situation.

Driving in Thailand

Tourists wishing to drive in Thailand must carry:

  • a valid national driving licence, and
  • an International Driving Permit (IDP) corresponding to the category of vehicle driven.

The IDP must be presented together with the national licence at all times. Driving without a valid licence or IDP may result in fines, insurance issues, or legal liability in case of an accident.

Motorcycle rental is common in tourist areas. However, travellers should be aware that:

  • a motorcycle licence is required to legally operate a motorcycle or scooter;
  • helmets are mandatory for both driver and passenger;
  • road safety standards and driving habits may differ significantly from those in Europe.

Thailand has a high rate of road traffic accidents, particularly involving motorcycles. Travellers are advised to exercise extreme caution and ensure they are adequately insured before driving.

Some travel insurance policies may not cover accidents if the driver does not hold the appropriate licence or International Driving Permit.

Domestic situation

Clashes and attacks can occur in Narathiwat Province; in Pattani Province; in Yala Province; and in the following districts of Nathawi, Chana, Thepha, and Saba Yoi in Songkhla Province.  You are strongly advised not to travel to these areas.

Legal specifics

  • Lèse-majesté (criticism of the monarchy in any form): The Thai royal family enjoys the highest respect. Derogatory or critical remarks can be punished as crimes of lèse-majesté with a prison term of up to 15 years per offense. Special care should be given to comments or remarks made on the Internet or on social media. The law is interpreted broadly and may include, for instance, retweets or sharing of messages or articles that could be seen as portraying Thailand negatively or making accusations about the Royal Family.
  • Drugs: The acquisition, possession, distribution, import and export of all kinds of drugs carry long prison sentences – even the possession of small amounts of drugs. Some offenses are punishable under Thai criminal law with the death penalty, which was first applied again in June 2018 after a 9-year suspension. Taking or transporting objects for third parties without knowledge of their contents can have disastrous consequences.
  • Thefts: Theft of items, even of low value, can lead to prison sentences.
  • No smoking / electronic cigarettes: Smoking is prohibited on several beaches in major tourist areas (including Pattaya, Hua Hin, Phuket, Samui and parts of Songkhla). Violations of the beach-smoking ban can result in a prison sentence of up to one year and/or a fine of up to THB 100,000. Electronic cigarettes are illegal in Thailand. The import, possession, sale or use of e-cigarettes can lead to heavy fines and imprisonment (up to five years for possession and up to ten years for importation).

 

For more information, please visit the following websites: