IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS/VISAS

Participants from countries requiring entry visas to Thailand and where there is no Embassy of Thailand in their country

The Immigration Department in Thailand has agreed to waive the visa fee for all participants who come to Thailand for the Second FAO/WHO Global Forum of Food Safety Regulators (GF-2), and to assist with the granting of visas upon arrival at Bangkok airport for those participants coming from countries where there is no Thai Embassy. They however requested that for these participants the following details be provided to the FAO/WHO Secretariat (with copy to Ms Metanee Sukontarug: metanee@acfs.go.th and Codex: codex@acfs.go.th) for forwarding to the Thai Immigration Department in Bangkok.

1. Name
2. Nationality
3. Passport No. (the passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the departure date)
4. Accommodation reference in Thailand

The participants should also be provided with a letter of introduction from the local FAO or WHO office to facilitate departure formalities with the airlines.

The Thai authorities have indicated that participants who are benefiting from the visa fee exemption should leave Thailand as soon as the Global Forum is finished.

In case of any unforeseen difficulties, participants are advised to bring with them two passport size photos and the equivalent of 1,900 Thai Baht or approximately US$48 (US$1 = Thai Baht 40) for visa application on arrival at Bangkok airport. FAO will reimburse this amount against a receipt.

Participants from countries requiring entry visas and where there is an Embassy of Thailand in their country

Participants from those countries where there is a Thai Embassy should apply for an entry visa before departure. A letter of introduction requesting visa exemption should be requested from the local FAO office.