Foreign nationals travelling to Thailand will soon be required to complete a digital arrival card before entering the country.
From May 1 the new requirement will apply to all foreign visitors, regardless of whether they arrive by land or sea.
In light of this new rule, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for Thailand.
The FCDO stated: "All foreign nationals entering Thailand, whether by air, land or sea, must complete a digital arrival card online before arrival.
From May 1 a new entry requirement will apply to all foreign visitors
GETTY IMAGES"Travellers can register for an arrival card within three days before they arrive."
This new digital system replaces the paper arrival cards previously filled out upon arrival.
Tourists planning trips to Thailand should factor this additional step into their travel preparations.
For more information on entry requirements for Thailand, Britons can consult the FCDO's dedicated webpage.
This includes passport validity requirements, visa requirements, customs rules and vaccine requirements.
Visa requirements
Travellers to Thailand can enjoy a 60-day stay for tourism or business purposes. This visa can be extended for an additional 30 days if needed.
For those planning to work, study or other purposes, a visa must be obtained before travelling to Thailand.
The FCDO noted that multiple-entry visas for up to 60 days are also available.
Holidaymakers should be aware that overstaying a visa in Thailand carries serious consequences, with fines of 500 baht per day up to a maximum of 20,000 baht.
The FCDO warned that those who overstay risk being held in detention and deported at their own expense. Officials added that "conditions in detention centres can be harsh".
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Before your trip to Thailand, ensure you check the FCDO's most up-to-date guidance
GETTY IMAGESOffenders may also face a ban from re-entering Thailand for up to 10 years.
Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia, famous for bustling Bangkok, the spectacular Phi Phi Islands, and countless Buddhist temples - not to mention an array of delicious traditional dishes.
One visitor to the Phi Phi Islands Viewpoint described it as a "breathtaking panoramic", making it a "must-visit destination for any traveller".
But before visiting the Southeast Asian spot, it's important to be aware of the most up-to-date travel guidance, including warnings and insurance, entry requirements, safety and security, regional risks - including areas to avoid - health and getting help.
Before going abroad, Britons should always check the latest travel guidance for their chosen destination to ensure a safe, well-informed trip.
After nearly 500 Easter holidaymakers and staff were forced to evacuate a French ski resort yesterday, Britons in the area were issued a warning.
Further afield, Britons must provide a negative Covid test to visit a "tropical paradise".
