Preparing a trip to Thailand involves a number of steps, including obtaining a visa and planning transportation. In this article, we'll introduce you toChiang Mai International Airport, as well as essential information on e-Visa, formalities and statistics relating to travel in Thailand.

Chiang Mai International Airport: a gateway to northern Thailand

Located around 10 kilometers from Chiang Mai city center, Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is the main airport serving northern Thailand. It handles over 10 million passengers a year, making it the fourth busiest airport in the country. It offers domestic and international flights to numerous Asian destinations, including Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Airport infrastructure and services

Chiang Mai International Airport has two terminals: a domestic terminal and an international terminal. The 2 terminals are equipped with various services to facilitate travelers' stay, such as :

Exchange offices and ATMs
Restaurants and cafés
Duty-free and souvenir stores
VIP lounges for business-class passengers
Post and telecommunications services

In addition, the airport offers a free shuttle service between terminals and parking facilities for travelers wishing to leave their vehicles on site.

The e-Visa for Thailand: a simplified procedure for travellers

To enter Thailand, nationals of certain countries must obtain a visa. Since 2018, the Thai government has introduced an e-Visa system to facilitate this process. The e-Visa is an electronic visa that allows tourists to apply for and receive their visa electronically without having to visit a consulate or embassy.

How do I obtain an e-Visa for Thailand?

The procedure for obtaining an e-Visa for Thailand is relatively straightforward and involves just a few steps:

Go to the official Thai e-Visa website and create a user account. You can also use an intermediary visa agency.
Fill in the online application form with the required information (identity, passport, contact details, etc.).
Download the necessary documents (photo ID, copy of passport, proof of travel, etc.)
Pay visa fees online by credit card or PayPal
Receive application confirmation by email and wait for visa approval
Print the e-Visa received by e-mail and present it to the Thai authorities on arrival.

Processing time for e-Visa applications generally varies between 24 and 72 hours. It is advisable to apply at least 3 weeks before departure to avoid any problems arising from delays in obtaining your visa.

Statistics and formalities for traveling in Thailand

Thailand is a popular tourist destination, welcoming over 30 million visitors from all over the world every year. Of these, around 1 million are French, making it Asia's leading destination for French tourists.

Formalities and documents required for travellers

French nationals can enter Thailand without a visa for a tourist stay of less than 30 days if they arrive by air. However, they must have the following documents:

A passport valid for at least 6 months after the planned return date
A round-trip plane ticket proving their intention to leave Thailand at the end of their stay
Sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay (at least 20,000 baht per person or 40,000 baht per family)

For stays of over 30 days, a visa is required. This can be an e-Visa (see above) issued by a Thai embassy or consulate.

Use a specialized visa agency to facilitate your procedures

If you're unfamiliar with the administrative procedures involved in obtaining a visa, it may be a good idea to use the services of a specialized visa agency. These agencies generally offer personalized assistance throughout the visa application process, as well as tips and tricks to maximize your chances of obtaining your visa quickly and smoothly.

By using a specialized visa agency, you benefit from expertise and experience that will save you time and ensure that your application meets the requirements of the Thai authorities.

Apply for a Thailand e-Visa

Chiang Mai International Airport