Guidelines for preparing before traveling to receive medical services in Thailand
For International Patients and Companions - Aek Udon International Hospital
Last Updated: July 27, 2026
IMPORTANT
Thailand's visa regulations are currently undergoing changes. Travelers must verify the latest requirements before purchasing flights and re-check 1–2 weeks prior to departure.
Ensure Correct Immigration Status
The right to enter Thailand is determined by the passport-issuing country, passport type, purpose of visit, and intended length of stay—not solely by your country of residence. Please verify your eligibility via the Official Thai e-Visa Website.
Special Visa Situation to Monitor
While the previous 60-day visa exemption is temporarily still in effect, the Thai government has approved new measures that will alter durations or change privilege types for several countries. These new measures are awaiting publication in the Royal Gazette and will take effect 15 days after publication. Do not rely solely on outdated information. Read the Thai Government's announcement.
Main Visa Options for Patients
1. Visa Exemption
Applicable only to passport holders of eligible countries. Immigration officers may still request to see an onward ticket, proof of accommodation, financial evidence, and the purpose of your visit.
Current condition: You should be able to show proof of funds equivalent to at least 20,000 THB per person or 40,000 THB per family. If your treatment plan exceeds the allowed duration, applying for a medical visa in advance is recommended.
2. Tourist Visa – Medical Treatment (MT)
Suitable for treatments lasting up to 60 days. You should start the application process about 30 days before travel. Basic required documents:
Passport data page & compliant photograph
Proof of current residence & travel itinerary
Proof of accommodation & financial evidence
Appointment letter from the hospital
3. Non-Immigrant Visa “O”
Required if you expect your treatment to exceed 60 days, require long-term recovery, or have companions who need a visa status tied to medical treatment.
4. Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Primarily intended for tourism. Patients traveling primarily for medical treatment should confirm with the Thai Embassy before traveling.
Important Notes on e-Visa
You must apply while outside of Thailand and ensure all details perfectly match your passport exactly.
Once approved, print the e-Visa confirmation document and save a digital copy on your phone.
The "validity" of the visa is the window during which you can enter, not the number of days you are permitted to stay.
Holding a visa does not guarantee entry. Final permission is at the discretion of the immigration officer.
Passport and Document Checklist for Immigration
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months on your date of travel, have at least 2 blank pages, and be in good, undamaged condition.
Each patient and companion should prepare a document folder containing:
Original passport and a copy of the data page
e-Visa confirmation document (if applicable)
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
Onward travel ticket out of Thailand within the permitted stay period
Appointment or confirmation letter from Aek Udon Hospital
Brief treatment plan and expected completion date
Proof of hotel/accommodation booking for the relevant period
Financial evidence (e.g., cash, credit cards, bank statements)
Letter of financial sponsorship (if paid by an employer or third party)
Proof of relationship to the patient (for companions)
Recommendation: Keep your documents in 3 formats: original (paper), digital file on your phone, and online backup. Ensure that names on tickets, visas, and insurance match your passport perfectly (pay attention to the number 0 vs. letter O, and number 1 vs. letter I).
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
All foreign nationals, including infants and children, must complete the TDAC before entering Thailand, regardless of whether entering via Visa, Visa Exemption, or VOA. The only exception is transit passengers who do not pass through immigration.
You can complete the form within 3 days prior to arrival in Thailand (including the day of arrival). It must be re-submitted every time you enter the country.
Required Information:
Passport details
Date of arrival in Thailand
Flight or vehicle details entering the country
Accommodation address in Thailand
Purpose of travel
Travel history prior to arrival
Health declaration as requested by the system
Email address to receive documents and QR Code
Important Notes for Filling out TDAC:
“Arrival Flight” refers to the international flight bringing you into Thailand, not a domestic connecting flight to Udon Thani.
The address in Thailand should be your first night's accommodation (e.g., hotel or hospital).
After submission, save the QR Code and PDF on your phone and print a backup copy.
If your flight or accommodation changes, update your information before passing through immigration.
TDAC is not a visa and cannot be used as a substitute for one.
Vaccines and Health Requirements
Yellow Fever Vaccine: Requirements that may affect immigration
Travelers aged 9 months and older must present an International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Book) if traveling from or transiting for more than 12 hours through a Yellow Fever risk country.
The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before travel. Without this document, you may face health screening delays, quarantine, or be denied boarding. Check the list of risk areas.
COVID-19
Currently, Thailand does not require travelers to present COVID-19 vaccination certificates or test results to enter the country. However, you should monitor for any new announcements prior to travel, especially during international outbreaks.
Recommended Vaccines for Health Protection (Not Mandatory)
You should consult a travel medicine specialist 4–6 weeks before traveling. Recommendations depend on age, underlying conditions, season, and destination.
Hepatitis B: For those who may require medical treatment.
Typhoid: If staying in rural areas or eating from various local sources.
Rabies: If you may come into contact with dogs, cats, or monkeys.
Japanese Encephalitis: For long-term stays in agricultural areas.
Note: Cholera is not a routinely recommended vaccine. There are no traveler vaccines for Dengue and Zika; mosquito bite prevention is strongly advised.
Bringing Medication into Thailand
Bring medication in its original packaging with clear labels, and prepare a medical certificate or prescription in English.
Prescription/Medical Certificate should indicate:
Patient's name and passport number
Generic name of the medication
Dosage and administration instructions
Total quantity of medication
Medical condition or reason for use
Name, address, and license number of the prescribing doctor
Guidelines and Restrictions:
General Medication: For personal use, quantity not exceeding 30 days.
Narcotics (Schedule II, III): Requires a permit from the Thai FDA. Maximum quantity allowed is 90 days.
Psychotropic Substances (Schedule II–IV):
Quantity up to 30 days: Can be brought in with a medical certificate.
Quantity 31–90 days: Requires advance permission.
Warning: Certain medications are strictly prohibited from being brought into Thailand, even with a foreign prescription.
* This link will open the official Aek Udon International Hospital room rates page.
International Services
Our dedicated International Patient Department is here to ensure that your medical journey to Thailand is smooth, stress-free, and culturally comfortable. From your first inquiry to your safe return home, we provide comprehensive support.
Language Interpretation
Free translation services in English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and more.
Insurance & Billing Coordination
Direct billing with major international health insurance providers.
Visa Extension Assistance
Document preparation for medical visa extensions during your stay.
Airport Transfer
Ambulance or VIP van pickup from Udon Thani Airport directly to the hospital.
Recommended Attractions
Discover the beauty and culture of Udon Thani while you recover. These accessible destinations are perfect for a relaxing day out.
Red Lotus Sea (Talay Bua Daeng)
A stunning lake covered in millions of pink lotus flowers. Best visited during the cool season mornings.
Nature & Relaxation
Nong Prajak Public Park
A large, peaceful park in the city center featuring a lake, walking paths, and the iconic giant yellow duck.
Park & City Center
UD Town Open-Air Mall
A premium lifestyle mall with lush green spaces, diverse restaurants, coffee shops, and local boutiques.
Shopping & Dining
Ban Chiang National Museum
A UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing ancient red-painted pottery and prehistoric artifacts.
History & Culture
Wat Pa Phu Kon
A breathtaking hillside temple known for its striking blue roof and magnificent white marble reclining Buddha.
Temple & Viewpoint
Thai-Chinese Cultural Centre
A serene cultural center featuring beautiful Chinese gardens, colorful koi ponds, and a tea house.
Culture & Gardens
Central Plaza Udon Thani
The largest shopping and lifestyle complex in the province, featuring international brands, a cinema, and diverse dining options.
Shopping & Lifestyle
Phu Foi Lom Eco-Park
A popular eco-tourism park offering cool weather, beautiful botanical gardens, scenic viewpoints, and dinosaur exhibits.
Nature & Eco-Tourism
Accommodations
We recommend several excellent hotels located close to Aek Udon International Hospital for the convenience of patients' relatives and companions.
★★★★★
Centara Hotel & Convention Centre
A premium hotel located right next to Central Plaza Udon Thani, offering excellent facilities and dining options.
1.5 km from Hospital (5 mins by car)
★★★★
The Pannarai Hotel
A boutique hotel situated near UD Town and the railway station, known for its friendly service and large pool.
1.0 km from Hospital (3 mins by car)
★★★★
De Princess Hotel Udon Thani
A luxurious boutique hotel offering elegantly designed rooms, a swimming pool, and easy access to UD Town.
1.2 km from Hospital (4 mins by car)
★★★★
Brown House Hotel
A cozy, Isan-style boutique hotel with lakeside views, providing a relaxing atmosphere away from the city bustle.
