Canadian Refugee Travel Document (RTD) holders require a visa to travel to Thailand. The Royal Thai Consulate-General in Vancouver confirms that visa applications are submitted online through the Thai e-Visa system. The Consulate no longer accepts visa applications in person or by mail.

The Consulate has specifically confirmed that RTD holders should select “Travel document” as the type of travel document when completing the Thai e-Visa application. The nationality of the travel document should normally be entered as “XXB”, as shown on the RTD.

A Thai e-Visa has been successfully issued to a Canadian RTD holder as a Tourist TR visa, demonstrating that RTD holders can apply through the electronic visa system. The approved visa identified the travel document as Canada and nationality as XXB.

The Consulate may request additional documents during processing. These can include proof of Canadian immigration status, financial evidence, accommodation and travel information. In one RTD application, the Consulate requested a Canadian PR card or other Canadian status document and financial evidence showing a minimum balance of 20,000 THB for each of the previous three consecutive months.

Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is a separate requirement from the visa. Thailand requires foreign travellers to complete the TDAC online before entering the country. The TDAC replaced the previous paper TM6 arrival card.

Travellers should complete the TDAC before checking in with their airline. The airline may require confirmation that the TDAC has been completed before allowing the traveller to check in or proceed with travel.

The TDAC is not a visa and does not replace the Thai visa requirement. It is a separate and straightforward online arrival requirement.

Erick Rodas — Author & Founder

Erick Rodas, Finding The Way