Travel & Visa Information

Visa Information & Requirements

Conference participants who require a visa or supporting documentation to travel to Thailand should begin the process as early as possible to allow adequate processing time.

Letter of Invitation requests will NOT be granted after May 7, 2027.

Please carefully review the guidelines below for requesting and receiving a letter of invitation:

  • Review Thailand visa categories, eligibility, and application requirements through the official Thailand e-Visa website. Visa and entry requirements vary by nationality, passport type, country of residence, and length of stay.
  • Start early and plan accordingly. Use the official e-Visa site to check whether you need a visa, which visa category applies, and whether you are eligible to apply online. Conference participants should review the Tourist Visa and MICE information and the instructions of the Thai embassy or consulate responsible for their place of residence.
  • If you require a visa and need a letter of invitation, please complete your conference registration. Follow the instructions on the registration form landing page to access the correct registration flow for participants requesting a letter. You will not be required to submit payment at that stage.
  • After successfully submitting your registration, send a follow-up request to events@first.org.
  • Individuals requesting letters will be screened for compliance and thoroughly vetted by our community leaders.
  • Approved requestors will be contacted within 3-5 business days and emailed a draft letter for review and approval.
  • A confirmed and signed letter of invitation will be emailed to the requestor in PDF format within 14 business days after approval.
  • Your conference registration will remain in “Waitlist” status until you complete payment. When you are ready to make payment, please contact events@first.org with your request.

Please keep the following in mind:

  • A letter of invitation is intended to support a visa application or a request for permission to attend the conference. It is not an offer to cover registration fees, travel, lodging, or other expenses.
  • A letter of invitation does not imply financial support from the host organization or its approved representatives.
  • Requestors who require a physical copy of their letter are responsible for all related shipping fees.
  • Requests for letters of invitation will be accepted through May 7, 2027.

Begin your research early and allow additional time for processing or unexpected delays.

Getting to Bangkok

Bangkok is served by two airports. Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is the primary international gateway, while Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) serves many regional and low-cost flights.

Airport tip: Check the airport code on your itinerary carefully. BKK and DMK are on opposite sides of the city, and a transfer between them can take significant time depending on traffic. Allow extra time if your itinerary requires an airport change.

Getting to the Conference Venue

Travel time from either Bangkok airport varies considerably by time of day and traffic. Confirm the conference venue and hotel address before departure, and keep the address available in both English and Thai for your driver.

By Airport Rail Link: From Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), the Airport Rail Link offers a convenient connection to central Bangkok. Travelers can transfer at Makkasan for the MRT or at Phaya Thai for the BTS Skytrain, then continue by rail, taxi, or Grab to their hotel or the conference venue.

Ride-hailing and Taxis:
At Suvarnabhumi Airport, official metered taxis are available 24 hours a day on Level 1 between Gates 4 and 7. Obtain a queue ticket before entering a taxi. The metered fare is supplemented by the airport surcharge, applicable baggage fees, and any expressway tolls. Grab pickup is available on Level 1 at Gate 4. Use only official airport transportation counters or the Grab app.

From Don Mueang Airport (DMK):
Metered taxis and app-based ride-hailing are available. Public bus routes connect the airport with BTS and MRT stations, and the SRT Red Line serves Don Mueang Station. Follow current airport signage for pickup points and transportation services.

Getting Around Town

Public Transit (BTS, MRT, Airport Rail Link):
Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain and MRT networks serve many business districts, shopping areas, hotels, and visitor attractions. The Airport Rail Link connects Suvarnabhumi Airport with central Bangkok and provides transfer options to the BTS and MRT. Purchase single-journey tickets or use the payment method accepted by the specific line.

Ride-hailing and Taxis:
Grab is widely used in Bangkok, and metered taxis are available throughout the city. For street-hailed taxis, ask the driver to use the meter. Allow additional travel time during peak traffic periods and keep small-denomination Thai baht available for fares, tolls, or locations that do not accept cards.

River and Canal Boats:
Chao Phraya River boats and canal boats can be useful for reaching riverside areas and selected cultural attractions while avoiding road congestion. Routes, operating times, and boarding procedures vary, so confirm the appropriate service before traveling.

Walking, Cycling, and Scooters:
Walking conditions vary by neighborhood, and heat, rain, traffic, and uneven sidewalks can affect travel. Cycling and scooter rentals are available in some areas, but visitors unfamiliar with Bangkok traffic may find rail transit, taxis, or Grab more practical.

Car Rental:
A rental car may be useful for travel outside Bangkok, but it is generally unnecessary for conference travel within the city. Traffic can be heavy, parking may be limited, and driving conditions may be unfamiliar. Major rental companies operate at BKK, DMK, and in central Bangkok.