Thailand is one of the most popular travel destinations in Southeast Asia. According to World Data, Thailand recorded a total of 40 million visitors in 2019 alone. Some travelers prefer to visit Bangkok, the capital, to enjoy the temples and the blend of modernity and tradition that only this city can offer. Other travelers prefer to relax on the turquoise beaches during their vacation.
I constantly get questions like: “How much do plane tickets cost from Colombia?”, “What are the best flight routes?”, and “What steps do I need to take before traveling?” In light of these endless questions, today I’ve put together a quick guide to answer a common question among female travelers: How do I travel to Thailand from Colombia?
Keep reading! Here I'll share information about cheap flights, layovers, flight times, booking tips, and additional paperwork and documents. Let's get started!
How to Travel to Thailand from Colombia: Cheap Flights, Layovers, and More
How can I find cheap flights?
The price of round-trip tickets from Bogotá to Bangkok can start at 7 million Colombian pesos. Keep in mind that prices change constantly, depending on the airline, flight duration, season, and how far in advance you book.
So here are my tips for finding cheap flights:
- Use metasearch engines that compare airlines and identify the best deals based on price, route, and duration; then check the airline's official website and purchase your tickets there.
- Be flexible with your dates so it's easier to find the best deals. Remember that prices may be higher during Thailand's high season (November–February).
- Add the "nearby airports" option to your search; sometimes airlines vary their prices depending on the airport.
- Be flexible about layovers; if you're traveling from South America, check out the options through the United States and Europe.
- Earn miles with airlines or airline groups so you can redeem them toward the cost of your tickets.
The international airports in Thailand's capital (Bangkok) are Suvarnabhumi International and Don Mueang International, which are the main arrival points for female travelers. However, the cities of Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Koh Samui also have international airports.
Flight Routes and Airlines
There are no direct flights from Bogotá to Thailand, so there will be at least one layover. Here are some route options (valid for both the outbound and return trips):
Common Travel Routes
From Bogotá, with stopovers in Houston and Tokyo
The trip begins in Bogotá, with layovers in Houston and Tokyo. Along the way, you’ll be amazed by the views of Houston and then see the sparkling lights of Tokyo. The approximate flight time from Bogotá to Bangkok is about 24–28 hours.
From Bogotá with a layover in Paris
Departing from Bogotá, you'll arrive in Bangkok with a layover in Paris. The approximate flight time from Bogotá to Bangkok, including the layover in Paris, is about 21–23 hours.
From Bogotá, with stopovers in Panama City and Istanbul
Discover the connection between two worlds as you fly from Colombia to Thailand with layovers in Panama and Istanbul. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore these stopover destinations and immerse yourself in their unique cultures before arriving in Thailand. The approximate flight time from Bogotá to Bangkok is about 23–26 hours.
From Bogotá, with stopovers in Los Angeles and Abu Dhabi
Departing from Bogotá, you’ll arrive in Bangkok with layovers in Los Angeles and Abu Dhabi—destinations where you can stop if you have the time and budget. This transcontinental trip gives you the opportunity to experience different cultures in a single journey. The approximate flight time from Bogotá to Bangkok is around 30–34 hours.
Common airlines for these routes include:
The most common ones are: Copa Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Japan Airlines, Etihad Airlines, Lufthansa, and Qatar Airways
Entry Requirements for Thailand as a Tourist if You Are Colombian
The requirements for entering Thailand if you are a Colombian citizen are as follows:
Tourist Visa for Colombia:
There are two types of visas: single-entry and multiple-entry. Below are the differences between them, so you can determine which one is best for you:
- Single-entry tourist visa: It allows for a maximum stay of 60 days and is valid for 3 months. It costs approximately 40 USD (165,000 COP).
- Multiple-entry tourist visa: This allows you to enter the country multiple times. It is commonly used if you are traveling through Southeast Asia but are using Thailand as your point of entry and exit. The tourist visa allows for a maximum stay of 60 days and is valid for 6 months. It costs approximately 200 USD (800,000 COP).
You can find all the information about the visa application process here.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
The Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is a document that confirms that a person has been vaccinated against this mosquito-borne viral disease. People from countries in Africa and South America may be required to present this certificate as a condition of entry into Thailand to prevent the spread of yellow fever within the country.
The certificate is generally valid for 10 years from the date of vaccination. Before traveling to a destination where there is a risk of yellow fever, it is important to check the specific requirements and make sure to get the necessary vaccine.
Health Declaration T.8.
The T.8 Health Declaration is a form that must be completed at the Bangkok airport. It is a required declaration for travelers entering the country and is part of the entry requirements. To complete the T.8 Health Declaration, you must present your Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (if applicable) and valid medical insurance. You may also be asked to present other documents related to your trip.
It is important to note that the process may vary depending on the regulations in effect at the time of travel. Therefore, I recommend that you check the specific requirements for the T.8 Health Declaration before traveling to Thailand.
Health Insurance
Travel health insurance for Thailand can cover a variety of health-related situations and expenses that may arise while you're traveling. Always travel with insurance to avoid complications in case of an emergency.
The specific details of coverage may vary depending on the policy and the insurance company, but here are some common events that travel health insurance might cover:
- Emergency medical expenses: This includes necessary medical treatment and hospital services in the event of an unexpected illness or injury during the trip.
- Medical evacuation: In situations where local medical care is not adequate to treat a serious medical condition, the insurance may cover the costs of a medical evacuation to the nearest hospital or to a country with better medical facilities.
- Repatriation of remains: If a death occurs during the trip, the insurance may cover the costs of repatriating the body to the country of origin.
- Prescription drugs: Your insurance may cover the cost of prescription drugs you need while traveling.
- Emergency Dental Care: Covers the costs of dental treatment in the event of an emergency, such as severe pain or dental injuries.
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption: Some insurance policies provide coverage in the event that you must cancel or interrupt your trip due to unforeseen circumstances, such as a serious illness or injury.
- Lost Luggage: If your luggage is lost, the insurance may provide compensation for essential items needed during your trip.
- Flight delay: In the event of significant flight delays, the insurance may cover additional expenses such as lodging and meals.
It's important to carefully read the terms and conditions of your travel health insurance policy so you can fully understand what is and isn't covered. I also recommend checking to see if the coverage includes specific activities you might engage in during your trip, such as extreme sports or adventure activities.
Passport valid for at least 6 months
Remember that if you haven't obtained this document yet and have enough time, you can schedule an appointment online to process it from Sunday through Thursday starting at 5:00 p.m. Visit the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to learn more.
Save time with Biomig
To travel to Thailand from Colombia and save time on immigration procedures, you can use Biomig. This is a service offered by Migración Colombia that allows you to enter and exit Colombian territory more quickly thanks to biometric iris scanning and the registration of personal information. This step is voluntary, takes less than 30 seconds, and is completed when you leave the country.
To do so, you must present valid identification, such as your national ID card or passport. Biomig is free and available at several airports, including El Dorado. Only registered citizens 12 years of age or older may use it. This method is non-invasive for the eyes, and the devices are internationally certified.
The most important step for traveling to Thailand
I hope this guide will be helpful as you plan your trip to Thailand. As a Colombian, I know the process can be complicated due to the number of formalities and documents involved. However, this guide provides up-to-date information based on my own experience and a review of official sources.
I also invite you to download this free guide with 5 steps to planning your trip to Thailand. Remember that Viajera en Tailandia is here for you, offering personalized travel plans and advice to help you every step of the way on your trip to Thailand.Let’s plan your trip together now!
