Thailand is one of the most popular 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’m constantly getting questions like: “How much do plane tickets from Colombia cost?”, “What are the best flight routes?”, and “What arrangements do I need to make before traveling?” Given all these questions, today I’ve put together a quick guide to answer a common question among 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?

Round-trip tickets from Bogotá to Bangkok can start at 7 million Colombian pesos. Keep in mind that prices fluctuate constantly and depend 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. Keep in mind that prices can go up during Thailand’s high season (November–February). 
• Add the "nearby airports" option to your search; sometimes airlines adjust their prices based on the airport. 
• Be flexible about layovers; if you're traveling from South America, check out options through the United States and Europe. 
• Earn miles with airlines or airline groups so you can use them to help pay for your tickets. 

The international airports in Thailand's capital (Bangkok) are Suvarnabhumi International and Don Mueang International, which are the main arrival points for 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 you’ll have at least one layover. Here are some travel route options (round-trip):

Common travel routes

From Bogotá, with stopovers in Houston and Tokyo

The trip begins in Bogotá, with stopovers in Houston and Tokyo. Along the way, you’ll be amazed by the views of Houston and then see the bright lights of Tokyo. The approximate flight time from Bogotá to Bangkok is around 24–28 hours.

From Bogotá with a stopover 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 around 21–23 hours.

From Bogotá, with stopovers in Panama City and Istanbul

Discover the connection between two worlds by flying from Colombia to Thailand with layovers in Panama and Istanbul. Take 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 around 23–26 hours.

From Bogotá, with stopovers in Los Angeles and Abu Dhabi

Departing from Bogotá, you’ll arrive in Bangkok with stopovers 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 all in one 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 Airways, Lufthansa, and Qatar Airways

Entry requirements for Thailand as a tourist if you are a Colombian citizen

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: This 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 and is typically used if you’re traveling through Southeast Asia but are entering and exiting via Thailand. The tourist visa allows for a maximum stay of 60 days and is valid for 6 months. It costs approximately $200 (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 confirming 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 typically 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 you 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 mandatory 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 health 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 situations 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 insufficient 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 home country.
• Prescription drugs: Your insurance may cover the cost of prescription drugs needed during your trip.
• Emergency dental care: Covers the cost of emergency dental treatment, such as severe pain or dental injuries.
• Trip cancellation or interruption: Some insurance policies provide coverage in the event that you have to 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 fully understand what is and isn’t covered. I also recommend checking whether 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 

Please note that if you haven’t yet obtained this document 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 Colombia 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 over the age of 12 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 proves useful as you plan your trip to Thailand. As a Colombian, I know the process can be complicated due to the number of procedures and documents involved. However, this guide provides up-to-date information based on personal 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 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!