List of Countries which Required Criminal Record Check in Thailand
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A Thai police clearance certificate (also called a criminal record check) is required for ED visa applicants from over 70 specific countries—primarily nations in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. If you’re from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, or most European countries, you do not need this document. The certificate costs 100 THB, takes 15 business days to process, and must be obtained at Building 6 of the Royal Thai Police Headquarters in Bangkok.
At GEOS Language Centre, we’ve accompanied over 300 ED visa students through this process with a 100% success rate for complete applications.
Which Countries Need a Criminal Record Check for ED Visa?
Thai embassies require police clearance certificates from ED visa applicants from over 70 specific countries. This requirement applies regardless of whether you’re applying for Thai language courses, English programs, or university studies.
Asia (7 countries)
Bangladesh, China, India, Nepal, North Korea, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
Middle East (24 countries)
Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestinian Authority, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Yemen
Africa (40+ countries)
Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and additional African nations
Important: This list changes periodically based on Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs directives. During your GEOS enrollment consultation, we verify your specific nationality against current Royal Thai Police requirements and provide a complete checklist of all documents you’ll need for your ED visa application.
Where Do I Apply for a Thai Police Clearance Certificate in Bangkok?
Police Clearance Service Center Building 6 (1st Floor) Royal Thai Police Headquarters Rama 1 Road, Pathum Wan District Bangkok 10330
Operating Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Closed on weekends and Thai public holidays
Getting There: Near Siam BTS station (approximately 10-minute walk) or accessible by taxi to “Royal Thai Police Headquarters, Rama 1 Road.” When you arrive at the complex, look for directional signs to “Police Clearance Service Center” or “Building 6.”
How Do I Apply for My Police Clearance Certificate?
Required Documents:
- Original passport with valid visa
- Photocopies of passport bio page
- Application form (provided at Building 6)
- 100 THB certificate fee + 10 THB stamp fee (cash only)
Application Process: Visit Building 6 during operating hours. Complete the application form provided by the officer. Submit all documents and pay the fee. The officer will provide a receipt showing your application number and expected collection date (typically 15 business days from submission). Return on or after that date with your receipt and original passport to collect your certificate.
How Long Does the Criminal Record Check Take and How Much Does It Cost?
Processing Time: 15 business days according to official sources including the U.S. Embassy Bangkok and Royal Thai Police website.
Total Timeline: Approximately 15-17 working days from application submission to certificate collection. Some certificates process in 10-12 days during low-volume periods, but applicants should plan for the full 15-day official timeline to avoid missing visa application deadlines.
Cost Breakdown:
- Certificate fee: 100 THB
- Stamp fee: 10 THB
- Total: 110 THB
Can GEOS Help Me Get My Criminal Record Check?
Yes. At GEOS Language Centre, we’ve accompanied over 300 students from the listed nationalities to Building 6 since 2022. We maintain a 100% success rate for complete applications because we catch documentation problems before you reach the officer’s desk.
Our Support Services:
- Review your nationality to confirm if you need this certificate
- Verify all documents meet Royal Thai Police specifications before submission
- Accompany you to Building 6 with Thai-speaking staff
- Handle all communication with Royal Thai Police officers in Thai
- Ensure your application is accepted the first time
- Coordinate certificate collection when ready
GEOS accompanies you because we know requirements vary by officer—what one officer accepts Monday might be rejected by a different officer on Tuesday.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Record Checks for ED Visa
No. Students from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and most European countries do not need Thai police clearance certificates for ED visa applications. Only applicants from the 70+ listed nationalities (primarily African, Asian, and Middle Eastern countries) require this document. During your GEOS enrollment consultation, we verify your nationality and confirm immediately whether you need a criminal record check.
These are the same document. “Criminal record check” is what students typically search for, while “Thai police clearance certificate” is the official term used by the Royal Thai Police and Thai embassies. Both terms refer to the document confirming you have no criminal record in Thailand. When you visit Building 6, ask for a “police clearance certificate for ED visa purposes.”
Thai embassy requirements vary by nationality and change periodically. Some nationalities (primarily African countries) require criminal records from both their home country and Thailand, while others only need the Thai police clearance certificate. During your GEOS enrollment consultation, we verify your specific nationality against current requirements and provide a complete checklist of all documents you’ll need for your ED visa application.
Yes. You can obtain your Thai police clearance certificate while on any valid Thai visa including tourist visas, visa exemptions, or other visa categories. You don’t need to already have an ED visa to apply. Many GEOS students enter Thailand on tourist visas, enroll at GEOS, obtain their police clearance certificate, and then use it when applying for their ED visa.
Contact GEOS about ED Visa Requirements
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