types of tourist visas for thailand

The Thailand Tourist Visa Guide (Single & Multiple Entry)

The majority of foreign nationals are able to enter Thailand on a visa exemption stamp.

This means that when you enter Thailand you are given a stamp at the immigration desk that allows you to stay in the country for 30 days.

Okay, so now you're clear on how long you can stay when you arrive without a visa, what if you want to stay for 6 weeks, or 2 even months?

In this case, you can apply for a Tourist Visa before you travel.

In this FAQ guide, I'll answer all common queries regarding the Thailand Tourist Visa, both single and multiple entry.

1. Where can I get a Tourist Visa?

A Tourist Visa can be obtained from a Thai embassy or consulate in your home country, or a country outside of Thailand, if you live abroad or are already traveling.

You can also apply via the E-Visa online system. Indeed, some embassies may no longer accept applications for Tourist Visas and instead require you to apply online.

The E-Visa is delivered via email. You can then print it out and present it to immigration on arrival.

What different types of tourist visa are there?

A. single entry.

The Single Entry Tourist Visa is valid for 3 months from its date of issue. It allows a single stay of a maximum of 60 days.

B. Multiple entry

The Multiple Entry Tourist Visa is valid for 6 months from its date of issue.

It allows an unlimited number of entries within the 6-month validity of the visa. Each entry allows a maximum stay of 60 days.

For example, if you leave Thailand on the 59th day of your stay and re-enter the country a day later, you will be stamped in for a further 60 days.

What documents do I need to get the Tourist Visa?

The requirements may vary slightly between country, but this is usually what's required from your local embassy.

• A completed visa application form with two recent passport type photos attached. The form can be downloaded from your local Thai embassy website.
• Your passport must have a minimum 6 months remaining validity, and at least two blank pages – this is so your visa can be added to the passport, and for entry/exit stamps when entering and leaving Thailand.
• If you reside in a country but are not a citizen of that country, then you will be required to show a visa or residence card that permits you to stay. You will also be required to show evidence of where you live, by way of utility bill, bank account statement, or driving license.
• Two recent passport size photographs. You can get these done at a photo booth (in a mall or store) or at some print services shops.
• Confirmation of travel (flight tickets).
• Proof of accommodation in Thailand: this can be a copy of your hotel booking or a letter from the family or friend you are staying with.
• Copy of bank statement to show proof of earnings. This requirement will differ between countries, and differs for the single and multiple entry visas. For example, for a Single Entry Tourist Visa from a US Thai embassy, you will need a copy of your bank statement showing $700 per person and $1,500 per family. For a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa, you will need a copy of your bank statement for the last 6 months showing a minimum balance of $7,000 (every month).

Thailand's E-Visa System

If you are applying online through the E-Visa system, you will require the following documentation:

• Passport or travel document with a validity of not less than 6 months.
• Photograph taken within the past six months.
• Evidence of travel to Thailand (air ticket paid in full).
• Evidence of adequate finance (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family).

Please note that you are not required to submit any supporting documents in person at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate after completing the E-Visa application. Once approved, a confirmation e-mail will be sent through and you can  print a copy of the confirmation e-mail to present to airline and Thai Immigration officials.

You can apply online here: https://www.thaievisa.go.th

Historically, Thailand's online systems have always fallen way short of expectations, with browser compatibility issues, bugs, broken links, etc., but the new visa system is working pretty well.

For those who deem themselves digitally challenged, there is a comprehensive user manual. This manual is also available as a series of how-to videos, which are very helpful. You can find the manual here.

How much does a Thai Tourist Visa cost?

The cost varies between country, but here is the cost for the US and UK:

• US: Single – $40. Multiple Entry – $200
• UK: Single – £30. Multiple Entry – £150

How long does it take to process a Tourist Visa?

If you attend the Thai embassy in person, the process will take around 5 working days. If you apply by mail, the process will take a minimum of 15 days.

Applying online will take 6-10 working days.

This is a general guideline and will differ between countries, and may be longer or shorter depending on how busy the embassy/consulate is.

I would personally allow 2 weeks if applying in person or online, and 3 weeks if applying by mail. This will ensure you get your visa before your flight date.

When is my Tourist Visa valid from?

The Single Entry Tourist Visa is valid 3 months from date of issue, and the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa is valid for 6 months from date of issue.

When you enter Thailand, you will be stamped in for 60 days.

Note: The expiry date of the visa shows on the visa sticker as ‘ENTER BEFORE'. When you enter Thailand, you will receive a rectangular stamp in your passport stating your date of entry and the ‘ADMITTED UNTIL' date. This date will be exactly 60 days after your date of entry

What happens if I leave Thailand before my 60-day stay is up?

If you leave prior to your 60-day stay ending, the remaining days will be forfeited.

If you think you will want to leave Thailand and re-enter, you should get a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa.

The Multiple Entry Tourist Visa is valid for 6 months from date of issue. You are allowed unlimited entries within the 6-month period of the visa. If you exit Thailand, as long as you re-enter before the visa expires, you will be stamped in for a further 60 days.

Can I extend my visa inside Thailand?

For those who want to extend their stay in Thailand, you can extend the 60-day Single Entry Tourist Visa by 30 days at a local Immigration Office. The fee for the extension is 1,900 Baht.

Under the Multiple Entry Visa, you can extend one of the 60-day stays by a further 30 days. The cost is the same.

Under the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa, by saving the 30-day extension for your final entry, you can accumulate almost 9 month's stay in Thailand.

Can I cancel my visa and get a refund?

No. The visa fee is non-refundable.

Can't I just do border runs instead of getting a Tourist Visa?

Because you are granted 30 days stay on arrival in Thailand, in theory you could just leave over a land border after 30 days and return the same day, activating a further 30 day's stay.

This is known as a border run . People used to stay in Thailand for years just going back and forth over the border.

However, the current rule is that if you enter Thailand over land without a visa, you are allowed a maximum of two 30-day entries within any rolling 12-month period.

With a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa, you can go in an out as many times as you want within the validity of the visa.

Did I miss anything? Got a question? Leave it below.

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Last Updated on January 17, 2024

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Do I need a visa to visit Thailand?

Jan 11, 2024 • 5 min read

Look over the visa options for Thailand with this handy guide © Pyrosky / Getty Images

Citizens of dozens of countries can enter  Thailand visa-free.

This makes it one of the easiest countries in Asia to visit impulsively. Other travelers and visitors on longer trips need a visa, but they're easy and inexpensive to obtain.

There's a lot to see and do in Thailand , and your visa must cover the full period of your stay. Make sure you know the requirements before your trip – read on for the basics.

What you need to know about visas in Thailand  

Entry procedures for tourists to Thailand are very straightforward, whether you arrive by air or overland. Thailand shares land borders with  Malaysia ,  Myanmar ,  Cambodia and  Laos , and many people zip in and out multiple times on a multi-destination trip around  Southeast Asia .  

Many travelers can arrive in Thailand visa-free; the remainder have to apply for tourist visas. For all visa classes, you need a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry, with several spare blank pages. You can be denied entry without proof of an onward ticket and sufficient funds for your stay, but in practice, this is rarely checked. You'll also need to enter an address in Thailand on your arrival card, but again, this is rarely followed up. If you don't have a hotel booked, pick a name  from a guidebook or an online search.

The  Ministry of Foreign Affairs oversees immigration and visa policies; check the website or contact the nearest Thai embassy or consulate for the current rules. The  'Do I need a tourist visa? ' section of Thailand's e-visa website is very helpful for identifying requirements based on your nationality.

Visa-free entry to Thailand depends on what passport you hold

Thailand allows visa-free entry for tourists from many countries for stays of 30 to 90 days. The exact list of countries and permitted durations of stay varies , but it usually includes the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and more prosperous nations in Asia, South America and the Middle East. 

Some visitors can get a tourist visa on arrival (VoA)

Citizens of some smaller European countries and a handful of destinations in Asia can get a tourist visa on arrival (VoA) for stays of 15 days .  

There are desks handling the paperwork at more than 30 airports and land border crossings. You'll need a recent passport photo, proof of funds to support yourself and tickets for onward travel within 15 days. The cash fee is 2000B (about US$60), payable in Thai Baht.

Get a tourist visa in advance from your local embassy or consulate, or online

If you are not eligible for visa-free travel or a VoA, you will need to apply for a tourist visa ahead of your visit. It allows a stay of up to 60 days and is valid for three or six months. Fees and conditions vary; contact your local Thai embassy or consulate for the latest rules.

The Thai government's e-visa process makes applying online a possibility for eligible nationalities. Use  the Q&A form to understand if this process is open to you. If it is, you can create an online account and follow the steps to provide all the requested information digitally, paying the application fee ahead of processing. If your application is successful, a confirmation email will be sent to you, which you should print out and show to airline or immigration officials when traveling to Thailand.

Education visas are available for those going to study  

Thousands of travelers visit Thailand yearly for long-term diving training, meditation study, Muay Thai courses, language lessons and more. If that's you, you can  apply for an education visa .  

You'll need a letter of acceptance from an accredited education institution showing proof of enrollment on a course, and your passport should be valid for at least six months past the end of the course. The single-entry visas are valid for three months.

Thailand doesn't yet have a true digital nomad visa

The closest thing Thailand has to a digital nomad visa is the new LTR (long-term resident) visa . Unfortunately, it's geared toward those with money. Applicants must pay a processing fee of 50,000B (approximately US$1380) and show proof of earning US$80,000 per year (or at least US$40,000 per year if they can fulfill other requirements, such as having a master's degree). They also need insurance covering US$50,000 and must work in a legally registered company that has an income of no less than US$150 million within the past three years. If granted, it allows up to a 10-year stay for skilled professionals who wish to work from Thailand.

Tourist visas can be extended in Thailand

If you run short on time during your stay, tourist visas can be extended for an additional 30 days at any immigration office in Thailand at the discretion of Thai immigration authorities; the usual fee is 1900B. See the website of the  Immigration Bureau for office listings.  

Remember to dress in your best when you visit the office; turning up in threadbare beachwear and thongs is unlikely to reassure the immigration officers that you have funds to support yourself for a longer stay.

For all types of visa extensions, bring two passport-sized photos and photocopies of the photo and visa pages from your passport. Always take care of your visa business yourself; if you go through a third party, you'll pay more, and there's a risk of falling for a scam.

What if I overstay my visa?

If you overstay your visa, the usual penalty is a fine of 500B per day, with a 20,000B limit. Fines must be paid in Thai baht, either at the airport or in advance at an immigration office. Kids under 15 are exempt, and if you've overstayed by only one day or your departure is delayed because of circumstances beyond your control (eg a flight cancellation by the airline), you usually won't get charged.

"The visa run" is still a possibility... twice

Another extremely popular extension-of-stay option for travelers eligible for visa-free entry is simply to cross a land border and re-enter Thailand after a few days. A new visa exemption will be issued upon your return.

This typically works well the first two times, but authorities are becoming increasingly strict towards travelers who try to extend their stay indefinitely by popping over the border multiple times; don't expect to be able to come back in if you've already done it twice, and remember that re-entry is at the discretion of the visa agent.

This article was first published Sep 5, 2021 and updated Jan 11, 2024.

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Visa Types For Thailand [Thailand Visa Application]

Thailand has always been an attractive destination for tourists and expats alike thanks to its rich culture, cuisine, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. Many dream of soaking in those gorgeous beaches, exploring historic temples, or enjoying a comfortable retirement in this Southeast Asian nation with an excellent quality of life.

However,  understanding Thailand’s visa system  properly is vital to making your travel or relocation smooth and hassle-free.

Thailand offers several  types of visas  – each catering to a specific purpose like tourism, business, work, education, or retirement. Visitors cannot engage in any sort of employment or long-term stay with a tourist visa.

Key Takeaways

• Thailand offers several visa options like tourist, business, retirement, and others for short and long-term stays
• Each visa type has specific eligibility criteria, documents required, and terms for extension
• A tourist visa allows stays up to 60 days while special tourist visas are now available for 90 days

What are the Different Types of Thai Visas?

Understanding tourist visas.

One of the most common Thailand visa types for travelers is the tourist visa, which allows visitors to enter Thailand for tourism purposes. The tourist visa typically provides a 60 or 90-day stay in the country.

Exploring Non-Immigrant Visas

Non-immigrant visas cater to individuals who intend to stay in Thailand for purposes such as business, employment, or education. There are different categories of non-immigrant visas, each designed for specific activities within the country.

Insights on Marriage Visas

For those who are married to a Thai national, the marriage visa allows for an extended stay in Thailand. This type of visa is designed for individuals who have a genuine intention to live with their Thai spouse.

How to Apply for a Thai Visa?

Application process for tourist visas.

Applying for a tourist visa usually involves submitting the required documentation to the Thai embassy or consulate in your home country. The visa application form, a valid passport, and proof of sufficient funds for the intended stay are usually among the necessary documents.

Requirements for Non-Immigrant Visas

Each category of non-immigrant visa comes with its own set of specific requirements, such as a letter of approval from the Thai government or a work permit for those applying for employment-related visas.

Guidelines for Retirement Visas

For individuals seeking to retire in Thailand, the retirement visa requires proof of pension or other financial means to support the retiree’s stay in the country. Additionally, applicants must meet the age requirement to be eligible for this type of visa.

What are the Visa Requirements for Residency in Thailand?

Eligibility Criteria for Long-Term Residency

Obtaining long-term residency in Thailand may require meeting certain criteria, such as having a lawful reason to reside in the country, a clean criminal record, and passing medical examinations as part of the application process.

Documents Needed for Permanent Residency

Applicants for permanent residency are typically required to provide a comprehensive set of documents including a police clearance certificate, financial statements, and a detailed plan outlining their activities in Thailand.

Understanding Thailand Visa Requirements

Meeting the visa requirements for Thailand generally involves providing authentic and accurate information to the relevant authorities. Being truthful and transparent throughout the application process is key to a successful visa acquisition.

How to Extend or Renew a Thai Visa?

Process for extending tourist visas.

Extending a tourist visa beyond its initial duration typically involves visiting the Thai immigration office and providing compelling reasons for the extension, such as unforeseen medical emergencies or unavoidable travel delays.

Renewal Options for Non-Immigrant Visas

Renewing non-immigrant visas may require the visa holder to demonstrate an ongoing need for their stay in Thailand, whether it’s for work, education, or other approved activities.

Visa Extension Procedures for Work Visas

For those working in Thailand, extending a work visa may involve working closely with their employer to ensure all necessary documentation is in place to support the visa extension application.

What are the Visa Application Procedures for Thailand?

Applying for single-entry visas.

Single-entry visas are suitable for individuals planning to enter Thailand for a specific purpose and intend to return to their home country upon completion of their activities in Thailand.

Multiple-Entry Visa Application Process

Individuals who require multiple entries into Thailand for various reasons, such as business or family visits, may find the multiple-entry visa to be the most suitable option for their travel needs.

Insights on Thailand Elite Visa Applications

The Thailand Elite Visa program is designed for individuals who want to stay in Thailand for an extended period and enjoy exclusive privileges and benefits tailored to their lifestyle and preferences.

Tourist & Special Tourist Visas

Thailand offers several options when it comes to tourist and special tourist visas based on the duration of your intended stay:

Regular Tourist Visa

The standard  tourist visa  for Thailand permits a stay of up to 60 days for tourism purposes like:

• Sightseeing
• Visiting Friends and Family

To be eligible, you need:

• A valid passport
• Proof of funds
• A confirmed ticket out of Thailand

This can be extended once for an additional 30 days while within Thailand. So you get a maximum stay of 90 days.

Special Tourist Visa

In response to COVID-19, Thailand introduced the Special Tourist Visa (STV)  valid for 90 days, and targeted at long-stay visitors. An STV can be  extended twice  – each time for another 90 days.

So you get a total stay of 270 days. Unlike regular tourist visas, an STV:

• Requires a  Certificate of Entry  issued by a Thai embassy
• Involves contacting the Thailand tourism authority
• Needs you to retain  comprehensive health insurance  coverage
• Obligates you to  undergo 14 days of quarantine  at partner hotels

Both regular and special tourist visas do not allow working, investing, or starting a business in Thailand.

Business & Work Visas

If you want to work, operate a business, or make investments in Thailand, tourist visas will not work. You will need specialized business or work permit visas.

Non-Immigrant B Visa for Business

The  Non-Immigrant B visa  is issued for legitimate business activities in Thailand:

• Meetings and conferences
• Starting a company
• Exploring partnerships
• Commercial transactions

You can get either a  single 90-day  or a  multiple one-year visa  depending on documentary support from your Thai sponsors. An invitation letter from a registered Thai entity is usually required as eligibility proof.

This allows visitors to evaluate investment opportunities before committing to longer stays. However, employment is typically not allowed unless you apply separately for a work permit/visa.

Work Permit & WP3

To take up full-time jobs or employment in Thailand, foreigners need a Thai  work permit  supported by a WP3 document from their local sponsors. The work visa issued is also a Non-B visa tied to the:

• Nature of employment
• Qualifications
• Sponsoring organization

Unlike tourists, workers can stay employed with the same sponsor for a maximum tenure of 4 years at a stretch in some cases. Switching jobs requires redoing this process.

Investment, Retirement & Marriage Visas

In addition to business and work visas, Thailand also offers long-term visas to investors, retirees, and spouses of Thai citizens.

Investment Visa

The  investment visa  is given to those bringing in or planning to bring in THB 10 million into Thailand via:

• Purchase of Condos/Property
• Investing in Thai Government Bonds
• Setting up Joint Ventures
• Starting New Businesses

It does not allow working for others but gives you complete freedom to manage your investments in Thailand with multiple entries for 1 year.

Retirement Visa

The  retirement visa  is suitable for older visitors looking to spend their golden years in Thailand. You can get this after 50 years of age if you meet requirements like:

• No criminal history
• Good character
• Having adequate monthly  income/pension  OR
• Maintaining  THB 800,000  in a Thai bank account

You can stay from 1-5 years based on vetting done by Thai immigration authorities.

Marriage Visa

Foreigners married to  Thai citizens  can get a Non O visa which allows you to stay with your spouse for 90 days at first. This can be converted to a 1-year marriage visa by providing:

• Marriage certificate
• Birth certificate
• Bank account funds

Subsequent renewals allow you to apply for permanent residency later.

Education and Training Visas

Besides the popular tourist and business categories, Thailand also offers education and training visas.

Formal Education Visa

If you get admission into an accredited  Thai university or school , you can apply for a formal education visa. This allows you to stay and study for the duration of your program. Work is restricted to 20 hours per week.

Non-Formal Training

For short-term courses like Thai cooking, martial arts, meditation, etc. that are less than 90 days, tourists can enroll.

Longer  informal training  however requires you to apply for an ED visa issued specifically for educational institutions teaching informal courses. Not all schools qualify – immigration rules tend to be strict.

Limitations

Unlike a business or work visa, part-time work rights for students are limited. Full-time jobs are prohibited.

Similarly, not all short-term training programs qualify for an ED visa restricting options for those looking to acquire new skills.

What type of visa should I choose if I intend to relocate to Thailand for a few years?

Those looking to relocate can explore options like retirement, marriage, or a non-immigrant O visa depending on personal circumstances. An investment visa is also suitable.

Can I convert from a tourist to a business visa within Thailand?

Switching from a tourist to a business/work visa within Thailand can be challenging. Rules vary across immigration centers. Expect complications without leaving first.

Which visa lets me start a company or invest in Thailand hassle-free?

If you want to operate a business or make investments, applying for a Non-B business visa from your home country is the best approach.

What are my visa options if I want to teach English or work as a digital nomad?

The work visa supported by a WP3 document from a sponsoring school/company is required legally to take up employment.

If I am married to a Thai citizen, what long-term visa should I get?

A Non-O marriage visa converted to a 1-year extension allows you to reside with your Thai spouse with minimal terms.

What are the different types of visas available for entering Thailand?

Thailand offers various visa options such as non-immigrant visas, including O visa, ED visa, and Thai Elite visa, as well as visa exemptions for certain nationalities.

What is a non-immigrant visa for Thailand?

A non-immigrant visa application is a type of Thailand visa that allows foreigners to stay in Thailand for purposes such as tourism, business, education, or employment.

What is a Thai Elite visa?

The Thai Elite visa is a long-term visa program that offers privileged residency status and various benefits to its holders, including residence in Thailand for up to 20 years.

Making major life decisions like moving countries or retiring abroad can feel overwhelming. I understand the anxiety of navigating complex visa policies and want to assure you that you don’t have to figure this out alone. Our team at BetterLivingAsia.com can answer any questions you may have . This is your chance to stop worrying and start creating the Thailand experience you deserve with trusted advisors by your side every step of the way

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Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

Thailand tourist visa: Requirements and application procedure

Updated: April 6, 2023

Thailand has a liberal visa policy offering Visa EXEMPTION and Visa ON ARRIVAL to many nationalities in the world. For those who REQUIRE a visa, Thailand tourist visa is the easiest to obtain if you understand and follow the visa requirements properly.

There 5 ways you can enter Thailand as a tourist.

• Visa Exemption
• Visa on Arrival (VOA)
• Pre-approved visa from Thai embassy

A Thailand tourist visa is only for visiting Thailand for the purpose of tourism for a short period of time. If you plan to stay longer, look into Thai ED Visa , which allows you to study and live in Thailand for up to one year.

Without further delay, let’s dive into Thailand visa requirements, eligibility, application procedure and entry-exit formalities at the airport.

Table of Contents

Thailand tourist visa requirements by nationality.

Minimum passport validity required to enter Thailand as a tourist

For visa EXEMPT and visa REQUIRED nationalities, the passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival in Thailand.

For visa ON ARRIVAL eligible nationalities, the passport must be valid for at least 30 days from the day of arrival in Thailand. 

VISA EXEMPT nationalities

90-day entry.

• South Korea

30-day entry

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Myanmar (* only if entering by air)
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Philippines
• South Africa
• Switzerland
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States

Visa ON ARRIVAL or e-VOA eligible nationalities

15-day entry.

• Papua New Guinea
• Saudi Arabia

E-VISA eligible nationalities

60-day entry.

• Citizens or permanent residents of the following countries are eligible for E-Visa.
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Congo, Rep. of
• Congo, Dem. Rep. of
• Dominican Republic
• North Korea
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Vatican City

Visa REQUIRED nationalities

• Afghanistan
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Burkina Faso
• Cayman Islands
• Central African Republic
• Cote d’Ivoire
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Marshall Islands
• North Macedonia
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent And The Grenadines
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Sierra Leone
• Sint Maarten
• Solomon Islands
• South Sudan
• Timor-Leste
• Turkmenistan

THAILAND VISA EXEMPTION

Currently, Thailand offers visa exemption to 64 countries. Most countries in that list get a 30-day entry. Just a handful of countries in South America and South Korea get 90-day entry.

How long can you stay in Thailand with visa exemption

Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru and South Korea nationals can stay up to 90 days in Thailand. All other visa-exempt nationalities can stay up to 30 days in Thailand. 

Except for G7 countries (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom, and the United States), all other nationalities will be granted only a 30-day entry if entering by land.

Malaysia passport holders are granted 30-day entry when entering by land from Malaysia.

How many times can you enter Thailand with visa exemption

There are no restrictions on entering Thailand by air. But you can only enter 2 times in a given year by land.

Passport validity required for visa exemption

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival in Thailand.

Documents to carry for visa exemption

• Original passport
• Proof of onward ticket
• Proof of funds (20,000 THB for individuals and 40,000 THB for families)

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival in Thailand. 

Your proof of onward ticket can be a print or a copy on your phone. This cannot be a bus or train ticket. This must a flight ticket. If you are traveling on a one-way ticket or planning to take a bus or train to Laos or Cambodia, get a dummy proof of an onward flight ticket .

Proof of funds can be cash, ATM cards or credit cards. There were incidents where tourists were forced to show proof of funds in the form of cash. To avoid unnecessary trouble, I suggest carrying a bit of cash on you in Thai Baht or any major currency.

THAILAND VISA ON ARRIVAL (VOA)

Thailand is a popular tourist destination in South East Asia, partly due to its liberal visa-exemption and Visa on Arrival policies. Currently, 18 nationalities can obtain Thailand Visa on Arrival at all international airports and land checkpoints with minimal documentation.

How long can you stay in Thailand with Visa on Arrival (VOA)

You can stay up to 15 days on Visa on Arrival (VOA). No visa extensions are allowed.

How many times can you obtain Visa on Arrival (VOA)

If you are traveling to many countries in South East Asia, you may have to enter Thailand multiple times. You can obtain Visa on Arrival multiple times on your trip without any problems. 

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE I obtained Visa on Arrival (VOA) at the airport and later at a land border in Thailand on my South East Asia trip and I was fine.

Passport validity required for Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days from the day of arrival in Thailand.

Documents required for Visa on Arrival (VOA)

The following documents are required for Visa on Arrival (VOA).

• Completed Thailand Visa on Arrival application form
• One passport-size photo (4×6 cm)
• Return/onward flight ticket (must be within 15 days of arrival in Thailand)
• Hotel booking confirmation (minimum 5 nights)
• Proof of funds (10,000 THB for individuals and 20,000 THB for families)

Print and complete your Thailand Visa on Arrival application form before heading on your trip to Thailand. If you can’t print it, you can always grab one at the airport and fill it out.

A return/onward flight ticket is mandatory and it must be within 15 days of arrival in Thailand. If your return ticket is over 15 days, you will be forced to rebook another flight ticket by the Visa on Arrival staff. You will end up spending a lot on rebooking so make sure your flight ticket is within 15 days.

Your return or onward ticket must be a flight ticket. Bus or train tickets are not acceptable. If you plan to travel to a neighboring country by land, you must still provide a flight ticket as proof of onward travel .

If you plan on traveling to a neighboring country by bus or train, get a dummy onward flight ticket for your Visa on Arrival. 

Hotel booking is mandatory. A minimum of 5 nights or more is required. Booking a hotel for the first 1 or 2 nights will not work. You will be forced to book the remaining nights by the VOA staff at the airport.

Proof of funds must be a minimum of 10,000 THB for individuals and 20,000 THB for families. You would need to show proof of funds in cash. You can get away by saying that you have your debit and credit cards on you. But, I strongly suggest you have at least 5,000 THB on your and for the remaining, you can show your debit card, credit card and bank statements.

Visa on Arrival (VOA) photo size

The photo must be of size 4 x 6 cm. It must have been taken within the last 6 months. You may need 1-2 photos for your visa depending on the checkpoint. Carry at least 2 photos for Visa on Arrival at the land borders.

Visa on Arrival (VOA) fee

Thailand Visa ON ARRIVAL fee is 2,000 THB. This fee must be paid in cash in Thai Baht (THB) only. 

You may be forced to pay an additional 200 THB as an express fee for fast processing of your VOA. Sometimes you will not have a choice but to pay this express fee.

Money exchanges are available near the Visa on Arrival sections in the airports. No ATMs are available, so make sure to carry cash in THB or any major currency.

Visa on Arrival (VOA) processing time

Visa on Arrival process at airports is quick these days. It used to take at least an hour before. Either way, account for an additional one hour for your Visa on Arrival process at the airport just in case.

To save time, you can download and fill out the Visa on Arrival application form prior to your arrival.

RELATED: How to get a 15-day Thailand Visa on Arrival (VOA) in 2023 – A complete guide

THAILAND ONLINE VISA ON ARRIVAL (e-VOA)

Thailand e-VOA speeds up the process of obtaining Visa on Arrival (VOA) at the airport. If you hold an e-VOA, you can skip the regular Visa on Arrival lines at the airports. 

All 18 nationalities that are eligible for Visa on Arrival can obtain e-VOA online. 

There are special counters set up at the airports just for e-VOA holders for obtaining Visa on Arrival. You do not need to carry supporting documents or the visa fee. All you need is your original passport, e-VOA approval and proof of funds.

IMPORTANT e-VOA is NOT eVISA. Even with an e-VOA, you still have to go through the Visa on Arrival process and obtain your VOA stamp at the airport. It ONLY speeds up the process of obtaining Visa on Arrival at the airport since your document check and visa fee payment were already done online.

Hong long can you stay in Thailand with e-VOA

You can stay up to 15 days using e-VOA. No visa extensions are allowed.

Passport validity required for e-VOA

Blank pages needed in the passport for e-voa.

You must have at least 1 blank page in your passport.

Where to enter Thailand with e-VOA

With an approved e-VOA, you can only enter Thailand from the below 4 international airports. 

• Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok (BKK)
• Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok (DMK)
• Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
• Phuket International Airport (HKT)

NOTE If you plan to enter Thailand from an airport other than the above 4 or from a land border, you must opt for the regular Visa on Arrival. You CANNOT use e-VOA.

Thailand e-VOA application procedure

To obtain Thailand e-VOA, you must fill out an online visa application and upload the required documents. Pay the Visa on Arrival fee, service charge and tax. You will receive your e-VOA result in 1-3 working days.

Once your e-VOA is approved, print your e-VOA approval. You must present your passport, e-VOA approval and arrival/departure card at the Visa on Arrival counters at the airport. The 15-day Visa on Arrival will be stamped in your passport.

You can apply for e-VOA from any one of the two authorized visa agents. These are the only 2 agents authorized by Thai immigration.

• eVisa Thailand E-Visa on Arrival | THB 495.33 processing fee plus 7% VAT
• Thailand eVisa on Arrival by VFS Global | THB 500 processing fee

Documents required for e-VOA

The following documents are required for e-VOA.

• Passport cover page
• Passport ID page
• Digital photo (4×6 cm)
• Round trip flight tickets (return flight must be within 15 days of arrival in Thailand)
• Hotel booking confirmations for the entire stay

Thailand e-VOA fee

The fee for e-VOA is 2,000 THB. The visa agent will charge a service fee of 500 THB and tax on top of the visa fee. The visa fee can only be paid in Thai Baht using a credit/debit card. 

The additional THB 500 service fee is non-refundable in case of e-VOA rejection.

e-VOA processing time

The processing time for e-VOA is 1-3 working days. Express processing is also available for an additional fee where the application will be processed within 24 hours.

e-VOA application tracking

Both eVisa Thailand and VFS Global offer visa application status tracking. 

THAILAND E-VISA

Thailand E-Visa is an initiative from Thai immigration to move the Thai visa process online. The idea is to replace the regular pre-approved visa from the embassy with the new E-Visa. The visa validity and entry are exactly the same as the pre-approved visa from the embassy. 

Thailand’s E-Visa portal offers both single and multiple-entry visas. You can apply for either one. But if the officers are not convinced that you need a multiple-entry visa, they may simply issue a single-entry visa. The fee for the multiple-entry visa is not refunded in that case.

Validity of Thailand E-Visa

Thailand E-Visa is valid for 3 months or 6 months depending on the entry type. 

• Single-Entry: Valid for 3 months
• Multiple-Entry: Valid for 6 months

When to apply for E-Visa

You can apply for a Thai E-Visa up to 3 months prior to your trip. The processing takes about 3-10 working days, so it’s recommended to apply at least a month prior to your trip.

How long can stay in Thailand on E-Visa

You can stay up to 60 days in Thailand on your single-entry Thailand E-Visa. 

With a multiple-entry E-Visa, you can stay up to 60 days on each entry. All entries must be made within the validity of your multiple-entry E-Visa. Meaning, even if you enter Thailand on the last day of your E-Visa, you will still receive a 60-day entry.

Both single-entry and multiple-entry E-Visas are extendable for additional 30 days at the local immigration office. 

Passport validity required for E-Visa

At the time of lodging your E-Visa application, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months for a single-entry E-Visa and 1 year for a multiple-entry E-Visa.

E-Visa application procedure

You can apply for your E-Visa on the Thai E-Visa portal . You must fill out the online application, upload the required documents and pay the required visa fee.

The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has created a nice step-by-step video guide and a PDF guide on how to apply for your E-Visa using the Thai E-Visa portal.

Documents required

The following documents are required for the Thai E-Visa.

• A scan of your passport ID page
• A digital photo (4×6 cm)
• Fully paid round-trip flight tickets
• Proof of residence (if not a citizen of the country where you are applying from)

All scanned documents must be in JPG format only. Max allowed file size is 3MB.

Photo requirements

The digital photo must meet the following requirements.

• Photo must have been taken in the last 6-months
• Must be 4×6 cm in dimensions
• Must be in JPG format only 
• Max file size allowed is 3MB

The Thailand E-Visa fee is $40 USD for a single-entry tourist visa, paid in the local currency of the Thai consulate you have selected in your E-Visa application. E-Visa fees can only be paid using a credit/debit card. 

Processing time

The processing time for E-Visa is 3-10 working days. 

Application tracking

The application can be tracked within the dashboard of your account in the E-Visa portal.

THAILAND TOURIST VISA FROM THE EMBASSY

The following are eligible to apply for a pre-approved tourist visa. 

• Visa REQUIRED nationality that are not eligible for Thai E-VISA
• Visa ON ARRIVAL eligible nationality that would need to stay longer than 15 days and are not eligible for Thai E-Visa
• Visa EXEMPT nationality that would need to stay longer than 30 days and are not eligible for Thai E-Visa

Validity of Thailand tourist visa

A single-entry Thailand tourist visa is valid for 3 months. You must enter Thailand within the validity of this visa.

A multiple-entry Thailand tourist visa is valid for 6 months. You can enter Thailand unlimited times on this type of visa and all entries must be within the validity of the visa. 

When to apply for Thailand tourist visa

You can apply for a Thailand tourist visa up to 3 months prior to your trip. The processing can take from 3-10 working days so it’s recommended to apply at least one month prior to your trip.

How long can you stay in Thailand on a tourist visa

You can stay up to 60 days on a single-entry Thailand tourist visa. A 30-day extension is possible from the local immigration office.

You can stay up to 60 days for each entry on a multiple-entry tourist visa. A 30-day extension is possible from the local immigration office.

Passport validity required for tourist visa

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of applying for your tourist visa.

Blank pages needed in the passport for tourist visa

You must have at least two blank pages in your passport for the tourist visa. One page for the visa sticker and one page for entry and exit stamps.

Thailand tourist visa application procedure

You can apply for a Thailand tourist visa in person at your nearest Royal Thai embassy or using an authorized visa agent such as VFS Global.

Here is an informational video made by the Royal Thai consulate in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on how to fill and arrange the documents for your Thailand tourist visa.

IMPORTANT If you are a Visa REQUIRED nationality, you can ONLY apply for a Thailand tourist visa in your country of passport or residence. That means You CANNOT apply for a Thailand tourist visa while traveling.

If you do not have a Thai mission in your country of passport or residence, you must apply at a Thai mission in a neighboring country that is specifically designated for applicants from your country. 

The following documents are required for Thailand tourist visa.

• Completed Thailand tourist visa application form (you can download it from your nearest Royal Thai embassy website)
• Original passport with at least 6 months of validity with 2 blank pages
• Copies of your passport data/ID page and last page (2-3 copies depending on the Thai embassy where you are applying from)
• Passport size photos (1-4 photos depending on the Thai embassy where you are applying from)
• Roundtrip flight tickets (fully paid and confirmed for certain Thai embassies)
• Hotel reservations for the entire trip 
• Full itinerary (full itinerary of your entire stay on a sheet of paper)
• Bank statements (last 6 months showing at least $700 USD per individual or $1,400 USD per family)
• Proof of residence (if applying from a country other than the country of passport)

The passport photo for the visa application must meet the following requirements.

• Must be of size 3.5 x 4.5 cm
• Must be latest taken in the last 3 months
• Must be on a white background without glasses or a hat

You may need 1-4 photos for your visa depending on the nationality. Carry about 4 photos when heading to the embassy.

Thailand tourist visa fee is 1,000 THB ($30 USD) for a single-entry tourist visa and 5,000 THB ($145 USD) for a multiple-entry tourist visa. You have to pay the visa fee in your local currency, so the visa fee may vary a bit due to currency exchange rates. 

Visa agents such as VFS Global charge an additional service fee, courier fee, handling charges, etc. on top of the visa fee.

Thailand tourist visa processing time is 3 to 10 working days. Most applications are processed within 3 working days but if the embassy requires additional documents from you, it can take up to 10 working days.

Thai consulates, embassies, and authorized visa agents provide visa status updates via email. VFS Global provides online visa application tracking for its applicants.

ENTRY AND EXIT PROCEDURE AT THE AIRPORT

Entering Thailand by air

If you are a visa-exempt nationality, hold an E-Visa or a pre-approved Thailand tourist visa, head straight to immigration.

If you need to obtain Visa on Arrival (VOA), head to the Visa on Arrival section first. To speed up the Visa on Arrival process, you can either opt for e-VOA or express lanes at the airport. You can also download and fill out the Visa on Arrival application form before you arrive at the airport. 

If you don’t have a completed Visa on Arrival form with you, grab one at the Visa on Arrival section. There will be examples of completed application forms on the wall to assist you with filling out the application form.

IMPORTANT Visa on Arrival fee can only be paid in THB. There are NO ATMs at the Visa on Arrival sections in any of the Thailand airports. So, make sure to carry enough cash in THB (Thai Baht) or major currency. There are currency exchanges at Visa on Arrival sections. So if you have some major currency on you, you can change it into THB.

After you complete your Visa on Arrival procedure, head to the immigration area.

Leaving Thailand by air

On exiting Thailand, you will have to go through passport control. You must present the following documents

• Your original passport
• Airline boarding pass

If flying out of Bangkok (BKK and DMK), long lines at check-in counters and passport control are common. Arrive at least 2 hours before your departure time.

ENTRY AND EXIT PROCEDURE AT THE LAND BORDER

Entering thailand by land.

If you are a visa-exempt nationality, hold an E-Visa or a pre-approved Thailand visa, head straight to immigration.

If you have to obtain Visa on Arrival (VOA), head to the Visa on Arrival section first. To speed up the Visa on Arrival process, you can download and fill out the Visa on Arrival application form before you arrive at the land border. 

IMPORTANT The Visa on Arrival fee can only be paid in THB. ATMs and currency exchanges are very rare at the land borders. So, make sure to carry enough cash in THB (Thai Baht).

Leaving Thailand by land

On exiting Thailand by land, you must go through passport control. You must present the following documents

• Visa to the next country

If the next country you will be entering requires a visa, you must present the visa of that country. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to leave Thailand. If you will be obtaining Visa on Arrival in the next country, just say that you will obtain Visa on Arrival and you will be fine.

Thailand offers Visa EXEMPTION and Visa ON ARRIVAL to many nationalities. For those who REQUIRE a visa, a Thailand tourist visa is quite easy to obtain. Currently, 18 nationalities are eligible to obtain Visa on Arrival (VOA) and over 50 nationalities can obtain E-Visa. Rest requires a pre-approved visa from the embassy.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

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Eight types of visa in Thailand .

• Tourist visa
• Special tourist visa
• Business visa

Acclime helps you set up, manage & advance your business in Thailand and beyond.

This is a fundamental guide to the types of visas available to foreigners in Thailand.

To legally work and live in Thailand, you must obtain a visa that is most suitable for your purpose of entering Thailand. You can get certain types of visas to enter Thailand, which require different qualifications and requirements.

The eight types of visas available in Thailand are:

1. Tourist visa

The tourist visa is issued to travellers who intend to stay in Thailand for 60 days or less. With a tourist visa, you are prohibited from conducting work, business or any form of employment.

The tourist visa can be obtained at the Thai embassy or consulate in your home country or upon arrival in Thailand.

Length of stay

If you apply for a single-entry tourist visa, you can stay in Thailand for 90 days. Entering with a single-entry tourist visa, you will be given an initial stay of 60 days, which you can extend for another 30 days.

A multiple-entry tourist visa allows you to stay for more than 90 days and is valid for six months. With a multiple-entry tourist visa, you can exit and enter Thailand as many times as you like during the six-month validity.

Tourist visa exemption

Tourists from 62 countries are currently allowed to enter Thailand without a visa and are allowed a maximum stay of 30 days when entering through an international airport or a land border checkpoint from neighbouring countries.

Through a Bilateral Agreement, tourists from five countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru and South Korea, can enter Thailand without a visa for 90 days. However, South Korea has temporarily halted the visa exemption facility from 13 April 2020 to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in South Korea.

Requirements for the tourist visa

The common required documents you will need for applying for the tourist visa include:

Passport with a validity of not less than six months

• Visa application form completely filled out and signed
• Recent photograph (4×6 cm) of the applicant
• Evidence of travel in and out of Thailand (air ticket receipt paid in full)
• Evidence of adequate finance (20,000 Baht per person or 40,000 Baht per family)
• Visa fee paid in full
• Evidence of accommodation booking

2. Special tourist visa

The special tourist visa is a visa issued to tourists who would like to travel to Thailand. The  Tourism Authority of Thailand  introduced the special tourist visa as an economic measure to restore the local tourism industry that has been affected by Covid-19. Tourists can apply for this visa until 30 September 2022.

Tourists who enter Thailand with a special tourist visa are allowed to stay in Thailand for 90 days.

An extension of stay can be requested twice at the Immigration Bureau for a maximum of 90 days per extension.

Special tourist visa qualifications

Foreigners who are applying for a special tourist visa must meet the following qualifications:

• From a low-risk country according, to the Public Health Ministry regulations
• Provide evidence of accommodation during the stay

Requirements for the special tourist visa

The following documents are required when applying for the special tourist visa:

• Passport with a validity of more than 12 months from the date of entering Thailand
• Photograph of applicant (4.5×3.5 cm)
• Thai medical insurance covering hospitalisation and accidents for the period of stay in Thailand with coverage for outpatient treatment of no less than THB 40,000 and inpatient treatment of no less than THB 400,000
• Medical certificate showing no prohibitive diseases according to the Ministerial Regulation No.14 (2535), which include leprosy, tuberculosis, elephantiasis, drug addiction or third stage syphilis

3. Business visa (non-immigrant B visa)

The non-immigrant B visa, also called the business visa in Thailand. There are two categories of the non-immigrant B visa, which are:

• Non-immigrant B visa (conducting business) issued to foreigners who wish to set up or conduct business in Thailand.
• Non-immigrant B visa (employment) issued to foreigners who intend to work in Thailand.

Foreigners can apply for either a single-entry visa ( 90 days non-immigrant visa ) or a multiple-entry visa ( one-year non-immigrant visa ).

The single-entry visa is issued by the Thai embassy or consulate aboard or in your home country and allows a stay of 90 days.

The visa must be used within 90 days from the issuance date, and it grants the holder a 90-day stay inside Thailand. Once the visa has expired, it can be extended for an additional seven days.

Holders of the temporary 90-day non-immigrant visa usually use the visa to enter Thailand, apply for a work permit, and once the validity of the visa has run out, they can convert it into a long-term solution, for example, a one-year non-immigrant business visa, one-year business visa extension or others.

Requirements for the business visa

The general requirements for the business visa include:

• A passport with at least six months validity from the date of your planned arrival in Thailand
• An invitation or confirmation letter to clarify the purpose of travel issued by the concerned organisation
• Additional supporting documents as requested by the Royal Thai Embassy or consulate
• Proof of financial funds and travel itinerary
• Embassy fee

4. Investment visa

The investment visa (non-immigrant IM visa) is issued to foreigners who bring in THB 10 million into Thailand by one investment or a combination of purchasing a condominium or property, buying government bonds or putting it into a fixed deposit account in a Thai bank.

Investment visa holders are not allowed to earn a salary but can stay in Thailand for an unlimited period as long as the visa is renewed annually.

The investment visa is valid for 90 days and has to be used within three months.

Requirements for the investment visa

Documents needed to apply for the investment visa include:

• Visa application form
• Passport-sized photo
• Non-immigrant visa
• Passport with a validity of six months
• Evidence of an investment of THB 10 million (ie bank statement, sale and purchase agreement or foreign exchange transfer form)
• Letter from the Board of Investment

5. Education visa (non-immigrant ED visa)

The education visa or the non-immigrant ED visa is issued to students who wish to enter Thailand for a full-time education course, internship or other training programs.

The student visa is valid for 90 days. Before the first 90 days expire, you can extend it at the Immigration Bureau for one year. All non-immigrant visas holders are subject to the 90-day reporting at the Immigration Office.

Requirements for the education visa

The requirements for an education visa include:

• Passport-sized photos
• Letter of acceptance from school or academic institution
• Evidence of enrolment
• Course description
• School registration documents
• For the purpose of attending a seminar, training session or internship, you will need a recommendation letter from the organisation

Where to apply?

The student visa can be applied at the Thai Embassy or consulate aboard or in your home country.

If you are already in Thailand with a non-immigrant O visa, a tourist visa or any other type of visa, you can convert the visa to a student visa at the Immigration Office.

6. Marriage visa (non-immigrant O visa)

The non-immigrant O visa or the marriage visa is a long-term visa issued to foreign nationals married to a Thai national.

You will first need to obtain a 90-day non-immigrant O visa at the Thai Embassy or consulate outside Thailand. Once you have received the non-immigrant visa, you will need to travel to Thailand to activate the non-immigrant O visa.

Within 90-days of entering Thailand, the visa holder can apply for a one-year extension. Before the extension ends, you can apply to extend it for another year. When you have lived in Thailand for three years, you can apply for a Thai permanent residency.

Requirements for the marriage visa

Requirements to meet when applying for the marriage visa are:

• Visa application
• Copy of the Thai marriage certificate
• Copy of your Thai wife’s identification card
• Copy of your Thai wife’s  Tabien Baan
• Three-month bank statement with funds not less than THB 400,000 or a copy of your income statement showing THB 40,000 per month

In the case of a Thai husband, the foreign wife is not required to show a monthly income. However, the Thai husband must provide proof of paying Thai personal income tax.

7. Retirement visa

The retirement visa is issued to foreign nationals aged 50 or above and intend to retire in Thailand. However, you cannot work in Thailand with a retirement visa.

The retirement visa can be applied in Thailand or at the Thai Embassy or consulate in outside Thailand.

Types of retirement visas

There are two types of retirement visas that can be issued to foreign nationals:

• One-year retirement visa (non-immigrant O-A)
• Five-year retirement visa (non-immigrant O-X)

The O-A visa allows you to stay in Thailand for one year, and it can be renewed every year.

The O-X visa allows a stay of five years and can be renewed for a maximum of 10 years.

Retirement visa qualifications

To apply for the retirement visa, you will need the following qualifications:

• Must be 50 years old or older
• Tuberculosis
• Elephantiasis
• Drug addiction
• Third stage syphilis
• Does not have a criminal record in Thailand or your home country
• Deposit of THB 800,000 in a Thai bank account for two months before the visa application
• Monthly income or pension of THB 65,000
• Have a combination of annual income, pension or deposit of at least THB 800,000
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Deposit of at least THB 3 million
• Annual income of THB 1.2 million

Requirements for the retirement visa

The following documents are needed for the retirement visa application:

• Passport with a validity of at least six months and 18 months in case of application for a one-year valid visa
• Proof that you meet the financial requirements
• Health certificate issued within the last three months

8. SMART visa

The SMART visa is a new type of visa that aims to attract highly skilled manpower, investors, executives, and startup entrepreneurs who want to work or invest in Thailand’s targeted industries.

SMART visa holders are given a maximum stay of four years, work permit exemption and additional privileges.

Targeted industries

The targeted industries in Thailand are:

• Affluent, medical and wellness tourism
• Agriculture and robotics
• Alternative dispute resolution
• Automation and robotics
• Aviation and logistics
• Biofuels and biochemicals
• Environmental management and renewable energy
• Food for the future
• Human resource development in science and technology
• Medical hub
• Next-generation automotive
• Smart electronics

Types of SMART visas

There are five types of SMART visa types, which are:

• SMART “T” (Talent) – highly skilled professionals
• SMART “I” (Investor) – investors in technology-based business
• SMART “E” (Executive) – senior executives in technology-based companies
• SMART “S” (Startup entrepreneur) – technology-based startup entrepreneurs
• SMART “O” (Spouse and legitimate children of SMART visa holders)

SMART visa qualifications

SMART “T” (Talent) basic qualifications

General case:

• A minimum income of THB 50,000 for startup employees or retired experts or THB 100,000 for general cases
• A contract term of at least one year
• Having expertise in science and technology

Experts working in government agencies/higher education institutions/specialised training institutions/Alternative Dispute Resolution:

• No minimum contract term
• No minimum income
• Guaranteed by the employer

SMART “I” (Investor) basic requirements

• Direct investment or through a venture capital company of at least THB 20 million, or direct investment in startups of at least THB 5 million
• Be certified by relevant agencies

SMART “E” (Executive) basic requirements

• Minimum income of THB 200,000 per month
• Have a bachelor’s degree or above with at least 10 years of work experience
• Contract term of at least one year

SMART “S” (Startup) basic requirements

Two-year visa:

• Holding a minimum of 25% of the company’s registered capital or a position of the company director
• Deposit a minimum of THB 600,000 in a bank account in Thailand
• Have health insurance covering the period of stay in Thailand

One-year visa:

• Attend an incubation or accelerator program

Six-month visa:

• Startup business plan or engaged in startup business activity, such as startup camp

SMART visa privileges

Some of the privileges SMART visa holders are entitled to include:

• A maximum renewable four-, two-, one-year and six-month visa
• No work permit required
• 90-day reporting extended to one year
• No re-entry permit required
• Access to fast-track services at an international airport in Thailand

More details on the qualifications and privileges can be found on the BOI’s  website .

Overstay penalty

Overstaying your visa in Thailand is illegal. If you overstay for less than 90 days, you will only have to pay a fine and leave the country.

The fine for overstaying is THB 500 per day and the maximum fine is THB 20,000 when overstaying for 40 days or more.

However, if you overstay for more than 90 days, you will be deported and banned from visiting Thailand. In the case that you are not able to pay the fine or overstay for a long period, you can be taken to jail.

There are a variety of types of visas in Thailand and each type of visa has its purpose and qualifications that applicants must comply with. If you need help applying for a visa in Thailand, do not hesitate to contact Acclime.

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About Acclime .

Acclime is Asia’s premier tech-enabled professional services firm. We provide formation, accounting, tax, HR and advisory services, focusing on delivering high-quality outsourcing and consulting services to our local and international clients in Thailand and beyond.

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Thailand Solved

Types Of Visas In Thailand: Explained

Thailand, with its tantalizing beaches and tantalizing cuisine, beckons many.

But before diving into those azure waters or bustling markets, there’s the not-so-small matter of visas.

Let’s embark on a journey to understand the Thai visa spectrum , from tourist to resident.

What Is Visa Policy In Thailand?

 The following points give a general overview of Thailand’s visa policies.

Visa Exemption Policy

Thailand has a visa-exempt policy that allows many countries to enter Thailand without a visa.

This policy grants entry for a specified time duration ranging from 15 to 90 days, depending on the nationality of the visitor. 

The visa-exempt visitor is granted a permit upon landing at the Thailand airport.

Tourism Visa Policy

A tourist visa is applied for at the Thai embassy/consulate, which may provide an extended period of stay in Thailand.

The tourist visa generally allows a stay of up to 60 days and that can be extended for an additional 30 days during the stay in Thailand.

On Arrival Visa Policy

Thailand provides an on-arrival visa to nationals to some countries and this visa allows a short visit or stay in Thailand without having a visa beforehand. 

This visa grants a stay of up to 15 days in Thailand.

Non-Immigrant Visa Policy

This visa type is for those who intend to study and work in Thailand and are planning a long-term stay in Thailand. 

Work Permit Policy

A work permit and a non-immigrant visa are required in Thailand if the person wishes to work legally in Thailand. 

The prospective employer or company in Thailand assists with the work permit process .

Student Visa Policy

A non-immigrant ED visa and an acceptance letter from a recognized educational institution are required to apply for a student visa in Thailand.

Retirement Visa Policy

This visa is for retired persons who intend to live in Thailand. It requires their financial means and health insurance documents.

Visa Extensions Policy

This helps to extend the stay in Thailand by applying for a visa extension at the immigration office in Thailand. Extensions are usually granted for up to 30 days in Thailand.

Visa Overstay Policy

If a person overstays in Thailand while the duration of the visa has expired and visa extension is also not applied then this is considered a violation and a crime in Thailand. 

Such a person can be blacklisted , given a heavy fine , and deported back to his/her home country. One should be aware of the visa expiry date etc.

The visa policies change with changing governments and times so it is important to keep one-self up-to-date with the current policies.

Types Of Visa In Thailand

Thailand offers several types of visas to foreign nationals to help and accommodate them in their different purposes for travel. 

Some types of visas that Thailand offers are discussed below:

Tourist Visa (TR)

This type of visa is granted by Thailand for tourism purposes . Foreign nationals who wish to visit or tour Thailand often apply for this visa type.

This visa type usually allows a stay of up to 60 days in Thailand and that can be extended for an additional 30 days .

Non-Immigrant Visa (O, B, ED, M, IM, RS, etc.)

Thailand offers this visa type for various purposes such as education (ED) , business/investment (B) , work employment , marriage , retirement (O) , or religious purposes , etc. 

This visa depends on the purpose of the visit. Each category of this visa has its specific requirements and conditions that must be met when applying. 

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Thailand has a visa-exempt policy for some countries. Nationals of those countries can enter Thailand without a visa and are granted one upon entering Thailand.

This visa usually provides a stay of at least 15 to 30 days . The stay duration depends on the nationality and purpose of the visit.

Thailand offers this visa type for individuals who wish to have an extended period of stay in Thailand.

This is a long-term visa offering different benefits and stay durations to visitors.

Work Permit Visa

Thailand offers work permits to individuals who intend to work in Thailand. The individual has to apply for a work permit along with the visa.

The prospective company or employer assists the visitor with applying for a work permit .

Education Visa (ED)

This visa is for students who intend to study in Thailand. It is typically granted for the duration of the educational program .

Retirement Visa (O-A)

Thailand offers this visa type to individuals who are retirees and wish to live in Thailand. This visa is usually issued to people aged 50 or above .

This visa type requires their financial stability proof and health insurance .

Marriage Visa (O)

Thailand grants this visa to individuals who are married to a Thai citizen or resident. This visa allows an extended period of stay to the spouses .

Diplomatic And Official Visas

This visa type is specifically for diplomats , government official , and their family members , who are actually on an official visit or mission.

For each visa type document requirements , visa fees , processing time and stay duration vary . 

The applicant must check with the Thai embassy/consulate before applying to have clear information regarding Thai visas.

How To Apply For Visas In Thailand?

The process to apply for a visa to Thailand varies depending on the nationality , visa type , and the purpose of the visit. 

The process involves certain steps to apply for a Thailand visa and these are as follows:

• The applicant must first determine the type of visa he/she wants to apply which depends on the purpose of the visit. 
• The applicant must then check for visa requirements for the visa type he/she is applying for.
• The applicant must then prepare the required documents needed for that visa type.
• The applicant applies by filling out the application form for a visa, attaching all the documents to it, and submitting it to the Thai embassy/consulate.
• The applicant must pay the visa fee while submitting the visa application.
• The applicant must attend the interview if that visa type requires one.
• The applicant then waits for the visa processing time .
• The applicant then collects their visa and checks for its validity .
• The applicant then travels to Thailand and presents their visa to the immigration
• The applicant applies for a visa extension at the immigration office of Thailand; if needed.

The visa policies and procedures change over time so the applicant must contact immigration for proper knowledge.

What Are The Requirements For Visa In Thailand?

Thai visa requirements differ for different nationalities . Usually, these documents are required to apply for visas in Thailand.

• Passport with a validity of at least 6 months .
• A visa application form that is available on the embassy/consulate website.
•   2 to 3 passport-sized pictures .
• Proof of accommodation in Thailand if the visit is sponsored by the resident of Thailand.
• Proof of sufficient financial funds for the stay duration in Thailand.
• Travel itinerary and flight tickets to Thailand.
• The applicant’s purpose of visit to Thailand must be plausible and comprehensible.
• the police certificate of the applicant is an essential document.
• The medical certificate of the applicant is also necessary for visa application in Thailand.
• Additional documents , such as a letter of invitation , proof of employment or enrollment , etc. are also required depending on the applied visa type.

The Thailand visa requirements vary depending on the nationality and the purpose of the visit . The requirements must be met in order for the visa to be accepted.

What Is The Fee For Visas In Thailand?

The visa fee requirements for Thailand depend on the purpose of the visa, visa type , and most importantly the nationality of the applicant. 

Visa fees can change over time so it is important to contact the embassy/consulate of Thailand beforehand to get proper information.

To give a general idea of visa fees for Thailand following is the list of fees required for some visas for Thailand.

Stay Duration And Validity Of Visas In Thailand

Thailand immigration authorities have set specific conditions on the stay and validity of the visas depending on the nationality , visa type , and purpose of visit. 

The table gives a general of visa validity and stay in Thailand.

Additionally, options for visa extensions are also available in Thailand. The extension of the visas helps in extending the stay beyond the initial validity of the visas. 

The applicant must comply with the immigration authorities of Thailand to avoid legal issues and mistakes .

Visa Extension Policy In Thailand

Thailand serves certain requirements for visa extensions to foreign nationals. The applicant must apply for a visa extension after reaching Thailand or before the expiry of the previous visa.

The visa extension is applied at the immigration bureau/center of Thailand.

To apply for a visa extension, certain documents are required for different visa types. The applicant must provide details and proof of his/her sufficient financial funds such as bank statements to support his stay in Thailand.

Both financial requirements and medical examination reports are needed for the extension of non-immigrant visa O-A (for retirees). The educational documents and enrollment documents are required for a study visa extension . 

The documents containing the employment letter and approval of the Ministry of Labor in Thailand are required for work employment visa extension .

The table below gives a general idea of the extension Thailand provides for some visas.

Reasons For Visa Rejection

In Thailand, the reasons for visa rejection can be various . It is important to contact the immigration center/embassy/consulate of Thailand for up-to-date information as the application process and other criteria of visas change over time. 

Some common reasons for visa rejection are as follows:

• Incomplete Or Incorrect Documentation : if the applicant fails to provide correct and accurate information or required documents, then this might lead to rejection.
• Insufficient Funds : If the applicant is unable to prove his sufficient balance to support his intended stay in Thailand, then this might lead to visa rejection. 

To avoid this the applicant must provide bank statements , income proofs , and a well-documented itinerary .

• Criminal Record : If the applicant is unable to provide any police certificate or any history of visa violations , then this might lead to visa rejection too.
• Lack Of Ties To Home Country : Authorities in Thailand can deny the visa grant if they feel that the applicant has insufficient ties with his/her home country.
• Overstay History : If the applicant has previously overstayed in Thailand, then this can have a negative impact on his/her future visa applications.
• Inadequate Travel Insurance : Some visa categories in Thailand require the applicants to have health and travel insurance . If the applicant fails to provide adequate insurance , then this may lead to visa rejection too.
• Incomplete Travel Itinerary: If the applicant is unable to provide a proper, detailed , and clear travel itinerary containing accommodation reservations or return tickets , then this might to visa refusal too.
• Visa Shopping : If the immigration authority suspects an applicant to be engaging in applying for multiple visas at once in order to choose the most favorable one , then this will definitely lead to visa rejection
• False Information : If the applicant has provided false or fake information in the application documents or in the interview , then this will lead to visa rejection and a complete ban from entering Thailand in the future.
• Health Issues : If the applicant has any underlying medical condition that might be posing a health risk, then the visa will be denied.
• Missing Or Invalid Invitation Letters : If the applicant fails to provide an invitation letter or enrollment documents , etc., or if they are deemed invalid , then the visa may get rejected.
• Non-compliance With Visa Regulations : If the applicant fails to comply with visa requirements and regulations, then the visa may get rejected.

 It is important to understand the requirements and adhere to them while applying for a visa.

To avoid visa rejection , the applicant must thoroughly review the specific requirements for different visa types and provide accurate and complete documents. 

The applicant must ensure to meet the eligibility criteria for the visa he/she is applying for. 

From short escapades to long-term stays, Thailand offers a visa for almost every intent. With this guide, may your visa voyage be as smooth as the Andaman Sea at sunset. Sawasdee and safe travels!

Thai Triumph!

But wait! There’s lot more that you might be interested in following:

• Spouse Visa In Thailand
• Freelancer Visa In Thailand
• Work Employment Visa In Thailand

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Thailand Visa

A Thailand visa is required for most foreign nationals to travel to Thailand for tourism, business, investment, studying, medical treatment, mass media, religion, employment, visiting family, and other activities. Travelers are required to apply for the appropriate visa from a Thai embassy or consulate.

70 countries have bilateral treaties with Thailand, and their citizens are exempt from needing a visa to travel to the country for short stays. Under the Visa Exemption Program and Bilateral Agreements, 6 countries are granted the 90-day permit to stay, 62 countries are granted a stay of 30 days, and 2 countries are granted a stay of 14 days in Thailand. View the list of exempted countries here .

Depending on the purpose of travel, there are various types of visas available from Thai embassies and consulates, including:

• Transit Visa
• Tourist Visa
• Non-immigrant Visa (B, O, ED, OA etc.)
• Thai Elite Visa
• Diplomatic/Official Visa
• Courtesy Visa

Here are the most common types of visas foreigners can obtain for travel to Thailand:

• For tourism in Thailand
• Not for Business or Employment purposes
• Allowed to stay up to 60 days
• An extension is allowed for another 30 days
• For business in Thailand
• Must be employed or sponsored by a Thai Company
• Allowed to stay up to 90 days for single-entry visa or 1 year for a multiple-entry visa
• For studying in Thailand
• Allowed to stay up to 90 days for a single-entry visa or 1 year for a multiple-entry visa
• For retirees and spouses of citizens in Thailand
• Retirees must be 50 years or older
• Marriage must be to a Thai national
• 5 to 20-year renewable multiple-entry visa with an extendable 1-year length of stay per each entry
• An uninterrupted stay in Thailand without the usual need to leave the country every 90 days as with other visa types
• Expedited immigration and passport control processing when arriving in Thailand

Special Note

Most visa types can be extended if they are pending approval from Thai Immigration. This is called an “extension of stay.” Typically, a short-term extension of stay is granted for up to 30 days for a Tourist Visa or a Non-Immigrant Visa. Some visas allow the holder to apply for an extension of stay for one year, but it must be for one of the following purposes: Business, Education, Marriage, or Retirement. Holders of Tourist Visas must first convert to a Non-Immigrant Visa before the long-term extension of stay. Applying for visa extensions must be done at an immigration office by the traveler or an authorized agent such as a government-authorized General Sales and Services Agent (GSSA) like Siam Legal .

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122 Comments

Hello, I am planning to visit Thailand from early September till mid December. I am Canadian. Can I get a visa for 30 days, the renew it for 30 days, then go to Cambodia for 2 weeks, re-enter Thailand after that and fly back to Canada 2 weeks later? Is this a workable plan?

Hello, Ryan.

There is no guarantee that you’ll be able to extend your stay through the Visa Exemption Scheme for an additional 30 days. If you wish to remain in Thailand for an additional 30 days, then it is advised that you leave Thailand and enter by air for the Visa Exemption Scheme again.

If you plan to leave and return to Thailand regularly, then it is recommended that you apply for a Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa , which will allow you to remain in Thailand for no longer than 60 days per visit over the duration of 6 months.

are there certain requirements for visiting Thailand for Indonesian passport holder who work in Hong Kong as domestic helper? Can they visit Thailand as tourists for a holiday without an employer with them,

Hello, Leia.

Holders of Indonesian passports are eligible to enter Thailand through the Visa Exemption Scheme and remain in the country for a total of 30 days, so long as they meet the set requirements.

Hi I am an Indian, will there be the visa fee and visa process after May 10 2024

Hello, Krishna.

The Thailand Visa Exemption Scheme for India has been extended to run from 11 May to 11 November, 2024, so you can still come to Thailand without needing to apply for a visa beforehand.

Hi. I am Travelling from India on May 13. Can i get visa on arrival?

Hello, Sail.

Yes, citizens of India are eligible for the Visa on Arrival.

Do Indian’s need visa for travelling to phuket in jan2024? I have read that no visa for India’s to increase the tourism.

Hello, Tyagi.

Up until 10 May 2024, India is under the Visa Exemption Scheme, which means you can enter Thailand strictly for tourism purposes without the need for a visa and can stay in Thailand for 30 days.

I am a Filipina visiting Thailand for 10 days. Being Asian, do I need to apply for visa?

Hello, Celia Tanaka.

As a citizen of the Philippines, You can enter Thailand through the Visa Exemption Scheme and stay in Thailand for 30 days.

Hi again, I have just received a link that states vaccine certificates and proof of negative tests for COVID are no longer required when entering Thailand, as of 30 September 2022. Is this correct?

Dear David,

Yes, that is correct. Please check this page: https://www.thaiembassy.com/weekly-updates/thailand-entry-requirements-for-october-2022 Thank you.

I am travelling to Bangkok on 5th – 11th November 2022 from the UK to attend an exhibition where i will have a business stand. Do i need to apply for a business Visa or not?

Dear Jason,

You may use the Visa Exemption stamp since the trip is only for 1 week.

Hi, together with my wife and two sons, we are visiting Thailand for a two week holiday in Phuket as of 21 October 2022. Am I correct in saying that we DO NOT require a VISA? Thank you

What nationality? For country who can enter without visa , please check this link https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thai-visa-exemption-and-bilateral-agreement

For more information about travel to Thailand, please check this link: https://www.thaiembassy.com/weekly-updates/thailand-entry-requirements-for-october-2022

Hi, I am planning to attend one education conference in Thailand. Originally, I am from Pakistan and staying in Finland. So what kind of Visa I should apply and how?

Dear Muhammad,

You can get the 90 day non immigrant visa. For application and assistance you can check this https://www.siam-legal.com/legal_services/thailand-visa-services.php

Can I get the retirement visa my self on line or do I have to pay someone to do it for me.

Dear Brian,

For application and assistance , check here https://www.siam-legal.com/thailand-visa/Thailand-Retirement-Visa.php

For more information about travel to Thailand, please check this link: https://www.siam-legal.com/legal-guide/how-to-enter-thailand-2022-guide.pdf

Good morning! I’m belarusian, but living in Bangladesh. I’d like to visit Thailand as a tourist for couple weeks. Do I need a trourist visa? Thank you.

Yes, for application and assistance you can visit this https://www.siam-legal.com/thailand-visa/Thailand-Retirement-Visa.php

If i want to stay in Thailand for 3 months and beyond, basically during winter. What do i need to do, based in the UK

Apply for 90 days non immigrant. For application and assistance , check this https://www.siam-legal.com/thailand-visa/90-Day-Thailand-Visa.php

I would like to have an Elite Visa For Thailand.

We have sent you an email about the Thailand Elite Visa.

i am usa citizen my wife is chinese with greencard do we need visa to enter ??

If you are using US Passport, you can enter with visa exemption.

Hello Iam going on holiday to Thaïland is there a new law .. from 30 day stay to 45 day stay yet thank you

What nationality? You can check here if your country is eligible for 30 days visa free and additional 30 days extension . https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thai-visa-exemption-and-bilateral-agreement

what is your e mail address

Dear Thomas,

I am planning to enter via Phuket and leave via Bangkok 45 days later. I hold an Australian passport. What visas do I need?

Hello Alvin,

Australian Passport Holders are not required to obtain a visa when entering Thailand for tourism purposes and will be permitted to stay in Thailand for a period not exceeding 30 days on each visit. However, if you will stay longer you can extend your visa in Immigration office for another 30 days.

Good afternoon,

I am planning a trip to Thailand, as a tourist I am allowed to there for 30 days without a visa. Am I able to extend it to an additional 30 days? If so how do i go about doing so?

Dear Christian,

Yes, you can extend your permit to stay for another 30 days. You only need to visit the local immigration office towards the end of your 30-day stamp and pay for the extension, it will cost 1900 THB. Thank you.

I am Australian and currently in Australia.I have lived in Thailand for the past 15 years and married a Thai National 10 years ago.I held a retirement visa for 12 years which ran out while I was back in Aus.I am anxious to get back as I have not seen my wife for 20 months.Do you have any suggestions Thank you.

As of 1 November 2021, travelers to Thailand need apply for a Thailand Pass to enter the country. If you are fully vaccinated and have spent at least 21 consecutive days in Australia, you are exempted from quarantine but must spend one night at an AS/SHA+ hotel to await your RT-PCR test results upon arrival. However, if you are unvaccinated you will need to quarantine for 10 nights.

I’m from Bulgaria, can I apply for STV visa?

Dear Boev, Good day. I regret to inform you that we do not have any information of the visa application and issuance of the Special Tourist Visa in Bulgaria. Thank you.

I want to teach english in Thailand but the common practice is to enter with a tourist visa, then get a work permit, then a non immigrant visa. How can potential english teachers enter Thailand from the United states to teach. any help will be appreciated.

Dear John, Good day. You have an option to apply for a tourist visa right now and then come to Thailand and change into a non Immigrant B visa. Right now, the best course of action is to find a job online and apply for the Non immigrant B visa prior to coming to Thailand to process the work permit. Thank you.

Hello. I am an American citizen but I’m living in Korea. Can I enter Thailand? Do I need to quarantine for 14 days? Where can I apply? Thanks for your consideration.

Dear Bijan, Good day. No one can enter Thailand without a visa and certificate of entry. The Thai embassy in Seoul is now issuing a tourist visa. You can apply directly from them them. After getting the visa, you can apply for the COE. The COE application requires mandatory quarantine. Thank you.

Hello Rex! Thank you so much for your help here. I am a US national. I have been in Thailand for almost two years on Non-immigrant O Spouse Visa, Multiple Entry. I am on my second year-long visa.

My current visa expires on December 18. I have an September 23 Amnesty extension from the BKK IO that is stamped November 23 (60 days) in my book, AND at the same time, the IO officer stapled a 90 Day in Kingdom Notice that’s dated from September 23 as well, but has an expiration of Dec 23.

On top of that, according to the Amnesty last minute extensions for people who missed the original Sept 27 date, all extensions before October 31, are automatically extended either 30 or 60 days from then, whichever extension they were granted.

SO! You see why I have questions.

1. Can I extend for another 60 days if I get the extension before either A, my Visa Expires, or B, the December 23 (or 31 date)?

2. Would it be better to apply for a new non-O Spous Mulitiple Visa and start over?

3. Or better to apply for a long term Spousal Visa. If so, by the time I apply, I will have had two months where I’ve transferred over 40k THB into my wife’s account from my account in the US, two months in a row. Does that replace the need for 400k THB in the bank for two months?

I certainly hope you’ve been able to follow this. I barely can. Thanks in advance. I can’t seem to find this info anywhere.

Dear Daniel, Good day. If you would prefer to extend your stay inside Thailand you have 2 options: 1. You extend for 1 year as a marriage visa. You do it before November 23. You need to have 400,000 THB in a Thai bank account prior to the extension. You will not be able to use income because you need to have 12 months banking history into your own Thai bank account in order to use that. 2. You may apply for the 60-day extension based on Thai wife. Thank you.

I am from Denmark. can i travel to Thailand to visit my girlfriend, for 2 month

Dear Knud, Good day. I regret to inform you that Thai Embassy in Denmark is not issuing the special tourist visa (STV) or the normal tourist visa (TRV) at this time. Thank you.

Hi for the trv visa for usa north Carolina ….the requirements of 17000 usd in bank, can it be a combination of credit card plus savings I have 10k usd in checking account plus 16k usd on credit card available…you think this can help pls? Thanks.

Dear Roy, Good day. For this particular question, it is best for you to call Thai Embassy in Washington DC or NYC. The post of the embassy only stated savings account. It did not mention credit card, so we can assume that credit card is not acceptable. Thank you.

Hi how are you I want to visit Thailand in march 2021 iam from usa Charlotte nc from my understanding I can apply for the 60 days tourist visa…what are the requirements.. are them the same as the spv…thanks swasdee krap

Dear Roynier, Good day. Yes, you can apply for the Tourist Visa or TRV. Please check this page: https://thaiembdc.org/2020/11/05/trsingle_entry/ If you need any assistance on the visa application, please let us know. Thank you.

Hello Yajnik

I have a 6 year old son who lives near Kabinburi with his mother and I am planning on going over to Thailand in December to spend a few months with my son and girlfriend , are my chances of this happening now that it is November still good , and will I obtain a visa easily as I have a son in Thailand .

Dear Grant, Good day. May I ask where are you located and your nationality? So that we can advise you if you can qualify for the Non O visa and COE. Thank you.

I just got admission to start a 2-year business full-time program starting April 1st, 2021 and it seems the 14-day quarantine will be in place for a while. How soon before my program start date can I apply for the Visa at the Thai embassy and how soon can I use it to enter Thailand?

For example, since my program start date is April 1st, 2021, can I apply as early as January 15, 2021?

Thanks Marvin

Dear Marvin, Good day. The visa application can take place or start it 1 to 2 months before your flight. Once the visa is issued you must travel or use it within 3 months. And when you arrive in Thailand, you will be given 3 months permit to stay. Thank you.

Thanks for the response. As I have been looking at the Visa application, there is a question about applicant’s occupation and employer. I have a full time IT job in my home country (USA) and I will be working remote while doing my MBA in Thailand. I will need to travel back to the USA couple times, though. I am wondering if having full time job while studying might create any issue, i.e., the consulate officer questing if I will be able to complete the entire program of study while having full time job.

Dear Marvin, Good day. That is just a standard question. You can leave it blank if you are not employed right now or fill it out if you are currently employed or you have your own business in the US. You answer to that question will not have a negative effect in your student visa application. Thank you.

Hello, do you have to apply for the new 90 Tourist Visa in your home country or can this be done on arrival in Thailand or from another country through which you are travelling? Thank you!

Dear Megan, Good day. Thailand has a travel ban therefore only limited group of foreigners and visa holder can enter. Please check this page for more information: https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel/can-you-enter-thailand-now-during-the-covid-19-crisis.php Thank you.

Hello again Yajnik

I forgot to mention that I am located in Scotland and have a British passport.

Dear Grant, Yes, you will be able to apply for a non immigrant O visa and COE at the Thai embassy in London. We have sent you an email about this. Please check your inbox or spam box. Thank you.

I am planning to enter into thai land in next month. The university is located in bangkok, and i am able to study the class through online. So i wish to study online class in south island of thailand. Is it caused problem when i renew my ED VISA?

Dear Shin, Good day. I do not see a problem for the visa, usually the visa is valid for 90 days and the visa extension is given for 1 year. The only issue will be the 90-day reporting. I suggest that you check with your university about your visa situation. Thank you.

Hi, I am Yajnik from India. Can I go to thailand for shorttime visa on arrival on january,2021 without quarentine?

Dear Yajnik, Good day. Yes, that will be possible only on the last quarter of 2021. That is around 365 days from now. If there will be a COVID-19 vaccine already. Thank you.

Hello My name is Ashok kumar , I am living in India and I am planning to come to Thailand for work Visa , i am getting work permit from my employee in Thailand. So could you please help me for that when Royal Thai Embassy in India will open and start taking application for Non Immigrant B visa . VFS Thailand in India is also not opening . please help me .

Thanks and regards, Ashok kumar

Dear Ashok, Good day. To get information about issuance of the visa in India and application for COE, please email [email protected] if you are in Delhi area. Thank you.

Just wondering when we can start applying for 60 day tourist visas?

Currently living in Ireland and looking to move to Thailand for a short period. Any help is appreciated.

Dear Dante, Good day. I would say that Special Tourist Visa (STV) and Normal Tourist Visa (TRV) will be back to normal processing in the beginning or middle of 2021. Thank you.

Hello, I would like to start an internship in Thailand in December, am I able to apply for an education/internship visa or a tourist visa so that I can start the internship on the intended start date?

Dear Midori, Good day. At the moment, the non-immigrant ED or B visa under internship is not bring issued due to the travel ban. You may have to wait until next year. You may also ask the school in Thailand where you will do an internship if they can assist you as well. Thank you.

Dear sir/madam

I would like to ask is that possible to have the 30 days extension of stay if we are students that already graduated from thai and our student visa is expired ? And I also heard that if we would like to apply for business visa we shall apply it in Thai embassy outside Thailand, Can I apply it inside Thailand because of the pandemic Thai border is closed and it is difficult for me to go back and forth from my country, Indonesia ?

Dear Amanulia, Good day. If your ED visa will expire in November or December, unfortunately you can only extend for 7 days. But you may contact the Immigration office if they can give you a longer extension such as COVID-19 extension which is 30 days or 60 days. Thank you.

Hello Rex, How can I get a retirement visa set up so I can travel now to Thailand? I am currently in Canada but would like to go next month to Thailand.

Dear John, Good day. The retirement visa cannot be set up in Thailand without you being here. My recommendation for you is to obtain the Non Immigrant OA retirement visa from Ottawa. You may take a look at this page for more information: https://ottawa.thaiembassy.org/en/content/non-immigrant-visa-category-o-a-o-x-long-stay Thank you.

Hello, I live in the USA. I am hoping to start an internship in Thailand in December. Am I able to get an education/internship visa or a tourist visa so that I could start the internship on the intended start date?

Dear Midori, Good day. Yes, a non-immigrant ED visa for internship is possible to be obtained right now and also apply for the Certificate of Entry or COE. Please get in touch with the Thai Embassy or check this page for more information: https://thaiembdc.org/onlinevisaapplication/ Thank you.

Hello, If an Irish national wants to stay for 29 days, but work remotely in a UK-based job for 8 of those days, what kind of visa is needed?

Many thanks

Dear Pauline, Good day. At the moment the visa exemption and the normal tourist visa are suspended. Please check this page for the list of visas being issued right now and are being permitted to enter Thailand: https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel/can-you-enter-thailand-now-during-the-covid-19-crisis.php Thank you.

I am in Thailand on a non immigrant type O spouse visa. I need to stay until the end of the year but my visa expires on the 11th of November. I dont think the 30 day extension will be long enough and the 1 year extension is way more than I need because I cant currently prove income because of Covid. Are there other options?

Dear Evan, Good day. As a foreigner married to a Thai national, you can apply for the 60-day extension. Please visit the Thai Immigration office before November 11th. You can use this 60 days extension to prepare for the 1 year extension application. Thank you.

I live in Canada and spend my winters in Thailand I would like to know how the embassy is picking dates and how much for the flights thank you for your help

Dear Paul, I have responded to your question about the flights. But also, please be advised that you will need a special visa to enter Thailand. Please refer to this page: https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel/can-you-enter-thailand-now-during-the-covid-19-crisis.php Thank you.

How much is the Embassy charging for flights?

Dear Paul, Good day. The embassy is not charging for the flights. The embassy will inform you which airline has an approved flight on a specific date and you may book the flight directly with the airline. Thank you.

Hello can I get a 3 month Non O volunteer visa and travel to Thailand?

Dear Vanessa, Good day. Thank you for your message. At this time, as per the website of the Thai Embassies, the non-immigrant O visa application for volunteer work is suspended. The application for the certificate of entry is also not allowed for the Non O volunteer visa. Have a good day.

Dear Sir Madam The Embassy of Thailand in Egypt Good afternoon

1-Please Advise Can Egyptian Citizens Proceed for the STV visa or it is for others nationalities ? 2-Please also advise will the embassy in Egypt open soon for the short stay visa or not ?

Many thanks in Advance Hani Fayez

Dear Hani, Good day. You may visit this page for the information of the STV: https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel/thailand-special-tourist-visa.php Thank you.

Good day,our question is simple but I am getting different replies from others. We have a flight from UK to BKK in November with Emirates via Dubai in transit for a short time (2hrs approx) could you please confirm the documentation currently required to enter BKK. Someone mentioned that the rules have changed last weekend.Our holiday is 22/29 Nov. regards keith and Leena Staley

Dear Keith, May I ask what type of visa do you have for Thailand? Have you managed to apply for the Certificate of Entry for Thailand? If you are planning to enter just as a tourist, please check this link: http://www.thailongstay.co.th/stv_visa.html Thank you.

I’m Egyptian can I have a business visa

Dear Ahmed, Yes, you can apply for a business visa if you are a business owner in Egypt and you have a Thai business partner that you will travel to Thailand to conduct business with. Please call the Thai embassy in Cairo for more information. Thank you.

Greetings! Is there any possibility to apply ED visa remotely , because of covid restrictions situation ?

Dear Olga, May I ask if you are in Thailand or are you abroad? Which country? The Non ED visa is based on enrolment in a university? Thank you.

Hi, we are Malaysian and I will be posted to work in Songkhla next month. My company will apply a working visa for me, but I intend to bring my family along and will enroll my kids to the Thai schools. May I know the what kind of visas to apply for them?

Dear Liew, You can get a non immigrant B visa and your whole family can apply for the Non Immigrant O visa as dependants. All of you can apply together at the Thai embassy in KL. All of you must also apply for the Certificate of Entry to Thailand. Thank you.

Hi Sir/Madam,

With refer to the below advise, when can I apply non-immigrant O visa for my family? Is it upon the receipt of my working visa? how long is the processing time for the visa and lastly, how long this non-immigrant O visa last for?

“Dear Liew, You can get a non immigrant B visa and your whole family can apply for the Non Immigrant O visa as dependants. All of you can apply together at the Thai embassy in KL. All of you must also apply for the Certificate of Entry to Thailand. Thank you.”

Dear Liew, If you are still abroad, you can apply altogether. The Non B visa and Non O visas are valid for 90 days upon entry. For the processing time, I highly recommend that you contact Thai Embassy in KL. Thank you.

Dear Sirs, My son and family live in Chiang Mai. His wife is Thai and their children were born in Thailand. We would like to visit Thailand for a long stay. We have heard that Thailand might be allowing tourist Visas for 90 days renewable for another 90 days. We would like to go for a minimum of 90 days and possibly longer. We are quite aware of the quarantine requirements. Can you please tell us how to proceed. Thank you very much.

Dear Marilyn, Good day. Yes, you can apply for the Special Tourist Visa. Please check this page for more information on how to get this visa: http://www.thailongstay.co.th/stv_visa.html Thank you.

Would a person from France be allowed to apply for the new Special Tourist Visa?

Dear Pat, I would recommend for you to check this page: http://www.thailongstay.co.th/stv_visa.html Thank you.

Hello, excuse me please, I need to know the prices of non immigration O and volunteer visa, and how can I do anyone of these, I’m from Egypt, I’ve been in Thailand for one year and six months now, and I’m still in Thailand, I’m 35 year old if that will help.

Dear Abdelsalam, I regret to inform you that we do not have any information about the Non Immigrant O volunteer. All we know is that some agencies are doing the visa in Kalasin, Khon Kaen and Pattaya. It sounds dodgy to me. Who volunteers in those places? I recommend that you contact the local immigration office where you live. If you stay in Bangkok, please call 1178 for more information. Thank you.

Hi my name is Iris and I live in Canada. My husband has the work permit and is working in Thailand now. I wonder what type of visa should I apply for going to Thailand to stay with him and what support documents should I prepare? Thanks.

Dear Iris, You can can apply for the Non Immigrant O visa as dependant. You can apply for the visa at the Thai embassy in Ottawa. You must also apply for the Certificate of Entry to Thailand. You need proof of marriage and copy of his passport and visa in Thailand. Please call the Thai Embassy in Ottawa for more information. Thank you.

I am married to a Tahi National now for 6 years. Wish to come to stay for 2 months JjAN / fEB at our Thai House in UDON TAHNI. can I apply for Postal Visa and what documents do I need and proof . thank You

Dear John, Good day. Yes, you can apply for the Non Immigrant O visa for having a Thai wife. You need to submit a copy of the marriage certificate and copy of ID card of your Thai wife. The application for the visa and the certificate of entry is done online. I recommend that you contact the Thai Embassy in your country for more information about the visa application. Another option for you is the special tourist visa or STV, if you are qualified, you must get in touch with the local Thai Embassy or the Tourism Authority of Thailand in your current location for more information. Thank you.

I am living and working in Thailand. My boyfriend would like to come on a long stay tourist visa from South Africa. South Africa has just opened for international travel.

How do I apply for permission to enter Thailand? Is it allowed for South africans?

Dear Simone, The travel ban is still in place. However, Thailand will allow limited numbers of long stay foreign tourists under the Special Tourist Visa (STV) Program.  The visa is valid for 90 days which can be extended for another two 90-day extensions. This long stay visa is open to foreign nationals  travelling to Thailand with the intention to stay long term as tourist to boost the tourism industry. According to the head of Thailand Tourism Office, this is available to the countries in the Top 10 of the global COVID-19 Index or ones who haven’t had new cases for say 28 days will be allowed. -The applicant must agree to undergo 14-day quarantine in a quarantine hotel accredited by the Thai government and the applicant must also provide COVID-19 health insurance covering the first 3 months of stay. -The applicant must apply for the visa and certificate of entry prior to traveling to Thailand. The Thai Embassy will be the one to arrange the flight to Thailand so it is recommended not to book any commercial flight.  -Applicant must also provide a negative result of a COVID-19 PCR test issued within 72 hours before the flight.  If he is qualified, he must get in touch with the local Thai Embassy or the Tourism Authority of Thailand in Pretoria for more information.

Have a good day.

Hi my name is alan barry toon. I am looking for a 90 day non-immigration visa I am married to a thai and live in phetchabum province. I work for 5 months a year in the uk What support documents do you reguire for the visa? Do you have a application form(s) to fill in

Dear Alan, If you are in Thailand, you need to visit the Phetchabun immigration office and file for TM86 or TM87 for the non immigrant O visa. You need to provide proof of marriage and proof of funds in your Thai bank account. Thank you.

Hello, I live in the United States. I would like to be considered for the new Special Tourist Visa when it becomes available. I am able to quarantine in an ASQ facility for 14 days, and have hotel reservations in Pattaya following from January 16, 2021-March 31, 2021.

I believe I would be able to fly to Seoul, and then on to Bangkok via a Thai Air charter if necessary.

Can you assist with visa arrangements?

Dear Mark, -Starting October 1, 2020 to September 30, 2021 Thailand will allow limited numbers of long stay foreign tourists under the Special Tourist Visa (STV) Program.  The visa is valid for 90 days which can be extended for another two 90-day extensions. This long stay visa is open to foreign nationals  travelling to Thailand with the intention to stay long term as tourist to boost the tourism industry. According to the head of Thailand Tourism Office, this is available to the countries in the Top 10 of the global COVID-19 Index or ones who haven’t had new cases for say 28 days will be allowed. -The applicant must agree to undergo 14-day quarantine in a quarantine hotel accredited by the Thai government and the applicant must also provide COVID-19 health insurance covering the first 3 months of stay. -The applicant must apply for the visa and certificate of entry prior to traveling to Thailand. The Thai Embassy will be the one to arrange the flight to Thailand so it is recommended not to book any commercial flight.  -Provide a negative result of a COVID-19 PCR test issued within 72 hours before the flight.  If you are qualified, you must get in touch with the local Thai Embassy or the Tourism Authority of Thailand in your current location for more information. Have a good day.

I want to know about “Elite visa”. Could you explain about “Elite visa” please?

Dear Grace, The Thai Elite Visa is a special tourist visa valid for 5 years. This is a privilege given to the members of Thai Elite Club. You need to pay 500,000 THB fee to become a member of Thai Elite. Once you are a member, the club will assist you in your visa application. The processing time for the membership takes 1-2 months and another few weeks for the visa. Thank you.

Hi i am medical doctor from iran ,i have australian medical exam in bangkok in feb 12 ,Can i apply for visa ?

Dear Mahsa, Good day. Please contact the Thai Embassy in Tehran if you can obtain a visa and certificate of entry. At this time, your purpose of visit is not on the list for the visa and COE applications. Thank you.

• NEWS & STORIES
• Inside Thailand
• Visa Facilitation Measures to Stimulate Thailand’s Economy and Tourism

The Cabinet approved a number of visa and travel facilitation measures to stimulate Thailand’s economy and promote its tourism, following a proposal by the Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on 28 May 2024.

The measures are divided into three stages. 

Five short-term measures expected to take effect in late June or early July 2024 include the following:

1) Extending visa exemption for tourists and short-term business visitors for a period of up to 60 days (from the period of 30 days) for passport holders from 93 countries/ regions; 

2) Increasing the number of countries/regions whose passport holders qualify for Visa on Arrival (VOA) from 19 to 31;

3) Introducing the new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for long-term travel, “digital nomads,” and participants in certain cultural activities, with a period of stay up to 180 days per visit, on a multiple-entry basis within 5 years;

4) Improving the non-immigration visa to facilitate the travel of international students and those nearing graduation in Thailand;

5) Establishing a “Visa Policy Committee” to develop Thailand’s entry processes and improve the efficiency of immigration procedures.

Three medium-term measures are as follows:

1) Grouping and streamlining non-immigrant visa types;

2) Lowering health insurance requirements and expanding the list of countries eligible for long-term non-immigrant visa applications;

3) Implementing the e-Visa system at all embassies and consulates by December 2024.

One long-term measure includes the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, which will be implemented in line with the e-Visa system.

Foreign Office, The Government Public Relations Department, Office of the Prime Minister 9 Rama VI Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand Fax : (+66) 2618 2358 E-mail : [email protected]

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Thailand changes visa rules for tourists, students: What you must know

Over the years, thailand has become a popular destination as it offers beautiful pristine beaches, nature reserves, rustic countryside and hillside towns.

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First Published: Jun 05 2024 | 3:32 PM IST

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Thailand targets tourism boost with longer stays for visitors, students, 'digital nomads'

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Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanant and Chayut Setboonsarng; Editing by Martin Petty

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U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country

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What is Reciprocity?

Nonimmigrant visa applicants from certain countries*/areas of authority may be required to pay a visa issuance fee after their application is approved. These fees are based on the principle of  reciprocity:  when a foreign government imposes fees on U.S. citizens for certain types of visas, the United States will impose a reciprocal fee on citizens of that country*/area of authority for similar types of visas. 

How Do I Find Out if I Have to Pay a Reciprocity Fee?

To view the Reciprocity Page for your country* of nationality, select your country*/area of authority from the list of countries on the left side menu. On the Reciprocity Page, select the Visa Classifications tab from the column on the left

Select the type of visa you have applied for, such as a B-1/B-2 (temporary visa for business or pleasure), F-1 (student visa), etc. from the drop down menu: 

The reciprocity information for that country*/area of authority will display:

What does this table tell me?

Visa Classification:  The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.

Fee:  The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).

Number of Entries:  The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. “M” means multiple times. If there is a number, such as “One”, you may apply for entry one time with that visa.

Validity Period:  This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.

What is the Difference between the Reciprocity Fee and the Nonimmigrant Visa Application Fee?

The nonimmigrant visa application fee, also known as the MRV fee, is a nonrefundable fee paid by most applicants for U.S. visas, whether the application is approved or refused. It covers the costs associated with processing a U.S. visa application. Current nonimmigrant visa application fees can be found on our  Fees – Visa Services  webpage. (This webpage also lists the few visa categories for which application fees are not required.)

While most visa applicants are required to pay the visa application fee, the Reciprocity Fee is only charged to an approved nonimmigrant visa applicant after the visa interview.

Immigrant Visa Interviews

For Immigrant Visa interviews each U.S. Embassy or Consulate has specific instructions for their applicants. Please click here to select your designated interview location.

Civil Documents and How to Use Them

Immigrant visa applicants are required to submit certain civil documents as part of their visa application, such as birth certificates and police records. (Nonimmigrant visa applicants do not routinely need to submit civil documents as part of their visa application.) Each Reciprocity Page will provide detailed information about how to obtain these civil documents from the country* you have selected, as well as the location of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you can apply for your visa. For more information about civil document requirements for immigrant visa cases, see  civil documents .

To view the Civil Documents for your country* of nationality, select your country*/area of authority from the drop-down menu below. On the Reciprocity Page, click on the tabs on the left to see the categories of Civil Documents and how to obtain them.

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* With respect to all references to “country” or “countries” on this page, it should be noted that the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, Pub. L. No. 96-8, Section 4(b)(1), provides that “[w]whenever the laws of the United States refer or relate to foreign countries, nations, states, governments, or similar entities, such terms shall include and such laws shall apply with respect to Taiwan.” 22 U.S.C. § 3303(b) (1). Accordingly, all references to “country” or “countries” in the Visa Waiver Program authorizing legislation, Section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. 1187, are read to include Taiwan. This is consistent with the United States’ one-China policy, under which the United States has maintained unofficial relations with Taiwan since 1979.

Additional Information for Reciprocity

Reciprocity: What's New Temporary Reciprocity Schedule Country Acronyms Terrorist Designation Lists State Sponsors of Terrorism Treaty Countries Visa Issuing Posts

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