A visa serves as the gateway for tourists to enter a country. In the case of Thailand, a tourist visa permits the holder to visit for purposes such as traveling, relaxing, visiting family, or engaging in personal activities. However, it does not authorize the holder to work. The duration of stay in Thailand varies based on individual circumstances and nationality.
Here’s a simplified guide to the visa application process for Thailand:
1. Prepare Essential Documents:
- Valid passport
- Passport-sized photo
- Copy of the passport’s first page with personal information
- Proof of airplane ticket reservation
- Proof of accommodation reservation
- Financial status documentation
2. Complete the Visa Request Form:
- Fill out the visa request form provided by the Royal Thai Consulate or Embassy.
Apply for a visa at the Royal Thai Consulate or Embassy in your country. Alternatively, explore the online e-visa application process.
You can visit this website to check whether you need to apply for a visa, as well as to find information related to visa applications for traveling to Thailand. www.thaievisa.go.th
Visa exemption countries for visiting Thailand without a visa:
Passport holders from the following countries can enter Thailand without applying for a visa and stay for up to 30 days by simply presenting a valid passport with an expiration date of more than 6 months.
| Continents | Countries |
|---|---|
| Europe | Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom |
| North America | Canada, United States |
| South America | Chile, Peru |
| Asia | Bahrain, Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Maldives, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Taiwan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam |
| Oceania | Australia, New Zealand |
| Africa | Mauritius |
Visitors are allowed to stay for up to 30 days per entry, with a maximum of 2 entries per calendar year. Additionally, there is a requirement to carry a minimum amount of money: not less than 10,000 baht per person or 20,000 baht per family.
If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, it’s advisable to apply for a tourist visa from the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate-General in your home country before traveling. This visa allows an extension of stay for up to 60 days, and you can also request an extension from the Immigration Bureau in Thailand. www.immigration.go.th
Visa on Arrival (VOA)
The Visa on Arrival (VOA) can be requested at the designated immigration checkpoints upon entry to Thailand, specifically for tourism purposes. It allows a stay of up to 15 days, and there is no need to apply for a visa in advance. However, please note that you must be from a group of countries eligible for Visa on Arrival to avail this option.
Countries Eligible for Visa on Arrival:
- Bulgaria
- Bhutan
- China
- Cyprus
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Georgia
- India
- Kazakhstan
- Malta
- Mexico
- Nauru
- Mauritius
- Romania
- Saudi Arabia
- Taiwan
- Uzbekistan
- Vanuatu
Required Documents
- Genuine passport valid for 30 days or more.
- One photo with the size of 4 x 6 cm taken within six months.
- Provide a valid address in Thailand.
- Proof of a fully paid return air ticket.
- For more information and completed E-VOA: vfsevisa.com
Visa Fee
The visa fee is 2,000 THB for a single entry and to be paid in cash only. This fee is non-refundable.
Here are some helpful sources of information:
- Department of Consular Affairs: www.consular.mfa.go.th
- Immigration Bureau: www.immigration.go.th
Note: Visa information may be subject to changes. Please verify the latest details with the Thai Embassy or Consulate-General in your country.