Thailand Tourist Visa Guide: Requirements, Types, And Cost

I. Thailand tourist visa (TR) - General information

1. What is the Thailand tourist visa?

A Thailand tourist visa is a stamp or document issued to an applicant who wishes to visit Thailand for purposes such as tourism, visiting family, medical treatment or participating in events like conferences supported by TCEB. This is the key to opening the door so you can legally enter Thailand to explore this country as well as exit and return to your home.

Thailand tourist visa

2. How long is a Thai tourist visa valid and how long can you stay with this visa?

Thailand offers single-entry and multiple-entry tourist visas to foreigners. The time you can stay and how long the visa is valid varies based on the type you select. Here's how they differ:

• Single-entry Thailand tourist visa:

• Validity: Valid for 3 months from the issue date to enter Thailand
• Period of stay: Upon arrival, you can stay for up to 60 days

• Multiple-entry Thailand tourist visa:

• Validity: Valid for 6 months from the issue date to enter Thailand
• Period of stay: Maximum 60 days for each entry, you can come and go as many times as you like within 6 months validity.

3. Do you need a tourist visa for thailand?

Do you need a tourist visa for thailand? Most people need a Thai tourist visa, but if you're from countries exempted from visa requirements or you are citizens of countries which hold bilateral agreements with Thailand on the exemption of visa requirements, you won't need one. The number of days you can stay without a visa changes based on your nationality (it might be up to 14, 30, or 90 days).

Here's a list of ordinary passport holders from 69 countries allowed to enter Thailand according to tourist visa exemption scheme and bilateral agreements:

• Period of stay: 14 days

• Ordinary passport holders of the following countries/ territories may can enter Thailand without a visa: Cambodia, Myanmar (International Airports arrival only).

• Period of stay: 30 days

• Ordinary passport holders of the following countries/ territories may can enter Thailand without a visa: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bahrain, Brunei, Canada, China (25 Sep 23 - 29 Feb 24), Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India (10 Nov 23 - 10 May 24), Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan (25 Sep - 29 Feb 24), Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Monaco, Mongolia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, The Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovak, Slovenia, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan (10 Nov - 10 May 24), Turkey, Ukraine, UAE, UK, USA, Vietnam, Russia (& VOA) (stay up to 90 days: 1 Nov 23 - 30 Apr 24).

• Period of stay: 90 days

• Ordinary passport holders of the following countries/ territories may can enter Thailand without a visa: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Korea (ROK), Peru.

If you are not from a visa-exempt country, you need apply for a Thailand visa on arrival or through the Royal Thai Embassy or consulate before your trip.

4. How can you get a Thailand tourist visa?

Based on the nationality of the passport holder, you can get a Thai tourist visa in three ways:

• Thailand visa on arrival (VOA): Apply for a Thailand visa when you arrive at airports or immigration points.
• Thailand e-visa: via the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand.
• Apply for a Thai tourist visa through ​a Thai embassy or consulate abroad.

5. Thailand tourist visa requirements

For Thailand tourist visa requirements, prepare these documents:

• Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months, have 2 blank pages, and include your bio-data page of passport.
• Fully filled visa application form.
• Two recent 3.5 x 4.5 cm photos with a white background
• Round-trip flight: details showing your name, departure date, and flight information.
• Proof of accommodation:

• Hotel booking if staying in a hotel.
• If in rented accommodation:

• Copy of rental contract.
• Copy of house registration (if any)
• Copy of house owner and the lessor’s ID card

• Invitation letter if staying with family/friends in Thailand, along with their ID copies.

• For applicants coming to Thailand for medical treatment:

• Letter from a Thai hospital.
• Booking confirmation for accommodation.
• Financial evidence: provide bank statements for the past six months

• Single Entry: minimum 20,000 THB per person or 40,000 THB per family.
• Multiple Entry: minimum 200,000 THB.

• Pay the Thailand visa fee.
• Additional documents: might be requested by the consulate if needed.

• In short Thailand Tourist Visa Requirements:

• Valid passport
• Two personal photos
• Application form
• Thailand Visa fee
• Proof of accommodation
• Round – trip or Onward flight tickets
• Proof of finances
• Additional documents

II. Thailand visa on arrival

1. Who can apply for a Thailand visa on arrival?

Passport holders from the following countries may apply for a Thailand visa on arrival at immigration checkpoints for tourism reasons and will be allowed to stay in Thailand for a period not exceeding 15 days:

• Who can apply for a Thailand visa on arrival? – 18 countries

• Bulgaria, Bhutan, China (Free 30 days stay until Feb 29, 2024), Cyprus, Ethiopia, Fiji, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan (free 30 days stay until Feb 29, 2024), Malta, Mexico, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Romania, Taiwan, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Russia (can stay up to 90 days: 1 Nov 23 – 30 Apr 24).

Visitors with a visa on Arrival usually can't extend their stay unless there are special circumstances like illness. If needed, they can apply for an extension at the Immigration Bureau Office on Government Complex Building B, Chaengwattana Soi 7, Laksi, Bangkok 10210 or online through the Immigration Bureau website, Tel 0-2141-9889 or online through website http://www.immigration.go.th

2. Where can you get a Thailand visa on arrival?

You can get a Thailand visa on arrival at these entry points:

A. At these airports:

• Suvarnabhumi Airport, Samut Prakan
• Don Muang International Airport, Bangkok
• Chiangmai International Airport, Chiangmai
• Phuket International Airport, Phuket
• Hatyai International Airport, Songkhla
• U Tapao Airport, Rayong
• Samui Airport, Surat Thani
• Sukhothai International Airport, Sukhothai
• Chiangrai Airport Immigration Checkpoint, Chiangrai
• Surat Thani Airport Immigration Checkpoint, Surat Thani
• Trang Airport, Trang
• Hua Hin Airport Immigration Checkpoint, Prochuabkirikan

B. At these immigration checkpoints:

• Mae Sai Immigration Checkpoint, Chiengrai
• Chieng Saen Immigration Checkpoint, Chiengrai
• Chieng Khong Immigration Checkpoint, Chiengrai
• Betong Immigration Checkpoint, Yala
• Sadao Immigration Checkpoint, Songkhla
• Bangkok Harbour Immigration Checkpoint, Bangkok
• SriRacha Immigration Checkpoint, Chonburi
• Maptaphut Immigration Checkpoint, Rayong
• Samui Immigration Checkpoint, Surat Thani
• Phuket Immigration Checkpoint, Phuket
• Satun Immigration Checkpoint, Satun
• Krabi Immigration Checkpoint, Krabi
• Songkhla Harbour Immigration Checkpoint, Songkhla
• Sattahip Harbour Immigration Checkpoint, Chonburi
• Khlong Yai Immigration Checkpoint, Trat
• Pong Nam Ron Immigration Checkpoint, Chanthaburi
• Aranyaprathet Immigration Checkpoint, Sa Kaeo
• Mukdahan Immigration Checkpoint, Mukdahan
• Tak Immigration Checkpoint, Tak
• Padang Besar Immigration Checkpoint, Songkhla
• Su-ngai Kolok Immigration Checkpoint, Narathiwat
• Nong Khai Immigration Checkpoint, Nong Khai
• Bueng Kan Immigration Checkpoint, Bueng Kan
• Phibun Mangsahan Immigration Checkpoint, Ubon Ratchathani
• Tha Li Immigration Checkpoint, Loei
• Nakhon Phanom Immigration Checkpoint, Nakhon Phanom
• Nan Immigration Checkpoint, Nan
• Ban Prakob Immigration Checkpoint, Songkhla
• Khuan Don Immigration Checkpoint, Satun
• Tak Bai Immigration Checkpoint, Narathiwat
• Bukit Tal Immigration Checkpoint, Narathiwat
• Samut Prakan Immigration Checkpoint, Kanchanaburi
• Kanchanaburi Land Border Immigration Checkpoint, Kanchanaburi
• Phu Singh Land Border Immigration Checkpoint, Sisaket
• Satun Immigration Checkpoint at Koh Lipe Marine Port, Satun

You can enter Thailand through air, land, or sea checkpoints for tourism under the Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme twice a year, except for citizens of Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, and Singapore who have more entry allowances.

Thailand visa on arrival

The Royal Thai Government introduced the "Online Application for Visa on Arrival (E-VOA)" for eligible passport holders who apply for visas at the immigration checkpoints on arrival for the purpose of tourism. This service is available at 4 arrival airports in Thailand, allowing them to apply for the visa on arrival online before arriving in Thailand.

• Below is a list of the 4 airports in Thailand mentioned above:

• Suvarnabhumi International Airport
• Don Mueang Airport International Airport
• Phuket International Airport
• Chiang Mai International Airport

3. Thailand visa on arrival requirements

When applying for a Thailand visa on arrival, you'll need to show these documents to the Immigration Officer:

• You'll need these for Thailand's visa on arrival:

• A passport valid for at least 30 days from your entry date with 2 blank pages
• An application form available at specified entry pointsOne recent photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm)
• Round-trip tickets for travel within 15 days
• Proof of accommodation in Thailand
• Financial proof for your stay: 10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family
• Visa fee in Thai Baht (2,000 THB; cash only)

To make things easier, arrive early, stand in line and get your documents ready. Consider applying for a Thailand e-visa to speed up the process and save your time.

Maybe you also want to know:

>> How to get a Vietnam tourist visa

>> Cambodia travel visa

III. Thailand e-visa

1. What is the Thailand e-visa?

If you're concerned about waiting in long lines for a Thai visa upon arrival, the Thailand e-visa is a great option to save time. It's an online platform where you can apply, monitor, and pay for your visa in just a few minutes. You won't need to visit the Thai Embassy or Consulate, just visit the official Thai e-visa website at https://www.thaievisa.go.th/.

2. How to apply for a Thailand e-visa?

To get a Thailand e-visa, go to https://www.thaievisa.go.th/. Remember, other websites are fake. Then follow these steps:

• 6 steps to get your Thailand e-visa:

• Create an individual account
• Fill in the visa application
• Upload supporting documents
• Pay the visa fee
• Wait for Visa to be processed
• Receive the approval letter via email

Once you finish the steps and get the approval letter, save it on your device and print it. That way, you can show it easily when you arrive in Thailand.

3. Where are Thailand e-visas available?

• Thailand e-visa now available in 38 Royal Thai Embassies and Consulate (23 Countries):

• Canada: Ottawa and Vancouve
• USA: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Washington, D.C
• United Kingdom: London
• Sweden: Stockholm
• Norway: Oslo
• Netherlands: The Hague
• Belgium: Brussels
• Denmark: Copenhagen
• Hungary: Budapest
• Finland: Helsinki
• Poland: Warsaw
• Austria: Vienna
• Romania: Bucharest
• Czech Republic: Prague
• Republic of Korea: Seoul
• China: Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Kunming, Nanning, Qingdao, Xiamen, Xian
• Germany: Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich
• Italy: Rome
• Spain: Madrid
• Greece: Athens
• France: Paris
• Portugal: Lisbon
• Switzerland: Bern

4. At which ports can Thailand e-visa be used?

• A Thai eVisa can't be used at land borders or sea entry points. However, you can use a printed Thai eVisa at these airports in Thailand:

• Don Mueang (DMK)
• Suvarnabhumi (BKK)
• Phuket (HKT)
• Chiang Mai (CNX)

5. Thailand e-visa requirements

• To apply for a Thailand e-visa, you'll need to upload these documents:

• Passport cover page
• Passport bio page
• Recent photo (4x6 cm)
• Proof of stay in Thailand
• Round-trip tickets
• Evidence of Financial

>> Read more: e-visa for Vietnam

IV. Thailand visa via a Thai Embassy or Consulate

Citizens from these countries CAN'T apply for a Thailand e-visa or Thailand visa on arrival, they need to contact their local Thai Embassy or Consulate for a tourist visa application:

• Citizens from these countries CANN'T apply for a Thailand e-visa or Thailand visa on arrival:

• People’s Republic of China, Syria, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Yemen, Sao Tome and Principe, Nepal, Central African Republic, Sierra Leone, Pakistan, Cameroon, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Republic of Congo, Sudan, Algeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Iraq, Iran, Guinea, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Ghana, Palestine, Libya, Liberia.

You can apply for the visa in two ways, depending on the embassy or consulate:

• In-person on your appointment date.
• By mail, along with a prepaid envelope for the embassy to return your passport with the visa.

In addition to the documents required for a tourist visa, the Embassy/ Consulate-General may request additional documents. Check the embassy's website for details.

Thailand visa via a Thai Embassy or Consulate

V. How much is the Thailand tourist visa fee?

These countries have concluded bilateral agreements with Thailand for visa fee exemptions:

• Malaysia
• The Philippines (fee exemption for stays up to 59 days)
• Singapore
• Republic of Korea
• Tunisia

If you're not from those countries, you'll have to pay a fee. The cost of a Thailand tourist visa depends on your application location.

For a single-entry visa, it ranges from 30 to 50 USD, while a multiple-entry visa costs about 150 to 250 USD. Many embassies only accept payments in US dollars, so it's important to keep that in mind.

VI. How long does it take to get a Thai tourist visa?

The time it takes for your Thailand tourist visa to be processed can range from 5 to 10 working days. It's best to submit your application around 3 to 4 weeks before your planned trip and make sure you've provided all the needed documents. Applications sent more than 90 days before your trip won't be accepted.

VII. Can Thailand tourist visa be extended?

You'll initially get up to 60 days in Thailand with a single or multiple entry tourist visa. However, if you want to stay longer, your Thai tourist visa can be extended for an additional 30 days, allowing you to stay in Thailand for up to 90 days. The extension fee is 1900 Thai Baht in cash. Remember, you must renew before your current stay ends to avoid a 500 baht daily fine if you overstay.

To apply for an extension, contact The Office of Immigration Bureau located on Government Center B, Chaengwattana Soi 7, Laksi, Bangkok 10210, Tel 0-2141-9889 (or at http://www.immigration.go.th).

VIII. Important notes when applying for a Thailand tourist visa

• Thailand tourist visa fees are non-refundable.
• Please check all info thoroughly before applying.
• More documents might be asked for if needed by the consulate, and they can reject an application without explaining why.
• It is recommended to apply for your visa around a month before your Thailand trip.
• The Thailand tourist visa starts from the issue date, so don't apply too early; it might expire before your trip, and you'll need to reapply.
• Remember, a tourist visa doesn't allow work. Breaking these rules can cancel your permit and prohibit future entry to Thailand.

Trip in Thailand

Here's all you need to know about Thailand tourist visa compiled by Auasia Travel. Let's pack your bags and enjoy your time in Thailand.

Thailand tourist visa guide

>> Suggested Thailand tour: Thailand Vietnam itinerary 2 weeks