Thailand, known as the Land of Smiles and long-regarded as the Jewel of Asia, is one of the most beautiful countries to visit. With the tropical weather, pristine beaches, rich culture, and not forgetting the famous Thai curries, the country has so much to do from north to south. If you wish to visit Thailand for leisure, work, or study, you need to obtain a Thailand visa.
A major part of the commerce of Thailand is tourism. Millions of travelers are drawn to explore this beautiful country. So, if you are applying for a Thailand tourist visa, below is a complete list of the requirements and types for an easy visa application.
What is a Thailand Tourist visa?
A Thailand tourist visa is admitted to a traveler/ foreigner who is visiting the country for recreational or entertainment purposes. He intends to visit for holidays, sightseeing, shopping, or other casual reasons. One cannot conduct other functions like work or education on a tourist visa. It is also applicable for a medical treatment that does not exceed 60 days.
Do I need a Thailand tourist visa?
Just like in any other country, a visa is required to enter Thailand. However, many nationalities can visit Thailand under a visa-on-arrival or visa-exemption scheme. With this option, you can stay in Thailand for up to 30 to 45 days, depending on your travel plan. You can even check out Thailand visa extension if you want to prolong your stay in the country on reasonable grounds like pursuing a course.
Countries exempt from visa requirements
For 30 days
| Andorra | Australia | Austria | Bahrain | Belgium | Brunei |
| Canada | Czech Republic | Denmark | Estonia | Finland | France |
| Germany | Greece | Hong Kong | Hungary | Iceland | Indonesia |
| Ireland | Israel | Italy | Japan | Kuwait | Laos |
| Maldives | Mauritius | Monaco | Mongolia | Netherlands | New Zealand |
| Norway | Oman | Philippines | Poland | Qatar | Russia |
| San Marino | Singapore | Slovakia | Slovenia | South Africa | Spain |
| Sweden | Switzerland | Turkey | Ukraine | United Arab Emirates | United Kingdom |
| Unites States | Vietnam | Latvia | Macao | Liechtenstein | Luxembourg |
| Malaysia | Lithuania |
For 14 days
- Cambodia
- Myanmar
Countries that can avail of visa-on-arrival
| Bulgaria | Bhutan | People’s Republic China |
| Cyprus | Ethiopia | Fiji |
| Georgia | India | Kazakhstan |
| Malta | Mexico | Nauru |
| Papua New Guinea | Romania | Russia |
| Saudi Arabia | Taiwan | Uzbekistan |
| Vanuatu |
The Thailand visa-on-arrival is valid for 15 days from the date of issuance. After the expiry, you have to exit the country as there is no option to extend the visa-on-arrival.
It is important to note that tourists visiting the country for tourism cannot work or conduct business during their stay. If you are visiting the country for a purpose other than leisure, you must look into other Thailand visa options.
Types of Thailand Visas
Before applying for a Thailand visa, it is important to understand the different visa options available. There are several visa types for entering Thailand:
- Tourist Visa: For tourism purposes, this visa is valid up to 60 days. The holder can extend stay once in Thailand.
- Transit Visa: You can get this 30-day valid visa for transits through Thailand.
- Non-Immigrant Visa: For long-term stays over 90 days this visa is available for work, business, retirement, and education.
- Diplomatic Visa: This visa is for foreign diplomats, representatives of international organizations, and families.
- Courtesy Visa: The courtesy visa is valid for certain eligible nationalities and is validup.
Thailand Tourist visa requirements
- The Thailand visa application form, duly signed and completed
- An original passport with a validity period of at least six months.
- A photocopy of the biometric information page of your passport
- Two recently clicked photographs within six months against a white background. Headgear is allowed for religious purposes only if it does not cover your face.
- A photocopy of a confirmed return travel ticket proving that you have a clear intention to leave the country after the expiry of your Thailand tourist visa.
- Proof of your bank statement from the last six months demonstrating you have sufficient money to fund your expenses in Thailand.
- Proof of payment of the Thailand tourist visa fee.
- If you are visiting family or friends in Thailand, bring proof of your relationship with them.
- Travel itinerary including proof of accommodation in Thailand (hotel booking, sponsor or a letter of invitation).
Letter of Invitation if you are applying for a multiple-entry visa
- Proof of employment: if you are an employee-a letter from your employer. If you are self-employed-a registration document from the company. If you are a student-a letter from your school.
- Other necessary documents supporting a multiple-entry visa
Note
The documents can change depending on the purpose of your trip, and if the documents are not in English, they must be translated and legalized.
How to Apply for a Tourist Visa?
You can apply for a Thailand Tourist Visa in these ways:
Thai Consulate or Embassy
Submit the required documents, including application form, passport photos, passport, and fees at your nearest Thai consulate. Processing takes 2-3 days once submitted. The visa is valid for 60 days stay.
Visa on Arrival
Fly to Thailand and apply at immigration checkpoints at major airports/borders. Its approval is quick and is alid for 15-30 days stay, depending on nationality.
E-Visa / Visa Online
Apply and pay fees online in advance for eVisa. Get the approval letter via email. The Thailand eVisa is valid for 60 days, single entry and is one of the convenient entryoptions.
Do you need travel insurance for a Thailand tourist visa?
Travel insurance is required to apply for a Thailand tourist visa online and at Thai consulates. The policy should cover the entire duration of your stay in Thailand. Minimum coverage of USD $10,000 is required. This ensures you have support in case of medical emergencies or trip interruptions while in Thailand. Purchase comprehensive travel insurance from a reputable provider. Carry documentation of coverage when you apply for your visa.
The application process for a Thailand tourist visa is quite simple and accessible if you follow the correct guide. So hopefully, the above details give a clear idea of that. You can also find our step-wise guide on how to get a Thailand visa from Dubai for more specific detail.
Thailand Visa FAQs
How early should I apply for a Thai visa?
Apply 1-3 months in advance for tourist visas, especially if applying by post. Last-minute visas can be obtained on arrival.
How long is the Thailand tourist visa valid?
It is usually valid for a duration of 60 days from the date of issue. Some nationalities get a 15 or 30-day visas on arrival.
Can I extend my Thai tourist visa?
Yes, before it expires, you can extend your stay up to 30 more days at an immigration office in Thailand for 1900 Baht.
How long can I stay in Thailand with no visa?
Some nationalities like the USA, UK, and Australia can enter Thailand without a visa for 30 days under visa exemption rules.
Can I work in Thailand on a tourist visa?
No, engaging in any paid work is prohibited under a tourist visa. You need a Non-Immigrant Visa to legally work in Thailand.
How to apply for a Thailand eVisa On Arrival
Applying for a Thailand eVisa On Arrival is a convenient and simple process that can be completed online in just a few steps:
- Check the eligibility requirements to ensure you qualify for the eVisa program. You must hold a passport from an eligible country and meet the necessary criteria.
- Gather all required supporting documents like your passport, passport-sized photos, confirmed flight/hotel bookings, travel insurance documentation, bank statements showing adequate funds, etc. Make sure your passport has at least 6 months validity.
- Go to the official Thailand eVisa website and click ‘Apply for Visa’. Select eVisa On Arrival as the visa type.
- Carefully complete the online application form with your details. You will need to include your name, date of birth, passport number, travel dates, address, and occupation. Double-check for accuracy before submitting.
- Pay the visa fee of around 2000 Baht by credit or debit card. This is equivalent to around 600 USD. Payment must be made in full to submit the application.
- Check your email inbox. You will receive the official eVisa approval letter and QR code within 1-3 working days if approved. Make sure to save the PDF files.
- Print out the approval letter and documents to carry with you. Do not travel to Thailand without the hard copies.
- Upon landing at major airports like Suvarnabhumi or Phuket, proceed directly to the special eVisa immigration lanes.
- Present your printed visa approval letter, completed arrival/departure card, passport, and other paperwork to the immigration officer.
- Get your visa stamped in your passport. The whole process takes only a few minutes if all your documentation is ready!
The Thailand eVisa On Arrival lets you skip long visa queues and breeze through immigration. With an approved eVisa, enjoy exploring all that amazing Thailand has to offer!