A guide to Thailand’s E-visa
Planning your dream trip to the land of smiles and wondering how to obtain your visa effortlessly? Look no further, as the E-visa Thailand system is here to simplify the visa application process for you.
To make the visa application process more accessible and stress-free, the Thai government has introduced this user-friendly online platform that allows visitors to obtain their visas electronically. This easy-to-use system enables travellers to apply for their visas from the comfort of their homes, without the need to visit Thai embassies or consulates. By submitting their visa applications and necessary documents online, tourists can save time and focus on planning their memorable trip to Thailand. The E-visa Thailand platform not only speeds up the application process but also offers a secure and transparent way to obtain a visa.
As the popularity of Thailand as a travel destination continues to grow, the E-visa Thailand system demonstrates the country’s commitment to embracing modern technology and catering to the needs of its visitors.
What is a Thai E-visa?
This system lets visitors apply for single and multiple-entry tourist visas online, making it easier for many nationalities to avoid visiting Thai Embassies and Consulates. The E-Visa is exclusively valid for tourism, leisure, or medical purposes. The pandemic changed how people view travel, and Thailand worked hard to improve its E-visa system during this time when keeping distance was important.
Individuals holding an E-Visa are not allowed to work, undertake long-term education, or participate in volunteer activities. If you intend to engage in any of the mentioned activities, you should explore long-term visa alternatives. To discuss your options, you can reach out to your nearest Thai embassy or seek help from a visa agent to apply for an extended stay visa.
Several options are available for foreigners to enter Thailand. If you plan to stay for less than 30 days and belong to one of the 64 Visa Exempt countries, you may not need a visa. If you’re not from a visa-exempt country, you can apply for a Visa on Arrival upon reaching Thailand, which permits a stay of 15-30 days, depending on your nationality.
However, 30 days might not be sufficient for some travellers. The pandemic has emphasized that travel is a privilege that can be lost. As a result, people with time to spare are looking for more extended stays rather than short weekend trips. A Single Entry Tourist Visa enables visitors to stay in Thailand for 60-90 days, while a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa provides unlimited 60-90 day entries over six months.
Thailand E-visa requirements
1. For a single entry visa
To apply for a single-entry Thailand E-visa, ensure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining and includes two blank pages. Then, complete the online visa application using your given name and surname exactly as they appear in your passport. Finally, submit financial evidence, such as a bank statement or proof of earnings, demonstrating an equivalent of 10,000 Thai Baht for individuals or 20,000 Thai Baht for families.
2. For a multiple-entry visa
To apply for a multiple-entry Thailand E-visa, ensure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining after your planned departure from Thailand and includes two blank pages. Fill out the online application using your given name and surname exactly as they appear in your passport. You will also need to provide financial proof of stability over six months, such as bank statements, proof of earnings, or a sponsorship letter from your employer. This documentation should demonstrate a balance of at least 200,000 Thai Baht (approximately £5,000, USD$5,500, AUD$8,000).
3. Your photo
A passport-style photo suitable for uploading is required, along with your planned travel date. You also need to provide proof of accommodation in Thailand, such as a hotel reservation or an invitation letter from a family member or friend in the country.
How can I apply for Thailand E-visa?
Thailand E-visa is now available in 38 royal Thai embassies and consulates (23 countries). When applying for a visa online, applicants must create an account and submit applications individually. After creating an account, you’ll need to submit the following documents mentioned above.
- Visit the Thai E-Visa official website.
- Submit an individual application.
- Apply for a new visa.
- Verify eligibility.
- Select the desired type of Tourist Visa.
- Upload a scanned copy of your passport’s biodata page.
- Provide personal information, such as home address, phone number, nationality, date of birth, and marital status.
- Enter your employment details.
- Fill in travel information, including accommodations and flight details (if already booked).
- Upload the required supporting documents mentioned earlier.
- Apply.
- Proceed to the secure payment portal.
E-Visa applicants don’t need to personally submit their passports and original supporting documents at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate. Instead, they receive a reference number via email to track their application. Upon approval of the E-Visa application, applicants receive a confirmation email.
It’s advisable to print a copy of this email before the trip. Present the printed confirmation to airline staff and Thai Immigration authorities when travelling to Thailand.
The typical processing time ranges from 3-10 business days, depending on the thoroughness of the documents, the visa type selected, and the applicant’s nationality. To ensure timely processing, apply for an E-Visa at least one month (but not more than three months) before the trip.
How long will my E-visa be valid?
1. Single entry visa
A single-entry E-Visa grants international visitors one entry into Thailand for purposes such as tourism, leisure, or medical treatment. From the date of visa approval, travellers have three months to enter the country. Upon arrival, they are allowed to stay for 60 days.
2. Multiple entry visa
A multiple-entry E-Visa permits international travellers to enter Thailand an unlimited number of times within 6 months, with each stay lasting up to 60 days. The duration of stay can be extended by an additional 30 days by visiting a nearby Immigration Office.
Travellers holding a multi-entry E-Visa can prolong their stay in Thailand by an additional 30 days by visiting a nearby Thai Immigration Office. The extension fee is THB 1,900, payable in cash during the application process. When your stay is extended, a new stamp will be added to your passport, valid for 30 days from the date you visit immigration. It’s advisable to apply for the extension towards the end of your initial 60-day stay.
How much does it cost?
The cost of a Thailand E-Visa is USD$82 (or its equivalent), regardless of your nationality. After submitting your application, you can make the payment via the secure E-Visa online portal. Please note that this payment is non-refundable. It may also interest you, to visit ‘tourist visa‘ to find the best deals.
Avoid overstay
It’s crucial to visit the immigration office before your current stay period ends. If you remain in the country beyond your designated exit date, you will incur an “overstay” and be fined 500 baht each day past your official departure date. An overstay is recorded in your passport and may impact future visa applications. This stay extension can only be obtained within the country.
Keep in mind that Thai Immigration offices are closed on weekends. It is advisable to check the most recent information on visa requirements and procedures on the official website or contact the Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country before making any travel plans.
The Thailand E-visa system offers a convenient and streamlined solution for travellers seeking a hassle-free visa application process. With its user-friendly online platform, multiple visa options, and clear requirements, obtaining an E-visa allows you to focus on planning your dream vacation in the Land of Smiles. Remember to carefully review the eligibility criteria, gather the necessary documents, and submit your application well in advance to ensure a smooth arrival and an enjoyable stay in Thailand.
