Overview of Thailand’s Visas (2025)

For many, Thailand remains steadfast on the must-visit list, the nation also known as the Land of Smiles, continues to be one of the most popular destinations globally. But just as the charm of Thailand has captured the hearts of people worldwide, it’s safe to say that the different visa options can leave visitors scratching their heads at times.

Let’s take a quick look at the different types of visas, along with their requirements so that the next time you visit, no unexpected issues or headaches will rear their head.

Tourist visas

1. Visa on Arrival (VoA) – single entry

Travelers from 31 countries, including India, China, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico, can obtain a VoA at Thai immigration checkpoints. This visa is single-entry, allowing a stay of up to 15 days, with a fee of 2,000 baht.

The fee is non-refundable and VoA holders are not permitted to work in Thailand. You may also need proof of stay in Thailand (hotel booking or an address of where you’ll be staying), proof of return tickets, and proof of funds (at least 10,000 baht in bank statements, cash, etc.).

As of 2025, you can also apply for your VoA through the e-Visa system, which we will get into shortly.

If your nationality isn’t eligible for a VoA, you might still qualify for Thailand’s Visa Exemption programme. This allows tourists from 93 countries to enter Thailand without a visa. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a passport stamp granting a 60-day stay, primarily for tourism. This is the simplest option for short tourist visits if you qualify.

Starting June 2025, a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system will be put in place, requiring all Visa-exempt visitors to register through the online e-Visa system. Required documentation is the same as the VoA.

2. Tourist Visa (TR) – single entry

This is ideal for tourists from countries not eligible for visa exemption or VoA. The tourist visa allows a stay of up to 60 days and can be extended once for an additional 30 days at Thai immigration (total of 90 days), which generally would set you back around 1,900 baht.

Requirements include a passport valid for more than 6 months, a completed application form, a passport-sized photo, a paid ticket exiting Thailand, and proof of sufficient funds (200,000 baht or equivalent liquid funds).

3. Tourist Visa (TR) – multiple entry

Frequent visitors can opt for the multiple-entry tourist visa, which is valid for 6 months and permits multiple 60-day stays. Each stay can be extended by 30 days, although the fee is higher, generally priced around 5,000 baht. Like other tourist visas, employment is not allowed.

Work visas

To work legally in Thailand, foreigners or any non-Thais need a Non-Immigrant Category B visa (also known as a work visa) and a work permit.

The process usually starts with securing a Non-Immigrant B visa from a Thai embassy/consulate and then applying for a work permit upon arrival in Thailand.

Application process and details

Applicants may need a Thai employer or sponsor to provide documents, including a Letter of Approval (Form WP3) from the Thai Ministry of Labour. The employer has to provide job role details to the Department of Employment in Thailand. Once WP3 pre-approval is obtained, the applicant can apply for the Non-Immigrant B visa at a Thai embassy/consulate or via the online e-Visa system in their home country or residence.

After the application process, a completed visa application, a valid passport, recent photos, proof of adequate funds (20,000 per person baht), and further documentation from the employer are needed.

This includes an official invitation or employment letter stating the position and salary, the company’s registration papers, a list of shareholders, tax certificates, and the signed employment contract.

A standard Non-Immigrant B visa allows an initial stay of 1 year. Once a work permit is obtained from the Labour Office, the visa can be extended or converted into a longer-term option. There is also a three-year option which allows for multiple entries, but each stay is limited to 90 days.

The Non-Immigrant B visa is also often used for business visits, such as attending meetings or exploring investment opportunities.

Key considerations:

• Simply holding a Non-Immigrant B visa does not permit working. A work permit is also required by law.
• Thailand offers a SMART Visa programme for highly skilled professionals, investors, and startup entrepreneurs in targeted industries. It provides up to 4-year residency and work authorisation without a separate work permit, under special eligibility criteria.

Retirement visas

Thailand is a popular retirement destination and offers long-stay visas specifically designed for retirees. These visas fall under the Non-Immigrant O, O-A, and O-X categories, allowing older foreigners to reside in Thailand long-term without working.

Eligibility requirements:

• Age requirement: Applicants must be at least 50 years old on the day of application.
• Health and legal requirements: No disqualifying criminal record or prohibitive diseases. O-A and O-X applicants must provide a police clearance and a medical certificate showing the absence of certain diseases.
• Financial requirements: Must meet financial proof to support themselves during their stay. This includes specific income or bank deposit requirements, depending on the visa type.

Non-Immigrant O (Retirement) Visa

This is typically a 90-day visa allowing the holder to enter Thailand and apply for a longer-term retirement visa extension. The visa allows a 90-day stay initially. During the last 30 days of this stay, applicants can apply at Thai Immigration for a 1-year extension of stay, renewable annually as long as criteria are met.

Key requirements:

• Age: Applicants must be 50 years old or older.
• Financial requirements: Applicants must show proof of either:
  • 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account (maintained for a certain period before applying), or
  • A monthly pension income of at least 65,000 baht, or
  • A combination of assets and income totalling 800,000 baht per year.
• Proof of funds: Usually demonstrated with bank statements or an income affidavit. The Thai bank account must be in the applicant’s name and show consistent funds.
• Restrictions: Employment of any kind is strictly prohibited on a retirement visa. Additionally, the visa is single-entry, but a re-entry permit can be obtained to maintain its validity if travelling out of Thailand.
• Extension and renewal: After 1 year, retirees can apply for an extension from a country in which they hold permanent residence status. Renewal each year requires meeting financial and insurance requirements again.

Non-Immigrant O-A (Long Stay Retirement) Visa

The O-A visa is specifically for retirees and must be obtained from outside Thailand (Thai embassy/consulate). It allows a stay of up to 1 year from the date of entry without needing an immediate extension. The visa is multiple-entry, allowing retirees to travel in and out of Thailand during the year as long as a re-entry permit is obtained when returning to the Kingdom.

Key requirements

• Age: Applicants must be 50 years old or older.
• Financial requirements: Same as the O visa:
  • 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account or
  • 65,000 baht monthly income or a combination of both.
• Health insurance requirement: Applicants must have Thai health insurance covering at least 3 million baht (roughly US$100,000) in medical expenses. Proof of insurance is required for the entire duration of the stay.
• Additional requirements: O-A applicants must provide a police clearance (background check) and a medical certificate showing the absence of certain diseases.
• Extension and renewal: After 1 year, retirees can apply for an extension from a country in which they hold permanent residence status. Renewal each year requires meeting financial and insurance requirements again. However, the insurance requirement will not be required for extensions from a Non O-A visa if the extensions (after the first) are based on marriage.

Non-Immigrant O-X (Extended Retirement) Visa

The O-X visa is a special 10-year retirement visa granted in two consecutive 5-year terms. It is available to nationals of specific countries, including many EU countries, USA, Japan, Australia, and Canada.

Key requirements

• Age: Applicants must be 50 years old or older.
• Financial requirements: Stricter financial criteria:
  • 3 million baht in a Thai bank, or
  • 1.8 million baht in a Thai bank plus a yearly income of at least 1.2 million baht.
• Financial maintenance: The funds must be maintained, with some allowed withdrawals after the first year as long as the balance doesn’t drop below 1.5 million baht.
• Health insurance requirement: Similar to O-A, O-X holders need Thai health insurance with at least US$100,000 coverage.
• Multiple-entry: The O-X visa is multiple-entry, allowing travel in and out of Thailand.
• Reporting requirements: O-X holders must report to Immigration every year (instead of every 90 days) and are exempt from re-entry permit requirements.

Key considerations for retirees

• Thailand’s retirement visas allow long-term residency but do not lead to permanent residency or citizenship automatically.
• The visas are purely for residence convenience and come with strict restrictions on employment and financial maintenance.
• Retirees should regularly check for policy updates as regulations can change.

Quick summary:

• Non-Immigrant O Visa: Initial 90-day stay, extendable to one year.
• Non-Immigrant O-A Visa: One-year visa obtained from outside Thailand, with health insurance requirements.
• Non-Immigrant O-X Visa: A 10-year visa available to citizens of specific countries, with stringent financial requirements.

Student visas

Students who wish to study in Thailand must obtain a Non-Immigrant ED visa. This visa covers formal education at schools or universities, as well as certain approved courses such as language schools, vocational training, seminars, and exchange programmes.

Eligibility and requirements

Applicants must have an offer or enrollment from a recognised Thai educational institution. The school, university, or programme must provide an official letter of acceptance or enrollment certification for the visa application.

For university-level students, the institution often coordinates with Thai immigration authorities to issue supporting documents. Sometimes a letter from the Ministry of Education or relevant ministry is required to confirm the school’s status.

Applicants must show proof of financial means to cover tuition and living costs. For example, the Thai consulate in LA specifies a bank statement showing at least US$4,000 for student visa applicants.

Required documents:

• Completed visa application form
• Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity
• Passport-sized photos
• Proof of financial means (bank statement or sponsorship letter)
• Acceptance letter from the Thai institution
• Proof of payment or enrollment
• For minors: birth certificate or parental consent may be required

Duration and extension

Student visas are initially valid for 90 days upon entry (if single-entry, but students in programmes longer than 3 months must extend their stay. Thai Immigration typically grants extensions up to one year at a time for education, provided the student maintains enrollment.

Each extension generally costs around 1,900 baht and requires proof that the student is actively studying (e.g., letters from the institution, and attendance records). Students must also report their address to Immigration every 90 days if they stay longer than 3 months continuously.

Holders of Non-ED visas are not allowed to work in Thailand by default, but internships and part-time work are allowed in some cases. This typically requires obtaining a work permit or changing visa status, as the ED visa alone doesn’t confer work rights.

New ED Plus Visa (Post-Graduation)

In 2024, Thailand introduced the Non-ED Plus visa to retain foreign graduates. This visa is designed for international students who complete a bachelor’s degree or higher in Thailand. It allows:

The visa allows graduates an extended stay of 1 year after graduation to seek employment or work part-time. During this year, they are allowed to work part-time or seek employment. If they secure a job, they can transition to a Non-Immigrant B (work visa) without leaving Thailand.

The ED Plus extension waives the need for a re-entry permit during the period. This policy encourages qualified foreign graduates to contribute to the Thai economy and helps them remain in Thailand for job hunting or further opportunities.

Key considerations for students

• Non-ED visas are strictly for educational purposes, and unauthorised work is prohibited.
• ED Plus visa is a beneficial pathway for international graduates to remain in Thailand and seek employment.

Summary of visa exemptions and extensions

Tourist and visa exempt entry extensions

• Who can apply: Travelers with a 60-day tourist visa or 60-day visa-exempt entry.
• Extension details:
  • One-time 30-day extension, totaling 90 days.
  • Applied at Thai Immigration Offices (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, etc.).
  • Fee: Generally 1,900 baht per person.
• Required documents:
  • Completed Application (Form TM.7).
  • A TM.30 form may be needed.
  • Passport photo, passport copy, and proof of address.
• Important notes:
  • Only one extension is allowed per visit.
  • Further stay requires leaving and re-entering Thailand.

Visa on Arrival extension

• Who can apply: Travelers on a 15-day VoA.
• Extension details:
  • One-time 7-day extension, totaling 22 days.
  • Applied at a Thai Immigration Office.
  • Fee: generally 1,900 baht.
• Important notes:
  • Only for slight travel changes.
  • No further extensions; exiting or re-entering are required.

Non-Immigrant Visa extensions

• Who can apply: Holders of Non-Immigrant Visas (B, O, ED) for work, retirement, marriage, or study.
• Extension Duration: Typically 1 year, depending on the visa type.
• Details by visa type:
  • Non-Immigrant B (Employment): 1 year with a valid work permit.
  • Non-Immigrant O (Retirement): 1 year with proof of 800,000 baht in a Thai bank or 65,000 baht monthly income.
  • Non-Immigrant O (Marriage): 1 year with proof of marriage to a Thai national and financial proof.
  • Non-Immigrant O-A: After 1 year, retirees can apply for an extension from a country in which they hold permanent residence status.
  • Non-Immigrant ED (Student): Valid for the academic term or year with proof of ongoing enrollment.
• Application Process:
  • Applied at Thai Immigration Offices.
  • Fee: Generally 1,900 baht.
  • Required documents: Employment letters, financial proof, marriage certificate, etc.

For a full list of Thailand’s visa types and requirements, visit the Royal Thai Consulate website.

Overstay penalties

Do be mindful of overstaying your visa. Penalties start at 500 baht per day, with a maximum of 20,000 baht. Overstays can result in bans from re-entering Thailand (bans range from 1 to 10 years).

Recent updates

Thailand e-Visa system

As of January 1, 2025, the rollout and expansion of the e-Visa system extends to 94 nations worldwide. Applicants are no longer required to submit passports and supporting documents at the Royal Thai Embassy and Consulates. Applicants can register for the Thai e-Visa website.

In speaking of the e-Visa system, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is also worth mentioning. The ETA is a mandatory travel authorisation for eligible travellers from visa-exempt countries. Citizens of 93 countries will need an ETA for every trip to Thailand.

Although initially planned for launch in December 2024, the ETA system has been delayed. The full implementation is now expected by June 2025, with integration into the Thai e-Visa platform.

Destination Thailand Visa

The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), commonly referred to as the Thailand digital nomad visa was introduced in July 2024 as part of a government initiative to cater to digital nomads, freelancers, remote workers, and those looking to partake in Thai soft power-related activities (E.g. Muay Thai, Medical treatments, or Thai culinary training).

The DTV is perfect for remote work with foreign companies or for those engaging in personal projects abroad. However, it does not grant permission to work for Thai companies or obtain a Thai work permit. The visa is strictly for foreign remote work or personal projects.

Key features:

• Duration: 5 years.
• Entry flexibility: Multiple entries are permitted.
• Stay duration: Up to 180 days per entry, with the option for a one-time extension of an additional 180 days.
• Application fee: Around 10,000 THB (approx. £300).
• Age requirement: Applicants must be 20 years or older.

Required documents:

• Applications can be submitted at a Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate or online via Thailand’s e-Visa platform.
• Required documents include:
  • Passport with at least six months of validity.
  • Recent passport-sized photograph.
  • Proof of financial stability (e.g., bank statements showing at least 500,000 THB).
  • Relevant documents based on the purpose of the visit (e.g., employment contracts for remote workers or confirmation letters for cultural activities).

Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa

Although first introduced in September 2022, the LTR visa is still worth mentioning. It was introduced to primarily target high-spending foreigners, offering a variety of tax and non-tax benefits, with the possibility of staying for up to 10 years.

The LTR is a multiple-entry visa, offering up to 10 years of continuous stay in Thailand, with an initial 5-year visa that can be extended for an additional 5 years. One of the key features is the annual reporting requirement, which replaces the usual 90-day reporting for other visa categories. Additionally, LTR visa holders have access to immigration fast-tracking services at Thai international airports, making their arrival and departure more convenient.

Eligibility:

• Wealthy Global Citizens: Individuals with assets totalling at least US$1 million.
• Wealthy Pensioners: Retirees aged 50 and above with a yearly pension or passive income of at least US$80,000.
• Work-from-Thailand Professionals: Remote workers earn a minimum of US$80,000 annually.
• Highly-Skilled Professionals: Experts in designated fields who are employed by Thai companies.
• Dependants: Spouses and children under 20 years old of LTR visa holders (maximum of 4 dependants per one LTR visa holder).

The primary benefit is tax exemption on foreign-sourced income. Additionally, highly skilled professionals holding the visa are eligible for a reduced personal income tax rate of just 17%. The visa also grants the holder permission to work in Thailand. The visa fee is US$1,600.

Application process:

• Gather the necessary documents based on your eligibility category.
• Register online with Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI).
• Submit your application through the BOI’s online portal.
• Wait for processing, which can take 4 to 8 weeks or more.

If this article is helpful for you, be sure to check out our other guide to obtaining a work visa in Thailand. Please note this is a general overview of visas, and information is subject to change as per government regulations.

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